Apple Watch 3 vs 5: The Ultimate 2024 Buyer’s Guide

Apple smartwatches like Apple Watch 3 vs 5 have long been the benchmarks of functionality, design and integration with iOS ecosystem in the fast-paced world of wearable technology. The releases of various models yearly, older options still available on the market at a reduced cost, provide the consumer with agonizing choice of whether to pay less money and settle with an old model or pay more and experience the latest technology. This is the exact dilemma that arises when comparing the Apple Watch 3 vs 5. The Series 3 no longer enjoys the luxury of being a best-seller as it has become an affordable entry-level product to the Apple Watch world. The Series 5 is a couple of generations old on its own, but a tremendous step forward by all standards of today. This guide aims to slice through the smoke and with clear, detailed comparison make a decision that you feel is informed and able to help you choose. We will not just look at the specs sheets but look into real-life experiences of living with each device day-to-day, whether performance, battery life, health features, and beyond. Regardless of whether you are an active person or an IT-savvy professional, or simply want to have basic health tracking, it is important to know the key differences between these two models in order to be sure that you are purchasing the product that will meet your needs and fit your budget.

Key Takeaways:

• The Apple Watch 3 vs 5 has an absolutely enhanced and always-on display and an upgraded and faster processing which futureproofs your watch.
• The Series 3 does not have health-related features such as ECG application and fall detection which can be found with the Series 5.
• Although the Series 3 comes at a lower price, Series 5 would be better valued and would have a more advanced user experience at a little higher price.

Important Differences at a Glance: Screen and Design

The most immediate and noticeable difference between the Apple Watch 3 vs 5 is the screen. The Series 3 has a thick bezeled non always on Retina display. You need to raise your wrist or tap the screen to view the time or your watch face. This may prove to be cumbersome during meetings or when typing or working out when your wrist is not elevated. The bezels (the black border around the screen) are significantly larger, making the display area feel smaller and more dated.

Sharply contrasting, the Apple Watch 3 vs 5 comes with Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display. It is a game-changer. The screen is always on and at a low brightness level, thus, allowing you to lean over and see the time or your complications without turning your arm. The bezels are also substantially thinner and provide up to 30 per cent more screen space than the Series 3 despite the cases being similar in size. This makes it all more contemporary, immersive and interactive. Always on display is not necessarily a luxury, it plays a crucial role in the utility of the watch that is a true watch replacement rather than a distinctly woken up device.

Speed and Longevity: Performance and Hardware Perhaps what is most foundational to any remaining-control consideration is the area of performance and hardware; that is, the question of speed and longevity.

What is telling us that the performance difference between the two models is immense, which also has real-life mileage implications, as noticed under the hood. The Apple Watch Series 3 is powered by the S3 system-in-package (SiP), a dual-core processor that was capable in its day but now shows its age. The interface created to navigate watchOS is clumsy, applications load more slowly, and software updates are becoming quite a burden on the older hardware. As a matter of fact, Apple has already stopped selling Apple Watch 3 vs 5 and it does not support the latest watchOS versions, which implies that new features and security updates are not going to be introduced.

The Series 5, in its turn, has apple watch 3 vs 5 SiP that consists of a dual-core processor of 64-bit. Although not the most recent chip, it is much faster and efficient as compared to S3. The apple watch 3 vs 5 is reported to be up to two times faster than S3, according to the existing performance benchmarks and the user reports. This also means smoother animations, faster app launches, and overall speedy performance. Furthermore, the Series 5 includes a compass and built-in 32GB of storage (compared to the Series 3’s 8GB or 16GB), which is essential for storing music, podcasts, and apps directly on the watch. It is this hardware superiority that makes it more likely that the apple watch 3 vs 5 will be supported longer than the Series 3, probably years.

Health and Safety Features: A significant Separator

Health tracking is the main motive in purchasing an Apple Watch 3 vs 5 by many users. This is where the comparison between the Apple Watch 3 vs 5 becomes most critical, as the feature gap is substantial.

The apple watch 3 vs 5 is based on the basics:

• Cardiac pulse tracking
• A combo creativity makes it possible and healthy to use the GPS to track outdoor workouts
• Swimming water resistance

But, Series 5 comes with a range of life-saving and next-gen health feature that Series 3 lacks entirely:

Electrical Heart Sensor (ECG App): This allows you to take an electrocardiogram similar to a single-lead ECG. It can help identify signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a serious heart condition. This is an FDA-cleared feature and has been cited by users to have helped them sound early alerts.

Fall Detection: This new model utilises a refined accelerometer and gyroscope to notify in case of a heavy fall. After about one minute of remaining immobile, it will automatically place a call to emergency services and send a message to your emergency contacts.

Noise App: This is an add-on that lets you know when the decibel level in your surroundings gets to the potentially damaging point.

Given that the Series 5 has these features, it is a more responsible option and a better one in case of older adults or another person with a health-related issue.

Battery Life, Value Proposition: What is More?

A common question in the Apple Watch 3 vs 5 debate is about battery life. Interestingly, however, both models are rated by Apple to achieve all-day battery life, perhaps up to 18 hours. In practice, both devices can easily have a full day of day-in-day-out use, i.e., checking notifications, tracking a workout, using apps, until bedtime. There is a slight effect, though, which the always-on display is smartly controlled, and the majority of users still comfortably get a full day of use. The Series 3 occasionally has a longer battery life because of its relatively simple display and the slower processor but this is not the main distinction.

Value is a true differentiator. Although the Series 3 is very cheap in secondhand market, it has a poor value. You are purchasing obsolete technology that lacks important safety features, is slow and has a poor user experience, and is no longer in the course of software updates. The Series 5 may be more expensive up front but it will give a lot of value. You get a contemporary, shut-off-display screen, a speedy and future-proofed chip, fundamental health and safety features such as ECG and Fall Detection and extra storage. The difference between an Apple Watch 3 vs 5 may not seem like much at first, but once you put a Apple Watch 3 vs 5 on year after year after year, paying a slight premium at purchase is well worth the extra money.

Apple Watch Series 3 vs Series 5: feature comparison table

Buy Apple Watch Series 3 when:

• Your funding is very tight and the Series 5 is way out of reach.
• You just want something to get basic notifications and tracking on during excercises and your heart rate.
• You know and acknowledge that you are purchasing an out of date technology with no future software support.
• We recommend comparing the Apple Watch 3 vs 5, and who should use it:
• Virtually everybody other. The enhanced experience is worth the increment of money charged
• Customers who appreciate such health benefits as the ECG app and Fall Detection.
• Anyone who desires the experience of an always-on modern display and a responsive interface.
• Customers are interested in the software support of their device in the following years.

Conclusion

The choice between the Apple Watch 3 vs 5 is a choice between the past and the recent present of wearable technology. Series 3 has served the purpose but it is already an outdated item due to its low-end hardware, absence of the important health features, and the cutting edge software support. The Series 5 is more than a few years old and yet still is a very capable and up-to-date smartwatch. Its constant-on display, speedy performance, and all-out health monitoring capabilities such as ECG and Fall Detection make it a gadget that continues to be a pleasure to use today and the years to come. Although the entry price can be much more tempting, there is much more value and a much better user experience offered by the Series 5. The Apple Watch Series 5 is the definite winner in this comparison as anyone who is serious about the idea of finally integrating a smartwatch in their everyday lives, as a means of alerting them to health, safety and convenience concerns, should consider them. To replace a Series 5, purchase a refurbished or secondhand model with excellent condition to acquire a good value, and a good investment.

Now, apple watch 3 vs 5?

FAQs

Is Apple Watch 3 vs 5 worth buying in 2024?

Yes, the Series 5 is still a great purchase, as it has an always-on display, faster chip (S5) and other must-have health features (ECG and fall detection) missing on the Series 3.

Can the Series 3 work with the newest version of watchOS?

A: No, the Apple Watch Series 3 does not support the latest versions of watchOS (like watchOS 10) and will not receive any future software updates, leaving it behind on features and security.

Q3: Does the Series 5 have better battery life compared to the Series 3?

They are both rated at 18hrs, although in practice the Series 3 can last a little longer. Nonetheless, the battery life of the Series 5 is also enough to last the entire day and the difference would be immaterial to most users.

Q4 Does the Series 5 have a difference in the heart rate monitor when compared to the Series 3?

Both have optical heart sensors to monitor heart rate basic purposes. The significant contrast is the Series 5 has an extra Electrical Heart Sensor that supports an FDA-authorized ECG application.

Q5 Why should someone buy a Apple Watch 3 vs 5?

The compelling blend of the always-on display and the importantly sped-up efficiency makes the Series 5 a far more modern and usable device daily, even beyond the state-of-art health characteristics.