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Apple Watch Series 3 vs Series 6 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Series 6 & Apple Watch Series 3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 6 rather than the Apple Watch Series 3.

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 6?

  • The Apple Watch Series 6 features the S6 SiP 64-bit chip for faster app launches and smoother system performance during daily use, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 SiP chip.
  • Apple Watch Series 6 has an Always-On Retina display for easier time and information visibility without raising the wrist, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 features a standard Retina display that turns off when idle.
  • It includes a Blood Oxygen sensor to provide real-time SpO2 readings for monitoring respiratory and wellness trends, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 comes with no SpO2 capability.
  • The Apple Watch Series 6 supports ECG functionality to detect irregular heart rhythm and provide detailed heart health insights, while the Apple Watch Series 3 supports only standard heart rate readings.
  • Apple Watch Series 6 has 32GB storage for installing more apps and saving offline playlists, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 has only 8GB storage.
  • It includes fall detection to automatically alert emergency contacts in dangerous situations, while the Apple Watch Series 3 does not support fall detection.
  • The Apple Watch Series 6 supports Bluetooth 5.0 for more reliable wireless performance and reduced power usage with accessories, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses Bluetooth 4.2.
  • Apple Watch Series 6 features a louder and improved speaker for clearer phone calls and voice feedback in noisy environments, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 uses a less powerful speaker system.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 3 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 6. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Series 6Apple Watch Series 3
Display TypeAlways-On Retina OLEDRetina OLED
ChipsetS6 SiP 64-bitS3 SiP 64-bit
Wireless ChipW3W2
Blood Oxygen SensorYesNo
ECG (Electrical Heart Sensor)YesNo
Optical Heart Sensor2nd Gen1st Gen
Always-On AltimeterYesNo
CompassYesNo
Fall DetectionYesNo
International Emergency CallingYesNo
Noise MonitoringYesNo
Storage32GB8GB
Bluetooth5.04.2
Wi-Fi2.4GHz & 5GHz2.4GHz Only
Case Material OptionsAluminum, Stainless Steel, TitaniumAluminum Only
Back MaterialCeramic & Sapphire CrystalComposite
SpeakerLouderStandard
Siri ProcessingOn-device & CloudCloud-only
Charging SpeedFasterStandard
VO2 MaxFull MetricsLimited
U1 Ultra-WidebandYesNo
Cellular OptionGPS + Cellular or GPSGPS
App SupportFull watchOS supportLimited with reduced app availability
Noise AppYesNo
LTE/Radio EfficiencyNewer Antenna TechOlder
PriceCheck Apple Watch 6 PriceCheck Apple Watch 3 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Retina Display: Both models feature a Retina display, ensuring clear text and graphics that are easy to view. This contributes to a consistent visual experience when navigating apps or checking notifications.
  • GPS Tracking: Each watch includes GPS tracking, allowing precise distance and route measurement during outdoor activities. This is valuable for runners, cyclists, and walkers who want accurate workout data.
  • Water Resistance (50m): Both watches are rated for swimming up to 50 meters. Users can track pool workouts and wear them confidently in wet environments.
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Both devices continuously track heart rate using optical sensors. This supports activity tracking, heart health metrics, and alerts when heart rate exceeds normal thresholds.
  • Accelerometer: Each model uses an accelerometer to detect motion and activity levels. This helps accurately count steps and measure fitness progress.
  • Gyroscope: Both watches include a gyroscope for orientation and motion awareness. This improves workout detection and gesture interactions.
  • GPS + Wi-Fi Support: Each supports GPS for navigation and Wi-Fi for syncing data when Bluetooth is unavailable. Connectivity remains reliable whether indoors or outdoors.
  • Notifications: Both display smartphone notifications such as calls, messages, and app alerts. Users stay connected without needing to reach for their iPhone.
  • Music Control: Each watch enables playback control of music on the wrist. This is convenient during workouts or when the phone is out of reach.
  • Siri Virtual Assistant: Both watches include Siri functionality for hands-free commands. Users can ask questions, send messages, or set reminders quickly.
  • Emergency SOS: Each model supports Emergency SOS, allowing users to call for help in a critical situation. This enhances personal safety when needed.
  • Apple Pay: Both watches support Apple Pay for secure tap-to-pay transactions. This offers a fast payment method without carrying a wallet.
  • watchOS Support: Each model runs watchOS and supports its apps and features. This maintains a familiar interface and functionality across models.
  • Workout Tracking: Both include comprehensive workout modes such as running, cycling, and swimming. Users can monitor calories burned, distance, and intensity throughout the day.
  • Sleep Tracking Capability: Both support sleep tracking features to evaluate rest quality. Users can monitor sleep duration and patterns for health improvement.
  • Digital Crown Input: Each watch uses the Digital Crown for precise navigation and scrolling. This enhances control without blocking the display with touch input.
  • Swimproof: Both are built for swimming workouts and underwater use. This adds flexibility for exercise and daily wear around water.
  • Microphone + Speaker: Each model includes built-in microphone and speaker hardware. This enables taking calls, using Siri, and hearing alerts directly from the watch.
  • App Store Access: Both can download apps directly from the watchOS App Store. This allows for personalized functionality and entertainment options on the wrist.
  • Aluminum Case Option: Each model is available in an aluminum case, offering a lightweight and durable build. This is the most common and affordable material choice.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Series 6Apple Watch Series 3
Retina DisplayYesYes
GPS TrackingYesYes
Water Resistance (50m)YesYes
Heart Rate MonitoringYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
GPS + Wi-Fi SupportYesYes
NotificationsYesYes
Music ControlYesYes
Siri Virtual AssistantYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
Apple PayYesYes
watchOS SupportYesYes
Workout TrackingYesYes
Sleep Tracking CapabilityYesYes
Digital Crown InputYesYes
SwimproofYesYes
Microphone + SpeakerYesYes
App Store AccessYesYes
Aluminum Case OptionYesYes
Price Check Apple Watch 6 Price
Check Apple Watch 3 Price

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 6 much faster than the Apple Watch Series 3?
Apple Watch Series 6 uses the S6 chip, which is significantly faster and more power-efficient than the S3 chip in the Apple Watch Series 3. This results in smoother animations, quicker app launches, and better long-term performance.

Do both models support the latest watchOS updates?
Apple Watch Series 6 currently supports the latest versions of watchOS, while Apple Watch Series 3 has limited support and will not receive updates indefinitely. Over time, app compatibility becomes more restricted on Series 3.

Can the Apple Watch Series 3 perform ECG and blood oxygen measurements?
No, Apple Watch Series 3 does not include an ECG app or a Blood Oxygen sensor. The Apple Watch Series 6 supports both advanced health features for more complete wellness tracking.

Are both watches suitable for swimming and water activities?
Yes, both devices are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming workouts and pool tracking. You can wear either model while showering or in wet environments.

Do both watches support cellular connectivity?
Apple Watch Series 6 offers both GPS and GPS + Cellular options widely. Apple Watch Series 3 originally came in a cellular version, but cellular support and availability are now limited and dependent on region.

Can both watches use Apple Pay?
Yes, both models support Apple Pay for secure and fast tap-to-pay transactions in stores and apps without needing the iPhone.

Is the display quality different between the two?
Both feature Retina displays, but only the Apple Watch Series 6 has an Always-On display that stays visible without raising the wrist. Series 3 turns the display off when idle.

Do both Apple Watch models track sleep?
Yes, both can track sleep with watchOS features, but Series 6 provides more detailed sleep data and better efficiency due to newer sensors and performance.

Can both watches track workouts accurately?
Yes, both have built-in GPS, heart rate sensors, and advanced motion detection for tracking running, cycling, swimming, and many other fitness activities. Series 6 enhances accuracy with improved sensors.

Are there differences in storage capacity?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 6 has 32GB of internal storage, which allows for more apps, music, and updates. Apple Watch Series 3 has only 8GB, which can easily fill up and cause installation limitations.

Is the microphone and speaker quality the same on both watches?
Both include a microphone and speaker, but the Series 6 uses an improved audio system with a louder speaker and better call clarity.

Do both watches support fall detection?
No, only the Apple Watch Series 6 includes fall detection. Apple Watch Series 3 does not have this safety feature.

Can you use Siri on both watches?
Yes, both support Siri, but the Apple Watch Series 6 processes more tasks on-device, making responses faster and more reliable than Series 3, which depends more heavily on cloud processing.

Are both watches compatible with all iPhones?
Both watches require a compatible iPhone, but Series 6 supports newer iPhones with the latest iOS versions. Series 3 compatibility will become more restricted as software support phases out.

Is the Apple Watch Series 6 better for long-term use?
Yes, thanks to stronger performance, improved sensors, larger storage, and extended watchOS support, the Apple Watch Series 6 is more future-proof and maintains full functionality longer than the Apple Watch Series 3.