Apple Watch 5 vs 3: Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the Apple Watch Series 5 and the Apple Watch Series 3? You’re not alone. Both smartwatches offer a compelling blend of features, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your lifestyle.
The Apple Watch has become a staple for many, seamlessly integrating into daily routines. From fitness tracking to staying connected, the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 both deliver on these promises. However, the advancements in the Series 5 are noticeable.
We’ll delve into the display, performance, health features, and overall value of both smartwatches. This comprehensive comparison of the Apple Watch 5 vs 3 will equip you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Get ready to find out which Apple Watch is the perfect fit for you!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AW5 | AW3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina Display | Retina Display |
| Processor | S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor | S3 SiP with dual-core processor |
| Storage | 32GB | 8GB/16GB |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular | Optional | Optional |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Electrical and Optical Heart Sensors | Optical Heart Sensor |
| ECG App | Yes | No |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | No |
| Speaker | Louder speaker | Standard speaker |
| Water Resistance | Swimproof | Swimproof |
| Operating System | watchOS 6 (upgradable) | watchOS 6 (upgradable) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Always-On Retina Display
- Apple Watch 5: Features an always-on display, allowing you to see the time and complications at a glance without raising your wrist. This provides a more convenient and natural experience. However, it slightly impacts battery life.
- 3: Does not have an always-on display; the screen remains off until you raise your wrist or tap the screen. This conserves battery life but requires a more active interaction to view information.
- Winner: 5
Processor
- Apple Watch 5: Equipped with the S5 SiP (System in Package), offering significantly faster performance and smoother animations compared to its predecessor. This results in a more responsive user experience.
- 3: Uses the S3 SiP, which is noticeably slower than the S5. Apps may take longer to load and animations may appear less fluid.
- Winner: 5
Storage
- Apple Watch 5: Comes with 32GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, music, and photos. This allows for a more robust and versatile user experience.
- 3: Offers 8GB or 16GB of storage, depending on the model. This is sufficient for basic use, but users may need to manage storage more carefully.
- Winner: 5
GPS & Cellular Options
- Apple Watch 5: Available in both GPS and GPS + Cellular models, offering location tracking and the ability to make calls and send texts without an iPhone nearby.
- 3: Available in both GPS and GPS + Cellular models, offering location tracking and the ability to make calls and send texts without an iPhone nearby.
- Winner: Tie
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Apple Watch 5: Includes an ECG app that can record an electrocardiogram, providing valuable insights into heart health. This is a significant health-focused feature.
- 3: Does not have ECG functionality.
- Winner: 5
Fall Detection
- Apple Watch 5: Features advanced fall detection that can automatically call for help if a hard fall is detected. This adds a layer of safety and security.
- 3: Includes fall detection, offering a similar safety feature, although the detection algorithms may be slightly less refined compared to later models.
- Winner: Tie
Compass
- Apple Watch 5: Integrates a built-in compass, providing more accurate direction and elevation information, which is useful for outdoor activities.
- 3: Does not have a built-in compass.
- Winner: 5
Battery Life
- Apple Watch 5: Offers up to 18 hours of battery life, with the always-on display impacting battery performance. Real-world usage may vary depending on usage patterns.
- 3: Also offers up to 18 hours of battery life, similar to the Apple Watch 5. However, this may be affected by the age of the battery and usage.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Apple Watch 5 |
| Processor | Apple Watch 5 |
| Storage | Apple Watch 5 |
| Heart Rate Sensors | Apple Watch 5 |
| ECG App | Apple Watch 5 |
| Compass | Apple Watch 5 |
| Fall Detection | Tie |
| Value | Apple Watch 3 |
| Overall Experience | Apple Watch 5 |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 are swimproof, making them suitable for tracking your workouts in the pool or open water. You can confidently wear either watch while swimming.
- Gps: Both watches include GPS, allowing you to track your outdoor workouts, like running or cycling, without needing your iPhone nearby. This provides accurate distance and pace information.
- Heart Rate Tracking: Both models monitor your heart rate throughout the day, providing valuable insights into your activity levels and overall health. They both offer heart rate monitoring.
- Fall Detection: Both watches include fall detection, which can automatically detect hard falls and alert emergency services if you are unresponsive. This is a crucial safety feature.
- Activity Tracking: Both watches track your daily activity, including steps taken, calories burned, and active minutes, motivating you to stay active. They both offer the same activity rings.
Apple Watch 5 Vs 3 Buying Guide
Performance and Speed
The Apple Watch Series 5 boasts a significantly faster S5 SiP (System in Package) compared to the S3 SiP in the Apple Watch Series 3. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother animations, and a more responsive overall user experience. The Series 5’s processor handles multitasking more efficiently, allowing for seamless switching between apps. While the Series 3 remains functional, the performance difference is noticeable, especially for power users and those who value speed and responsiveness in their wearables. The Series 5 has a clear advantage.
Display Technology
A major advancement in the Apple Watch Series 5 is the Always-On Retina display. This allows you to view the watch face and complications at a glance without raising your wrist or tapping the screen. The Series 3 lacks this feature, requiring you to actively wake the display. The Always-On display enhances convenience and usability, particularly for checking the time or notifications discreetly. The Series 5’s display offers a richer, more immersive experience. The Series 3’s display is still bright and clear, but lacks the always-on functionality.
Health and Fitness Features
Both watches offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and workout modes. However, the Apple Watch Series 5 includes additional features, such as an electrical heart sensor (ECG) for taking electrocardiograms and fall detection. These features provide advanced health insights and can potentially alert emergency services in the event of a fall. The Series 3 provides core fitness tracking, but the Series 5 offers more advanced health features for a more comprehensive health monitoring experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 share a similar design aesthetic, but the Series 5 offers more material options, including titanium and ceramic. Both watches are water-resistant and feature a durable build. The Series 5 generally feels more premium due to the availability of higher-end materials. The Series 3, while still well-built, is typically available in aluminum. Both watches offer a comfortable and stylish design, but the Series 5 provides slightly enhanced aesthetics and material choices, offering greater personalization.
Battery Life
Both the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 are designed to last a full day on a single charge with typical usage. However, the Always-On display on the Series 5 can impact battery life, especially when the watch face is continuously active. The Series 3, without the Always-On display, might have a slight edge in battery longevity under certain conditions. Battery life can vary depending on usage patterns, such as GPS usage during workouts. Overall, both watches offer acceptable battery performance for daily use.
Connectivity and Storage
The Apple Watch Series 5 offers enhanced connectivity options, including faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also comes with more storage capacity compared to the Series 3, allowing you to store more music, photos, and apps directly on the watch. The increased storage is beneficial for users who prefer to leave their phone behind during workouts or other activities. While the Series 3 still provides adequate connectivity, the Series 5 offers a more modern and efficient experience, particularly when it comes to speed and data transfer.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Apple Watch 5 If…
- You want the latest features, including an always-on display.
- You value the convenience of the ECG app and the compass.
- You want a faster processor for smoother performance.
- You want more storage space for apps and music.
Buy Apple Watch 3 If…
- You’re on a budget and want a more affordable Apple Watch.
- You don’t need the always-on display or the latest health features.
- You are new to Apple Watch and want to try it out.
- You’re primarily interested in basic fitness tracking and notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3?
The most significant difference is the Always-On Retina display, exclusive to the Series 5. This allows you to see the watch face at all times. Also, the Series 5 features a faster processor, advanced health features such as ECG, and improved storage and connectivity. The Series 3 lacks these advanced features but offers a more basic and still functional experience.
Does the Apple Watch Series 5 have better performance than the Series 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 has a noticeably faster S5 processor compared to the S3 in the Series 3. This results in quicker app loading times, smoother animations, and a more responsive overall experience. The Series 5 is better at multitasking and overall faster than the Series 3.
Does the Apple Watch Series 3 support fall detection?
No, fall detection is a feature exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 4 and later models, including the Series 5. This feature can detect hard falls and alert emergency services. The Series 3 lacks this capability, which is a major health and safety advantage of the Series 5.
Are the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 waterproof?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 are water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water activities. This allows users to track their swims and wear their watches in the shower. However, they are not designed for high-velocity water sports.
What are the storage options for the Apple Watch Series 5 and 3?
The Apple Watch Series 5 generally offers more storage capacity than the Series 3. This allows users to store more music, photos, and apps directly on the watch. This is a crucial advantage for users who enjoy having their music and apps readily available on their wrist. The Series 5 provides more space for your digital life.
Does the Apple Watch Series 5 have cellular connectivity?
Both the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 are available in cellular and non-cellular versions. The cellular models allow you to make calls, send texts, and stream music without your iPhone nearby, provided you have a cellular plan. This adds a level of independence for those who want to stay connected on the go.
Which Apple Watch is better for health tracking?
The Apple Watch Series 5 is better for health tracking due to the addition of an ECG sensor, which allows users to take electrocardiograms to monitor heart health. The Series 5 offers more advanced health features and greater insights into your overall well-being. The Series 3 still offers core health tracking functionalities.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 5 offers significant upgrades over the Series 3, including the Always-On display, a faster processor, and advanced health features. While the Series 3 remains a capable smartwatch at a lower price point, the enhanced performance and features of the Series 5 make it the superior choice for most users. The Series 5 provides a more modern, responsive, and feature-rich experience.
Winner: Apple Watch 5