The Apple Watch Edition Series 3, released in September 2017, has since become one of the most sought-after smartwatches in the Apple Watch lineup. With a mix of modern features, sleek design, and exceptional durability, the Series 3 Edition is both a practical wearable and a statement of luxury. The smartwatch offers users more than just timekeeping capabilities; it is a powerful companion for fitness tracking, communication, and more. Its advanced chipset, high-quality display, and range of sensors make it a solid choice for anyone seeking a premium experience in a smartwatch.
This smartwatch is more than just a design statement. It comes with an Apple S3 chipset, offering solid performance despite being a few years old in terms of technology. Users benefit from watchOS 4.0, which is upgradable to watchOS 8.7, giving them access to new features, apps, and functionalities. The Apple Watch Edition Series 3 stands out for its elegance, especially with its ceramic frame and sapphire crystal front. The 50-meter water resistance ensures it can withstand most daily challenges, including swimming. This combination of style, performance, and functionality positions the Apple Watch Edition Series 3 as a reliable choice for anyone looking to elevate their smartwatch game.
In the following sections, we dive deeper into the detailed specifications of the Apple Watch Edition Series 3, focusing on its Camera, Design and Display, Performance, Battery and Charging, and Durability. We’ll break down the features that set it apart from other smartwatches in its category.
Apple Watch Edition Series 3 Full Watch Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 2017 |
| Body Dimensions | 42.6 x 36.5 x 11.4 mm |
| Weight | 46.4g (1.62 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic back, ceramic frame |
| SIM | eSIM |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Display Type | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak brightness) |
| Display Size | 1.65 inches |
| Display Resolution | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) |
| Display Protection | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Platform | watchOS 4.0 (upgradable to watchOS 8.7) |
| Chipset | Apple S3 |
| CPU | Dual-core |
| GPU | PowerVR |
| Internal Storage | 16GB |
| RAM | 768MB |
| Camera | No camera |
| Speakers | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | No |
| Comms | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, GLONASS, NFC |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable |
| Charging | Wireless |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
Camera, Design, and Display
Camera:
The Apple Watch Edition Series 3 does not feature a camera, which is typical for most smartwatches. Apple has opted to focus on other features such as fitness tracking, communication, and media interaction instead of incorporating a camera. However, the lack of a camera does not detract from the overall functionality of the device. This smartwatch allows users to interact with notifications, apps, and messaging through its display, using voice commands or dictation rather than visual input via a camera.
Design:
The design of the Apple Watch Edition Series 3 is a statement in itself. It is not just a device for checking the time, but an accessory that complements your style. The body is crafted from a combination of ceramic and sapphire crystal materials, giving it a premium feel and durability. The watch’s frame is made of ceramic, which is known for its scratch-resistant properties, ensuring the watch stays pristine even after prolonged use. The sapphire crystal front adds an extra layer of protection, making it highly resistant to scratches, which is a common issue with many smartwatches made from other materials.
The Apple Watch Edition Series 3 is available in a range of colors, including White and Gray, to cater to different aesthetic preferences. It has a sleek, slim profile, measuring 42.6 x 36.5 x 11.4 mm and weighing just 46.4g. Its size is compact and comfortable to wear, yet the design still stands out, making it a luxury piece of tech.
Display:
The display of the Apple Watch Edition Series 3 is another highlight. The watch boasts a 1.65-inch Retina OLED display with a resolution of 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density), providing sharp visuals for everything from notifications to fitness stats. The OLED technology ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the 1000 nits peak brightness ensures excellent visibility in direct sunlight. The sapphire crystal display is not only beautiful but also incredibly durable, offering scratch resistance to help preserve its appearance over time. Whether you’re reading messages, checking your heart rate, or browsing apps, the screen offers a premium viewing experience that is easy on the eyes.
Performance
The Apple Watch Edition Series 3 is powered by the Apple S3 chipset, which features a dual-core CPU and PowerVR GPU. Although this smartwatch was released a few years ago, it still provides impressive performance and responsiveness. The dual-core processor ensures that tasks such as app launching, notifications, and fitness tracking run smoothly without lag. The 768MB of RAM offers sufficient memory for multitasking, allowing the user to run multiple apps at once without experiencing significant slowdowns.
This smartwatch operates on watchOS 4.0, which is upgradable to watchOS 8.7. Over time, Apple has improved the software experience, adding new features such as enhanced notifications, fitness tracking options, and more apps. With its upgraded operating system, the Series 3 Edition remains functional and capable of handling modern smartwatch tasks. It’s perfect for users who value performance but don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest specs.
Battery and Charging
The Apple Watch Edition Series 3 is equipped with a 341 mAh non-removable battery, providing all-day battery life on a single charge. Battery life is highly dependent on usage, but typically, users can expect around 18 hours of use before needing to recharge. The device uses wireless charging, allowing users to easily place the watch on the charging pad without fumbling with cables. This wireless charging system is a convenient feature, especially for users who are accustomed to charging their devices overnight.
The watch is designed to last through most of the day’s activities, including checking messages, tracking workouts, and syncing with other devices. The Li-Ion 341 mAh battery, while not the largest in the smartwatch market, offers a reasonable balance of performance and convenience, given the slim design and premium features.
Durability
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Edition Series 3 is its durability. The ceramic back and sapphire crystal front are designed to withstand scratches and impacts better than many other smartwatches in the same price range. This makes the Series 3 Edition particularly well-suited for users who engage in physical activities like running, cycling, or swimming.
The 50-meter water resistance means that the Apple Watch Edition Series 3 can be worn while swimming or during water-based activities without worry. This is a key selling point for those who lead active lifestyles or enjoy outdoor sports. The ceramic frame adds an extra layer of protection against impacts, ensuring that the watch can handle the rigors of daily wear.
