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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 |
FAQ
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.