Apple Watch Series 3 38mm: A Reliable Classic for Everyday

The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm has earned its place as a timeless, entry-level smartwatch, delivering a smooth blend of functionality and style. Despite the release of newer models, this compact 38mm version remains popular for those who want Apple’s robust health tracking, notifications, and connectivity features at an affordable price. Here, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm an excellent choice, covering everything from design to performance and value.

Overview and Design

Released in 2017, the apple watch series 3 38mm continues to stand out due to its lightweight design and compact build, ideal for users seeking a discreet, comfortable smartwatch. The 38mm case size is smaller than later models, making it well-suited for individuals with smaller wrists or those who prefer a minimalist look. It’s built with a durable aluminum casing that comes in a variety of finishes, allowing users to personalize their look with interchangeable bands.

The Series 3 38mm also features an OLED Retina display that’s bright and easy to read, even under direct sunlight. The resolution, 272 x 340 pixels, provides crisp, clear visuals for essential information like time, notifications, and fitness metrics. Its compact display is optimized to show clear, easy-to-navigate content, so you’re always just a glance away from the information you need.

Key Features and Health Tracking

The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm’s core appeal lies in its robust health and fitness tracking capabilities. While it doesn’t have the advanced sensors available in newer models, it does offer a comprehensive suite of features that can be immensely beneficial for health-conscious individuals. This model is equipped with a reliable heart rate monitor, tracking your pulse throughout the day and alerting you to any irregular heart rhythms, which could be an early sign of potential health issues.

This watch supports tracking across multiple workouts, such as running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. Additionally, it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. Its built-in GPS tracks your route, distance, and pace without needing to bring your iPhone along, making it a perfect companion for outdoor activities.

Activity Rings and Workout App

One of the most motivating aspects of using an Apple Watch is its unique Activity Rings feature, which is integrated into the Series 3. These rings track your daily movement, exercise, and standing time, encouraging you to maintain a balanced approach to activity. The rings include:

Move Ring: Tracks active calories burned throughout the day.

Exercise Ring: Monitors minutes of brisk exercise completed.

Stand Ring: Reminds you to stand up and move around once an hour.

The Workout app is versatile and supports numerous exercise modes, allowing you to set specific goals and monitor your progress. Whether you’re aiming to improve cardiovascular health or engage in a customized workout routine, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm provides helpful feedback on your efforts.

Operating System and Performance

The Series 3 38mm runs on Apple’s S3 dual-core processor, which delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks like accessing notifications, setting reminders, and managing health apps. It’s preloaded with watchOS, which, though limited in the latest updates, still provides a solid user experience. The operating system enables users to interact with apps smoothly, access Siri for hands-free assistance, and manage various settings with ease.

The watchOS also lets users receive calls, messages, and app notifications, making it easy to stay connected without constantly reaching for your iPhone. While newer versions of watchOS are no longer supported on the Series 3, Apple continues to provide essential updates to maintain functionality and security.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a critical factor when choosing a smartwatch, and the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm offers solid performance in this department. With average use, the watch can last up to 18 hours, providing enough power to get through a full day’s worth of notifications, workouts, and other activities. This means you can wear it from morning workouts through the workday and even into the evening without worrying about recharging.

Charging the Series 3 is straightforward with Apple’s magnetic charging cable, which connects to the back of the watch. Charging times are relatively quick, with a full charge taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing you to get back to using your watch in minimal time.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Apple Watch Series 3 integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, making it an ideal companion for iPhone users. It can mirror notifications from iOS apps, such as Messages, Mail, and Calendar, ensuring you stay updated without needing to constantly check your phone. This connectivity allows for a seamless, productive experience that extends the usefulness of the watch beyond just a fitness tracker.

For those who enjoy listening to music on the go, the Apple Watch Series 3 has 8GB of storage, letting users download music directly to the device and pair it with Bluetooth headphones. This makes it perfect for workouts or other situations where you want to stay entertained without your phone.

Value for Money

The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm offers exceptional value, especially for users seeking a dependable smartwatch at a more accessible price point. Although it doesn’t feature some of the latest technology in newer Apple Watches, it covers all essential bases for health tracking, connectivity, and productivity. Whether you’re a first-time smartwatch buyer or a long-time Apple enthusiast, the Series 3 offers an affordable way to enjoy the core benefits of Apple’s wearable technology.

While the latest Apple Watches offer features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and larger displays, the Series 3 still stands out as a budget-friendly alternative for people who prioritize simplicity, reliability, and affordability.

Comparison with Newer Apple Watch Models

For those considering whether to opt for the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm or a newer model, it’s essential to understand what the newer models offer. Models like the Apple Watch Series 7 come with larger displays, faster processors, and enhanced health tracking features, such as ECG and blood oxygen sensors. However, these additional features come at a premium, which may not be necessary for users who want a straightforward smartwatch experience.

The Series 3, while lacking some advanced health features, continues to deliver a solid performance in essential tasks. It’s still a capable fitness companion and a convenient device for staying connected on the go, making it a suitable option for users who don’t require the latest and greatest technology.

Ideal User for Apple Watch Series 3 38mm

The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is perfect for individuals seeking a compact, easy-to-use smartwatch that offers all essential features without the higher cost of newer models. It’s also a popular choice for users with smaller wrists or those who prefer a lighter, more discreet device. This watch offers a great balance of functionality and simplicity, making it a practical option for everyday use.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm remains a highly valued choice for those who want a dependable, user-friendly smartwatch experience. Its classic design, health-tracking capabilities, and connectivity features continue to make it a great addition to Apple’s lineup. Despite being a few generations old, it offers excellent functionality for health and fitness, notifications, and iPhone integration.

For users looking for a smartwatch that provides essential fitness tracking, notifications, and style without a premium price tag, the Series 3 is still a fantastic option. Gobblextech recommends the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm as a dependable, budget-friendly choice that delivers the core Apple Watch experience at a great value.