Apple Watch Series 3 38mm: A Deep Dive Review

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into a classic: the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm. Released a while back, it's still popping up in the used market and sparking the question: Is this smartwatch a worthwhile buy in today's world? We're going to break down everything from its design and features to its performance and value proposition. So, whether you're a seasoned Apple Watch user or just starting to explore the world of smartwatches, stick around. We'll give you the lowdown on the Series 3 38mm to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality: A Timeless Classic?

Alright, first impressions matter, right? The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm sports a design that, honestly, hasn't aged too badly. It's got that sleek, rounded-corner aesthetic that Apple is known for. The 38mm size, in particular, is perfect for those with smaller wrists, offering a comfortable fit without being too bulky. You get the familiar Digital Crown and side button, which are essential for navigating the watch's interface. Now, build quality-wise, the Series 3 is pretty solid. The case is typically made of aluminum (there were stainless steel and ceramic options too, but less common for the 38mm). It's resistant to water, so you can wear it while swimming (though always double-check the specifics based on your usage). The display is a Retina OLED, which, while not the brightest or most vibrant compared to newer models, still gets the job done. Colors are decent, and it’s perfectly legible in most lighting conditions. However, the screen size might feel a little cramped compared to the newer, larger-screened models. The bezels (the black border around the screen) are quite noticeable, which can make the screen feel even smaller. The straps are easily interchangeable, so you can personalize the watch to match your style. From the classic sport bands to more premium options, there's a huge selection available. Despite being an older model, the design holds up, but the screen size might be a consideration for some. It still feels well-built, and the choice of materials gives it a premium feel. The overall design is clean, minimalist, and distinctly Apple, making it a timeless classic in many ways.

Now, let's chat about the materials. The aluminum casing, which you'll most likely encounter with the 38mm, feels light and durable. It’s got a nice matte finish that doesn't attract fingerprints like crazy. The glass on the display is scratch-resistant, but, like any watch, it's not invincible. A screen protector is always a good idea if you want to keep it looking pristine. The Digital Crown is responsive and tactile – it gives you that satisfying click when you scroll. The side button is equally reliable, allowing quick access to your apps and favorite functions. The strap mechanism is a breeze. It's easy to swap out bands, which is a big plus. Whether you want a sporty look for the gym or something more sophisticated for a night out, you can switch the straps in seconds. Overall, the design and build quality of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm are pretty solid. It’s still a good-looking watch, even by today's standards, and the materials used are durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. You can definitely see the Apple attention to detail here, from the way the case is finished to the smooth operation of the buttons and crown. It’s not just about looks though; it's about the feel, the usability, and the overall experience.

Features and Functionality: What Can It Do?

Okay, let's get into the meat of it: what can the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm actually do? This smartwatch, even with its age, packs a surprising punch. First off, it's a fitness tracker. It monitors your activity, tracks your workouts (running, swimming, cycling, etc.), and motivates you to move throughout the day. You get metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and distance covered. It’s pretty accurate for basic tracking, though advanced athletes might want something with more in-depth data. Then there's the heart rate monitoring. It constantly tracks your heart rate and can alert you to unusually high or low heart rates. This is a neat safety feature. The watch also offers notifications. You can see your texts, emails, and app alerts right on your wrist. You can even respond to some messages directly from the watch. Siri is integrated, too. You can ask Siri questions, set reminders, and control smart home devices. Another big feature is its ability to take calls. As long as you have your iPhone nearby (or have the cellular version), you can make and receive calls directly from your wrist. It's super convenient. The Series 3 also has GPS, so it can track your runs and walks without needing your iPhone. However, the GPS can sometimes take a bit longer to lock on compared to newer models. Regarding apps, you can download and install apps from the App Store. The selection is somewhat limited compared to the latest models, but there’s still a good variety of apps to choose from. Think productivity, entertainment, and utilities. The watch connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth, which is essential for many functions, including syncing data and receiving notifications. While it’s not the most feature-rich Apple Watch out there, the Series 3 38mm still offers a solid suite of features that make it a useful everyday companion. It covers the basics well and even includes some advanced features like heart rate monitoring and GPS.

Let’s dig into the fitness side of things a bit more. The Series 3 is great for tracking your daily steps, monitoring your exercise, and closing those activity rings. The rings are a clever way to keep you motivated, challenging you to move, exercise, and stand throughout the day. The Workout app is easy to use and provides real-time metrics during your exercise sessions. You can track various activities, from running and cycling to swimming and yoga. The heart rate sensor is also a standout feature. It provides continuous heart rate monitoring and can alert you to irregularities. This feature can be a lifesaver, and it's something that’s still valuable even on a slightly older device. The watch's notification system is another strength. You get timely alerts for incoming calls, text messages, and app notifications. You can customize which apps send notifications and how they appear on your wrist. You can respond to messages with quick replies, emojis, or even voice dictation. Siri, the virtual assistant, is a handy addition. You can use Siri to set reminders, make calls, control music playback, and get quick answers to your questions. Although it might not be as fast as on the latest models, it's still pretty useful. While the app selection might not be as extensive as on newer watches, there are still plenty of apps to enhance your experience. You can find apps for everything from fitness and productivity to entertainment. Overall, the features and functionality of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm are quite impressive, especially when you consider its price point. It's a capable device that delivers a lot of value.

Performance and Battery Life: How Does It Hold Up?

Alright, let’s talk performance! The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm, powered by the S3 chip, isn't the fastest watch out there, but it’s still pretty usable for everyday tasks. Navigating the interface, opening apps, and switching between functions are generally smooth, although you might notice some occasional lag compared to the latest models. The responsiveness is adequate for most users, and it handles basic operations without much trouble. Now, the battery life is something to keep in mind. You can expect to get a full day of use out of it, provided you aren't doing any super-intensive activities like prolonged GPS tracking or heavy app usage. Apple claimed around 18 hours of battery life, and in real-world scenarios, it’s usually close to that. If you're a light user, you might even stretch it to a day and a half. However, if you are a heavy user, or regularly use the GPS or cellular features (if you have the cellular model), expect to charge it nightly. Compared to the latest Apple Watches, which offer improved performance and battery life, the Series 3 lags behind. The newer models have faster processors and more efficient power management. The charging process is straightforward, using the magnetic charging cable that comes with the watch. It takes a couple of hours to fully charge. Now, for the real talk: does the performance impact the user experience? For most everyday tasks like checking notifications, tracking steps, and using basic apps, the performance is acceptable. You probably won’t feel it’s sluggish. The biggest performance hiccup tends to come when running more demanding apps or when launching apps from scratch. The S3 chip does what it can, but it's not a powerhouse. On the battery front, a day's worth of use is decent. It means you can wear it all day and still have enough power to track your sleep overnight. The key is to manage your usage: turn off always-on display, reduce background app refresh, and limit the use of battery-intensive apps to stretch battery life. Keep in mind that as the battery ages, it will degrade over time, which will affect the runtime. Overall, the performance and battery life are adequate, but they aren't the strongest points of the Series 3. They're good enough for daily use, but if you prioritize speed and longer battery life, you might want to look at a newer model.

Now, let's break down the performance and battery life further. Let's start with the processor, the S3 chip. While it may not be the fastest chip on the market, it's still capable of handling basic tasks with ease. Navigating the watch's interface is generally smooth, though you may encounter some lag when loading apps or performing more complex functions. The overall performance is adequate for most everyday activities, such as checking notifications, tracking your activity, and using basic apps. The battery life is another important aspect to consider. With moderate usage, you can expect to get a full day's worth of use from the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm. This is generally enough for most users, allowing you to wear the watch throughout the day and track your activities. However, heavy users who frequently use GPS or cellular features may find that the battery drains more quickly. The battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns. For instance, if you use the watch for intense workouts or make frequent calls, the battery may deplete faster. To extend the battery life, consider disabling the always-on display feature, reducing the brightness, and limiting background app refresh. Charging the watch is simple. You can use the magnetic charging cable provided with the device. It typically takes a couple of hours to fully charge the watch from empty. The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is adequate for most users, but it's not the best on the market. If you are looking for a watch with longer battery life, you might want to consider a newer model. Overall, the performance and battery life of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm are acceptable for its age and price point.

Is the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Still Worth Buying in 2024?

So, the million-dollar question: is the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm still worth buying in 2024? The answer, like most things, is