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Apple Watch Series 3 vs Series 4 – Which Should You Buy?

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Apple Watch Series 4 & Series 3 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 4 is a more advanced model with newer sensors, advanced display, additional health sensors, more internal storage and better connectivity. The Series 3 is more affordable and still provides core fitness tracking. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Processor:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 features the S4 64-bit dual-core processor that improves app performance and system responsiveness.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 dual-core processor, which is slower with modern apps.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Display:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes an LTPO OLED Retina display that enables smoother visuals and better power efficiency.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 has a standard 1.6 inch Retina OLED display.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Brightness:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness that improves visibility in direct sunlight.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 reaches up to 1000 nits, which is still usable outdoors but less vibrant.
Winner:

Tie

 

Operating System:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 supports watchOS 10 and future updates that ensure long-term software compatibility.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 supports up to watchOS 8 and no longer receives updates.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Voice Assistant:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 supports on-device Siri that processes commands quickly without internet connection.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 requires an internet connection for Siri to function.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Connectivity:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands for better wireless performance.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and older Wi-Fi standards.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Health Features:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes ECG, Fall Detection, and advanced heart rate notifications to support advanced fitness tracking.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 provides basic activity and heart rate tracking.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Speaker & Microphone:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes improved microphone placement and louder speaker that enhance call quality.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 has a basic speaker and mic that are functional but less clear.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Internal Storage:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 has 16GB of storage that allows space for more music, photos, and apps.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 comes with 8GB of storage.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Battery Life:
  • The Apple Watch Series 4 offers 18-hour battery life that supports all-day use with advanced features enabled.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 comes with up to 16 hours of battery life.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Resolution:
  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes a 368 x 448 resolution that delivers sharper text and app visuals.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 has a resolution of 312 x 390 pixels.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4
Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price
Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price

Specs at a Glance

Feature Apple Watch Series 4 Apple Watch Series 3
Processor S4 dual-core 64-bit S3 dual-core 32-bit
RAM 1GB 768MB
Storage 16GB 8GB
Case Material Stainless Steel Aluminum
Connectivity GPS + Cellular GPS only
Display Type LTPO OLED Always-On Retina OLED Retina
Display Size 44mm 42mm
Resolution 368 x 448 312 x 390
Brightness 1000 nits 1000 nits
Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours
Charging Standard magnetic charging Standard magnetic charging
Water Resistance 50 meters 50 meters
ECG Yes No
Fall Detection Yes No
Siri On-device Siri Cloud-based Siri
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz 2.4GHz only
Bluetooth 5.0 4.2
WatchOS Support Up to watchOS 10 watchOS 8 max
Microphone Improved dual-mic array Single mic

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Apple Watch Series 4 if you:

  • Want a more modern design with a larger, sharper display.
  • Need cellular connectivity for calls and messages without your iPhone.
  • Value faster performance, better speakers, and more storage.
  • Plan to use ECG and advanced health monitoring features.
  • Prefer longer support for watchOS updates and future compatibility.

Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price

Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 if you:

  • Are looking for a basic smartwatch with solid fitness tracking.
  • Don’t need cellular features or ECG support.
  • Prefer a lower-cost Apple Watch for occasional use.
  • Want a watch that still offers waterproofing and heart rate tracking.
  • Don’t mind an older design with thicker bezels and less storage.

Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Processor Apple Watch Series 4
Display Apple Watch Series 4
Display Size Apple Watch Series 4
Higher Resolution Apple Watch Series 4
Display Brightness Tie
Dual Speaker System Apple Watch Series 4
Internal Storage Apple Watch Series 4
Wi-Fi Apple Watch Series 4
Health & Fitness Features Apple Watch Series 4
On-Device Siri Apple Watch Series 4
Microphone Apple Watch Series 4
LTE Connectivity Apple Watch Series 4
Design Apple Watch Series 4

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 4 still compatible with the latest watchOS updates?
The Apple Watch Series 4 supports up to watchOS 10, which means it can still run most modern apps and features, though it may not receive future updates beyond that version.

Does the Apple Watch Series 3 support ECG or Fall Detection?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 does not support ECG or Fall Detection. These health features were introduced starting with the Series 4.

Can I make phone calls without an iPhone using the Apple Watch Series 4?
Yes, the GPS + Cellular model of the Apple Watch Series 4 allows you to make calls, send messages, and stream music without your iPhone nearby.

Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still usable in 2025?
Yes, it is still usable for basic tasks like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notifications, but it no longer supports the latest watchOS versions or newer features.

What are the main design differences between Series 4 and Series 3?
The Series 4 has a larger, edge-to-edge display and a slimmer case design, while the Series 3 has a smaller screen with thicker bezels and a slightly bulkier case.

Does the Apple Watch Series 3 support Bluetooth 5.0?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 only supports Bluetooth 4.2. Bluetooth 5.0 was introduced in the Apple Watch Series 4 for better wireless performance.

Are both models suitable for swimming?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 3 are water-resistant up to 50 meters and can be used for swimming and showering.

Can I use the same bands with both Series 4 and Series 3?
Yes, most bands are interchangeable as long as they match the case size. Bands made for 42mm fit both 42mm (Series 3) and 44mm (Series 4) cases.

Does the Apple Watch Series 4 charge faster than Series 3?
The Apple Watch Series 4 charges slightly faster due to improved internal hardware, though both use the same magnetic charging system.

Which model is better for someone on a budget?
The Apple Watch Series 3 is the better option for budget-conscious buyers who want basic smartwatch features without spending much.

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