Apple watch iwatch series 3 review. Which size to choose

With numerous new features, LTE support with eSIM, and an even longer-lasting battery, Apple Watch Series 3 climbs to the top of our smartwatch rankings and leaves all other brands in its shadow. The first Apple Watch that can work completely without an iPhone is, without any doubt, an example of excellent technology.

Advantages

eSIM with LTE support
Flawless Performance
Comprehensive fitness features
Swim-worthy, waterproof to 50 meters

Flaws

No standard charging port
No standard strap

Test results for Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) 42mm

• Price/quality ratio
  Great
• Place in the overall ranking
  2 of 14

• Price/quality ratio: 78
• Equipment (35%): 100
• Management (35%): 94
• Battery (30%): 88.2

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At the time of review, the Apple Watch Series 3 receives the maximum value in the Equipment category of our. Currently, perhaps, no more functionality is hidden in any smartwatch case: in addition to the long-known digital crown, Siri voice control, motion and light sensors, WLAN, GPS and the like, in the 3rd generation under 1.52 With an inch OLED display, you will also find an eSim, as well as an LTE module and a barometer. It is noteworthy that the thickness of the case has not changed.

Plus, the Apple Watch Series 3 is swim-worthy—and according to Apple, even in the sea. The variety of models lies in the possibility of choosing between black, silver and gold body colors, as well as its sizes - 38- and 42-mm. The built-in storage capacity, which is as much as 16 GB, also deserves mention.

You can safely leave your iPhone at home

We have already mentioned the biggest innovation of the new model: Apple Watch Series 3 has a programmable eSIM inside and not only wirelessly connects to your home network via WLAN, but also has a self-sufficient LTE module. That being said, “self-sufficient” is the right word, as you can now make phone calls using the Apple Watch speaker and send messages even without an iPhone.

Always accessible thanks to eSIM, LTE and GPS - even without an iPhone

This could bring joy to outdoor enthusiasts, as now they can stay connected even while biking or jogging. And now you don't need to make a “motivational” playlist every time, because with the help of Apple Watch Series 3 you can easily download new songs everywhere. To establish communication with an iPhone or wireless headphones, there is, as always, a Bluetooth module on board in its most energy-efficient version.

Speaking of energy savings, the newest Apple Watch managed to last significantly longer than its predecessors during our endurance test. The clock turned off only after more than 30 hours. Anyone who doesn’t have a special “MagSafe” charging cable at hand will be able to use the Apple Watch Series 3 as a regular watch for a while longer - but we must remember that the functions of the smartwatch in energy saving mode are immediately completely disabled. We continue to ask Apple to ensure that smartwatch users don't have to carry a special charging cable with them everywhere. Maybe these requests will be heard during the development of the 4th generation?

Third generation personal trainer

An Apple Watch wouldn't be an Apple Watch without a much-needed refresh of fitness and sports features. The 3rd generation of smartwatches has even more to offer than its predecessor and now boasts even more comprehensive heart rate measurement. Located on the back of the case, the sensor measures your heart rate all day long and notifies you if a pre-set limit is exceeded.

Additionally, you can track your stress levels, count the number of glasses of water you drink, record new breathing exercises for relaxation, and save emergency contact information. Using a GPS sensor and altimeter, Apple Watch accurately records the distance you travel, recognizing speeds reached and differences in altitude overcome.

Quickly swap the chic fabric or metal bracelet for a lightweight sports strap - and off you go

To ensure that extra weight on your wrist doesn't bother you while playing sports, Apple continues to offer a large number of replacement bands. In addition to many sports straps, there are versions that would not be a shame to use with an evening dress or jacket, and are suitable for crazy outings. Unfortunately, standard watch bands still cannot be paired with the Apple Watch.

Not long ago, wearable gadgets came back into use and are in quite high demand on the global market. But not every manufacturer managed to reach heights in this category. The best-selling, although far from the cheapest, watches were from Apple, which managed to outperform even Rolex products. Now we will review the Apple Watch 3 and figure out why the new model is interesting.

The packaging and its contents remain unchanged. Opening the box, you can find a silicone strap in two sizes, induction charging, and a power adapter for it, which in appearance is no different from that of the iPhone. This is all that is useful to the user when working with the watch.

Apple Watch series 3 review showed that the first connection is in many ways similar to activating a new iPhone. As soon as you turn on the watch, the nearest iPhone offers to connect to it. Everything is done as simply and conveniently as possible, so that the pairing process does not cause trouble even for a user who is far from modern technology. Depending on the number of shared applications, setup may take up to half an hour.

Design

If you have already seen the Apple Watch before, you will immediately recognize the characteristic outlines of the design; nothing has changed. The black aluminum case pairs beautifully with the dark blue strap. The build quality of the case is impeccable, and the same goes for the reliability of the strap. Apple Watch series 3 review in Russian showed that the watch gives a very pleasant tactile experience. They do not cause discomfort and do not squeeze the hand; the mobility of the hand will not be limited in any way. At the same time, Apple watches turned out to be quite thick, in this regard they can be compared with high-quality wrist chronographs. But they weigh a little, so you almost don’t feel them on your hand.

The smartwatch is equipped with a 1.5-inch OLED display, which, as before, is complemented by two physical control elements - the Digital Crown and a key. They are located in the same places as in the previous watches in the series. If you wish, you can change the orientation of the screen if this makes it more convenient for you to use the watch. This is convenient when you wear the watch on your right hand. At the same time, the wheel and button remain accessible to the fingers of the other hand - an ideal solution for left-handers.

There have been no major changes on the inside either. There is a heart rate sensor and a pair of recessed keys, a strap fastening mechanism (a big plus is that it has retained its original shape, which means straps from Apple Watch 2 are suitable). The same applies to magnetic charging.

A review of the Apple Watch series 3 Nike showed that the watch has a waterproof case that can withstand pressure up to 5 At. You can swim with confidence in them and even dive to shallow depths. Water can only get into the holes under the microphone and speaker. The latter is built using a special technology that allows it to “spit out” water. To do this, after diving you need to activate the appropriate option, then a loud signal will sound, due to which the remaining moisture is pushed out of the case. You can leave the watch on while showering, but it is not recommended to expose it to foam or soap. If this happens, it is better to rinse them with water immediately. After using salt water, they must be rinsed with fresh water so that swimming takes place without harm to their structure. If you used an Apple watch before, you won’t feel any difference after buying a new one. In terms of design and ergonomics, they remain unchanged.

Display

A review of the Apple Watch series 3 42mm introduces you to the fact that the screen in the new model was not changed. The watch has an OLED screen with a resolution of 312×390. In the 38 mm version, the resolution is slightly lower - 272x340 pixels. The aluminum case version uses standard lon-X glass, while the more premium steel and ceramic cases use sapphire crystal.

The image on the watch is easy to read under any conditions and looks decent. The brightness threshold is set at 1000 cd/m², so even on the brightest day it will be comfortable to work with the watch. The screen may be small, but it is easy to use, which is helped by the additional keys.

Software and functionality

Apple Watch series 3 38 mm review showed that you need one free hand to interact with the watch. Some options can be handled by Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, but most require you to press a key or tap on a specific part of the screen. Using the wheel you can scroll information up and down, and in addition it zooms out and zooms in on the image when necessary. By double tapping on the wheel you can close the open program and return to the previous step. The key is responsible for calling up the list of open applications. All other manipulations are performed using the screen.

As the Apple Watch series 3 42 mm review showed, the watch uses watchOS 4th generation. The latest updates have brought with them several new watch faces. One of them has Siri, which allows you to display information tailored to the user’s interests.

Apple Watch series 3 review of functions did not reveal any significant changes, with the exception of a few of the most popular and useful ones. The changes affected the capabilities of Apple Music, updated the design of Workout, and also added the ability to synchronize with exercise equipment via the NFC chip. The heart rate app has become even more useful - it now detects arrhythmia and elevated resting heart rate. Otherwise, everything is the same as in previous models.

Notifications and calls

A full review of Apple Watch 3 would be impossible without this point, so let's get started. The watch can serve as a single notification center, after all, this is its main purpose. You can turn off the sound on all your devices and receive notifications of missed events in the form of a light vibration on your hand. This way, you won’t need to run headlong to your phone; you can receive all the information on your watch. From them you can answer a call or message (dictate sentences, draw letters and assemble a sentence in this way, everything is very simple and convenient, this is what Apple products have always been famous for).

If it was possible to answer calls from the watch in the previous generation, now the smartphone itself is not needed for this purpose. The only thing is that in our country such an opportunity still remains unavailable. The fact is that the watch supports eSIM, and this format of cards is not yet sold by Russian mobile operators. You can listen to music from your watch by connecting a wireless headset.

Apple Watch 3 is the best assistant in sports

Apple Watch series 3 review mobile review transition to tracking activity indicators, for which the watch has everything you need. They will help you stay normal and tell you how to maintain your health. In its advertising campaign, Apple focuses specifically on the activity tracker. For sports, it will be difficult to find a more suitable device that, despite its compact size, has excellent functionality. The watch gives you the motivation to get up and walk, which will be useful even if you are not involved in any kind of sport. They also keep an eye on your heart rate. All information is available both on the watch itself and from a paired smartphone.

Apple Watch 3 autonomy

Apple Watch series 3 nike 42mm review moves on to the battery, the capacity of which remains virtually unchanged - 279 mAh. Consequently, autonomy will be approximately at the same level as previous models in the series. If you use the watch only to receive notifications and do not work with applications too often, you can go up to 3 days without recharging. This is subject to continuous pairing with a smartphone, monitoring activity, heart rate and sleep. A review of the Apple Watch series 3 lte showed that when the watch is used for training, its battery life drops to just a few hours, and with an LTE connection, it runs out after an hour of talk time.

A full charge from the included charger takes just over two hours.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch 3 is a decent watch, but it's not worth upgrading to it from the second generation; the changes are minimal. Their advantages include premium materials and build quality, a variety of accessories, a chic screen, an accurate heart rate monitor, water resistance, convenient firmware, and advanced functionality for those who lead an active lifestyle. The main disadvantage is still the high cost and the ability to pair exclusively with Apple equipment.

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First look at Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch didn't need to improve its design—after all, there's a reason why it's the best-selling watch in the world right now (it's a watch, not just a smartwatch). This means that the Series 3 looks, understandably, identical to its predecessor.

But what's inside? There are enough changes here that you can feel the difference between the 2 and 3 series smartwatches. The question is, are these updates enough to entice current owners to upgrade their smartwatches?

Apple Watch 3 prices

Always compare prices at different stores, sometimes the cost can differ by 10 atoms and 20%, below are some of the most profitable sellers:

Design: Familiar appearance

The Series 3 body is largely identical to its predecessor. The only difference is the extra 0.25mm thickness on the rear convex glass and the cellular version gets a red number insert.

However, the new gray ceramic option for the Watch Edition is more welcome than the white ceramic watch. Gray is more practical, especially if you intend to travel with your Apple Watch.

The good news for owners of more affordable Apple watches is that you'll be able to transfer your existing pairings to the Series 3 watch.

Over the past two years, Apple has consistently updated its Watches with new colors and styles, but it's nice to start from scratch again.

WatchOS 4 on Series 3 is visually much more pleasing to the eye, with better contrast and easier-to-read text.

Apple still controls how much you can customize its interface, but the newly installed Watch faces, Toy Story faces are almost making up for that. Almost.

Performance: Faster, Higher, Stronger

The Apple Watch has a new processor, the W2, which Apple says makes Wi-Fi 85% faster and is proven to be 50% more energy efficient. This is partly due to the fact that it is still able to withstand 18 hours of battery life on a single charge.

One thing that's immediately noticeable is the improved speed.

The combination of watchOS 4 with the third series looks like a real leap in performance from the first two models.

The responsiveness is especially evident when switching between apps to check notifications if you already use Apple Watch on a daily basis.

Also new is an altimeter for exercises involving changes in altitude, which is good news for those who like to climb or walk (or just work on the top floor).

I wasn't able to test the Watch 3's cellular functionality in this short time, so that leaves a big question mark.

However, the good news for those who've been waiting to stream Apple Music or make phone calls while running is that the Watch Series 3 enables it without compromising its design or, presumably, battery life.

Plus there's always the option of a non-mobile version if you don't like talking to your wrist.

Accessories: Bracelets and more bracelets

Apple also announced a sport band with the Watch Series 3. Why is this important? Well, if you don't like Apple's sport bands or all those holes in Nike+ Sport bands, this will be a convenient alternative. At first I thought the non-smooth strap wouldn't be particularly comfortable, but it turned out better than I expected. The straps glide and adjust easily thanks to the addition of Velcro.

For those with more luxurious tastes, there are new Hermes watches that are just as stunning as they look in the photos. The question is whether you will still have money from selling your kidney after the iPhone X.

How Apple Watch Series 3 Nike+ Sport differs

This watch differs from the classic Apple Watch Series 3 in the design of the strap and an additional Nike branded dial. The Nike+ Sport version also comes in 32mm and 48mm versions.

Differences Apple Watch Hermes Series 3

This watch from the classic Apple Watch Series 3 also differs in the design of the strap (in this case there are a lot of leather straps) and an additional branded dial, emphasizing the business style. The Hermes case also comes in 32mm and 48mm versions and can be customized made of steel, and this version costs much more than the standard Apple Watch 3 line.

Problems with Apple Watch Series 3 LTE

A few days after the presentation of the LTE smartwatch, a review from The Verge (in English) appeared on the Internet, in which our colleague completely destroyed our hopes of freely using the watch as a phone. In fact, she was never able to send a single message or contact Siri due to the fact that the watch was constantly trying to connect to other people's Wi-Fi networks. In addition, there are problems with the battery, she managed to make a couple of calls, but from this the battery almost died. Disappointment? I think Apple will fix these problems soon! Moreover, eSim technologies (which are necessary for the LTE version of Apple Watch 3) do not yet work in Russia and we will not be able to fully enjoy them yet.

Added 10/07/2017

Apple rolled out an update that solved the problem with energy consumption due to incorrect operation in LTE and Wi-Fi networks.

Apple Watch Series 3 verdict

Leaving the cellular issue aside for now, is it worth upgrading to the Watch Series 3 if you're already a smartwatch owner? While I've noticed some performance improvements in the 3 Series, it's unlikely that 2 Series owners will see any reason to upgrade to the non-mobile version. It's still worth trying watchOS 4 on previous generations, it will be available on September 19, 2017.

For Series 1 owners, this will be the perfect time to upgrade.

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In the box with the Apple Watch Series 3, we found a meager gentleman's set: an induction charging tablet, a 1 A plug, a silicone strap with one additional clasp of a different length, and documentation.

Modifications

Apple Watch Series 3 with eSIM support, as well as Hermès and Edition modifications, unfortunately, are not presented in Russia. This means that we don’t sell variations with sapphire glass, steel or ceramic cases either.

What you can choose: one of two sizes (38 mm and 42 mm), one of four colors of a silicone strap (smoky, pink, gray and black), depending on which one of three colors of the aluminum case will be offered (silver, gold and “ gray space").

There is also a modification of Nike+ for athletes and fans of the brand of the same name - with thematic design of dials and special mesh straps.

There is no difference in specifications depending on size. The difference in price is small - relative to the cost of the watch itself. Therefore, here you should be guided only by personal preferences. I have an Apple Watch with a case length of 38 mm, and I really like it, I don’t feel disadvantaged, I don’t want a “full-length” version.

Frame

The only controversial point is the choice of a specific Apple Watch model. At the moment, models of the first and third series are officially on sale. If you need a remote control for iOS devices, an activity tracker and a workout recorder, the Apple Watch Series 1 is enough. If it is waterproof and tracks swim laps in the pool, listens to music without a smartphone and has hardware reserves for the future, it is better to choose the Apple Watch Series 3.

At first, smart watches caused delight, and the Apple Watch managed to outsell even the legendary Rolex. Over time, users lost interest in them - also because they were addicted to smartphones. We review the updated and improved Apple Watch Series 3 smartwatch.

Apple remains one of the few companies trying to do something new in the field of wearable gadgets. The recently released Apple Watch Series 3 offers built-in cellular connectivity and can work separately from the iPhone. Is this enough to bring smartwatches back into popularity? Let's find out.

Apple Watch Series 3 smart watch out of the box

Equipment:

• Watch Series 3.
• A pair of sports straps.
• Magnetic wireless charger.
• AC adapter.
• User's Guide.
• Warranty card.

Gadget design

Apple Watch Series 3 is almost no different from its predecessors in terms of appearance and tactile sensations. As before, the rectangular display with rounded edges helps Apple's smartwatch stand out from the competition.

Various models available. For example, the version with aluminum frames and without LTE costs $329 (RUB 19,500), with LTE - $399 (RUB 23,500). For a stainless steel case you will have to pay at least $599 (RUR 35,000), and for a ceramic finish, about $1,399 (RUR 82,000). The diagonal is 38 or 42 mm to choose from.

The water-resistant design allows the Watch Series 3 to be submerged to depths of up to 50 meters. On one side of the case there is a side button and a crown. A standard set of sensors is installed to measure heart rate, and the straps can be easily replaced.

The version with the LTE module is distinguished by a red dot on the crown - this, in my opinion, looks a little out of place.

Apple smart watch display

On the 38mm model, you'll see a 1.65-inch second-generation OLED Retina display with a resolution of 272x340 pixels. The 42mm Apple Watch Series 3 differs only in its higher resolution - 312x390.

The version with an aluminum body has Ion-X glass. By choosing a stainless steel or ceramic model, you will receive more durable sapphire crystal protection.

There is practically nothing to complain about here; the Apple Watch 3 screen is of impressive quality in any conditions. It is bright, the image is clearly visible in direct sunlight - while the colors are not too saturated and do not irritate the eyes in low light.

Detail, high clarity, wide viewing angle and neutral tone - it has everything you need for a good smartwatch screen. In addition, Force Touch technology is supported.

Interface and functionality

With the release of Watch Series 3, the proprietary software was updated - now we have WatchOS 4. Previous Apple Watch models also switched to this operating system.

New fitness functions have been added, minor improvements have made the interface even closer to ideal. WatchOS is the most fun, sophisticated, and intuitive smartwatch platform out there, far superior to its Android competitors. While other platforms simply help you learn about new notifications, WatchOS works like a full-fledged OS.

The system itself selects goals for sports activity. In the Activity app, you can easily switch between different types of tracked workouts - including intervals. There's also been an improvement to the music software, which automatically imports new Apple Music playlists.

Functionally and visually, WatchOS 4 is not much different from previous versions, but continues to delight users with improvements.

Processor and memory

The main improvement of the Apple Watch Series 3 is the new, more powerful dual-core Apple S3 chipset. The manufacturer claims that the S3 is 70% faster than the S2, although in practice this is hardly noticeable.

All Apple devices boast a system with excellent optimization, including the Watch Series 3. Scrolling is fast, Siri immediately responds to commands, nothing slows down or freezes.

The amount of internal memory has been increased to 16 GB - twice as much as the previous version.

Communications and connections

Previously, the Apple Watch could also answer phone calls, send text messages, and more, but it always required an iPhone. Only after the addition of LTE and UMTS technologies did phone-independent smartwatches emerge.

A paired iPhone initially prevents you from using Apple Watch Series 3 to make calls or send messages - to change this, you need to turn on the phone's airplane mode and go beyond Wi-Fi hotspots. Only after this the cellular connection will work on the smart watch, without the mediation of the iPhone.

The Apple Watch 3 has problems with some third-party apps, including Twitter and Instagram. Apple's own apps work great over both cellular and Bluetooth connections to the iPhone.

Camera control

Apple's new smartwatch can be used to release the shutter on a connected iPhone or as a remote viewfinder.

Once you open the app, you'll see your frame composition and have access to all the features - including one-touch focusing, switching to the front camera, and enabling flash/HDR.

Multimedia

Apple Watch Series 3 allows you to control the playback of multimedia content on your iPhone - pause, rewind and adjust the sound. It’s still inconvenient to watch videos on the watch’s small screen, but it makes an excellent remote control. For music there is the Pandora application, for viewing pictures - Photos.

Call quality

The Apple Watch Series 3 comes in handy in situations where it's not convenient to use an iPhone—just keep in mind that the smartwatch isn't great for conversations due to background noise. In order for the interlocutor to hear everything clearly, you have to bring the Watch Series 3 close to you and speak loudly into the microphone. Although call quality is not the best, the availability of cellular connectivity is commendable.

Battery in Apple Watch Series 3

Apple promises that Watch Series 3 will last as long as previous models without recharging - at least 18 hours. In practice, I was convinced that under moderate load the battery would run out only after 2 days.

If you don't use cellular data too often, you won't have to charge your watch every night. The included device allows you to fully charge the Watch Series 3 in about 1.5 hours.

Bottom line

Apple Watch is by far the best-selling series of smart watches, which with the release of the third version has become even more functional. However, cellular communication on the watch is not necessary for those who constantly carry a smartphone with them. There was no noticeable increase in performance for the Apple Watch Series 3 compared to the Watch Series 2 - but the price increased to $399 (RUR 23,500).

Benefits of Apple Watch Series 3

• Cellular connection
• Reliable OS
• Apple Music support