Comparison and differences: Apple Watch Series 3 vs Apple Watch Series 5

If you ownan iPhone 11 or an iPhone 11 Proand you are looking for theconnected watchideal, your choice will surely fall on the Apple Watch. And for good reason: not only is it the best-selling in the world (even taking into account classic watches!) since its release, but above all it is particularly well optimized to work with iOS, because it was designed by the same manufacturer for whom synchronization between your devices is a priority.

Currently, there are two versions available: the Apple Watch Series 3 on one side, and the Apple Watch Series 5 on the other. At first glance, they are very similar: their external appearance as well as their technical sheet are difficult to differentiate if you do not focus on the details. But precisely, by looking at the characteristics of each of these products, we realize that each is not necessarily intended for the same audience. Here is our complete guide to find outwhich Apple Watch to choose:Series 3 vs Series 5.

Design

The Apple Watch, above all, being an object that is worn on the wrist, will be in plain sight unlike your smartphone which remains in your pocket most of the time. Therefore, many attach importance to their Series 3 or Series 5 having a neat exterior appearance. This is why Apple offers several design combinations when purchasing, the options not being the same depending on the Apple Watch chosen. You can even call on aconfiguratordedicated on the brand's website, calledApple Watch Studio.

The Apple Watch Series 3, for example, is only available with aaluminum housing100% recycled, and in two colors: space gray or silver. The Apple Watch Series 5, on the other hand, can be made of several different materials, choosing between aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic or titanium. It is also announced as 11% thinner and is entitled to a much larger catalog of colors, including gold, space black and white. In short, the Apple Watch Series 5 offers many more customization choices while the Series 3 is quite limited.

Comparison (design):Apple Watch Series 5>Apple Watch Series 3

Which of the Apple Watch Series 3 or Series 5 has the better screen?

Another notable difference between the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Apple Watch Series 5: the screen. If both do indeed use Retina technology (OLED) and Force Touch, they are quite different for the rest, starting with the size of their diagonal. In fact, the Series 3 is available intwo sizes: 312 x 390 pixels for the first and 262 x 340 px for the second. It's small, but relatively sufficient for a wearable and similar in size to classic watch faces.

The Apple Watch, Series 5, for its part, benefits from a larger panel: 368 x 448 pixels maximum, or 324 x 394 for its most compact version. Also with a luminance of 1,000 nits, this one is alsopermanently lit.

Comparison (screen):Apple Watch Series 5>Apple Watch Series 3

Integrated components

More recent, the Apple Watch Series 5 is better provided in terms of technical sheet than its counterpart released in 2017. One of the major differences between the two devices is in particular the processor which powers them: this is 'a dual-core S3 chip in the Series 3 versus an S5 with 64-bit architecture, approximatelytwice as powerful, in the Series 5. On a daily basis, you will not see a real difference, but it is still an advance to take into account in a comparison.

On the other hand, you should know that if the Apple Watch Series 3 is equipped with aheart rate monitoroptics and a GPS, its big sister does a little better. The Apple Watch Series 5 thus offers an electrical heart rate sensor capable of performing electrocardiograms, a compass and also integrates haptic feedback in its Digital Crown (the button located on the edge of the Watch). Finally, its speaker is 50% more powerful than that of the Series 3 and Bluetooth is delivered in its 5.0 (Low Energy) generation compared to 4.2 on the cheapest watch.

Comparison (components):Apple Watch Series 5>Apple Watch Series 3

As you have probably already understood by reading this comparison, the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 are real everyday allies for staying in shape. Thanks to the Fitness application, the two watches are able to monitor the activity of manysportsdifferent such as boxing, cycling, swimming (the Watches are water resistant) or even dancing and running. A dedicated widget then presents the data collected in the form of rings, even inviting you to get up as often as possible. Moreover,with watchOS 7, the latest version of the software presented in 2020, the accelerometer helps you wash your hands correctly by warning you if you do it for less than thirty seconds.

While the ECG app is the main difference between Series 3 and Series 5, the health options are otherwise similar. We are thus entitled tosleep tracking, notifications in case of too low or too high heart rate and emergency calls. The Apple Watch Series 5, on the other hand, is the only one that candetect fallssevere and then automatically notify emergency services, which has earned it the reputation of having saved lives several times. So it will be a perfect gift for your elders.

Comparison (health):Apple Watch Series 5>Apple Watch Series 3

Other features of the Apple Watch S3 and S5

Apple Watches, whether Series 3 or Series 5, are not just connected watches dedicated to health: they also serve as a true companion to the iPhone. Thanks to their4G compatibility, you can make calls directly from your wrist without even taking your cell phone with you: this is, for example, very practical if you are going to do sports and plan to move around a lot. Likewise, the majority of notifications received on the phone can also be read with the watch.

The Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 also offerinteract with these notifications: you can therefore respond to a message on Facebook or even like a post directly from the watch. Compatible applications are numerous and number in the thousands, from the most popular like WhatsApp to the most practical like Reminders and Calendar. In fact, it has even become rare not to find a compatible service, which generally creates demand when users ask for it.

Comparison (features):Apple Watch Series 5=Apple Watch Series 3

Conclusion: Apple Watch Series 5 is the best

So, are you more of an Apple Watch Series 5 or Apple Watch Series 3? It must be said;the differences between the two are slim. But our comparison nevertheless proves that the Series 5, which dates from 2019, is ahead of the Series 3. Its design is in fact much more customizable, and its heart rate monitor is of better quality allowing the recording of an ECG. Certainly, inside the software is the same and itsprixmore excessive (449 euros compared to 229 euros) will put off more than one buyer, but the Apple Watch Series 5 is indeed the best smart watch of the moment.

However, if you have a small budget, the experience still remains of good quality with theSeries 3: find our table of the best prices for each model below.