As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Apple Watch Series 8 & Series 3 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 8 is the newer and more advanced model, packed with modern features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and crash detection. 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 8 features the S8 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor that improves app launch speed 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 8 |
|
Display:- Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
|
Brightness:- Apple Watch Series 8 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness that improves visibility in direct sunlight.
- Apple Watch Series 3 reaches up to 1000 nits.
|
Operating System:- Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
|
Voice Assistant:- Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
|
Connectivity:- Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
|
Health Features:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes advanced fitness tracking with ECG, Blood Oxygen, and temperature sensors that provide deeper health insights.
- Apple Watch Series 3 provides basic activity and heart rate tracking.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
|
Speaker & Microphone:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes enhanced microphone and speaker components that improve call and Siri clarity.
- Apple Watch Series 3 has a basic microphone and speaker setup.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
|
Internal Storage:- Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
|
Charging Speed:- Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
|
Battery Life:- The Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
|
Double Tap Gesture:- Apple Watch Series 8 features double tap gesture that enables one-handed control for common actions.
- Apple Watch Series 3 does not support gesture controls.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
|
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
|---|
| Chipset | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core | S3 SiP with 32-bit dual-core |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Aluminum |
| Size | 45mm | 42mm |
| Display Type | Always-On Retina | Retina |
| Display Size | 1.9 inches | 1.65 inches |
| Resolution | 396 x 484 | 312 x 390 |
| Brightness | Up to 1000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Storage | 32GB | 8GB |
| RAM | 1GB | 768MB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Fast Charging | Yes | No |
| Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate, Temp | Heart Rate |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No |
| UWB | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | 5GHz + 2.4GHz | 2.4GHz only |
| LTE | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | WR50 | WR50 |
| Microphone/Speaker | Dual-system | Standard |
| Siri On-Device | Yes | No |
| WatchOS Compatibility | watchOS 10 and newer | watchOS 8 |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you:- Want the most advanced Apple Watch features like ECG, Blood Oxygen, and Crash Detection.
- Prefer a larger, always-on display with better resolution and thinner bezels.
- Need cellular connectivity for phone-free calls and data access.
- Care about fast charging and more internal storage for apps and media.
- Use your watch for intensive health tracking and fitness insights.
Check Apple Watch Series 8 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 if you:- Want a basic smartwatch for step counting, notifications, and casual workouts.
- Are on a tight budget and prefer a low-cost Apple Watch.
- Don’t need advanced sensors or fast performance.
- Can live with a smaller display and older design.
- Are buying a watch for kids, seniors, or first-time users with basic needs.
Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Display | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Display Size | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Higher Resolution | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Display Brightness | Tie |
| Dual Speaker System | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Internal Storage | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Battery Life | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Fast Charging | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Wi-Fi | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Health & Fitness | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| UWB | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Crash Detection | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| On-Device Siri | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Double Tap Gesture | Apple Watch Series 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Retina Display: Both models have a bright Retina display, making text and graphics crisp and easy to read in different lighting conditions.
- Water Resistance: Both are water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing users to wear them while swimming or showering without worry.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both models include an optical heart rate sensor, helping users track their heart health and exercise intensity.
- Workout Tracking: Both support a wide range of workout modes, enabling accurate tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and more.
- Notifications: Both watches can display calls, texts, and app alerts on your wrist, helping you stay connected without checking your phone.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Apple Watch Series 8 significantly faster than the Series 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 is much faster than the Series 3. It uses the newer S8 chip with 64-bit architecture, which delivers smoother performance and faster app loading compared to the aging S3 chip in the Series 3.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 support more health features than the Series 3?
Absolutely. The Series 8 includes advanced health tools like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, skin temperature tracking, and crash detection, while the Series 3 only tracks heart rate and basic activity metrics.
Can I use Siri offline on both watches?
No, only the Apple Watch Series 8 supports on-device Siri for quicker responses and limited offline functionality. The Series 3 requires an internet connection to use Siri.
Is there a difference in cellular connectivity between the two?
Yes. The Apple Watch Series 8 comes with GPS + Cellular capability, allowing you to make calls, text, and use data without your iPhone nearby. The Series 3 in this comparison only has GPS and cannot connect to cellular networks.
Are both watches compatible with the latest watchOS updates?
No. The Apple Watch Series 8 supports watchOS 10 and will continue to receive updates for several years. The Series 3 stopped receiving updates after watchOS 8 and is now considered outdated.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 charge faster than the Series 3?
Yes. The Series 8 supports fast charging, reaching 80 percent in about 45 minutes, whereas the Series 3 uses standard charging with no fast charge support.
How does the display compare between the two models?
The Apple Watch Series 8 features a larger Always-On Retina display with thinner bezels and higher resolution, making it easier to read in all conditions. The Series 3 has a smaller Retina display without Always-On functionality and thicker borders.
Is there a storage difference between the Series 8 and Series 3?
Yes. The Apple Watch Series 8 includes 32GB of internal storage for apps, music, and podcasts. The Series 3 only has 8GB, which limits its usefulness for media and app storage.
Do both watches have the same level of water resistance?
Yes. Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 3 are rated WR50, which means they are water resistant up to 50 meters and suitable for swimming.
Which watch is better for long-term use and app compatibility?
The Apple Watch Series 8 is clearly better for long-term use. It supports future watchOS updates, has more storage, better performance, and compatibility with the latest apps, making it a future-proof choice compared to the outdated Series 3.