Watch Series 3 image 1
Watch Series 3 image 2
Watch Series 3 image 3

Apple Watch Series 3

$149

Overview

Apple Watch Series 3 is a budget Android smartphone released in 2017 with a 1.65-inch OLED, Apple S3 chipset, 8 main camera, and 279 mAh battery.

The device runs iOS with features like Face ID and Apple Intelligence. Priced at $149, it targets users seeking budget performance.

Specifications of Apple Watch Series 3

The display of Apple Watch Series 3 measures 1.65 inches with OLED technology. Peak brightness reaches 1000 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 390x312 pixels resolution.

Size
1.65 inches
Type
OLED
Resolution
390x312 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Peak Brightness
1000 nits
HDR
No

The camera system of Apple Watch Series 3 features 1 rear cameras: 8 main. Video recording supports up to 720p.

Main Sensor
8
Camera Count
1 cameras
Max Video
720p

The battery of Apple Watch Series 3 has 279mAh capacity with 5 wired charging. Wireless charging supports 2. A full charge takes approximately 180 min minutes.

Capacity
279mAh
Wired Charging
5
Wireless Charging
2
Full Charge Time
180 min minutes

The performance of Apple Watch Series 3 is powered by the Apple S3 chipset with PowerVR GPU. Geekbench scores reach 350 single-core and 600 multi-core. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 50000.

Chipset
Apple S3
CPU
Dual-core
GPU
PowerVR
Geekbench Single
350
Geekbench Multi
600
AnTuTu Score
50000

The connectivity of Apple Watch Series 3 includes 5G support, Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Bluetooth 4.2. NFC is supported for contactless payments.

5G
Yes
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
4.2
NFC
Yes

The build of Apple Watch Series 3 weighs 52.8g with Stainless Steel frame and Ceramic back. Water and dust resistance is rated IP68. Dimensions measure 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm.

Dimensions
42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm
Weight
52.8g
Frame
Stainless Steel
Back
Ceramic
IP Rating
IP68

The software of Apple Watch Series 3 runs watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 with watchOS. Software support extends 5 years through 2031.

OS
watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7
UI
watchOS
Update Policy
5 years

Compare Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3 vs Samsung Galaxy A34

Apple Watch Series 3 offers competitive value at $149 compared to Samsung Galaxy A34.

$149 price point
Apple S3
1.65" display

Apple Watch Series 3 vs Motorola Moto G Power

Apple Watch Series 3 offers competitive value at $149 compared to Motorola Moto G Power.

$149 price point
Apple S3
1.65" display

Apple Watch Series 3 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Apple Watch Series 3 offers competitive value at $149 compared to Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

$149 price point
Apple S3
1.65" display

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3 has a 8 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.

Related: mobile photography

Apple Watch Series 3 with Apple S3 can handle casual gaming. For intensive gaming, consider phones with flagship chipsets.

Related: mobile gaming

Yes, Apple Watch Series 3 receives 5 years of software updates through 2031. This is industry-leading support ensuring long-term security and feature updates.

Related: software support

Yes, Apple Watch Series 3 supports 5G connectivity with both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands for maximum network compatibility and fastest speeds. It works with major 5G carriers globally.

Related: 5G connectivity

Yes, Apple Watch Series 3 is water resistant with IP68 rating. It can withstand submersion in 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. Avoid saltwater and high-pressure water.

Related: water resistance

Apple Watch Series 3 has a 279mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.

Related: battery life

Apple Watch Series 3 at $149 is a budget device offering 5-year updates. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.

Related: buying decision

Apple Watch Series 3 supports 5 wired charging with full charge in approximately 180 min minutes. Wireless charging supports 2.

Related: fast charging

Apple Watch Series 3 is available in 16GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.

Related: storage capacity

Apple Watch Series 3 has a 1.65-inch OLED with 60Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes No.

Related: display quality

See how Apple Watch Series 3 ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 3 delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. The phone excels in industry-leading software support. Pick this phone for essential smartphone functionality, if you prioritize affordability while still needing core features.

Key Specifications

Display

1.65"

Main Camera

8

Chipset

Apple S3

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE
2G BandsGSM /
3G BandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia (A1891)
4G LTE BandsLTE
5G Sub-6 Bands[]
5G mmWave Bands[]
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Dual SIM Mode
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA Support

Launch

Announced2017
StatusDiscontinued
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch Price$329

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm
Weight (g)52.8
Build MaterialsGlass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame
FrameStainless Steel
Back FinishCeramic
Colors["Space Black", "Silver"]
IP RatingIP68
Rugged CertificationsMIL-STD-810G
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorWatch
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded Dimensions0x0x0
Thermal SolutionPassive
Notification/Alert
HapticsBasic

Display

Panel TypeOLED
Size (inches)1.65
Resolution (px)390x312 pixels
Aspect Ratio3:5
Pixel Density (ppi)233
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)70.0
Refresh Rate (Hz)60
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)60
Peak Brightness (nits)1000
HDR Standards
Color GamutsRGB
Color Depth24
PWM Dimming (Hz)240
Glass ProtectionSapphire crystal glass
Oleophobic CoatingN/A
CurvatureFlat
Always-on Display
Display Driver ICN/A
Cover Display

Platform (SoC)

OS at LaunchwatchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7
Update Policy5 years
ChipsetApple S3
CPUDual-core
GPUPowerVR
NPU/AI TOPs0.5 TOPS
ISP FeaturesBasic
Modemintegrated
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-Core350
Geekbench Multi-Core600
AnTuTu Score50000
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAMN/A
RAM TypeN/A
Storage16GB
Storage Type16GB 768MB RAM
Storage SpeedUFS 2.1
Expandable Storage
Slot TypeN/A
USB OTG
Filesystem EncryptionAES-256

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras1
Main Sensor8
Main Sensor Size1/3.2
Main Sensor ModelOmniVision OV8858
Main Lensf/2.4, 26mm
OIS
AutofocusAF
Pixel Binning
UltrawideN/A
TelephotoN/A
MacroN/A
Depth/ToF/LiDAR
Flicker/Color SensorsN/A
FlashLED
Video Resolution720p
HDR/Dolby Vision Video
Video CodecsH.264
Slow Motion
Video Stabilization
Night Mode Features
RAW/Pro ControlsN/A

Selfie Camera

Resolution1.3
Sensor Size1/5
Aperturef/2.8
AF/OIS
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video720p
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face UnlockN/A

Audio

Loudspeakers
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones1
Bluetooth Codecsaac
DAC/AmpIntegrated

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth4.2
NFC
IR Blaster
UWBN/A
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
Dual-Band GNSS
FM Radio
USBN/A
Display Out
eSIM Capacity

Sensors

Fingerprint SensorN/A
3D Face IDN/A
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light
Barometer
Thermo/HygrometerN/A
UV SensorN/A
Hall Sensor
Color Temp Sensor
Health Sensorsheart_rate, accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)279
TypeLi-Ion
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging5
Wired StandardQi
0-50% Time (mins)60 min
Full Charge Time180 min
Wireless Charging2
Wireless StandardQi
Reverse WirelessN/A
Reverse Wired
Charger in Box
Battery Health FeaturesBasic

Software

OS at LaunchwatchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7
Update Window5 years
UI Skin / LauncherwatchOS
Feature DropsN/A
App CloningN/A
Game Mode
Privacy FeaturesBasic
AccessibilityBasic
Satellite Messaging UI

Miscellaneous

In-Box Contentswatch, charging cable, documentation
Recycled Materials (%)N/A
Repairability ScoreN/A
WarrantyN/A

Reviews & Ratings

4.6

186 ratings

5 star
120
4 star
45
3 star
11
2 star
5
1 star
5

Showing 3 of 186 reviews

A

Alex R.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.

B

Ben C.

1 month ago

Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.

C

Chloe D.

3 months ago

The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Review

Apple Watch Series 3 Review: Solid Performance for the Price

6.8/10
Good

Our comprehensive review of the Apple Watch Series 3 covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.

(3.4 stars)
Pros
  • + Excellent value for money
  • + Wireless charging support
Cons
  • - Performance may struggle with demanding tasks
  • - Camera performance is average

Best Deals

7% OFF
14 days left

Watch Series 3

Amazon

$139
$149

Save $10 on the Apple Watch Series 3 at Amazon. Limited time offer.

*Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.

Latest News