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Apple Watch Series 6 & Series 3 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 6 is a more advanced model with newer sensors, a brighter always-on display, 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 6 features the S6 SiP dual-core processor that enables faster app performance and smoother animations.
- Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 chip, which is slower and lacks support for modern features.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 6
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Display:
- Apple Watch Series 6 includes an Always-On Retina OLED 1.9 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 6
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Brightness:
- Apple Watch Series 6 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 6 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 6
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Voice Assistant:
- Apple Watch Series 6 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 6
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Connectivity:
- Apple Watch Series 6 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 6
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Health Features:
- Apple Watch Series 6 includes ECG, Blood Oxygen, and high/low heart rate notifications to support advanced fitness tracking.
- Apple Watch Series 3 provides basic activity and heart rate tracking.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 6
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Speaker & Microphone:
- Apple Watch Series 6 includes enhanced microphone and speaker that improve call and Siri clarity.
- Apple Watch Series 3 has a basic microphone and speaker setup.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 6
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Internal Storage:
- Apple Watch Series 6 includes 32GB of internal storage that enables music downloads, app installs, and podcasts without your phone.
- Apple Watch Series 3 comes with 8GB of storage.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 6
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Charging:
- Apple Watch Series 6 comes with a magnetic charging cable that charges the watch in under 2.5 hours.
- Apple Watch Series 3 uses a similar magnetic charger but may take slightly longer to reach full charge.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 6
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Battery Life:
- The Apple Watch Series 6 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 6
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Resolution:
- Apple Watch Series 6 includes a 368 x 484 resolution that delivers sharper text and app visuals.
- Apple Watch Series 3 has a resolution of 312 x 390 pixels.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 6
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Display Type |
Always-On Retina OLED |
Retina OLED |
| Display Brightness |
Up to 1000 nits |
Up to 1000 nits |
| Resolution |
368 x 448 |
312 x 390 |
| Processor |
S6 SiP (64-bit dual-core) |
S3 SiP (dual-core) |
| Chip Efficiency |
Up to 20% faster than Series 5 |
Base performance for basic apps |
| Storage |
32GB internal storage |
8GB internal storage |
| RAM |
1GB |
768MB |
| Battery Life |
Up to 18 hours |
Up to 16 hours |
| Charging |
Standard Magnetic + USB-A cable |
Standard Magnetic + USB-A cable |
| Fast Charging |
No |
No |
| Water Resistance |
Up to 50 meters |
Up to 50 meters |
| LTE + Cellular |
Yes |
No |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor |
Yes |
No |
| ECG |
Yes |
No |
| Fall Detection |
Yes |
No |
| Crash Detection |
No |
No |
| Compass |
Yes |
No |
| Always-On Altimeter |
Yes |
No |
| UWB (Ultra Wideband) |
Yes (U1 chip) |
No |
| On-Device Siri |
Yes |
No |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Apple Watch Series 6 if you:
- Want a more powerful processor for smooth app performance and better multitasking.
- Need advanced health tools like ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring.
- Prefer the always-on display for convenient time and activity visibility.
- Use LTE to make calls and stream music without your iPhone nearby.
- Want more storage for apps, podcasts, and music on the watch itself.
Check Apple Watch Series 6 Best Price
Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 if you:
- Want a basic Apple Watch experience at the lowest entry-level price.
- Only need step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and workout logging.
- Are okay with a smaller display and older design.
- Plan to use the watch with your iPhone nearby at all times.
- Don’t need ECG, cellular, or advanced fitness metrics.
Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Display |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Display Size |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Higher Resolution |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Display Brightness |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Dual Speaker System |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Internal Storage |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Wi-Fi |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Health & Fitness Features |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| UWB |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| On-Device Siri |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Microphone |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| LTE Connectivity |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Rugged Case Option |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Design |
Apple Watch Series 6 |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 6 support the latest watchOS updates?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 supports watchOS 10 and is expected to receive updates for at least another year, offering compatibility with the latest apps and features.
Can the Apple Watch Series 3 still be used in 2025?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 3 can still be used in 2025, but it no longer supports watchOS updates beyond version 8 and may not be compatible with newer apps or features.
Is the Apple Watch Series 6 suitable for fitness tracking?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 includes advanced fitness features such as ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, high/low heart rate alerts, and an always-on altimeter for real-time elevation tracking.
Does the Apple Watch Series 3 include cellular connectivity?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 in the GPS-only configuration does not support cellular connectivity and must stay connected to an iPhone for most features.
Is there a significant difference in display quality between Series 6 and Series 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 features a larger, always-on Retina OLED display with higher resolution, making it easier to read text and view apps compared to the Series 3’s smaller, non-always-on screen.
How much storage do the two watches offer?
The Apple Watch Series 6 includes 32GB of storage for apps, music, and media, while the Series 3 provides only 8GB, which may fill up quickly with updates and apps.
Can both watches be used for swimming?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 3 are water resistant up to 50 meters and suitable for swimming and shallow-water activities.
Is there a performance difference in daily use?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 uses the newer S6 processor that loads apps faster and handles multitasking better than the older S3 processor in the Series 3.
Does the Apple Watch Series 6 include Siri on-device?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 supports on-device Siri processing, allowing faster responses without needing an internet connection for basic commands.
Which model is better for long-term use?
The Apple Watch Series 6 is better for long-term use due to its newer hardware, continued software support, advanced health features, and stronger performance across all categories.