Apple watch 3 vs 4 purchase

[Maruashen]

Hello!

So im thinking about upgrading my Apple Watch series 0 stainless steel 42mm from mid 2015.

Im not sure if i should get the series 3 with cellular or the series 4 with cellular.
How big impact does the new watch s4 have from day to day use compared to the s3?
How much is the extra features and display worth in money?

The price difference is follwing:

Apple Watch series 3 SS + cellular 42mm: 443$
Apple Watch series 4 SS + cellular 44mm: 965$

is the series 4 worth another +500$?

Since im coming from s0 both are a pretty good upgrade

/M

 

[ChrisChaval]

the s4 is a complete design overhaul, so you would see the most changes there

the s3 is basically a beefed up s0

right now to me, the s4's extra features would not be worth 500 bucks (in fact, I got a s3 instead)

if you can, wait and get the s4 for a reduced price when the s5 launches (which will most probably continue the design of the s4 with faster internals and additional features)

 

[StumpyBloke]

Hello!

So im thinking about upgrading my Apple Watch series 0 stainless steel 42mm from mid 2015.

Im not sure if i should get the series 3 with cellular or the series 4 with cellular.
How big impact does the new watch s4 have from day to day use compared to the s3?
How much is the extra features and display worth in money?

The price difference is follwing:

Apple Watch series 3 SS + cellular 42mm: 443$
Apple Watch series 4 SS + cellular 44mm: 965$

is the series 4 worth another +500$?

Since im coming from s0 both are a pretty good upgrade

/M

Where do you live for the Series 4 44mm with cellular to be nearly $1000? Christ on a bike I thought the United Kingdom was expensive.

 

[wwooden]

I went from a S0 to an S3 with the Series 4 came out. I was able to get one off eBay for just over $200. I couldn't justify paying over double that for the Series4. I also seem to nick and ding my Apple Watches a lot so I didn't want to stress about that too much, so spending less helps.

 

[Maruashen]

Where do you live for the Series 4 44mm with cellular to be nearly $1000? Christ on a bike I thought the United Kingdom was expensive.

Sweden, all Apple products are quite expensive here
[doublepost=1547998147][/doublepost]

the s4 is a complete design overhaul, so you would see the most changes there

the s3 is basically a beefed up s0

right now to me, the s4's extra features would not be worth 500 bucks (in fact, I got a s3 instead)

if you can, wait and get the s4 for a reduced price when the s5 launches (which will most probably continue the design of the s4 with faster internals and additional features)

Yeah true, my biggest issue with my s0 is the speed, it takes forever to load apps.

 

[44267547]

Hello!

So im thinking about upgrading my Apple Watch series 0 stainless steel 42mm from mid 2015.

Im not sure if i should get the series 3 with cellular or the series 4 with cellular.
How big impact does the new watch s4 have from day to day use compared to the s3?
How much is the extra features and display worth in money?

The price difference is follwing:

Apple Watch series 3 SS + cellular 42mm: 443$
Apple Watch series 4 SS + cellular 44mm: 965$

is the series 4 worth another +500$?

Since im coming from s0 both are a pretty good upgrade

/M

Aside from the larger display with the Series 4, it’s the first watch to offer a 64 Bit dual core processor. If you don’t upgrade often, the Series 4 architecture is designed to last longer with support for Apps and likely WatchOS updates. If you don’t upgrade often, this is something to consider.

 

[PaladinGuy]

I upgraded from my Series 3 to the Series 4 after seeing how much of a difference the bigger screen made for everything. You can see more metrics while exercising and read notifications and such much easier. Also, I have found the heart rate monitor to be slightly better, in my experience. Lastly, getting more battery life during exercise/GPS use was a big plus to me. I’d get nervous about making it to the end of the day with my series 3 after a 1 hour or more outdoor run.

I don’t really think the 64bit processor matters yet, but it mostly will soon (just like the difference between the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 5S).

 

[Newtons Apple]

The AW4 screen is so nice to look at!

 

[perezr10]

I have a stainless steel Series 4. I don’t think the bigger screen is that big of a deal. I was happy with the 42mm.

What is a bigger deal is the lack of black dead space. That just looks nicer. I would be just as happy with the 40mm or 42mm with no bezel.

To me, the Series 4 is all about looks and less about function. Outside of the slightly faster everything and EKG, it doesn’t really do much that a Series 3 can’t do. I don’t care about the future proofing cuz I upgrade every year anyway.

People are going to disagree with me but the Series 4 is more about how nice the screen looks with less bezel and having the latest design on your wrist. My office is full of guys who like to compare and scrutinize one another’s mechanical watches. Even with buying a SS Apple Watch every year I spend way less than any of them.

 

[44267547]

Outside of the slightly faster everything and EKG, it doesn’t really do much that a Series 3 can’t do.

Sort of false. The major contributor to the Series 4, is the 64 bit dual core processor, and what does that exactly mean? It means that it’s going to supportive longer for applications in terms of performance and longevity. In that respect alone, the Series 3 can’t compete with this, and will be far more limited in those aspects.

 

[nepatriot]

In the typical evolution of Apple products, there is a pattern of alternating significant upgrade followed by minor improvements, then another significant upgrade. The 4 is a significant step forward for the AW, from everything I have read. The 64 bit dual core processor means much better everyday performance, and a longer life cycle.

That means the 5 is likely to be improvements to the 4, and not a redesign. So you can probably get 2 years out of the 4, while the 3 is already outdated.

If around $400 is your price range, I'd buy a AW 44 ALU over a 3 SS any day and twice on Sunday. Unless all I want is a fitness tracker for use at the gym or running around that can play music and let me see messages etc. while I'm exercising. Then I'd consider an AW 3 ALU.

Put another way, paying more for the cosmetic features like SS and sapphire on an AW 3 is throwing good money after bad.

 

[MacModMachine]

Sort of false. The major contributor to the Series 4, is the 64 bit dual core processor, and what does that exactly mean? It means that it’s going to supportive longer for applications in terms of performance and longevity. In that respect alone, the Series 3 can’t compete with this, and will be far more limited in those aspects.

What a huge over exaggerated comment.

The s3 will be fine for years , 64bit will not make a big difference. 32bit will support applications for years to come since there is very little reason to use 64bit on a watch with 1gb ram or less.

 

[44267547]

The s3 will be fine for years , 64bit will not make a big difference.

This is inaccurate. No one said the Series 3 ‘wouldn’t be fine for years’, you just interjected that comment yourself. The longevity benefit being that the 64-bit dual-core processor is more optimized for apps long-term over the Series 3 will be able to support. Are the tangible benefits available right now? Not yet, but over the course of time with updates from developers, the Series 4 leads the way over all the other series Apple Watches with the 64-bit architecture. With the Series 4, this should be the one watch that actually see significant prolonged updates, where as the first GEN as an example, watch was discontinued with WatchOS 5.

 

[YaBe]

Sweden, all Apple products are quite expensive here
[doublepost=1547998147][/doublepost]

Yeah true, my biggest issue with my s0 is the speed, it takes forever to load apps.

Take a plane ticket for New York, buy there and come back and you still save money!

 

[Complex757]

IMO if you're going to wait another 3 or 4 years to upgrade you should get the 4

but with the prices you're listing and being that much of a difference, I would get a 3

 

[MacModMachine]

This is inaccurate. No one said the Series 3 ‘wouldn’t be fine for years’, you just interjected that comment yourself. The longevity benefit being that the 64-bit dual-core processor is more optimized for apps long-term over the Series 3 will be able to support. Are the tangible benefits available right now? Not yet, but over the course of time with updates from developers, the Series 4 leads the way over all the other series Apple Watches with the 64-bit architecture. With the Series 4, this should be the one watch that actually see significant prolonged updates, where as the first GEN as an example, watch was discontinued with WatchOS 5.

umm no....your confused, your also just interjecting comments yourself "With the Series 4, this should be the one watch that actually see significant prolonged updates,"

 

[44267547]

"With the Series 4, this should be the one watch that actually see significant prolonged updates,"

Then I would suggest politely that you actually review the capabilities/architecture of the 64-bit dual core processor. The advancements over the previous Gen, alone will make the Series 4 that much more prolonged over the course of time. So I stand by my statement.

 

[nieks]

I must agree with Relentless Power. The series 4 will be supported over a longer period of time, this might just give your Watch an extra few years because of the 64 bit architecture. One day, 32 bit will no longer be supported. That will be the day the S1, S2 and S3 will no longer receive updates.

Considering the fact that OP has an Apple Watch S0, and will probably not upgrade for another 5 years or so, I would advise to go with the Sapphire and Stainless Steel Watch S4. It will also stay prettier because of the used materials compared to the glass/alu editions, these are more receptive to dents and scratches.

Also, as you do not upgrade regularly, the progress in design would be worth the money anyway. With the series 3, you still get the 'old fashioned' rectangle screen. The S4 gives you the 30% larger, rounded screen.

Just my opinion. Good luck in your choice!

 

[QCassidy352]

At that price difference, I’d say the S3. S4 is a nice upgrade, but not for $500 more.

 

[CalmEnvy]

I'm in the same boat as I want to upgrade as well however I just found a deal through Rogers in Canada that I'm considering. The Series 4 in Canada starts at $649 for the cellular option, Series 3 is $499. However I can buy the Series 3 outright from Rogers at $329 or pay $13 a month. Considering taxes are included in the rogers pricing it's a hell of a deal. Savings would be $400 between Rogers deal and the Series 4. Just makes sense considering I don't think the differences are worth another $400.

 

[jaybar]

I vote for the series 4. From what I understand, it’s heart monitoring is improved. More importantly it has fall detection while the series 3 does not. Even younger people fall and sometimes hurts themselves badly.

I hope to be getting an AW because of its fall detection ability. Granted, I am of the age, where falling can be an issue, but as I said young people fall as well.

Lastly, as others have said, if the OP does not upgrade frequently, then this makes the rationale for the S4 more compelling.

 

[Cashmonee]

I would not pay an extra $500 for a Series 4 I don't think. That seems a steep premium unless you REALLY want the EKG.

As for longevity, I would think the limiting factor with the Apple Watch is most likely going to be battery health, not speed. So I would not get an S4 thinking it would outlast an S3. I would think they would last equally based on how many years they will be able to hold a charge for a whole day.

 

[mofunk]

I went from the Series 0 to Series 4 because of the screen size. I didn't think it was a big deal but after seeing a few Messages on it, I was sold. You can also read partial web pages too which I thought the Watch would do at the first launch. Since it was sorta modeling after the iPod nano, you would think it would have a little of the Nano and iPod Touch. I opted not to get the Series 3 because there wasn't a huge jump for me.

Coming from the Series 0 I didn't realize that the current Watches have wifi. Depending on your usage, you could go with the GPS version and save a little instead of getting a Cellular Watch. I was surprised how much battery life I have left on a daily basis. When I'm in remote areas my iPhone and watch would suffer cause the iPhone is searching for Cellular service. After a 12hrs my Series 0 would be around 30-40%. My series 4 its at 75-80% battery.