Wearable gadgets entered the market relatively recently. During this time, not all manufacturers were able to achieve success in this category. But things don't seem to be that bad for Apple. Although the number of sales still remains a mystery, Tim Cook was able to boast differently - the Apple Watch overtook Rolex and took first place in the ranking of the best-selling watches. Along with this announcement, a new model was presented, which was called Series 3. We will introduce you to it today.
Apple Watch Series 3 GPS 42mm Smart watches and fitness bracelets on
Models in the line: 4
Price range: 6,999 − 9,760 UAH
The editors would like to thank the online store Stylus.ua for their assistance in organizing the review of the Apple Watch Series 3
The lineup
The updated model has just gone on sale. Interestingly, the first version of the watch (Series 1) remained in the store’s assortment, but the third replaced the second. This was done, naturally, to stimulate sales of the new product, and Series 1 was left as a more affordable option. Naturally, they cannot be visually distinguished from each other. The only model that stood out was the one with the LTE module, which has a fairly noticeable red dot on its wheel.
The number of available variations of case materials and the variety of straps is not decreasing. The watch is still available in aluminum, steel and ceramic cases, and there is a strap or bracelet to suit every taste, from both Apple and third-party manufacturers.
release date
Apple Watch 3 was announced on September 12, but it is not available yet. The watch will go on pre-order on September 15th, after which (and will be available in stores) on September 22nd.
Apple Watch 3 will launch in the US, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, UK, Germany and France. If you are in the UK, you must be registered for mobile phone service; you can pre-register here.
Equipment and first impressions
Neither the packaging nor the contents have changed. We reviewed a simple Sport model without an LTE module, 42 mm in size. Inside the watch box there is a silicone strap in two sizes, induction charging and a power supply for it, which is exactly the same as the iPhone. You don't need anything else to fully use the watch.
Connecting your Apple Watch to your iPhone for the first time is like activating a new iPhone next to your old one. As soon as the user turns on the watch, a nearby iPhone will offer to “pair” with it. It's quite fast and convenient. The setup itself will take about half an hour (depending on the number of compatible applications), and the entire setup and familiarization with the main functions and interface should not take more than an hour. At the same time, everything is intuitive and logical.
Apple Watch chips series 3
Several features that make the device not just useful, but also fun.
- You can customize the dial to suit your needs; you can even make it with a talking Mickey Mouse.
- Ability to install applications with an unusual interface. For example, you can study constellations from your watch.
- You can view the location of the nearest cafes, hotels, and there are descriptions of how to get there.
- Fresh strap solutions that are interoperable. That is, a bracelet from the second series will fit the module of the third. You can experiment and create the perfect gadget, because it is not just a device, but also an accessory.
Design and usability
For those who are not seeing the Apple Watch for the first time (and it is probably difficult to find other people among our readers), it is obvious that the watch has not changed its design at all.
In our case, the black aluminum case looks good with a dark gray strap. The build quality and confidence in fastening the strap are still not in doubt about the device. Tactile sensations are subjectively pleasant. The watch does not interfere with the wrist, no matter what position it is in. At the same time, the thickness of the watch is quite decent, at the level of good wrist chronographs. Only the weight of our model is simpler than that of a regular watch; the Apple Watch is practically not felt on the hand.
The touch screen, as before, is complemented by two physical controls - the Digital Crown and a button, the location of which also remains the same. For user convenience, the orientation of the display can also be changed (turn it upside down) so that the watch can be worn, for example, on the right hand, while the button and wheel are still accessible under the index finger of the other hand.
The inside hasn't changed either. There is a heart rate sensor and two recessed buttons that secure the strap (by the way, it has retained its shape and is compatible with old straps and bracelets). This is also where the charger is magnetized.
The watch's water resistance (5 ATM) allows you to swim in it, including in open water, but it is not intended for diving. A couple of holes (on the left side of the case) for microphones and speakers are the only places where moisture can penetrate. The speaker can still “spit out” water. To do this, you just need to activate the desired function after all the activities in the water; a short sound signal will sound, which, in fact, pushes out the remaining moisture. You can wear your watch in the shower, but it is not advisable for foam or soap to get on it; in this case, you should immediately rinse it with water. The same applies to salt water - after it, the watch should be rinsed in fresh water.
In general, if the user has worn a watch before, then there will not be any radically new sensations from the experience of using it (not to mention the functionality). I have been using wristwatches since childhood and am very used to them. I didn’t experience any discomfort from using the Apple Watch, even though I only took it off to charge it. The only thing that still causes concern is glass. Over the course of 7 years of use, one of my watches still had to be polished once (I got a small chip while playing with a dog). In the case of the Apple Watch, everything is a little more difficult to repair, and more expensive. And the watch can often catch on something or hit something. You should be more careful with them.
Characteristics and test results of Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) 42mm
| Price-quality ratio | 78 |
| Weight | '63 |
| Case: Width x Height | 36.4 x 42.5 mm; |
| Case: Thickness | 11.4 mm; |
| Waterproof | 50.0 meters |
| RAM capacity | 768 MB |
| Speaker | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes |
| Replacing the bracelet | simple |
| Display: shape | rectangular |
| Display: size | 1.5 inches |
| Display: type | OLED |
| Display: resolution | 312 x 390 pixels |
| Display: Pixel Density | 334 ppi |
| Display: colors | 16,777,216 colors |
| Camera | — |
| SIM slot | — |
| WLAN | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Compass | — |
| NFC | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Display orientation sensor | Yes |
| Altimeter (Barometer) | Yes |
| Light sensor | Yes |
| Continuous heart rate measurement | Yes |
| Battery life (measured) | 30:18 h:min |
| Battery charging time | 1:43 h:min |
| Battery: charging via Micro-USB | — |
| Battery: inductive charging | 1 |
| Entering messages using voice commands | Yes |
| Controlling music playback on your smartphone | Yes |
| App Store | Apple App Store |
Display
I will also have to repeat myself many times in this section, because the screen of the third Apple Watch model has not changed at all. This is the same OLED matrix with a resolution of 312x390 pixels for the 42 mm version, and 272x340 pixels for the 38 mm. The aluminum model has the usual Ion-X glass, while more expensive steel and ceramic cases are accompanied by sapphire crystal.
The picture on the watch is excellent. The maximum brightness is 1000 cd/m²; in the sun the screen is easy to read, but in a dark room it can be a little blinding. The sensor performance is excellent as always, Force Touch also works as it should. Well-thought-out control methods allow you to interact with the device without problems, despite the small screen. During testing, the only thing that might not work the first time was entering the PIN code after I took off the watch (although the keys themselves are drawn larger than before). Everything else, both the picture and the controls, can only be praised.
Control, software and functionality
You will still need a free hand to interact with the watch. Some functions, of course, can be performed by the virtual assistant Siri, but in most cases you will still need to press buttons or touch the display. Using the wheel, you can scroll something up and down, as well as zoom in and out of the picture where possible (photos, screen with all applications), and pressing the wheel closes the application and can move to watch faces (double click will open the previous application ). The button is responsible for calling up a list of open applications. Everything else is already done using the display.
The watchOS operating system has already reached its fourth iteration. The latest updates have not brought any major changes. We added a couple of new watch faces, including one with Siri, which shows some information that is generated depending on the user’s interests. Personally, I wouldn’t call it very interesting; regular dials suited me better.
Other improvements: the capabilities of Apple Music have been slightly upgraded; the Workout app has a new design and the ability to synchronize with exercise equipment using NFC; We have improved the heart rate measurement application, which now pays attention to arrhythmia, as well as high heart rate when the user is at rest.
Otherwise, everything remained in place. What I really liked were the latest updates to Apple Maps. The roads of Kyiv, for example, have now become more detailed and the iPhone shows more up-to-date routes. At the same time, when you launch the maps application on the Apple Watch, they vibrate a little to warn you about a turn. This may not be a new opportunity, but now it is more relevant for Ukrainian users. And globally, the latest updates are more focused specifically on sports and tracking the health status of the gadget owner.
conclusions
For its price, the Apple watch s1 sport gadget showed good results. Installing more than 3,500 programs makes it possible to expand the functionality, making the device suitable for your lifestyle. Among the positives: the ability to voice input, personal assistant, notifications from the phone on the screen, health monitoring, relatively low cost.
The disadvantages include the inability to work autonomously, without synchronization with the iPhone. Another disadvantage will be the inability to connect to the Internet via SIM or Wi-Fi.
When choosing, base your choice on your needs, as a negative trait for one person will be a positive trait for another. If you often receive SMS, calls and notifications, monitor your health and live an active life, then the smart watch s1 sport will definitely be an excellent solution for performing daily tasks.
Notifications, calls and eSIM
Apple Watch can become a single notification center. Personally, I liked turning off the sound on all devices and receiving notifications in the form of vibrations on my arm. If I’m in front of the computer, then I don’t have to be distracted by the clock, but the rest of the time this allows me not to grab my smartphone, but by looking at the clock to find out about a new message and so on. You can also answer a call or message from the watch (dictate something, draw letters and put together a sentence, send a ready-made answer or an emoticon).
If you could answer a call before, now you may not need a smartphone to do so. True, in our reality this is not yet available, but in the future something may change. If you purchase a model with an LTE module (and this is probably the main innovation in the Series 3), using eSIM you can stay connected even while jogging or if you go out for a cup of coffee without a smartphone. There will also be access to Apple Music, and sound can be transmitted to wireless headphones.
The filling is better. Again
Inside the new Apple smartwatch there is an updated, powerful S3 processor. All applications open quickly and run smoothly, and now Siri can talk. And this is also thanks to the new “filling”.
I don't know how many people communicate with Siri. I'm faster at typing a message by hand than dictating it by voice. The only thing Siri is useful for me is setting a timer or alarm.
But the new AW Series 3 simply leaves no chance: you need to talk to Siri. Fortunately, now she not only silently executes commands, but also responds directly from the watch, using the accessory’s speaker. The weather forecast, for example, is voiced correctly.
Operation speed
Unfortunately, we were unable to compare the operating speed directly with previous versions of the device. According to Apple itself, the new watch is 70% faster than the previous ones, and the wireless modules consume half as much energy.
If we abstract from comparisons, the watch is really fast. But they still have to communicate with the smartphone, and this can take some time. Some applications (mostly third-party ones) may spin the loading wheel for a few extra seconds. Sometimes you also have to wait longer for Siri to respond than you would like. But now she talks, and doesn’t just write answers in text. There are also rare animation problems with some minor errors, which will certainly be corrected in future updates.
Overall, I was pleased with the performance of the watch. The new Apple Watch responds well to both controls and hand rotation gestures.
With the same dimensions – longer without recharging
The Apple S3 smartwatch features a built-in W2 module, which allows you to consume 2 times less energy when using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Its presence provides the device with 1.5 days of battery life in the mode of constant receipt of SMS and calls. If you use the gadget more passively, it will last for 2 days, and when viewing only time, you can count on 3. The second generation Apple smartwatch could not boast of a similar result - it barely lasted until the end of the working day, the difference is obvious.
The display capabilities remain excellent.
- In the sun you don’t have to squint or cover the screen with your hand, everything is clearly visible.
- You can choose the optimal one among 3 backlight levels.
- The image is of high quality, the picture is rich and bright.
Activity tracker and health monitoring
One of the main, if not the most basic purpose, the company promotes the watch as an activity tracker. Indeed, it is difficult to come up with a more convenient gadget for sports that always stays with the user. And even if this user is not particularly athletic (like me, for example), the watch will still motivate him to get up and walk once again, plus it will help monitor his heart rate. It is worth noting that this will still not be enough for professional athletes, but for amateurs this is almost the best existing option.
There have not yet been any fundamental changes in the way of interaction, except for the redesign of the Workouts application, where you also need to set the type of exercise, after which the watch will begin to track actions more seriously. The rest of the time, the gadget reminds you to take a walk if the user sits for a long time, sometimes suggests breathing exercises and monitors the pulse. All this information is available both on the watch and on the iPhone in the Activity and Health apps.
Autonomy
Since the dimensions of the watch are still not changing, and new features are still appearing in them, the battery capacity remains approximately the same - 279 mAh. Therefore, the autonomy indicators remained the same. For those users who do not play sports, but simply receive notifications on their watches and do not often use applications, you can expect 2-3 days without charging (with constant synchronization with a smartphone, activity tracking, heart rate and sleep monitoring). But using a watch during training will reduce this figure to several hours. LTE connection, if you have one, will exhaust the battery reserve in an hour of conversation.
A full charge from a standard charger will take a little over two hours.
4.5
ITC.UA rating
Pros: Assembly and case materials, large selection of accessories, excellent display, good heart rate monitor, water resistance, software, excellent choice for sports, good battery life
Cons: Limited compatibility (only works with iPhone), price
Bottom line: Apple Watch is increasingly becoming a sports companion rather than an independent device. Applications now run on the watch itself, and they, in turn, can make calls themselves and pull up music from the Internet. And yet, without a smartphone, it will just be a watch with a pedometer and heart rate monitor. The main innovation of Series 3 was support for LTE, which is not very relevant in Ukraine. Still, if you're set on the Apple Watch, you should still pay attention to the latest model, which theoretically will be supported longer (if you believe the claim about a strong increase in performance). But there is clearly no point in upgrading the watch for Series 2 owners just yet.
Specifications
A little about straps
Apple Watch straps are worth special attention, because in 2022 a lot of bracelets were developed for every taste and color, from different materials.
Among those developed:
- nylon (red, “blue lake”, “yellow pollen”);
- leather (inside – beige, outside – yellow);
- sports straps (yellow, pink, smoky blue).
In addition to new products, the series of Nike straps has been updated. The bracelets are very bright and look great on your hand. Straps for apple watch series 3 nike and nylon can be worn when playing sports, they are sweat-resistant.
