Is The Apple Watch Series 3 Still Good Enough in 2021?

Sure, The Series 3 Watch is from 2017 and is a bit outdated



However if you’re new to smart watches, then series 3 will be a good place to start. In this article, I’ll be reviewing some of the basic features and functions of the Apple Watch Series 3 that would aww a first time Smart-Watch user. Even though at the time of this writing of article a 3 generation s later,some people often opt-in with Seriers 3 Watch because of it’s $180 price tag.

How does The Series 3 Watch contend to the more modern and bigger frame that the other Smart Watches that Apple have on the market Offer?Also keep in mind, as you consider purchasing a Series 3 Watch, just realize that you’re bound to a piece of technology that will lack a few vital features that one shouldn’t live without in 2020-2021 and beyond.(We’ll go over what those missing features will be throughout this review) It’s a compromise that many might blink a blind eye to but tech enthusiasts will definitely pick-up by just comparing specs on Apple.com.

So let’s focus on some of the things you will be able to do with a Series 3 smart Watch.



1. You Can Tell Time



Me wearing a 38mm Apple Watch Series 3 with a Disney Mickey Mouse Watch Face

That’s right! You can tell time because well, its a watch! So that’s its primary function. But with any type of Apple Watch, you’re getting health tracking abilities,and plus a few customizable face watch faces to choose from.



2. It Tracks Your Heart Beat Rate



The Series 3 will be able to tack your BPM rate which is plenty for the most non technical user. Every 10 minutes, your heart beat is track through it’s special basic heart sensor so there’s no need to use the exercise tracker app to keep up-to-date with your heart rate.



3. Comes with Curated WATCH OS Apps.



Every Series 3 Watch will have built-in apps that are health- specific along with other apps like Uber,iWallet,, Apple Online Store,Apple News and a dedicated App Store.



4. Listen to 70 million songs with Apple Music

Whats an Apple Watch without the ability to connect your bluethooth headset to listen to Podcast, Apple Music or your own existing library of playlist and songs. So even the most non technical user will appreciate



5. Text and Call Anyone On your Series 3



Photo by Daniel Korpai on Unsplash

If you decide to purchase the Series 3, be assured that you’ll still have the ability to text-speech Any Text message or instant message. Once your phone is synced with your iPhone (No cellular version for Series 3) you recieve calls and can communicate with your watch as if it were a phone.



6. Detects Irregular Heart beats



Eventhough the Series 3 Watch is the most basic Smart Watch among the Apple Lineup, it can still detect an irregular heart beat. This could cease to be a useful feature for those who have pre-condition heart problems.



7. The Series 3 Watch is Waterproof

The series 3 is water resistant up to 50m so you can wear it as you swim in the pool or washing dishes.



8. Retina Display OLED



The Series 3 comes in two sizes a retengular 38mm or 42mm case size so the display will be smaller than its successor. However, the Series 3 still features a OLED Retina display which will match the Standard display quality for anyone already accustomed to IPhones with OLED screens. The Series 3 also is made of aluminum with an X-ion glass display.



9. Equip with Altimeter and GPS

It’s obvious that no Smartwatch from Apple is fully complete without a built-in GPS module or Altimeter. The altimeter determines elavation levels as you wear the watch during the day. The GPS is used for apps like Maps so you can determine your location with only your watch. OR track where you were with it’s pre- installed exsecise tracker.



If you ask me or anyone for that matter, the Series 3 dons some amazing features that most people will appreciate In a 3 year old watch. WIth that said, there will be a few features that won’t be included on The Series 3 where you’ll certainly feel outdated. Here are just a few vital features you’ll be sacrificing if you decide to purchase the Series 3.



No Alway-On Display

Unfortunately you’ll have to flick your wrist to activate the display.



Doesn’t Come in Stainless Steel Bands or Titanium

Nor will you get the Sapphire Crystal Disply that‘s built-in with The Stainless Steel or Titanium finishes. The Series 3 band is only available in Aluminum With an X-ion Glass display. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a sturdy display but is prone to scratches on sharp metal based surfaces. The x-ion displays are also finger print resistant thanks to the Oleophopic coating on the X-ion glass(should last 2 years until it wears off) just make sure your fingers are too dry, as it can leave finger print residue.



No ECG Or Oxygen Level Sensors

Series 3 does not feature next generation HPM, ECG or Oxygen Blood Level Sensor. I mean, in the early 2020’s, and post COVID-19 world, being able to detect your blood oxygen levels could help determine if you’re getting sick from The Coronavirus or other illnesses. The ECG Scanner to check your pulse electronically should be a must for a Smart Watch in the 2020’s. The Series 3 watch however only has a basic BPM sensor so you’ll be left out on cutting-edge technology.



No Fall Detection, Noise Monitoring or International Emergancy Calling

If you care about how many decibels your ambiance has, or falling but not getting up, then the Series 3 Watch is going to suck for you!



No Compass

If you’re concern about having a compass lead your way north in a huge nautical park while walking among a trail, then the Series 3 will be a waste of your money.



Yes you have an Altimeter, except it’s not always on.

The always on Altimeter is more like a cherry on top but I’ll give credit where credit is due, it won’t deplete the Series 3 if it didn’t have an alway-on Altimeter.



You’ll downgrade in speed and performance.

Series 3 has a SiP with Dual Processor compared to the Series 6 SiP with 64-Bit dual Core Processor so speed will have to be compromised. If you feel you need a watch that features a faster processor, read my review on the Apple Watch Series 6 Here. 



Conclusion:

If you don’t mind compromising only the most advanced features in a Smart Watch then the Series 3 Watch is for you. However, if you are on a tight budget and need a basic smart watch with features that will suffice the most non techie type of individual looking for a health tracking device with yesterday‘s technology, then go with The Series 3 and be impressed with no real disappointments.