Apple Watch Series 3 vs Apple Watch Series 6 comparison: the differences

Finally decided to treat yourself to an Apple Watch to go with youriPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini, you are faced with a major dilemma: choose the Apple Watch Series 6 or choose the Apple Watch Series 3? It is true that the price of the second is attractive... But what is it missing, in fact? You shouldn't find yourself lacking features because you wanted to save money. Follow the guide: here's what's under the hood of the Series 6 but not in the Series 3.

Two very similar designs

To begin, let's talk design. At first glance, it is true that it is quite difficult to identify any real major differences between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 3 with regard to their format. But looking closer… Both watches actually don’t offernot the same sizeof housing. We thus find either thirty-eight or forty-two millimeters for the Series 3, where the Series 6 is entitled to the same forty-two millimeters. Its largest edition, on the other hand, displays forty-four millimeters on the counter.

Note also that the Apple Watch Series 3 is only available with an entry-level aluminum body. On the contrary, the Apple Watch Series 6, decidedly more luxurious, also offers a stainless steel case.titaniumand another instainless steel. These two materials are much stronger than aluminum, which should be taken into account for the clumsiest among us.

Moreover, with the multiplicity of bracelet colors available - all of which are compatible with the Series 3 as with the Series 6 - everyone will be able to personalize them either according to their preferences.

Comparison (design): 1 point for the Apple Watch Series 6

Screen: few differences between Series 3 and Series 6

Let's now move on to the interface that you will use when using the Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch Series 3: their screen. In reality, this will not be a truly differentiating element of this comparison either. Indeed, the panels of each of these connected watches are both made of Ion-X glass and relatively small compared to a smartphone. But hey, you know it when you buy them: this is an experience on the wrist, an extra one. But enough to read notifications, whether you are on Series 3 or Series 6.

Concretely, the Apple Watch Series 3 screen displays a resolution of272 x 340 pixelsin its 38 mm version, compared to 312 x 390 in its 42 mm version. As for the Apple Watch Series 6, it displays324 x 394 pxin its 40 mm version. Which means that even the most compact Series 6 is entitled to a better quality screen than the largest Series 3. As for the 44 mm Series 6, it displays even better with 368 x 448 px.

On a daily basis, using the touch screen of the Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch Series 6 is a real pleasure. The interface is indeed responsive and fluid, with superb colors. But of course, themuch wider borders and less definition of the Series 3will tip the scales in favor of the Series 6, released three years later.

Comparison (screen): 1 point for the Apple Watch Series 6

How to write this Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch Series 3 comparison without talking about performance? It must be said: with several generations of difference, we should not necessarily expect wonders with the Series 3. It does not in fact have the same advantages inside. Indeed, with just 768 small megabytes of RAM and an Apple S3 processor, we are entitled to thestrict minimum. This is also coupled to an Apple W2 SiP, for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The Apple Watch Series 6, for its part, is counting on a technical sheet which goes well beyond that of the Apple Watch Series 3. Indeed, here, the processor is greatly improved since it is the…Apple S6, logic. The latter is also associated with a chipApple U1 (ultra-wide band)more effective for communicating at close range, as well as the Apple W3. Everything is coded this time in 64-bits, compared to 32-bits for the Apple Watch Series 3. With, finally, a gigabyte of RAM: barely more.

The battery, for its part, would holdsix o'clock, both with the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 3. This is what is confirmed over time. To conclude with the power, we can therefore say that the Series 3 certainly has weaker components on paper but is not slower for all that. Indeed, Apple has been able to reduce energy consumption and in any case we do not launch a lot of apps at the same time on a connected watch like an Apple Watch.

Comparison (performance): 1 point for the Apple Watch Series 6

More sensors on the Watch Series 6

We will now list the differences between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 3 in terms of the different sensors that are included in each of them. But first, what are the pieces found on each side? In fact, there are very many of them:

• GPS/GNSS for geolocation
• an accelerometer detecting hand movements (only Series 6 can detect falls)
• thegyroscopeto know in which direction the Apple Watch is positioned
• a Bluetooth Low Energy sensor (generation 5.0 for Series 6 versus 4.2 for Series 3)
• theheart rate monitoroptical, to measure heartbeat

Now here is what is not integratedthan in the Apple Watch Series 6, but which is missing from the Apple Watch Series 3:

• an altimeter always activated
• thecompass, to find your way without a map
• l’blood oximeter, to measure the oxygen level in the blood
• the electric heart rate monitor
• an ambient light sensor

As we can see, the Apple Watch Series 6 is entitled to much more interesting technical characteristics than the Apple Watch Series 3. For mountaineers for example, the choice will be quickly made, since the Series 3 does not include a compass or always-on altimeter. But those who are simply looking for an Apple Watch to read and respond to their notifications will probably settle for the Series 3.

Comparison (sensors): 1 point for the Apple Watch Series 6

Health: Series 6 vs Series 3

You probably guessed it: with more sensors, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a much better asset for monitoring your health than the Apple Watch Series 3. And you were right. Starting with its ability to monitor the oxygen level in the blood in real time and over time, which can help signal potential serious respiratory pathologies. It is therefore not just a simple gadget, especially when we know that intensive care units often use this data.

There is also theapp ECGwhich is available on the Apple Watch Series 6 but not on the Apple Watch Series 3. This analyzes the rhythm of your heart and can then alert you of atrial fibrillation, in other words irregular beats. Apple then advises going to a doctor to carry out additional examinations.

But that's not all in terms of differences in health monitoring, since the Apple Watch Series 6 is also the only one to detect falls. For our elders, this is a major feature, which can thencall for help automaticallyif the bearer does not respond. We quite often relay stories of accidents where the victim was able to be saved in this way. Which would not have been possible with a simple Apple Watch Series 3.

Fortunately, the Apple Watch Series 3 still allows you to be warned in the event of an arrhythmia, even without the ECG app associated with the Series 6. It is, moreover, also capable of measuring the frequency heart rate on the fly.

Comparison (health): 1 point for the Apple Watch Series 6

Play sports with Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 6

Let's get down to business now. Let's say you're ready to get out of the house to exercise. But which ones are compatible withl’Apple Watch Series 6and with the Apple Watch Series 3? Well good news: there is nono differenceabout it ! Indeed, both watches will be suitable for swimming as well as outdoor running.

Since the update to watchOS 7, we can also measure the efforts made while dancing or exercising. But the Fitness App workouts go even further, also including functional strengthening and recovery sessions. This is not to mention other activities such as cycling, rowing, walking (outdoors or indoors, your choice), elliptical, step, interval training, hiking and even yoga!

Comparison (sport): 1 point for the Apple Watch Series 6 and 1 point for the Apple Watch Series 3

Prix

Before finishing our Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch Series 3 comparison, let's take a look at the price of our two competitors. This is where everything will play out for small purses, sincethe Apple Watch Series 3 is sold from… 219 eurosonly ! This is its price in the 38 mm version, to which we must however add thirty euros for the edition with a 42 mm case. Let us also point out that regardless of the color chosen (white or silver for the shell), the price remains the same here.

With the Apple Watch Series 6, on the other hand, we achieve much more impressive figures: hang in there. It actually begins to429 euros for a Series 6 without LTE chip, against a hundred euros more (i.e. 529 euros) for the GPS + Cellular version. Half the price of an iPhone! We're not laughing anymore. Especially if you add to this the amount to pay for the different options and accessories, which can then increase the price to more than 1,000 euros.

For example, a 44mm Apple Watch Series 6 Hermès with a leather strap and a stainless steel body will ask you to pay no less than…1 379 euros! It stings. Another example with an Apple Watch Series 6 equipped with a titanium case, with a leather strap: count 929 euros on the counter.

Comparison (price): 1 point for the Apple Watch Series 3

Conclusion: the Apple Watch Series 3, a good alternative

We have finally come to the end of our comparison between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 3. So, what can we learn from it? First of all thatthe Apple Watch Series 6 is undoubtedly the best connected watchof this duel, and even all Apple Watches combined. It is in fact more powerful, larger, and offers more options in terms of customization. Furthermore, given that it dates from 2020, it will be supported longer by Apple.

Nothing is less certain, however, as to the updates to which the Apple Watch Series 3 will be entitled. In fact, the latter already dates from 2017, and is only delivered in two editions which seem announce that his end is near. However, it is a serious option for those who wishsave: it is also powered bywatchOS 7, and is compatible with the same iPhone models (except the Series 3, which is not eligible for the iPhone 6s).

Comparison (total score): 6 points for the Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch Series 3 at 2 points