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Buying my first Apple watch- go series 3 or higher?

eustachio

eustachio

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 27, 2019
38
24
I’m embracing the ecosystem step by step😀, I have an iPhone 11 and MacBook and want to purchase an Apple Watch, gps model, no need for cellular.
Mainly buying because I want to try it out, never have owned a smart watch before. Want to avail of the activity rings and for convenience of responding to messages, etc.

Is a series 3 good enough? Series 4 on sale is almost same price as series 5. Thanks!
 
I just bought my first smart watch and very pleased I waited for the AOD of S5, well worth it in my opinion.
 
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Depends on needs. The S3 is a fantastic deal for the current price if you don’t need ECG or AOD. The S4 is also a good choice if you can get it for a good price. The S5 is great if you don’t have to worry about the price.
 
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I would skip the Series 3.

I’m sure there will be great deals to be had on the Series 4 if you shop around, since it’s being discontinued. I’ve seen good deals, which makes it stand out as incredible value for money.

Have you considered the used market? Sometimes you can find brand new unopened ones. Also check the open-box items in your local Best Buy or equivalent.

If you don’t have the patience, or there really are no deals on the 4, go for the Series 5.
 
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In the same boat as OP.

Have an Apple Store gift card for $350, which would almost cover a beater S3 and a second set of beater AirPods 2, which I would use ONLY for working out so I can be wireless and dump my 7th gen iPod nano and earbuds combo.

Leaning heavily towards just getting the S3 since it will be a workout only beater and does everything I need.
 
When I went from S3 to S4 I couldn't imaging going back because of the larger screen. Same from S4 to S5 for AoD. Those features aren't important to some people. They're all great watches.
 
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Nacho98 said:
In the same boat as OP.

Have an Apple Store gift card for $350, which would almost cover a beater S3 and a second set of beater AirPods 2, which I would use ONLY for working out so I can be wireless and dump my 7th gen iPod nano and earbuds combo.

Leaning heavily towards just getting the S3 since it will be a workout only beater and does everything I need.
Click to expand...

Beater?
 
+ 1 for going series 4 or higher IF you can do it. In addition to the screen size, the processors are significantly improved which translates into faster updates and more responsiveness. Also they'll likely get updates and noteworthy features a bit longer.

If the Always On Display isn't important to you, look for Series 4.
 
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Based on my own experience I suggest you skip the S3 and try an S4 or S5. If for some reason that doesn't work out, return it. If you get the watch via Best Buy, returns are never a problem.

The first Apple watch I bought was an S3 but the screen was far too small to be genuinely useful. I was amazed at the difference from the larger 44mm screen of the S4.

The processor of the S4 is more powerful than the S3 and this is an obvious, practical improvement. The difference is important when voice recognition is used for texting, etc.

Battery life is also improved with the S4 and, I believe, with the S5 as well. I'm not a heavy user of my S4 and the watch easily goes for two or even three days between charges.

I also discovered that the S4's speaker was vastly improved over the S3. The first time I had phone call on the S4 I held the watch close to my ear, expecting the background noise of the mall would make it difficult to hear. In truth, I just about blew out my eardrums. It was easy to hear, and speak, with the S4 being held at arm's length.

I should add that the S3 is less water resistant than the S4 or S5.

Take care and best of luck.
 
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I’ve just ordered my first Apple Watch and ordered a 42mm S3 for £229

Watched a lot of YouTube videos and pound for pound it seems like the S3 at the moment, presents the best value for money.

I personally can’t justify spending anymore than what I have on a watch with realistically only a couple of years life span.

looking forward to getting it! Then when the time comes and I need to upgrade, hopefully Apple will be offering the S5 at the cheap price like the S3
 
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It depends on your budget. The series 3 is a great watch and is well worth the price!

if you can stretch a little extra I would recommend picking up a series 4 over a 5. Many retailers still have the 4 in stock discounted and there are many availableon the 2nd hand market.
 
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I had (and still do) a Series 0, which was like a slower version of the 3. Now I have a Series 5, and it's an amazing difference. If you can afford the increment, go for it. You won't regret it.

Among other things:

  • Folks have mentioned the bigger screen for the 4 and 5. Yeah.
  • The always-on display of the 5 is really nice to have.
  • Apps and updates will be available much longer for the 4 and especially the 5.
  • The 4 and 5 are faster and more fluid than the 3. The 5 has a ton more storage for music, podcasts, etc.
  • There's something about the 4 & 5's form factor that is a little less chunky and sleeker than the 3.
  • For Series 5 cell models, emergency notifications and fall detection work in almost all countries, even if the Watch is not activated on a carrier plan. As a frequent traveler, this sealed the deal for the 5 for me, versus bargains on the 4 that can still be had on Amazon, Walmart and elsewhere. More info: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT206983 and https://www.apple.com/watchos/feature-availability/#branded-international-emergency

I think you'll be glad you went with the 5.
 
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Thanks all, most people seem to recommend the 4 or 5. The 4 seems to be selling for about $350, at least that’s the best deal I can find, makes more sense at that price to just get the 5.

Any other opinions?
 
Go for an S5 aluminum model, the always on display, and bigger screen are worthwhile additions IMO. Also the S5 will likely be supported for a couple more years than the S3.
 
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