Apple Watch Series 8 & 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 8 rather than the Apple Watch Series 3.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 8?
- The Apple Watch Series 8 has the S8 SiP processor for smoother multitasking, faster app responses, and more reliable long-term performance, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 chip.
- Apple Watch Series 8 features an Always-On Retina display for checking time, workouts, and notifications without raising the wrist, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses a non–Always-On display.
- It includes a Blood Oxygen sensor for tracking oxygen levels during workouts and sleep to better understand overall wellness, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 comes with no SpO2 capability.
- The Apple Watch Series 8 supports ECG measurements for detecting irregular heart rhythms quickly and accurately during daily use, while the Apple Watch Series 3 supports no ECG feature.
- Apple Watch Series 8 features Crash Detection for automatically contacting emergency services after severe vehicle collisions, while the Apple Watch Series 3 has no crash-detection system.
- It has a built-in temperature sensor for improved cycle tracking and more precise overnight wellness monitoring, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 includes no temperature sensor.
- The Apple Watch Series 8 includes IP6X dust resistance for better durability during outdoor activities and dusty environments, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 has no dust-resistance rating.
- Apple Watch Series 8 comes with 32GB storage for keeping more apps, playlists, and offline media accessible on the wrist, while the Apple Watch Series 3 comes with only 8GB storage.
Maybe the Apple Watch Series 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 8. 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
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Display Type | Always-On Retina OLED | Retina OLED |
| Display Sizes | 41mm / 45mm | 38mm / 42mm |
| Resolution | 352×430 / 396×484 | 272×340 / 312×390 |
| Chipset | S8 SiP | S3 SiP |
| Wireless Chip | W3 + U1 | W2 |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | No |
| ECG | Yes | No |
| Optical Heart Sensor | 3rd-gen | 1st-gen |
| Fall Detection | Yes | No |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No |
| Compass | Yes | No |
| Dust Resistance | IP6X | No rating |
| Front Glass | Crack-resistant crystal | Standard glass |
| Back Material | Sapphire/ceramic | Composite back |
| Storage | 32GB | 8GB |
| Charging | Fast charging | Standard charging |
| Charging Cable | USB-C fast charger | USB-A magnetic cable |
| Cellular Availability | GPS + Cellular | GPS + Cellular |
| Microphone | Improved mic | Standard mic |
| Speaker | Enhanced speaker | Original speaker |
| Keyboard | On-screen QWERTY | Not supported |
| International Roaming | Supported | Not supported |
| Operating System Support | Latest watchOS | Discontinued watchOS support |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 8 Price | Check Apple Watch 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Water Resistance: Both watches feature WR50 water resistance, allowing them to handle swimming in shallow water and daily exposure to moisture. This ensures users can keep the watch on during workouts, showers, and aquatic activities without concern.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both models include optical heart rate sensors that track users’ heart rate throughout the day. This similarity makes them dependable for monitoring exercise intensity, resting heart rate, and overall cardiovascular wellness.
- Accelerometer: Each watch uses an onboard accelerometer to track movements such as steps, pace, and activity patterns. This sensor is central to fitness tracking, helping users monitor motion-based metrics accurately.
- Gyroscope: Both devices include a gyroscope that detects wrist rotation and movement orientation. This helps with accurate fitness data, gesture-based interactions, and improved motion detection.
- GPS: Both the Series 8 and Series 3 provide built-in GPS for route tracking without requiring an iPhone nearby. This is essential for outdoor runners, walkers, or cyclists who want detailed location-based fitness data.
- GPS + Cellular Option: Each watch is available in a GPS + Cellular configuration, enabling phone-free calling, texting, navigation, and streaming. This shared capability supports independence from the paired iPhone during active use.
- Apple Pay: Both watches allow contactless payments through Apple Pay. This offers convenience in everyday situations such as shopping, commuting, or accessing transit systems.
- Swim Tracking: Each model supports swim workouts with recognition of strokes, lap counting, and distance tracking. This similarity benefits swimmers looking for reliable aquatic workout metrics.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both the Series 8 and Series 3 use Bluetooth to connect to iPhones and wireless accessories. This ensures seamless pairing with audio devices, gym equipment, and various health peripherals.
- Wi-Fi Support: Both models support Wi-Fi for faster syncing, app data transfers, and improved connection stability when the iPhone is out of Bluetooth range. This enhances usability in indoor environments.
- Microphone: Each watch includes a built-in microphone that enables Siri commands, phone calls, and voice-based features. This shared component provides hands-free convenience and accessibility.
- Speaker: Both models have integrated speakers for call audio, alerts, and Siri responses. This allows users to receive audible feedback and communicate directly through the watch.
- Digital Crown: Both watches feature Apple’s Digital Crown for precise navigation and control. This iconic interface enables scrolling, selecting, and interacting with apps without relying solely on touch.
- Touchscreen Display: Each model has a responsive touchscreen that supports taps, swipes, and gestures. This common feature allows intuitive interaction with apps, notifications, and controls.
- App Store Access: Both watches can access the watchOS App Store to download compatible apps. This extends functionality beyond built-in features, allowing personalization and added capabilities.
- Notifications: Both the Series 8 and Series 3 display notifications for messages, calls, calendars, and apps. This similarity ensures users receive timely updates without checking their phone.
- Music Playback: Each watch supports music playback and control directly from the wrist. This is useful for workouts or commutes when users want quick access to audio.
- Activity Rings: Both models use Apple’s signature Activity Rings to track movement, exercise, and standing goals. This motivational system helps users maintain daily fitness habits.
- Emergency SOS: Each watch includes Emergency SOS, enabling users to quickly call for help in urgent situations. This safety feature enhances security and peace of mind.
- Sleep Tracking: Both devices support sleep tracking, allowing users to monitor nighttime duration and basic sleep patterns. This shared capability helps improve long-term wellness routines.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Water Resistance | WR50 | WR50 |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| GPS + Cellular Option | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Swim Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Support | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Crown | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Display | Yes | Yes |
| App Store Access | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Music Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Activity Rings | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 8 Price | Check Apple Watch 3 Price |