Which smartwatch is better – Apple Watch Series 4 or Series 3? In this article, we compare the latest smartwatches by Apple so you can decide which one best suits your needs.
Apple Watch comes in all shapes and sizes, but which Apple Watch is the best to buy? In this comparison, we take a look at the specifications of all available models of the Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch Series 3.
Table of Contents
Specifications
Apple Watch Series 4 has a much faster processor than the previous generation (twice as fast, in fact), and a solid battery life of up to 18 hours.
What new tools and functions does Apple Watch S4 bring that the S3 does not have?
Firstly, fall detection, which makes the new smartwatch by Apple a kind of a guardian angel.
If the watch detects no movement sixty seconds after the fall, a button will appear that after being pressed will call emergency services immediately. If you do not answer, Series 4 will call the emergency number automatically.
Secondly, the Apple Watch Series S4 has an all-new heart monitoring system. The Apple Watch Series 3 does have inbuilt a heart rate monitoring system, but the Series 4 does not stop there.
If it detects that there is an anomaly in your heartbeat, it will alert you so you can keep a close watch on your heart.
One of the noteworthy features is the new ECG (electrocardiogram) function of the Apple Watch Series 4. It monitors your heart rate daily and lets you share the results with your doctor.
Another difference between the Series 4 is that it integrates new watch faces with dynamic styles.
Size
Unlike other smartwatch manufacturers, Apple has scaled up its new smartwatch instead of scaling it down.
Although the company claims that existing straps would fit the new model, the Series 4 has gained a few millimeters on each side of the strap.
The actual impact of these added millimeters will probably be decided by the 40mm model because the older 38mm models were often the smartwatches of choice for women and men with thin wrists on which the 42mm model looks quite clunky.
Both models of the Series 4 are slightly thin as compared to the Series 3. The difference with Series 2 is 0.4mm because the Series 3 was a bit thicker last year.
The Series 4 is the second thinnest model of the Apple Watch, with only the original model being even thinner. The new Apple Watch S4 has also become a bit heavier at just under 3 grams (40mm variant) and 2 grams (44mm variant).
Design
Probably the most prominent feature that Apple highlighted in the keynote is the new display.
The Series 4 has a 30% larger screen. This was achieved thanks to a reduction in the bezel size and the dial, which means that the device does not look much bulkier than the Series 3 although its screen is larger.
Apple has also introduced new watch faces that can take full advantage of the additional space.
For this purpose, a new generation of LTPO-TFT OLED display is incorporated in the Series 4, which makes the new screen more power efficient.
The Series 4 also has a –
- Digital crown (with haptic feedback)
- Black ceramic back cover (which allows radio waves to penetrate better, thereby improving cellular reception)
- Microphone and loudspeaker that are positioned higher, thanks to which the quality of the sound improves by up to 50%.
In the image below, you can see the design of the Apple Watch Series 3.
And here’s what the latest Apple Watch Series 4 looks like.
As you can see, the screen now stretches across the entire body of the watch. There are hardly any edges and the screen curves at the corners, making the size increase even more evident.
Battery life
Series 3 and Series 4 do not differ in charging and battery times. You can use both of these for up to 18 hours on a single charge. Both watches require two hours to go from 0 to 100 percent.
Under strenuous outdoor activity, the Series 4 lasts around an hour.
Price and Availability
Apple Watch Series 3 starts at $279 and the high-end model costs $379. Again, if you want to have mobile data in addition to GPS, you will then have to shell out an extra hundred bucks.
The Series 4 starts at $399 and goes up to $799 depending on the model you choose. The fourth generation of watches also comes with the ultra-premium Hermès strap (starts at $1399).
Conclusion
Overall, Apple Watch 4 is undoubtedly the better smartwatch. Better design, larger screen, thinner body, a processor that’s twice as fast and new health-centric features make it the best smartwatch by Apple to date.
The only thing we like about Series 3 is its price. If you don’t like the new features of S4 and are willing to settle with a dated design, S3 is a decent choice.
Buy the Apple Watch Series 4 if…
- You want the latest Apple Watch.
- You want the fastest Apple Watch with the best speaker.
- You want a bigger screen.
- You want heart monitoring.
- You are afraid of tripping.
Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 if…
- You want the cheapest Apple Watch that Apple still sells.
- You want a smaller screen.
