Along with the new iPhones, Apple has also updated its line of smartwatches. The third generation of Apple Watch cannot boast of radical improvements, but it pleases with additional sensors and operating modes, and also promises smoother operation thanks to the new SoC. We got to know the watch and used it in real life. This article contains all the details!
Before moving on to a description of innovations and impressions of Apple usage Watch Series 3, let's look at the current model near Apple Watch.
As we remember, the first Apple Watch came in two sizes (42 and 38 mm) and two types of materials: aluminum Apple Watch Sport with Ion-X glass and steel Apple Watch with sapphire glass. In addition to this, there was also an elite Apple Watch Edition series, but this can be ignored, since million-dollar watches are a very tiny segment.
When the manufacturer introduced the second generation of watches a year later, there was no longer a steel version, but the first generation was still on sale in all its variety. And now, with the release of the Apple Watch Series 3, it was decided not to confuse customers completely and with a strong-willed decision to limit the choice by size (42 or 38 mm), generation (Series 1 or Series 3; Series 2 watches are no longer presented in the Apple Store) and color ( silver, gold, white or dark gray Space Gray).
Alas, you can no longer buy a watch with a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, although this was a truly remarkable design decision. You can’t choose between Series 2 and Series 3. But the price of Series 1 has dropped to 18,490 rubles, so the choice strategy has become extremely simple: if you want to save money, take any version of Series 1; if you want much broader functionality, take Series 3. At the same time, plan appearance they are practically the same (except for the color and straps, of course).
Let's take a look at the specs of the Apple Watch Series 3 and compare them to the two previous generations.
| Apple Watch Series 3 | Apple Watch Series 2 | Apple Watch Series 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | rectangular, flat, AMOLED, 1.5″, 272×340 (290 ppi) / 1.65″, 312×390 (304 ppi) | ||
| Protection | from water (5 atm) | from water (5 atm) | from splashes |
| Strap | removable, leather/silicone/metal/nylon | ||
| SoC (CPU) | Apple S3, 2 cores | Apple S2, 2 cores | Apple S1P, 2 cores |
| Connection | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE (optional) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Camera | No | ||
| Microphone, speaker | There is | ||
| Compatibility | devices running iOS 8.3 and later | ||
| operating system | watchOS 4.0 | watchOS 3.0 (upgrade to watchOS 4.0 available) | |
| Battery capacity (mAh) | 279 mAh | 273 mAh | 205 mAh |
| Dimensions (mm) | 38.6×33.3×11.4 / 42.5×36.4×11.4 | 38.6×33.3×10.5 / 42.5×36.4×10.5 | |
| Weight (g) | 42 / 53 | 25 / 30 | 25 / 28 |
| Average price (38 mm)* | T-1732204347 | T-14207066 | T-14207064 |
| Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) Retail Deals* | L-1732204347-5 | ||
| Apple Watch Series 3 (42mm) Retail Deals* | L-1732204394-5 | ||
*Prices and offers are based on models with aluminum case and silicone strap
Of course, based on the specified characteristics, little can be said about the innovations of the Apple Watch Series 3, especially in comparison with the Series 2. Apple does not disclose details about single-chip systems: even the frequency of the CPU cores is not reported. We only know that all SoCs have two of them, but Series 3 has the most powerful SoC.
We cannot verify this with any tests, but traditionally the difference will be felt with the release of new versions of watchOS. For example, on the very first Apple Watch, the new watchOS 4 slows down noticeably.
As we can see, the main difference is the potential availability of a cellular version. However, we must take into account that such options are not officially sold in Russia yet, since our operators do not yet support this option in the form that is implemented by Apple (via eSIM and using the same number with the iPhone). However, I think it’s a matter of time.
We will talk about other differences in this article.
Equipment
Aluminum packaging Apple versions Watch Series 3 looks the same as the Apple Watch Series 2 and the first generation Apple Watch Sport. This is an elongated box made of thick cardboard.
The equipment of the new product is identical to that of models of previous generations: in addition to the watch itself, it includes a silicone strap (with a spare half of a smaller size - so that you can choose the optimal one for your hand), Charger 5 V 1 A, USB cable with wireless charging tablet at the end and leaflets with user information.
The charger from the new Apple Watch is fully compatible with Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 1. And vice versa. Therefore, accessories will also work - for example, a convenient docking station.
Design
In appearance, the new product does not differ from its predecessor (Series 2). This is the same aluminum rectangular case with rounded corners and edges, as well as two buttons on the right side.
One of these buttons is oblong, the other is round, and at the same time serves as a wheel that can be rotated (Digital Crown). There is a feeling that the wheel scrolls more smoothly, and button presses, on the contrary, are a little tighter. But, firstly, we cannot compare directly, and secondly, even if this is so, then this is a plus, since it should have reduced the likelihood random clicks and make the wheel easier to use.
The screen size remains the same. We had the 42 mm version, and the 38 mm version is also available for sale. On the back we see a heart rate sensor and buttons for detaching the strap. The circular area around the sensor is ceramic. On the left side are the speaker and microphone holes.
The thickness of the new product is the same as that of the Apple Watch Series 2, which is a millimeter more than the first Apple Watch and is apparently explained by enhanced moisture protection and the presence of more capacious battery. However, the watch on your hand looks no worse than the first generation model. It’s just a pity that it’s not possible to select versions from other materials, but we’ve already complained about this and won’t repeat it.
Maintaining dimensions has one important advantage: absolutely all models of all Apple generations Watch, including Series 3, is fully compatible with all available bands. Considering that some of these straps cost more than the watch itself (such as the steel block bracelet), it would simply be unfair to the people who bought them to change the way the straps are mounted on a new generation of watches.
At the same time, Apple continues to expand its range of straps. And we will talk about this in the next section of the article.
Straps 2017
Over the past six months, Apple has expanded the line several times. The latest update, timed to coincide with the release of the Apple Watch Series 3, was, as expected, the most radical, but there are a lot of interesting things among the spring-summer models. We managed to get to know them and even used some of them in everyday life.
Let's start with the most exciting new product: the nylon strap with Velcro. Apple is consistently expanding the types of clasps. Velcro fastening has been added to the magnetic clasps, classic buckle, butterfly buckle and sport strap button.
Here the strap is a continuous band without division into halves. It is attached to the watch using plastic blocks. And it is fixed on the hand, respectively, with the help of five Velcro. The advantage of this option is that you can adjust the size of the strap to your hand with maximum flexibility - down to the millimeter.
The surface of the strap itself is made of nylon threads of different colors, this creates interesting shades: for example, the photo shows a black strap, but thanks to threads of other colors (it’s difficult to even tell which ones), an unusual combination is obtained. In our opinion, this strap goes well with a sweater or any other fluffy fall-winter clothing.
Another new strap is a variation of the nylon straps. The essence is the same (fastening, clasp, combination of threads of two colors), but the arrangement of the threads itself is different, which is why the pattern turns out to be very different from what it was before.
To this is worth adding the spring-summer collection of nylon straps. They retain the old type of weaving, but change the approach to color. If previously intertwined threads of two colors formed a single color field, now there are options with multi-colored stripes. For example, Apple calls the option in the photo below “yellow pollen.”
In the meantime, we were able to appreciate three color options in everyday life: “red”, “lake blue” and “pollen yellow” (in addition to the previously described black). They fit casual clothes and suggest the presence of some bright elements in clothing. Ideally, the same shades in other clothing items.
So this is, of course, an interesting task for fashionistas. But note that the colors do not look flashy or vulgar (for example, “wild berry” is a much more universal option than any other type of pink straps). And “blue lake” is an excellent option for denim.
In addition, we note that when worn on the hand for a long time, nylon straps do not cause any unpleasant sensations. On the contrary, over time they take the shape of a hand - as if they were created especially for you. It's nice. And for those who do not plan to actively use the watch for sports, a nylon strap is a very good alternative to a silicone or Nike strap (their cost is identical - about 4,000 rubles at the time of writing).
These are, of course, summer decisions. However, they can also be relevant in the fall - you want to maintain a summer mood, even when it’s dark and slush outside.
New colors have also appeared for straps made of other materials. Moreover, along with the color, the surface texture was updated, so the straps began to feel different. A striking example is the yellow leather strap with a classic buckle.
First of all, it is actually tri-color: the outer color is yellow, the inner surface is a natural (dark beige) color, and the edges are gray. And secondly, the leather here is softer and more elastic than in the case of a brown strap and, especially, a black one (we wrote about them earlier). In addition, oddly enough, the buckle itself is different, although it cannot be said for the worse or for the better. She's just a little different.
As for the color itself, it is a little lighter and brighter than in the photos, without an orange tint. And it looks very cool - it gives you a summer mood and becomes a great accent when worn with neutral clothes.
In addition, back in the spring, regular sports straps appeared in the colors "smoky blue", "pollen yellow" and "flamingo pink", and the most widely updated line of Nike straps. “Light Violet/White”, “Purple Dust/Plum Haze”, “Orbit Blue/Gamma Blue” and “Obsidian/Black” added variety to the previously limited selection of strict shades.
Screen
The Apple Watch Series 3 screen size and resolution have not changed compared to the first and second generations. The watch is available in two display sizes: 38mm and 42mm. Accordingly, their resolution also differs: 272×340 and 312×390, respectively. We had a 42mm watch with a screen resolution of 312x390.
We conducted a detailed examination of the screen using measuring instruments. Below is the conclusion of the editor of the “Monitors” and “Projectors and TV” sections, Alexey Kudryavtsev.
The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a scratch-resistant glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface curved towards the edges. On the outer surface of the screen there is a special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating (effective, slightly better than Google Nexus 7 (2013)), therefore fingerprints are removed much easier and appear at a lower speed than in the case of ordinary glass. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are slightly better than those of the Google Nexus 7 2013 screen. For clarity, here is a photo in which a white surface is reflected when the screens are turned off:
The screen of the Apple Watch Series 3 is slightly darker (brightness according to photographs is 105 versus 113 for the Nexus 7). There is no double reflection, which indicates that there is no air gap between the layers of the screen. When displaying the white field in full screen, the maximum brightness value we recorded was about 650 cd/m² (with bright backlight on the screen), the minimum was 60 cd/m² (the first level of adjustment, office lighting).
It’s worth making a reservation here: Apple promises brightness up to 1000 cd/m², but it’s impossible to verify this, because when measuring brightness, the light sensor is partially blocked and the brightness is automatically reduced, and it’s impossible to disable this parameter. So we couldn’t confirm the numbers promised by the manufacturer, but we have no reason not to trust Apple.
As already said, automatic adjustment Brightness based on the light sensor always works. The user can only make adjustments to the operation of this function by choosing one of three levels. At any brightness level there is modulation with a frequency of 60 Hz, but its amplitude is small, so flickering is not visible. Graphs of brightness (vertical axis) versus time (horizontal axis) illustrate the above:
This screen uses an AMOLED matrix - active matrix organic light-emitting diodes. A full-color image is created using subpixels of three colors - red (R), green (G) and blue (B) in equal numbers, as confirmed by a fragment of a microphotograph:
For comparison, you can familiarize yourself with those used in mobile technology.
The spectra are typical for OLED - the primary color areas are well separated and appear as relatively narrow peaks:
However, there is also cross-mixing of components ( programmatically), so the coverage is not overly wide, but adjusted to the sRGB boundaries:
Accordingly, typical images (with sRGB coverage) on the Apple Watch screen have natural saturation. Unfortunately, color profiles are not supported (or are not transferred when copying images to the watch), so even images with wide color gamut are still displayed as sRGB. Colorful temperature white and gray fields is approximately 7350 K, and the deviation from the black body spectrum (ΔE) is 4.4-4.7 units. Color balance is good. Black is just black from any angle. It is so black that the contrast setting is not applicable in this case. When viewed perpendicularly, the uniformity of the white field is excellent. The screen has excellent viewing angles with a much smaller drop in brightness when viewed from an angle compared to LCD screens, but at higher angles the whites fade noticeably to blue. Overall, the quality of the Apple Watch screen is very high.
New opportunities
The watch comes preloaded with watchOS 4.0 operating system. You can read about its main innovations in, and what is said there is true for all generations of Apple Watch. Let us remind you that even the very first generation is compatible with the latest OS. Here we will look at those functions and features that apply only to the Apple Watch Series 3 and are not available on older models.
So, perhaps, the main innovation of the Apple Watch Series 3, not counting the LTE connection, which is not yet available to Russian users, is constant and rather in-depth monitoring of cardiac activity. As Apple rightly notes, cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death today, especially among men. Moreover, their danger is that for quite a long time a person, already being unhealthy, may not feel any discomfort and, therefore, does not take any measures to prevent a heart attack or the like.
In addition, regular medical examinations in Russia are still not established, and obtaining health certificates is nothing more than a formality. And somehow it is not customary for us to go without any complaints and have our heart checked. Therefore, the importance of constant monitoring of heart function is difficult to overestimate. It is clear that this cannot be compared with diagnostics in medical centers and using professional equipment, and it is stupid to expect that a watch will immediately give us a diagnosis (although, who knows, maybe in 10 years we will live to see that). But Apple Watch Series 3 can alert you if it notices problems with your heart rate. And even if this is a mistake, it is better to be safe.
So let's take a closer look at how this happens.
While you're wearing Apple Watch Series 3, the watch automatically measures your heart rate every few minutes. At the same time, they correlate the information received with your current activity (which, of course, is reported by other sensors - the accelerometer and gyroscope), and if you sat still for 10 minutes, but your heart rate exceeded a specified threshold (by default it is 120 beats minute), the watch will warn you.
You can view or change settings in the Watch app on iPhone by going to the “Heart Rate” section.
The watch also measures heart rate variability, which is the difference in time between two heartbeats. This figure should be small.
All your heart monitoring information is automatically exported to the Health app. There, in a visual form, you can see to what values and when your pulse rose, what the average pulse was for a certain period of time and other useful information.
In fact, among non-professional household devices, the Apple Watch Series 3 now collects and provides maximum information about the functioning of the heart. And, what is important, without any user effort. That is, you don’t have to run measurements, then do anything with the results, etc. You just wear the watch - and then see all the results in the application on your iPhone.
Another innovation of the Apple Watch Series 3 is the appearance of an altimeter. Thanks to it, the watch can measure the number of floors climbed and generally record your ascents and descents. Note that during everyday use, the same information can be collected by the iPhone - and in the Health application, the iPhone is listed as the priority source. But, for example, on a hike or when playing sports, a watch will clearly be a more convenient tool.
And the last innovation, available only on Apple Watch Series 3: Siri can now talk through the watch speaker (and the sound is quite clear and loud) or through AirPods headphones. The manufacturer claims that this became possible thanks to a new, more powerful processor. Of course, it is difficult to call this an important innovation, but in certain situations it can really be useful.
Autonomous operation
As before, we do not have the tools to test the duration with any precision. battery life Apple Watch Series 3 - only subjective impressions. But if you rely on them, it turns out that Apple really carried out great job, and three days of work without recharging is already quite a reality for her watch.
Note that the first Apple Watch, updated to watchOS 4.0, worked for us for no more than two days. So there is a positive trend. Of course, the more intensively you use the watch, the faster it will drain, but if you use the Series 3 solely for notifications and viewing the time, you can safely count on three days.
conclusions
If we talk about the version without LTE, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a rather modest update. The vast majority of innovations reported by the manufacturer are related to watchOS 4, and not to the watch itself. Therefore, if you have an Apple Watch Series 2, then there is undoubtedly no reason to update. If you are the owner of an Apple Watch Series 1, then it all depends on whether you need the innovations that we noted in Series 2, and whether the watch with watchOS 4 slows down. The very first generation (which, let us recall, was functionally identical to the Series 1, but with a twice as slow SoC) there were slowdowns and “thoughtfulness”. So if you have the very first Apple Watch, then it’s worth upgrading, but if you have Series 1, you still need to think carefully.
Perhaps, main feature Apple Watch Series 3 - serious monitoring of cardiac activity. And this is, perhaps, an important argument, especially if you are a man over 40. But the main thing is that this is a very productive signal to the entire industry and an attempt to answer the still pressing question: why do we need smartwatches at all?
Other innovations - the appearance of an altimeter and Siri voice response capabilities - can hardly be considered truly significant. But, strictly speaking, Apple does not offer to compare Series 3 and Series 2. Only Series 3 and Series 1 are now sold in the official store, so the third generation replaced the second, adopting all its features (moisture protection, GPS) and adding a few of my own. This is probably a boring situation for reviewers and tech geeks; I wish the Series 3 were a more serious step forward. But, on the other hand, we can’t help but be glad that Apple is developing not only hardware, but also software, and even owners of models of previous generations can take advantage of the innovations in watchOS 4.
From the same opera, there are new straps, of which there are many (if you count all those released after the Apple Watch Series 2). They, like the operating system, are suitable for absolutely all Apple Watch models ever released. And for this you can even forgive the lack of updating the watch design. Yes, again, a bit boring, but it is fully compatible with all existing straps. Apple is clearly trying to convey a message to doubters: buy our watches now, they will be relevant for a long time. And to make it easier for them to make such a decision, the manufacturer has lowered prices for Series 1, so that the threshold for entry into the “Apple Watch owner’s club” has become lower than ever.
Wearable gadgets entered the market relatively recently. During this time, not all manufacturers were able to achieve success in this category. But things don't seem to be that bad for Apple. Although the number of sales still remains a mystery, Tim Cook was able to boast differently - the Apple Watch overtook Rolex and took first place in the ranking of the best-selling watches. Along with this statement, it was presented, which was called Series 3. We will introduce you to it today.
The editors would like to thank the online store Stylus.ua for their assistance in organizing the review of the Apple Watch Series 3
The updated model has just gone on sale. Interestingly, the first version of the watch (Series 1) remained in the store’s assortment, but the third replaced the second. This was done, naturally, to stimulate sales of the new product, and Series 1 was left as a more affordable option. Naturally, they cannot be visually distinguished from each other. The only model that stood out was the one with the LTE module, which has a fairly noticeable red dot on its wheel.
The number of available variations of case materials and the variety of straps is not decreasing. The watch is still available in aluminum, steel and ceramic cases, and there is a strap or bracelet to suit every taste, from both Apple and third-party manufacturers.
Equipment and first impressions
Neither the packaging nor the contents have changed. We reviewed a simple Sport model without an LTE module, 42 mm in size. Inside the watch box there is a silicone strap in two sizes, induction charging and a power supply for it, which is exactly the same as the iPhone. You don't need anything else to fully use the watch.
Connecting Apple Watch to iPhone for the first time resembles activation new iPhone, next to the old one. As soon as the user turns on the watch, a nearby iPhone will offer to “pair” with it. It's quite fast and convenient. The setup itself will take about half an hour (depending on the number of compatible applications), and the entire setup and familiarization with the main functions and interface should not take more than an hour. At the same time, everything is intuitive and logical.
Design and usability
For those who are not seeing the Apple Watch for the first time (and it is probably difficult to find other people among our readers), it is obvious that the watch has not changed its design at all.
In our case, the black aluminum case looks good with a dark gray strap. The build quality and confidence in fastening the strap are still not in doubt about the device. Tactile sensations are subjectively pleasant. The watch does not interfere with the wrist, no matter what position it is in. At the same time, the thickness of the watch is quite decent, at the level of good wrist chronographs. Only the weight of our model is simpler than that of a regular watch; the Apple Watch is practically not felt on the hand.
The touch screen, as before, is complemented by two physical controls - the Digital Crown and a button, the location of which also remains the same. For user convenience, the orientation of the display can also be changed (turn it upside down) so that the watch can be worn, for example, on the right hand, while the button and wheel are still accessible under the index finger of the other hand.
The inside hasn't changed either. There is a heart rate sensor and two recessed buttons that secure the strap (by the way, it has retained its shape and is compatible with old straps and bracelets). This is also where the charger is magnetized.
The watch's water resistance (5 ATM) allows you to swim in it, including in open water, but it is not intended for diving. A couple of holes (on the left side of the case) for microphones and speakers are the only places where moisture can penetrate. The speaker can still “spit out” water. To do this, you just need to activate the the desired function, there will be a short sound signal, which, in fact, pushes out the remaining moisture. You can wear your watch in the shower, but it is not advisable for foam or soap to get on it; in this case, you should immediately rinse it with water. The same applies to salt water - after it, the watch should be rinsed in fresh water.
In general, if the user has worn a watch before, then there will not be any radically new sensations from the experience of using this watch (if we don’t talk about functionality). I've been using it since childhood wristwatch and got very used to them. I didn’t experience any discomfort from using the Apple Watch, even though I only took it off to charge it. The only thing that still causes concern is glass. Over the course of 7 years of use, one of my watches still had to be polished once (I got a small chip while playing with a dog). In the case of the Apple Watch, everything is a little more difficult to repair, and more expensive. And the watch can often catch on something or hit something. You should be more careful with them.
Display
In this section I will also have to repeat myself many times, because the screen of the third Apple models Watch hasn't changed at all. This is the same OLED matrix with a resolution of 312x390 pixels for the 42 mm version, and 272x340 pixels for the 38 mm. The aluminum model has the usual Ion-X glass, while more expensive steel and ceramic cases are accompanied by sapphire crystal.
The picture on the watch is excellent. The maximum brightness is 1000 cd/m²; in the sun the screen is easy to read, but in a dark room it can be a little blinding. The sensor performance is excellent as always, Force Touch also works as it should. Well-thought-out control methods allow you to interact with the device without problems, despite the small screen. During testing, the only thing that might not work the first time was entering the PIN code after I took off the watch (although the keys themselves are drawn larger than before). Everything else, both the picture and the controls, can only be praised.
Control, software and functionality
You will still need a free hand to interact with the watch. Some functions, of course, can be performed by the virtual assistant Siri, but in most cases you will still need to press buttons or touch the display. Using the wheel, you can scroll something up and down, as well as zoom in and out of the picture where possible (photos, screen with all applications), and pressing the wheel closes the application and can move to watch faces (double click will open the previous application ). The button is responsible for calling the list open applications. Everything else is already done using the display.
The watchOS operating system has already reached . The latest updates have not brought any major changes. We added a couple of new watch faces, including one with Siri, which shows some information that is generated depending on the user’s interests. Personally, I wouldn’t call it very interesting; regular dials suited me better.
Other improvements: the capabilities of Apple Music have been slightly upgraded; Workout app received new design and the ability to synchronize with simulators using NFC; We have improved the heart rate measurement application, which now pays attention to arrhythmia, as well as high heart rate when the user is at rest.
Otherwise, everything remained in place. What I really liked was this Latest updates Apple Maps. The roads of Kyiv, for example, have now become more detailed and the iPhone shows more up-to-date routes. At the same time, when you launch the maps application on the Apple Watch, they vibrate a little to warn you about a turn. Let it not new opportunity, but now it is more relevant for Ukrainian users. And globally, the latest updates are more focused specifically on sports and tracking the health status of the gadget owner.
Notifications, calls and eSIM
Apple Watch can become a single notification center. Personally, I liked turning off the sound on all devices and receiving notifications in the form of vibrations on my arm. If I’m in front of the computer, then I don’t have to be distracted by the clock, but the rest of the time this allows me not to grab my smartphone, but by looking at the clock to find out about a new message and so on. You can also answer a call or message from the watch (dictate something, draw letters and put together a sentence, send a ready-made answer or an emoticon).
If you could answer a call before, now you may not need a smartphone to do so. True, in our reality this is not yet available, but in the future something may change. If you purchase a model with an LTE module (and this is probably the main innovation in the Series 3), using eSIM you can stay connected even while jogging or if you go out for a cup of coffee without a smartphone. There will also be access to Apple Music, and sound can be transmitted to wireless headphones.
Operation speed
Unfortunately, we were unable to compare the operating speed directly with previous versions of the device. According to the statements of the Apple, the new watch is 70% faster than the previous one, and wireless modules consume half as much energy.
If we abstract from comparisons, the watch is really fast. But they still have to communicate with the smartphone, and this can take some time. Some applications (mostly third-party ones) may spin the loading wheel for a few extra seconds. Sometimes you also have to wait longer for Siri to respond than you would like. But now she talks, and doesn’t just write answers in text. There are also rare animation problems with some minor errors, which will certainly be corrected in future updates.
Overall, I was pleased with the performance of the watch. New Apple The Watch responds well to both controls and hand rotation gestures.
Activity tracker and health monitoring
One of the main, if not the most basic purpose, the company promotes the watch as an activity tracker. Indeed, it is difficult to come up with a more convenient gadget for sports that always stays with the user. And even if this user is not particularly athletic (like me, for example), the watch will still motivate him to get up and walk once again, plus it will help monitor his heart rate. It is worth noting that this will still not be enough for professional athletes, but for amateurs this is almost the best existing option.
There have not yet been any fundamental changes in the way of interaction, except for the redesign of the Workouts application, where you also need to set the type of exercise, after which the watch will begin to track actions more seriously. The rest of the time, the gadget reminds you to take a walk if the user sits for a long time, sometimes suggests breathing exercises and monitors the pulse. All this information is available both on the watch and on the iPhone in the Activity and Health apps.
Autonomy
Since the dimensions of the watch are still not changing, and new features are still appearing in them, the battery capacity remains approximately the same - 279 mAh. Therefore, the autonomy indicators remain the same. For those users who do not play sports, but simply receive notifications on their watches and do not often use applications, you can expect 2-3 days without charging (with constant synchronization with a smartphone, activity tracking, heart rate and sleep monitoring). But using a watch during training will reduce this figure to several hours. LTE connection, if you have one, for an hour of conversation.
Compare prices
At first, smart watches caused delight, and the Apple Watch managed to outsell even the legendary Rolex. Over time, users lost interest in them - also because they were addicted to smartphones. Reviewed updated and improved smart apple watch Watch Series 3.
Apple remains one of the few companies trying to do something new in the field of wearable gadgets. The recently released Apple Watch Series 3 offers built-in cellular connectivity and can work separately from the iPhone. Is this enough to bring smartwatches back into popularity? Let's find out.
Apple Watch Series 3 smart watch out of the box
Equipment:
- Watch Series 3.
- A pair of sports straps.
- Magnetic wireless charger.
- Adapter alternating current.
- User guide.
- Warranty card.
Gadget design
Apple Watch Series 3 is almost no different from its predecessors in terms of appearance and tactile sensations. As before, the rectangular display with rounded edges helps Apple's smartwatch stand out from the competition.
Various models available. For example, the version with aluminum frames and without LTE costs $329 (RUB 19,500), with LTE - $399 (RUB 23,500). For a stainless steel case you will have to pay at least $599 (RUR 35,000), and for a ceramic finish, about $1,399 (RUR 82,000). The diagonal is 38 or 42 mm to choose from.
Waterproof design allows Watch Series 3 dives to depths of up to 50 meters. On one side of the body there is side button and the crown. A standard set of sensors is installed to measure heart rate, and the straps can be easily replaced.
The version with the LTE module is distinguished by a red dot on the crown - this, in my opinion, looks a little out of place.
Apple smart watch display
On the 38mm model, you'll see a 1.65-inch second-generation OLED Retina display with a resolution of 272x340 pixels. The 42mm Apple Watch Series 3 differs only in its higher resolution - 312x390.
The version with an aluminum body has Ion-X glass. By choosing a stainless steel or ceramic model, you will receive more durable sapphire crystal protection.
There is practically nothing to complain about here; the Apple Watch 3 screen is of impressive quality in any conditions. It is bright, the image is clearly visible in direct sunlight - while the colors are not too saturated and do not irritate the eyes in low light.
Detail, high clarity, wide viewing angle and neutral tone - it has everything you need for good screen smart watch. In addition, Force Touch technology is supported.
Interface and functionality
With the release of Watch Series 3, the brand name has been updated software- now we have WatchOS 4. Previous Apple Watch models also switched to this operating system.
New fitness functions have been added, minor improvements have made the interface even closer to ideal. WatchOS is the most fun, sophisticated, and intuitive smartwatch platform out there, far superior to its Android competitors. While other platforms simply help you learn about new notifications, WatchOS works like a full-fledged OS.
The system itself selects goals for sports activity. In the Activity app, you can easily switch between various types tracked workouts - including interval training. There's also been an improvement to the music software, which automatically imports new Apple Music playlists.
Functionally and visually, WatchOS 4 is not much different from previous versions, but continues to delight users with improvements.
Processor and memory
The main improvement of the Apple Watch Series 3 is the new, more powerful dual-core Apple S3 chipset. The manufacturer claims that the S3 is 70% faster than the S2, although in practice this is hardly noticeable.
All Apple devices boast a system with excellent optimization, including the Watch Series 3. Scrolling is fast, Siri immediately responds to commands, nothing slows down or freezes.
The amount of internal memory has been increased to 16 GB - twice as much as the previous version.
Communications and connections
Previously, Apple Watch could also answer phone calls, send text messages and much more, but this always required an iPhone. Only after the addition of LTE and UMTS technologies did phone-independent smartwatches emerge.
A paired iPhone initially prevents you from using the Apple Watch Series 3 to make calls or send messages - to change this, you need to turn on airplane mode on the phone and go beyond the points Wi-Fi access. Only after this the cellular connection will work on the smart watch, without the mediation of the iPhone.
With some third party applications Apple Watch 3 has problems, including with Twitter and Instagram. Native applications from Apple work great with both cellular communications and connecting to an iPhone via Bluetooth.
Camera control
Apple's new smartwatch can be used to release the shutter on a connected iPhone or as a remote viewfinder.
Once you open the app, you'll see your frame composition and have access to all the features - including one-touch focusing, switching to the front camera, and enabling flash/HDR.
Multimedia
Apple Watch Series 3 allows you to control the playback of multimedia content on your iPhone - pause, rewind and adjust the sound. It’s still inconvenient to watch videos on the watch’s small screen, but it makes an excellent remote control. For music there is the Pandora application, for viewing pictures - Photos.
Call quality
The Apple Watch Series 3 comes in handy in situations where it's not convenient to use an iPhone—just keep in mind that the smartwatch isn't great for conversations due to background noise. In order for the interlocutor to hear everything clearly, you have to bring the Watch Series 3 close to you and speak loudly into the microphone. Although call quality is not the best, the availability of cellular connectivity is commendable.
Battery in Apple Watch Series 3
Apple promises that Watch Series 3 will last as long as previous models without recharging - at least 18 hours. In practice, I was convinced that under moderate load the battery would run out only after 2 days.
If you don't use cellular data too often, you won't have to charge your watch every night. The included device allows you to fully charge the Watch Series 3 in about 1.5 hours.
Bottom line
Apple Watch is by far the best-selling series of smart watches, which with the release of the third version has become even more functional. However, cellular communication on the watch is not necessary for those who constantly carry a smartphone with them. There was no noticeable increase in performance for the Apple Watch Series 3 compared to the Watch Series 2 - but the price increased to $399 (RUR 23,500).
Benefits of Apple Watch Series 3
- cellular
- Reliable OS
- Apple Support Music
Side notes about the Apple Watch series 3 combat watch, let's talk about what watch to buy this year, about accessories, about performance, about why they are needed, and about some other things. Let's fly!
Which Apple Watch should you buy in 2018?
Any current watch is worth buying - you can check its relevance on the Apple website; if it is on the list, then everything is fine. If you have a lot of money, then you can safely take the Watch Edition from white ceramics of the second generation or from gray ceramics of the third generation. If you just want to try, feel free to take sports ones made of aluminum, I just wear these and don’t break off, the material doesn’t rub, the glass doesn’t scratch, you can choose a bunch of different straps, they hold a charge just like regular ones. The main question for many is whether to buy a Cellular watch or not? The fact is that if we expect support for models, it will be closer to the end of the year or even next year - our operators must do a colossal job of updating the equipment and we can talk about this in more detail. I note that the same technology is used in the iPad - remember the Apple SIM, the most convenient thing abroad. If I were buying a watch now, I would choose a third generation model made of steel, silver, I like to wear these with a metal bracelet, but as for the Cellular, I can easily do without this option. In general, I try to wear a smart watch every other day, because the vibration on my wrist gives me a nervous tic - I want to somehow relax, a good old mechanical watch helps. And when the smart watch starts ringing when separated from the smartphone, then all hell breaks loose.
Accordingly, choosing an Apple Watch is the best and easiest way based on your budget. As a gift for a girl, for example, you can safely take the pink sports version, they look very cool, and they help in life.
Still, Cellular or regular?
Well look, main question, will the Cellular version be repaired in Russia? I called the authorized B2X service and asked a question, they say, I bought a watch with Cellular in the USA, they say it stopped turning on, what should I do? They told me that they would take the watch for examination (2-3 weeks), the warranty is worldwide, repairs are possible. This made me think about whether I should hit the floor with my hat and please myself with gray ceramics with a red button. All other things being equal, I also advise you to take the Apple Watch series 3 with Cellular, someday it will work for us.
What if I like the Nike version?
Well, just buy it, the original strap with holes is easy to replace, this watch looks cool, the headband can also be changed. The photo shows not Nike, but Hermes (yyyy).
Which size should I choose?
This question is often asked about the Apple Watch, I see that many men also choose small watches because they look quite proportional on the hand. I always advise you to take it and try on both versions, then make a decision there. But, in general, my advice is this: I advise even girls to pay attention to 42 mm watches.
Straps
I tried almost all the original Apple Watch bands except Hermes and settled on the following models. First of all, I really like the bracelet, aka Link, it looks great with a stainless steel watch, wears out over time but still looks great. Secondly, now I wear a black Milanese loop with my sports watch, an ideal bracelet for any clothes and any situations - it dries instantly, does not press, does not pull hair, is very easy to adjust, fits well and is worth the money. Thirdly, the original silicone straps are still very good and are ideal as an initial option - in second place are nylon straps with Velcro, which are also cool. But, in general, everything is very good with Apple Watch straps, rich gentlemen and ladies can buy Hermes at the Central Department Store, but we, mere mortals, can easily buy a simpler strap. The industry is rocking and there are already a lot of offers, tons of straps for one hundred, two hundred, three hundred rubles, if you don’t want to buy them, please, there are small companies that produce high-quality leather straps. For example, there are such companies in the USA, I have a desire to try products from Grovemade, Pad&Quill, Nomad (very cool), crazy Casetify straps - just awesome.
The main thing is that all this magnificence fits watches of all generations, it’s easy to change with colleagues, the straps that I got my wife for her second-generation watch are perfect for the third. In short, the straps are in perfect order, the choice is huge and you don’t need to be afraid to experiment. If I suddenly forgot about some smart straps, write to me by email [email protected], I think we might even make a video about accessories for the Apple Watch.
Performance
To be honest, only the Apple Watch series 3 is so good that there are no questions about it at all, they turn on and off quickly, they update quickly, they charge quickly and work for a long time. The maximum in my case was about three days (!), when on Friday morning we went on another trip and I returned on Sunday night. There were ten percent left, but the “watches” clung to the battery until the last. I’m already used to taking a charging cable with me and using an external battery to quickly add hours of life.
They do not sink in water, fresh or salt, and you can take a shower or sit in the bath with them, play sports or even sleep. I didn’t just put the word “tool” in the title, it really is a tool, although many perceive the gadget as some kind of image thing. Well, I don’t know what’s important about the image here - these are some smart Tag Heuers, all image. Here there are only functions - for me the most important thing is notifications, understanding whether I passed my quota today or not, the ability to answer a call without trying to frantically find a smartphone. Sometimes you wash the dishes, someone calls, runs your nose across the screen, talks, you continue to wash the dishes and calm your combed nerves. I really like the “Breathing” app, when I meditate for a minute I feel really good. I advise you to use the program too.
I don’t even know what to expect from the next watch, I can assume that the operating time will increase, the performance will improve along with the protection, they are unlikely to change the form factor, as you know, Apple tries to use a successful design for as long as possible. We are living with the series 3 until the fall and it is a very, very, very good smartwatch, in fact, the best on the market.
On September 12, 2017, Apple introduced the world to the third generation of its branded smartwatches, which received a number of innovations that allow you to use the watch on a completely different level. What's new in Apple Watch Series 3 and what can it boast?
What's new in Apple Watch Series 3?
Display
The Apple Watch Series 3 display uses second-generation OLED Retina technology. Force Touch support, resolution 312x390 pixels. The display itself is covered with sapphire glass (in models with a stainless steel and ceramic case), and in models with an aluminum case, the display is covered with Ion-X glass.
Performance
Apple has increased the performance of its Apple Watch Series 3 with an improved dual-core Apple S3 processor, which is 70% faster than the S2 processor that powered the previous generation. Also, the watch received a W2 chipset, thanks to which the speed of the gadget has increased noticeably. The chipset itself is energy efficient and saves up to 50% battery power. However, the new increased power still puts a significant strain on the battery, so you shouldn’t hope that you will charge the Apple Watch 3 less often.
Battery
The operating time of the watch remains the same as in the previous generation. Previous versions Apple Watch works in mixed mode for approximately 1 day. Apple Watch Series 3 is not far behind them, but boasts new sensors and increased operating speed. So far, Apple doesn’t want to bother too much with the autonomy of their smartwatches, and that’s bad. In the third version, it would be time to come up with something in this regard.
Sensors
Apple Watch Series 3 received GPS for tracking the distance traveled, a barometer for measuring pressure, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an ambient light sensor, a heart rate sensor, as well as a completely new “altimeter” sensor, with which the Apple Watch Series 3 can understand altitude. Now when you run, you'll also be able to track uphill and downhill runs. Also, Apple Watch Series 3 is water resistant to a depth of 50 m, like its predecessor.
Another one interesting feature Apple Watch Series 3 is an LTE module with which the watch can be a completely autonomous device, independent of the iPhone. This is because Apple Watch 3 will now be able to connect to an iPhone not via Bluetooth, but via GSM networks. However, in Ukraine and Russia cloning of SIM cards is prohibited, which corresponds to the lack of support for the eSIM standard and therefore this function in the Apple Watch 3 is of no use to us.
Video review of Apple Watch Series 3
When will Apple Watch Series 3 be released?
Apple released the Apple Watch Series 3 on September 12 along with the same presentation. Apple Watch Series 3 will go on sale in Ukraine and Russia in October 2017. But they can already be purchased on pre-order.
How much will the Apple Watch Series 3 cost?
Nothing new was expected in the prices of the new generation Apple Watch. A new version costs the same as the previous one when it first came out. And the previous one fell a little in price. Apple price Watch Series 3 in the US:
- Sport - from $369
- Steel - from $549
- Edition - 1249 bucks
Prices for Apple Watch Series 3 vary depending on the model - color, material, included straps.
Price of Apple Watch Series 3 in Ukraine:
- Sport — from 13,000 UAH
- Steel – from 18,000 UAH
- Edition — 40,000 UAH
Apple Watch Series 3 price in Russia:
- Sport - from 30,000 rub.
- Steel - from 50,000 rub.
- Edition — 120,000 rub.
This is all that Apple could please us with. The Apple Watch Series 3 smartwatch failed to surprise much. We didn’t see an enlarged display, the LTE module is useless for us because it won’t work here, the gadget doesn’t have greater autonomy, either, why buy them? If you have a second version, then change it to apple watch 3 there is no meaning at all. If you have an Apple Watch 1 or don’t have one at all, then of course it’s worth purchasing or upgrading to the third generation.
In general, I would recommend buying the Apple Watch Series 1 if you don’t currently have any watch at all and are thinking about buying one. The first generation is now wildly cheap and accessible to almost everyone. As for the first experience, they will be enough. At least you will understand what the Apple smartwatch they sent is and whether it is worth updating them in the future. And later, you can upgrade to the third version if you like the experience of using an Apple watch, or even wait.
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