When it comes to choosing an Apple Watch, the Series 6 and Series 3 are both great options, but they do have some key differences. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the design, hardware, features, and pricing of the Series 6 and Series 3, to help you decide which model is the best fit for you.
Design and Display
The Series 6 and Series 3 have a similar design, with a square-shaped body and a variety of case finishes to choose from. The Series 6 comes in several color options like Silver, Gold, Graphite, and Blue while the Series 3 comes in Silver and Space Gray options. However, there are some subtle differences in size and weight.
| Feature | Series 6 | Series 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 44mm or 40mm | 42mm or 38mm |
| Weight | 40mm: 30.5g 44mm: 36.5g | 42mm: 36.5g 38mm: 30.5g |
The Series 6 also features a larger and more vivid display with a high-resolution LTPO OLED display, while the Series 3 has a lower-resolution OLED display. The always-on display feature is also more advanced on the Series 6, which allows the watch face to always remain on and visible, even when you’re not actively using the watch. This feature is not as advanced on the Series 3 and is not available in all watch faces.
Hardware and Features
When it comes to performance, the Series 6 has a more powerful processor and more storage than the Series 3. It also has a larger battery, which means that it can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, whereas the Series 3 can last up to 24 hours. Charging accessories are also different between the two models, the Series 6 uses a magnetic charging cable while the series 3 uses a wireless charging cable.
Both the Series 6 and Series 3 have a variety of fitness and health features, such as heart rate monitoring and ECG, but the Series 6 has more advanced sensors that allow for more accurate readings and analysis. The Series 6 also features a blood oxygen sensor and app, which can provide an estimate of the oxygen saturation of the user’s blood. The ECG feature on the Series 6 is also more advanced and it allows to take ECG reading in any position while on the Series 3 the user has to place the finger on the Digital Crown.
| Feature | Series 6 | Series 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | S6 SiP | S3 SiP |
| Storage | 32GB | 16GB |
| Battery Life | 18 hrs | 24 hrs |
In terms of communication and smart features, the Series 6 has cellular connectivity, which means that it can be used to make calls and send texts, even when you don’t have your iPhone with you. The Series 3 doesn’t have cellular connectivity, but it does have other features like Siri and Apple Pay.
Price and Availability
The Series 6 is the more recent model, and it was launched in September 2020, while the Series 3 was launched in September 2017.
The Series 6 is also more expensive than the Series 3, with a starting price of $399, compared to $199 for the Series 3. However, you can also find deals and discounts on the Series 3 from some sellers, so it is worth considering. Another aspect to consider is the cost of the cellular connectivity, which is an added expense for the Series 6.
Environmental and Durability
Both the Series 6 and Series 3 are water-resistant and can withstand splashes and brief submersion in water up to 50 meters (5ATM) making them suitable for swimming and other water activities. In terms of materials, both the Series 6 and Series 3 use Ion-X strengthened glass on the display, which is more durable and scratch-resistant than regular glass.
Additional watch faces and bands
Both the Series 6 and Series 3 have a variety of watch faces and bands to choose from, but the Series 6 has more exclusive and limited edition options available. The Series 6 also has more customization options available in the watch faces, like the always-on display, and a new Infograph watch face which provides more information at a glance. The Series 6 also has more bands options and materials, like the new Solo loop and Braided Solo Loop.
Updates and Support
The Series 6 is a newer model and it has received more updates and features since its launch. It also supports the latest software update and has a longer support period compared to Series 3, which is still supported but it won’t receive any major updates. This means that if you’re looking for the latest features and capabilities, the Series 6 is the better option.
Comparison with other competitor smart watches
When comparing both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 3 with other smart watches available in the market, both stand out for their advanced fitness and health features, and strong integration with the iOS ecosystem. However, other smart watches like Samsung Galaxy Watch and Fitbit Versa do have similar features and functionality, but they might lack the level of integration and seamless experience that Apple watches provide. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Watch has a rotating bezel for navigation, which can be a useful feature for some users, but it lacks the haptic feedback and digital crown found on the Apple Watch. Additionally, Samsung’s smartwatch doesn’t have the same level of integration with iOS devices as the Apple Watch. Fitbit Versa also has similar fitness and health tracking features, but it lacks the cellular connectivity, ECG and SpO2 monitoring and the ability to make calls and send texts directly from the watch.
Noise alerts
Another important feature that differentiates the two models is the Noise alerts, which is exclusive to the Series 6. This feature uses the microphone on the watch to detect loud sounds and alerts you when the decibel level reaches a level that could be harmful to your hearing. It is a useful feature for people who work in loud environments or frequently attend loud events, as it can help prevent hearing damage.
Fall detection
Fall detection is another feature that differentiates the two models. The Series 6 has an advanced fall detection algorithm, which uses the watch’s sensors to detect when a fall has occurred, and then sends an alert to the user and their emergency contacts. The Series 3 has this feature too but it is not as advanced as the Series 6 and it doesn’t send an automatic alert to the emergency contact.
Sleep tracking
Sleep tracking is also another feature that differentiates the two models. The Series 6 has a more advanced sleep tracking feature, which uses the watch’s sensors to track and analyze your sleep patterns and provide personalized recommendations for improving your sleep. While the Series 3 has a basic sleep tracking feature, it doesn’t provide as much detailed information as the Series 6.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 3 are great smartwatches with many advanced features and capabilities. The Series 6 is the more recent and more advanced model, with a larger and more vivid display, more powerful hardware, more advanced sensors and additional features like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, noise alerts, fall detection, advanced sleep tracking and more. However, it is also more expensive and has less availability compared to the Series 3. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for the latest features, advanced sensors and longer support period, the Series 6 is the better choice. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option with similar capabilities and features, the Series 3 is a solid choice. Keep in mind that both the devices will have access to most of the apps and features in the App Store and both the devices can be synced with iPhone, iPad and Mac devices which can provide a seamless experience for the user.
It’s important to note that, as the newer and more advanced model, the Series 6 will have access to new features and updates that the Series 3 will not, so if you’re looking to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and features, it’s worth investing in the Series 6. Additionally, the cellular connectivity feature on the Series 6, can be a useful feature for people who are always on the go and want to leave their phone at home but still be reachable and stay connected. This feature is not available on the Series 3, so it’s worth considering whether it’s something that you’ll find useful.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a device with a long battery life, the Series 3 with its 24 hours battery life compared to the 18 hours battery life of the Series 6, could be a better option.
Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal needs and preferences, both are excellent smartwatches, and whichever you choose, you’re sure to get a great device with advanced features, capabilities, and seamless integration with your iOS devices. It is recommended that you try both the devices, take them for a test run and consider the features and price, before making a final decision.
✔ More powerful hardware
✔ Advanced sensors for more accurate readings and analysis
✔ Blood oxygen sensor and ECG feature
✔ Noise alerts feature to prevent hearing damage
✔ Advanced fall detection algorithm
✔ Advanced sleep tracking feature
✔ Cellular Connectivity available
✔ Access to latest updates and features
❌ Cell connectivity feature is an added expense
❌ Shorter battery life compared to the Series 3
❌ Less availability of the device in the market
✔ Similar capabilities and features
✔ Long battery life of 24 hours
✔ Advanced fitness and health tracking features
✔ Strong integration with the iOS ecosystem
✔ Available in various color options
✔ Still supported by Apple with minimal updates
✔ Variety of watch faces and bands to choose from
❌ Lower resolution display compared to the Series 6
❌ Less powerful hardware
❌ Basic fall detection algorithm
❌ Basic sleep tracking feature
❌ Does not have the ECG and blood oxygen monitoring features
❌ Lacks Noise alerts feature
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Arden Mitchell, a writer who is always looking for new ways to push the limits of what's possible with my words. I believe that writing is not just about expressing oneself, but about pushing the boundaries of what's possible and exploring uncharted territories. I strive to create work that is both ambitious and thought-provoking, that challenges readers to think differently and to question their assumptions. I believe that writing has the power to change the world, and I am honored to be a part of that tradition.
Zareen Khan, a writer who is dedicated to creating innovative and thought-provoking work that pushes the boundaries of the written word. I believe that writing is not just about expressing oneself, but about challenging the status quo and pushing the limits of what's possible. I strive to create stories that are both unique and meaningful, that challenge readers to think differently and to question their assumptions. I believe that writing has the power to change the world, and I am honored to be a part of that tradition.
