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Apple Watch Series 7 & Series 3 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 7 is a newer, more advanced model with a larger screen, faster charging, and enhanced health features. 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 7 features the S7 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor that improves performance and system responsiveness.
- Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 chip, which is slower and lacks support for modern features.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Display:
- Apple Watch Series 7 includes an Always-On Retina LTPO 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 7
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Brightness:
- Apple Watch Series 7 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 7 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 7
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Voice Assistant:
- Apple Watch Series 7 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 7
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Connectivity:
- Apple Watch Series 7 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 7
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Health Features:
- Apple Watch Series 7 includes advanced fitness tracking with ECG & Blood Oxygen that provide deeper health insights.
- Apple Watch Series 3 provides basic activity and heart rate tracking.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Speaker & Microphone:
- Apple Watch Series 7 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 7
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Internal Storage:
- Apple Watch Series 7 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 7
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Charging Speed:
- Apple Watch Series 7 supports fast charging that reduces downtime by reaching 80% in about 45 minutes.
- Apple Watch Series 3 does not support fast charging and takes longer to charge fully.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Battery Life:
- The Apple Watch Series 7 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 7
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Resolution:
- Apple Watch Series 7 includes a 396 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 7
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Processor |
S7 SiP dual-core |
S3 dual-core |
| RAM |
1GB |
768MB |
| Storage |
32GB |
8GB |
| Case Material |
Graphite Stainless Steel |
Silver Aluminum |
| Case Size |
45mm |
42mm |
| Display Type |
Always-On Retina LTPO OLED |
Retina OLED |
| Display Size |
1.9 inches |
1.65 inches |
| Display Resolution |
396 x 484 pixels |
312 x 390 pixels |
| Display Brightness |
Up to 1000 nits |
Up to 1000 nits |
| Battery Life |
Up to 18 hours |
Up to 16 hours |
| Fast Charging |
Yes, 0–80% in 45 minutes |
No fast charging |
| Charging Cable |
USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger |
USB-A Magnetic Charger |
| Health Sensors |
Blood Oxygen, ECG, Optical Heart Sensor |
Optical Heart Sensor |
| Fitness Tracking |
Advanced Fitness & Activity Tracking |
Basic Fitness & Activity Tracking |
| Crash Detection |
No |
No |
| Fall Detection |
Yes |
No |
| Compass |
Yes |
No |
| Always-On Altimeter |
Yes |
No |
| Water Resistance |
WR50 (swimproof) |
WR50 (swimproof) |
| LTE Connectivity |
Yes |
No |
| WiFi |
2.4GHz & 5GHz |
2.4GHz only |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Apple Watch Series 7 if you:
- Want the latest health features like ECG and Blood Oxygen apps
- Prefer a larger Always-On display with modern design
- Need more storage for apps, music, and updates
- Want LTE support for calls and texts without your iPhone
- Value fast charging and a refined stainless steel build
Check Apple Watch Series 7 Best Price
Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 if you:
- Want a reliable Apple Watch at the lowest possible price
- Only need basic fitness and heart rate tracking
- Don’t mind missing out on newer features and software updates
- Prefer a simple and lightweight design
- Are buying your first Apple Watch and want to try the ecosystem without spending much
Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Display |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Display Size |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Higher Resolution |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Display Brightness |
Tie |
| Dual Speaker System |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Internal Storage |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Battery Life |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Fast Charging |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| WiFi |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Health & Fitness |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| On-device Siri |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| LTE Connectivity |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 significantly faster than the Series 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 7 features the S7 dual-core processor which is much faster and more efficient than the S3 chip in the Series 3. This results in quicker app launches, smoother animations, and better overall responsiveness.
Does the Apple Watch Series 7 support ECG and blood oxygen monitoring?
Yes, the Series 7 includes both ECG and blood oxygen (SpO2) apps that allow users to monitor heart rhythm and blood oxygen levels directly from the watch. The Series 3 does not support either of these health features.
Can I use Apple Watch Series 7 without my iPhone nearby?
Yes, if you purchase the GPS + Cellular version of the Series 7, you can make calls, send messages, and stream music without needing your iPhone nearby. The Series 3 GPS model does not have cellular support.
Is there a major difference in display quality between Series 7 and Series 3?
Yes, the Series 7 has a much larger Always-On Retina display with thinner borders and higher resolution, making it easier to read notifications, use apps, and interact with the watch. The Series 3 has a smaller screen with no Always-On capability.
Will the Apple Watch Series 3 get the latest watchOS updates?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 is no longer supported by the latest versions of watchOS. It stopped receiving updates after watchOS 8, which limits access to new features and security improvements.
Does the Apple Watch Series 7 support fast charging?
Yes, the Series 7 supports fast charging and can reach up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes with the proper USB-C charger. The Series 3 does not support fast charging and takes longer to recharge.
Are both watches water-resistant?
Yes, both the Series 7 and Series 3 are water-resistant with a WR50 rating. They are suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool, but not for diving or high-pressure water activities.
Is there a difference in internal storage between Series 7 and Series 3?
Yes, the Series 7 includes 32GB of internal storage which allows you to store more apps, music, and data. The Series 3 only has 8GB of storage, which limits the number of installed apps and offline content.
Do both watches support the same fitness tracking features?
No, the Series 7 includes more advanced tracking features such as fall detection, blood oxygen monitoring, and an always-on altimeter. The Series 3 supports basic activity tracking and heart rate monitoring but lacks the newer sensors.
Which Apple Watch is better for future compatibility and longevity?
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the better choice for future compatibility. It supports the latest watchOS versions and includes newer hardware that ensures continued app and feature support for years to come. The Series 3 is now outdated and may not meet current or future performance expectations.