Apple Watch S3 38mm: Still Worth It?

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) and see if it's still a viable option in today's smartwatch landscape. Released quite a while back, it’s understandable if you're wondering if this older model can hold its own against newer, flashier competitors. In this review, we'll break down everything from its design and features to its performance and battery life, helping you decide if the Apple Watch S3 38mm is still worth your hard-earned cash. So, should you consider buying the Apple Watch Series 3 in 2024? Let’s find out!

Design and Build Quality

First impressions matter, right? The Apple Watch S3 38mm boasts a sleek and familiar design that's instantly recognizable. It features a lightweight aluminum case, which makes it comfortable to wear all day long. The rounded corners and curved glass display contribute to its elegant aesthetic, and it's something that has become a staple of the Apple Watch lineup. The 38mm size is perfect for those with smaller wrists, offering a more compact and less obtrusive feel. While it might look a little dated compared to the newer models with their edge-to-edge displays, the S3 still holds its own in terms of style.

The build quality is pretty solid too. Apple has a reputation for crafting durable products, and the Apple Watch S3 is no exception. It feels well-made and can withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear. You can expect it to survive bumps, scratches, and even splashes without any major issues. The display is protected by Ion-X glass, which provides decent scratch resistance. Of course, you’ll want to be mindful to avoid any major impacts, but generally speaking, the watch is built to last. The digital crown and side button are responsive and easy to use, adding to the overall user experience. The Apple Watch S3 38mm also comes with a variety of band options, so you can easily customize it to match your personal style. Whether you prefer a sporty look with a silicone band or a more sophisticated style with a leather strap, there's a band for everyone. The band attachment mechanism is simple and secure, allowing you to swap bands quickly and easily. This is a big win if you like to switch up your look!

Key Design Features

• Lightweight Aluminum Case: Comfortable for all-day wear.
• Ion-X Glass: Decent scratch resistance for the display.
• Digital Crown & Side Button: Responsive controls for easy navigation.
• Variety of Band Options: Customizable style to fit your preferences.

In terms of design, the Apple Watch S3 38mm is a timeless piece. It might not have the most modern appearance, but its build quality and comfortable design still make it a winner. For those prioritizing a classic aesthetic and a comfortable fit, the S3 is a solid choice. The design is simple, elegant, and functional, making it a great option for everyday use.

Display Quality and Features

Alright, let’s talk about the screen! The Apple Watch S3 38mm sports a vibrant OLED display that provides crisp and clear visuals. While the screen size might seem small compared to newer models, the display is still bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The colors are punchy, and the text is sharp, making it a pleasure to interact with the watch. It may not have the edge-to-edge display of the newer models, but it does the job very well.

The display also supports Force Touch, which allows you to interact with the watch by applying different levels of pressure. This feature, which has since been replaced by other technologies in newer models, was innovative for its time and offered a unique way to navigate the watch’s interface. You could press harder on the screen to access additional options or trigger certain actions. While it may not be as intuitive as newer touch technologies, it still adds a layer of functionality to the overall user experience. The display automatically adjusts its brightness to match the ambient lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visibility in any environment. This is a small but important detail that contributes to the watch's usability.

One of the standout features of the Apple Watch S3 is its water resistance. It’s rated for up to 50 meters, meaning you can confidently wear it while swimming or showering. This is a significant advantage over some of the earlier smartwatches that weren't designed to withstand water exposure. You don’t have to worry about taking it off every time you go for a swim or get caught in the rain. This water resistance adds to the overall versatility and durability of the watch.

Core Display Elements

• Vibrant OLED Display: Clear and crisp visuals.
• Force Touch: Pressure-sensitive interactions.
• Ambient Light Sensor: Automatic brightness adjustment.
• Water Resistance (50m): Suitable for swimming and showering.

The display on the Apple Watch S3 38mm is more than capable for everyday use. It offers a bright, clear, and responsive viewing experience, complemented by practical features like water resistance. Despite its age, the display holds its own and remains a strong selling point for the watch.

Performance and Software

How does the Apple Watch S3 38mm perform in day-to-day use? Let's break it down! Powered by the S3 processor, the Apple Watch S3 is generally responsive. Apps open and close fairly quickly, and the interface is smooth, allowing you to easily navigate through the menus and features. Although it may not be as snappy as the latest Apple Watch models, it still holds its own in terms of performance. You likely won’t experience any major lags or stutters during regular use.

The Apple Watch S3 runs on watchOS, Apple’s dedicated operating system for its smartwatches. watchOS is known for its user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, and a wide array of features. The S3 is capable of running the latest watchOS updates, which means you'll have access to the newest features and improvements. It’s important to stay updated with the latest software versions for optimal performance and security. The watchOS ecosystem offers a vast selection of apps available on the App Store, extending the watch's functionality beyond its core features. From fitness tracking to communication and entertainment, there's an app for almost anything you can imagine.

One of the main performance limitations you might encounter is with more demanding apps or tasks. Complex applications or those that require heavy processing power might take a bit longer to load or run. However, for basic functions like checking notifications, tracking workouts, or making calls, the S3 performs admirably. Another factor to keep in mind is the storage capacity. The Apple Watch S3 38mm comes with a limited amount of storage, which means you'll need to manage the apps and content you store on your watch. Deleting apps you don't frequently use will help ensure smooth performance and free up space.

Key Performance Metrics

• S3 Processor: Responsive performance for everyday tasks.
• WatchOS: User-friendly interface with regular updates.
• App Ecosystem: Wide selection of apps available on the App Store.
• Storage Limitations: Requires careful management of apps and content.

Overall, the Apple Watch S3 38mm offers a solid performance. While it might show its age when it comes to running demanding apps, it remains perfectly adequate for most users. The combination of a capable processor and a user-friendly operating system makes the S3 a functional and enjoyable smartwatch. Staying current with watchOS updates is crucial for getting the best performance and security.

Battery Life

Let’s address the elephant in the room: battery life. The Apple Watch S3 38mm is known to provide around 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. This can vary depending on your usage. If you're a heavy user, constantly checking notifications, tracking workouts, and using apps, you might find that the battery drains a bit faster. If you use it more sparingly, you could potentially stretch the battery life a bit longer.

Compared to newer models, the battery life on the S3 isn't the best. Modern Apple Watches, and those from competitors, often offer longer battery endurance. However, 18 hours is still sufficient for a full day of use, as long as you charge it overnight. You should charge your watch overnight to ensure it’s ready for the next day. A good charging habit helps maintain the battery’s health and extends its lifespan. The watch charges using a magnetic charging cable that attaches to the back of the watch. Charging is relatively quick, typically taking a couple of hours to reach a full charge.

One way to extend the battery life on your Apple Watch S3 is by adjusting certain settings. For example, you can reduce the screen brightness, turn off the