Comparing Watch Series 5 and Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch Series 5 are two popular smartwatches from Apple, both offering a unique set of features and functionalities. Selecting the right wearable is essential, as it impacts users' daily lives, tracking fitness goals, staying connected, and providing seamless access to technology.
Apple Inc., the leading technology company behind these smartwatches, has a long-standing reputation for innovation and design. With a history of producing cutting-edge devices and gadgets, Apple provides users with reliable and revolutionary technology solutions.
In this article, we will delve into different aspects of these two Apple Watch models, exploring their design, features, user interface, price, value, and more. Using this information, you will be better positioned to make an informed decision on which Apple Watch is best for you.
Design and Build
Apple Watch Series 3
Watch Series 3 comes in two sizes - 38mm and 42mm - and is available in various materials, including aluminum and stainless steel. It weighs 26.7g (38mm) and 32.3g (42mm). The screen resolution is 340 x 272 pixels for the 38mm model and 390 x 312 pixels for the 42mm model, with AMOLED display technology.
Apple Watch Series 5
Watch Series 5 is available in two sizes - 40mm and 44mm - and offers a 1.78-inch screen with a 384 x 480-pixel resolution, using MicroLED display technology. It is available in aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium materials, offering higher quality and durability.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices have unique design features, Watch Series 5 provides a better build quality, using premium materials such as titanium and ceramic. However, Watch Series 3 offers a slightly lighter build, making it more comfortable for long-term wear. The screen resolution and display technology are also better on the Series 5, providing a crisp and clear image.
Features and Functionality
Apple Watch Series 3
Watch Series 3 runs on WatchOS 4 and is powered by Apple’s custom S3 chip. The device includes various sensors, such as an accelerometer, barometer, and altimeter, and supports a range of fitness tracking features. It boasts an 18-hour battery life, Bluetooth, cellular connectivity, GPS, NFC, and Wi-Fi capabilities, and is water-resistant up to 5 ATM.
Apple Watch Series 5
Watch Series 5 runs on WatchOS 5 and is powered by Apple’s S5 chip, offering better performance and longer battery life. It includes the same set of sensors and fitness tracking features found in Series 3, along with additional functions, such as fall detection and a built-in compass. It also supports Bluetooth, cellular connectivity, GPS, NFC, and Wi-Fi and is water-resistant.
Comparison of features and performance
Though both devices offer similar fitness tracking functionalities, Watch Series 5 possesses additional features, such as fall detection and a built-in compass. The Series 5 also has a longer battery life due to its more powerful S5 chip. Both devices have comparable connectivity options, with support for Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and Wi-Fi.
User Interface and User Experience
Apple Watch Series 3
Watch Series 3 offers a user-friendly interface with easy navigation and customizable watch faces. It supports numerous apps and is compatible with iOS-powered devices, such as iPhones and Macs. However, it is not compatible with Android or Windows devices.
Apple Watch Series 5
Watch Series 5 provides an improved user interface and experience, including a larger display, advanced navigation, and customizable watch faces. It supports various apps and is also compatible with iOS devices but maintains incompatibility with Android and Windows devices.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
While both devices offer user-friendly interfaces and smooth navigation experiences, Watch Series 5 has a slightly more advanced UI, owing to its larger display and updated WatchOS 5 operating system. Both devices are only compatible with iOS devices, limiting their usage for Android and Windows users.
Price and Value
Apple Watch Series 3
With a starting price of $329, Watch Series 3 offers great value for money, providing numerous features such as fitness tracking, communication capabilities, and excellent build quality.
Apple Watch Series 5
At the same starting price of $329, Watch Series 5 packs in additional features and a more advanced operating system, offering even better value for money.
Comparison of price and value
While both devices are priced equally, Watch Series 5 offers a more powerful processor, better build quality, and additional functionality, making it a better value for your money. However, those on a budget and with simpler needs might still find the Series 3 to be a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
After thoroughly examining both Apple Watch models, it is apparent that Watch Series 5 offers a better overall experience, with improved design, user interface, and functionality, at an identical price point. However, Watch Series 3 remains a viable option for those seeking a simple, budget-friendly alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 differ in terms of design?
Series 5 features premium materials, like ceramic and titanium, and a larger display, while Series 3 is slightly lighter and more compact in design.
What are the key feature differences between Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5?
Series 5 offers a longer battery life, an updated operating system, and exclusive features such as fall detection and a built-in compass.
Do both watches have the same screen resolution?
No, Watch Series 3 has either a 340 x 272 or 390 x 312-pixel resolution, depending on size, whereas Watch Series 5 has a 384 x 480-pixel resolution.
Are Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 compatible with non-Apple devices?
Both devices are only compatible with iOS devices, such as iPhones and Macs, and are not compatible with Android or Windows devices.
Which Apple Watch offers better value for money?
Watch Series 5 offers better value, with a more advanced operating system, additional features, and improved build quality, for the same starting price as Series 3.
