As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Apple Watch Series 9 & Series 3 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 9 is Apple’s latest smartwatch packed with high-end features like on-device Siri, advanced fitness tracking, and a vibrant always-on Retina display. 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 9 has the S9 SiP with a 4-core Neural Engine that speeds up system performance and enables advanced features like on-device Siri.
- Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 chip, which is slower and lacks support for modern features.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
|
|
Display:
- Apple Watch Series 9 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 9
|
|
Brightness:
- Apple Watch Series 9 supports up to 2000 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.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
|
|
Operating System:
- Apple Watch Series 9 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 9
|
|
Voice Assistant:
- Apple Watch Series 9 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 9
|
|
Connectivity:
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, and GPS that support seamless pairing and tracking.
- Apple Watch Series 3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and older Wi-Fi standards.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
|
|
Health Features:
- Apple Watch Series 9 has ECG, Blood Oxygen, heart rate, cycling enhancements and temperature sensors that enhance health monitoring.
- Apple Watch Series 3 supports basic fitness tracking with heart rate monitoring and activity rings.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
|
|
Speaker & Microphone:
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes a noise-reducing microphone and dual speakers that allow phone calls and Siri interaction.
- Apple Watch Series 3 uses a standard microphone and speaker.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 9
|
|
Internal Storage:
- Apple Watch Series 9 includes 64GB 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 9
|
|
Charging Speed:
- Apple Watch Series 9 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 9
|
|
Battery Life:
- The Apple Watch Series 9 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 9
|
|
Double Tap Gesture:
- Apple Watch Series 9 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 9
|
|
Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Display |
Always-On Retina LTPO OLED |
Retina OLED (not Always-On) |
| Display Size |
45mm case, 396 by 484 pixels |
42mm case, 312 by 390 pixels |
| Brightness |
Up to 2000 nits |
Up to 1000 nits |
| Processor |
S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine |
S3 dual-core chip |
| RAM |
1GB |
768MB |
| Storage |
64GB |
8GB |
| Battery Life |
Up to 18 hours |
Up to 16 hours |
| Fast Charging |
Yes |
No |
| Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4, UWB, Siri on-device |
Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n |
| Fitness Tracking |
Advanced sensors, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Sleep Stages |
Basic fitness and heart rate tracking |
| Water Resistance |
Up to 50 meters |
Up to 50 meters |
| Material |
Midnight Aluminum Case |
Silver Aluminum Case |
| Band Included |
Midnight Sport Band (M/L) |
White Sport Band |
| WatchOS Compatibility |
watchOS 10 and beyond |
watchOS 8.7 |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you:
- Want the latest processor and a snappy, fluid user experience
- Need advanced health tools like ECG and Blood Oxygen apps
- Prefer an Always-On display with better brightness and resolution
- Use Siri regularly and want faster on-device processing
- Plan to install many apps or store media with 64GB storage
Check Apple Watch Series 9 Best Price
Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 if you:
- Are on a tight budget and want the cheapest entry into the Apple Watch lineup
- Only need basic fitness tracking like step count and heart rate
- Don’t mind a smaller, less vibrant display
- Don’t use advanced features like Siri or gesture controls
- Are buying a basic smartwatch for casual or occasional use only
Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Always-On Display |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Display Size |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Higher Resolution |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Display Brightness |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Dual Speaker System |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Internal Storage |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Battery Life |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Fast Charging |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Wi-Fi |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Health & Fitness |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Microphone |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| On-Device Siri |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Double Tap Gesture |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 support the latest watchOS updates?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 is compatible with the latest versions of watchOS and will continue to receive software updates for several years.
Can the Apple Watch Series 3 still receive software updates?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 no longer supports watchOS updates beyond version 8.7, making it incompatible with newer features and apps.
Is there a difference in display technology between the Series 9 and Series 3?
Yes, the Series 9 has an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display that stays visible without wrist movement, while the Series 3 uses a standard Retina OLED that turns off when not in use.
How much storage does each model provide?
The Apple Watch Series 9 includes 64GB of internal storage, which is ideal for apps, music, and data. The Series 3 only has 8GB, which limits app installation and media storage.
Can both watches track heart rate and workouts?
Yes, both watches include heart rate monitoring and support workout tracking, but the Series 9 offers more advanced metrics, including ECG, blood oxygen, and sleep stages.
Is fast charging available on the Apple Watch Series 3?
No, fast charging is only available on the Apple Watch Series 9. The Series 3 charges at a slower, standard rate.
Do both watches have the same water resistance rating?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 3 are water resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming and general water exposure.
Can I use Siri offline on both models?
No, only the Apple Watch Series 9 supports on-device Siri for offline voice commands. The Series 3 requires an internet connection to use Siri.
Which watch has better connectivity features?
The Series 9 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 4, ensuring faster, more stable connections. The Series 3 uses older Bluetooth 4.2 and older Wi-Fi standards.
Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still worth buying in 2025?
The Apple Watch Series 3 is outdated for most users due to limited software support, lower performance, and lack of modern features. It’s only suitable for basic needs or very tight budgets.