Apple Watch S3 38mm: Still Worth It?

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Apple Watch S3 38mm Review: Is It Still a Good Buy?

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm), a smartwatch that's been around for a while but still pops up in conversations. Is it still worth considering in today's market? Let's find out! This review will cover everything from its design and features to its performance and value proposition. We'll explore whether this older model can still hold its own against newer smartwatches and what you can expect if you choose to strap one on your wrist. So, let's get started and see if the Apple Watch S3 38mm is still a viable option.

Design and Build Quality

When you first get your hands on the Apple Watch S3 38mm, you'll immediately notice its classic, familiar design. It's a design that Apple has refined over the years, and it's still quite appealing. The 38mm size is perfect for those who prefer a more compact watch that doesn't overwhelm their wrist. It's also a great choice for people with smaller wrists. The watch features a sleek, rounded-square design with a curved display that seamlessly blends into the aluminum casing. It's available in several colors, including Silver, Space Gray, and Gold, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. The build quality is excellent, as you'd expect from Apple. The aluminum casing feels premium, and the watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.

One of the standout features of the Apple Watch S3 38mm is its comfortable fit. The watch is lightweight and sits nicely on the wrist, even for extended periods. The included Sport Band is made from a soft, durable fluoroelastomer material that feels great against the skin. You can also swap out the bands for a variety of other options, including leather, stainless steel, and nylon bands, allowing you to customize the watch to match any outfit or occasion. The digital crown and side button are easy to access and use, providing intuitive navigation and control over the watch's features. The digital crown, in particular, is a joy to use for scrolling through menus and adjusting settings. Overall, the design and build quality of the Apple Watch S3 38mm are top-notch. It's a stylish, well-built smartwatch that's comfortable to wear and designed to last. Even though it's an older model, it still looks and feels premium compared to many other smartwatches on the market. The attention to detail is evident, from the smooth curves of the casing to the precise alignment of the buttons and crown. It's a testament to Apple's design philosophy that this watch still feels relevant and appealing years after its initial release. The Apple Watch S3 38mm proves that good design is timeless.

Display and Performance

The Apple Watch S3 38mm features a bright and vibrant OLED Retina display that's a pleasure to look at. The screen is sharp and clear, making it easy to read notifications, view apps, and track your fitness data. The display is also responsive to touch, making it easy to navigate the watch's interface. The display is covered with Ion-X glass, which provides good scratch resistance. While it's not as advanced as the displays on newer Apple Watch models, it still holds up well. The display is bright enough to see in direct sunlight, and the colors are accurate and vivid.

Under the hood, the Apple Watch S3 38mm is powered by the S3 SiP (System in Package) with a dual-core processor. This processor is still capable of handling most tasks with ease. Navigating the watch's interface is generally smooth and responsive, and apps launch quickly. However, you might notice some occasional lag when running more demanding apps or switching between tasks. The performance is certainly not as snappy as the latest Apple Watch models, but it's still acceptable for everyday use. One area where the Apple Watch S3 38mm shines is its battery life. You can typically get a full day of use out of the watch, even with moderate to heavy usage. This is a significant advantage over many other smartwatches that require daily charging. The watch also supports wireless charging, making it easy to top up the battery when needed. Overall, the display and performance of the Apple Watch S3 38mm are decent for its age. The display is bright and clear, and the processor is still capable of handling most tasks. While it's not the fastest smartwatch on the market, it's still a reliable performer that offers good value for its price.

Features and Functionality

The Apple Watch S3 38mm packs a surprising number of features for its age. It offers a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and GPS. The watch automatically tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. It also offers guided workouts and supports a variety of sports and activities. The heart rate sensor is accurate and provides valuable insights into your cardiovascular health. GPS allows you to track your runs, walks, and bike rides without needing to bring your iPhone with you. The watch also offers a range of other features, including notifications, phone calls, music playback, and Siri integration.

You can receive and respond to notifications from your iPhone, make and receive phone calls directly from your wrist, and control your music playback. Siri is a valuable addition, allowing you to quickly access information, set reminders, and control smart home devices. The watch also supports a variety of apps, including those for weather, news, and productivity. While the app selection is not as extensive as on newer Apple Watch models, there are still plenty of useful apps available. One of the most significant drawbacks of the Apple Watch S3 38mm is its lack of cellular connectivity in some configurations. If you opt for the Wi-Fi-only model, you'll need to have your iPhone nearby to make calls, send texts, and access the internet. The cellular model provides greater flexibility, but it comes at a higher price. Overall, the Apple Watch S3 38mm offers a solid set of features and functionality. It's a capable fitness tracker, a convenient communication device, and a versatile smartwatch. While it may not have all the latest bells and whistles, it still provides a lot of value for its price.

Is the Apple Watch S3 38mm Still Worth Buying?

So, the million-dollar question: Is the Apple Watch S3 38mm still worth buying in 2024? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a basic smartwatch with core features and don't want to spend a fortune, the Apple Watch S3 38mm can be a good option. It's often available at a significantly lower price than newer models, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. The watch offers a solid set of features, including fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and GPS. It also integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, making it a great choice for iPhone users.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The Apple Watch S3 38mm is now a few years old, and its performance may not be as snappy as newer models. The display is not as advanced, and it may lack some of the features found on more recent Apple Watches, such as fall detection and an always-on display. Furthermore, the Apple Watch S3 38mm may not receive future software updates, which could limit its functionality over time. If you're looking for the latest and greatest features or you're a power user who demands top-of-the-line performance, you might want to consider a newer Apple Watch model. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that offers a good balance of features and functionality, the Apple Watch S3 38mm is still a viable option. The key is to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether the watch meets your specific needs and expectations. Consider what features are most important to you and how much you're willing to spend. If you're willing to make some compromises, the Apple Watch S3 38mm can be a good value for the money. The Apple Watch S3 38mm is a testament to the fact that not every tech purchase needs to be about the latest and greatest. Sometimes, a reliable, well-built product at a good price is all you need. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Apple Watch S3 38mm is a personal one. Consider your needs, budget, and expectations, and make the choice that's right for you. It's a smartwatch that still has something to offer.

Pros and Cons

To give you a quick overview, let's break down the pros and cons of the Apple Watch S3 38mm.

Pros:

  • Affordable: Often available at a lower price point than newer models, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Durable Design: The build quality is excellent with a comfortable fit.
  • Fitness Tracking: Offers comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring and GPS.
  • Seamless Integration: Integrates well with the Apple ecosystem for iPhone users.
  • Water-Resistant: Suitable for swimming and other water activities.

Cons:

  • Older Processor: Performance may not be as snappy as newer models.
  • Display Limitations: Lacks some features found on more recent Apple Watches.
  • Limited Software Updates: May not receive future software updates.
  • No Always-On Display: The screen doesn't always stay on.
  • Wi-Fi Only Options: Wi-Fi models require your iPhone to be nearby for certain functionalities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Apple Watch S3 38mm is still a decent smartwatch, even in 2024. It's a good option if you are on a budget and prioritize fitness tracking, and a familiar, comfortable design. However, those seeking the latest features and performance might want to consider newer models. Weigh the pros and cons, and determine if this watch meets your needs. Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think!