The all-new Apple Watch Series 3 is easily identified by the red dot on the Digital Crown. Photo: S. Tegtmeyer
Almost two and a half years after launch, Apple has finally launched the third version of its popular smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 3 comes with more processing power, altimeter and finally with the long-awaited phone function. The question naturally arises: is the new timepiece worth buying? And how does the new top watch from the Cupertino manufacturer compare to its predecessors? We compared the new models.
When the new borderless super cell phone iPhone X, the new smartphone models of the 8 series and the Apple TV 4K were presented at the keynote in the Steve Jobs Theater of the impressive new Apple headquarters in Cupertino in mid-September, it still existed a secret star for many viewers: The brand new Apple Watch Series 3 was presented and, in addition to GPS, also includes an altimeter and LTE for telephoning. This finally makes the model independent of the iPhone and is helpful for getting new functionalities on the device. Customers had wanted this since the first version. For many fans of the high-tech watch, the telephone function was obviously a long-awaited feature that is finally available.
Accordingly, the new model turns out to be extremely popular. As soon as the watch could be ordered, the delivery times skyrocketed and were at times four to six weeks. It is also often not available in the Apple Store, and current pre-orders are only supposed to be delivered in November. Apparently there is a new shooting star on the smartwatch market. However, if you look at the current Apple Watch product range, it quickly becomes apparent that an important model is missing after the upgrade.
LTE, fast processors and, above all, independent of the iPhone: fans have been waiting for the new Apple Watch 3 for a long time. Photo: Apple
A gap in the product range
The new top model among smartwatches is the Apple Watch Series 3 GPS and Cellular, which appears for the first time with LTE. There is also a variant of the 3-series without a telephone function, which otherwise has the same specifications. All models are still available in a 42 mm and a 38 mm variant. Also available in aluminum, stainless steel and ceramic versions. But then comes the surprise: In addition to the new 3-series models, the direct predecessor, the Series 2, will not continue to be offered, but the Apple Watch Series 1, which is based heavily on the very first model from 2015. How can that be? After the introduction of a new product, Apple usually relies on keeping the direct predecessor model on sale at a reduced price. In other words: Actually, the Series 2 should still be on offer. However, it has been deleted. The Series 1, which is still available, is available at a very affordable entry-level price – but only as an aluminum version with a sports bracelet. So how does the entry-level model differ from the top model?
The specifications of the Apple Watch Series 3 compared to the Series 1
It has to be said very clearly: the first Apple Watch was not taken seriously by many critics and die-hard Apple fans. She was slow, immature and just had too many teething problems. Except for die-hard early adopters, the Watch 1 wasn't exactly a hit. That changed last year with the Apple Watch Series 2 and its companion model, the Series 1, although it was still based on the specs of the first watch. With the third series, the timepiece has finally grown up. The company explained at the presentation that it was the watch that they wanted to build from the start. What distinguishes the Apple Watch Series 3 and what exactly distinguishes the currently offered models from each other?
processors
The Apple Watch Series 3 has already made significant gains in terms of the processors. A fast dual-core processor and the second version of the Apple wireless chip "W2" drive the current high-tech watches in both the "GPS" and "GPS + Cellular" versions. In the Series 1, on the other hand, the "S1P" dual-core processor simply does the math. The middle "S2" chip from the second watch variant is also omitted here. The processor of the 3 watch is said to be up to 70 percent faster than its predecessor. The "S1P", on the other hand, seems to have fallen out of time and is very reminiscent of the times of the first model in 2015, when some apps took ten seconds or longer to open.
Features of the Apple Watch Series 3 compared to Series 1
The manufacturer didn't skimp on the features of the Apple Watch Series 3. The brand new top smartwatch comes with GPS, LTE, barometric altimeter, is waterproof up to 50 meters, has a heart rate monitor, acceleration sensor, gyro sensor for changes in direction, ambient light sensor and the top version comes with speaking Siri, 16 GB of memory and a high-quality case back pottery. The second variant of the Apple Watch Series 3 has almost the same properties. However, it only has 8 GB of storage, a composite case back and no LTE. Otherwise it is almost identical to the top model - and 80 euros cheaper than the high-end model (RRP of the manufacturer). At the lower end is the Apple Watch Series 1. It lacks GPS, LTE, altimeter, no talking Siri, also only has 8GB and a composite case back. In addition, it is only slightly protected against splashing water. But it has a fantastic entry-level price: for 269 euros you can immerse yourself in the world of Apple smartwatches and save almost 180 euros compared to the upper class.
Accessories: New Apple Watch straps still fit
It may be debatable that the third version of the Apple Watch still has almost the same design from 2015. Many fans of the watch have long been waiting for the optics to be renewed. We'll probably have to wait a little longer for that. However, one advantage of the consistent design is obvious: The great Apple Watch straps all still fit! It doesn't matter whether it's a link bracelet, Milanese bracelet, sports bracelet or leather bracelet. In the third edition of the watch, the collection of bracelets that many Smartwatch wearers have now collected is preserved.
Conclusion on the new Smartwatch: finally independent and free!
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 3 is clearly a buy! With the LTE function and the faster processor, it is finally independent of the iPhone and is a perfect companion for many sports, while the iPhone and its protective case can now safely stay at home. Voice calls, messages and emails can now be received via LTS and UMTS. iWatch bracelets If you look at the features, it is immediately clear why Apple has discontinued the Series 2. It was simply too similar to the current 3 variant. Instead, the Apple Watch Series 1 has been positioned at the low-end to give interested parties a cheap entry into the smartwatch world. As far as equipment is concerned, the Series 1 is probably no longer up to date. However, the watch should easily suffice for more rudimentary purposes such as reading the time and simply measuring the heart rate. On the other hand, if you want to use the state-of-the-art model with sophisticated functions, we recommend the Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS and LTE. From a technical point of view, the watch is a clear buy and will give the wearer a new freedom in everyday life!
By Sascha Tegtmeyer