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Apple Watch Series 5 & Series 3 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 5 is a more advanced model with newer sensors, more 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 5 features the S5 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 5
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Display:
- Apple Watch Series 5 includes an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED 1.78 inch display that maintains high visibility in all lighting conditions.
- Apple Watch Series 3 has a standard 1.6 inch Retina OLED display.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 5
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Brightness:
- Apple Watch Series 5 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.
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Operating System:
- Apple Watch Series 5 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 5
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Connectivity:
- Apple Watch Series 5 supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands for better wireless performance.
- Apple Watch Series 3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and older Wi-Fi standards.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 5
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Health Features:
- Apple Watch Series 5 includes ECG, high/low heart rate and emergency SOS to support advanced fitness tracking.
- Apple Watch Series 3 provides basic activity and heart rate tracking.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 5
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Speaker & Microphone:
- Apple Watch Series 5 includes enhanced microphone and speaker that improve call and Siri clarity.
- Apple Watch Series 3 has a basic mic and speaker configuration.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 5
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Internal Storage:
- Apple Watch Series 5 has 32GB of storage that allows space for more music, photos, and apps.
- Apple Watch Series 3 comes with 8GB of storage.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 5
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Battery Life:
- The Apple Watch Series 5 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 5
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Resolution:
- Apple Watch Series 5 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 5
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Display Type |
Always-On LTPO OLED |
Regular OLED |
| Display Size |
1.78 inches |
1.65 inches |
| Display Brightness |
1000 nits |
1000 nits |
| Processor |
S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core |
S3 dual-core |
| RAM |
1GB |
768MB |
| Storage |
32GB |
8GB |
| Battery Life |
Up to 18 hours |
Up to 16 hours |
| Fast Charging |
No |
No |
| Cellular Option |
Yes |
No |
| Wi-Fi |
2.4GHz only |
2.4GHz only |
| Bluetooth |
5.0 |
4.2 |
| Water Resistance |
Up to 50 meters |
Up to 50 meters |
| Heart Rate Sensor |
Optical + Electrical |
Optical |
| Fall Detection |
Yes |
No |
| Compass |
Yes |
No |
| Always-On Display |
Yes |
No |
| Noise App |
Yes |
No |
| International SOS |
Yes |
No |
| On-device Siri |
Yes |
No |
| Operating System |
watchOS 10 (latest supported) |
watchOS 8.7.1 (max support) |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Apple Watch Series 5 if you:
- Want a larger, always-on display that shows information at a glance.
- Need advanced health tools like ECG and fall detection.
- Prefer on-device Siri for faster voice commands.
- Want more internal storage for apps and music.
- Need cellular connectivity for phone-free use during workouts.
Check Apple Watch Series 5 Best Price
Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 if you:
- Want a basic Apple Watch at the lowest possible price.
- Only need core fitness and activity tracking.
- Don’t mind an older design with smaller display.
- Prefer simplicity and fewer apps or storage needs.
- Don’t need cellular or advanced health features.
Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Display |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Display Size |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Higher Resolution |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Display Brightness |
Tie |
| Dual Speaker System |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Internal Storage |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Wi-Fi |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Health & Fitness Features |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| On-Device Siri |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Microphone |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| LTE Connectivity |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
| Design |
Apple Watch Series 5 |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 5 have better performance than the Series 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 uses the faster S5 processor, which provides smoother app loading and better efficiency compared to the older S3 chip in the Series 3.
Can the Apple Watch Series 5 work without an iPhone nearby?
Yes, the GPS + Cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 5 can make calls, send texts, and stream music independently when activated with a carrier plan.
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still supported by the latest watchOS updates?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 is limited to watchOS 8 and does not support watchOS 9 or later, meaning it no longer receives major feature updates.
Does the Series 5 support ECG and fall detection?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 includes both ECG capability and fall detection, which are not available on the Series 3.
Can both watches be used while swimming?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 are water resistant up to 50 meters and are suitable for swimming and water-based workouts.
Is there a difference in display technology between Series 5 and Series 3?
Yes, the Series 5 features an always-on Retina LTPO OLED display that stays visible without wrist movement, while the Series 3’s display turns off when not in use.
How much storage does each model have?
The Apple Watch Series 5 comes with 32GB of internal storage, whereas the Series 3 only has 8GB, limiting app and music storage.
Does the Series 5 support on-device Siri?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 supports on-device Siri for faster responses and limited offline functionality, unlike the Series 3 which requires a network connection.
Are both watches compatible with iPhones?
Yes, but the Series 5 requires an iPhone running iOS 17 or later, while the Series 3 is compatible with iPhones running iOS 15 or earlier.
Which watch is better for future-proofing?
The Apple Watch Series 5 is better for future-proofing because it supports newer software updates, has more health features, and includes a more modern display and processor.