Is S4 worth $150 over S3?

[satchmo]

The 44mm is slightly too big and the 40mm feels tiny.

The ideal size is 42mm, but that only exists as a S3.

Naturally the S3 is cheaper ($150 than a 44mm), but what am I really missing out?

What is the prevailing thought about watchOS support for an S3...a couple more updates?

 

[Packers1958]

The 44mm is slightly too big and the 40mm feels tiny.

The ideal size is 42mm, but that only exists as a S3.

Naturally the S3 is cheaper ($150 than a 44mm), but what am I really missing out?

What is the prevailing thought about watchOS support for an S3...a couple more updates?

I dont know if you have a BB close to you, but here in US, BB is discounting the S4 $50, so the difference is only $100.

 

[MisterSavage]

30% bigger screen, louder speakers, ECG off the top of my head. I don't regret upgrading from a S3.

 

[satchmo]

I dont know if you have a BB close to you, but here in US, BB is discounting the S4 $50, so the difference is only $100.

Thanks. There’s a sale locally where both S4 and S3 are on sale. So the price differential is still $150.

 

[jaybar]

For me, there are several issues. The S4 has fall detection. Even young people fall.

The second issue is ECG. This may not be available to you.

The third issue is longevity. Assuming the battery holds up, S4 will be supported longer.

 

[MisterSavage]

For me, there are several issues. The S4 has fall detection. Even young people fall.

Just FYI if you've entered your age in the health app the fall detection is going to be off by default for young people but you can manually enable it.

 

[jaybar]

Just FYI if you've entered your age in the health app the fall detection is going to be off by default for young people but you can manually enable it.

Good point. Many young people think they are immune from falling and don’t think to turn it on.

 

[parseckadet]

It seems to me that when it comes to size you're favoring case size over screen size. The display on the 40mm Series 4 is actually slightly larger than that on the 42mm (759 sq mm vs. 740 sq mm). That's a perfectly reasonable choice to make, considering the screen is off most of the time, but I were making the choice myself I would constantly look at that bezel on the Series 3 as wasted space.

That of course sets aside the issue of cost. It's a trade off that only you can decide on. As for what you'll miss out on, you won't have the watch faces that make use of the extra real-estate, such as the Infograph faces and the edge-to-edge versions of the fire, water, and vapor faces (you will get the circular versions though). That's in addition to the other items others have mentioned.

 

[satchmo]

It seems to me that when it comes to size you're favoring case size over screen size. The display on the 40mm Series 4 is actually slightly larger than that on the 42mm (759 sq mm vs. 740 sq mm). That's a perfectly reasonable choice to make, considering the screen is off most of the time, but I were making the choice myself I would constantly look at that bezel on the Series 3 as wasted space.

That of course sets aside the issue of cost. It's a trade off that only you can decide on. As for what you'll miss out on, you won't have the watch faces that make use of the extra real-estate, such as the Infograph faces and the edge-to-edge versions of the fire, water, and vapor faces (you will get the circular versions though). That's in addition to the other items others have mentioned.

Perhaps. The strange thing is that the 40mm in silver or SS look fine. It's just the space grey (the one I prefer), for some strange reason, looks smaller. Perhaps it's the black slimming effect.

I'm leaning towards the AW4 primarily for longevity and suspicion that Apple will limit new features to AW4 and later.

 

[44267547]

The 44mm is slightly too big and the 40mm feels tiny.

The ideal size is 42mm, but that only exists as a S3.

Naturally the S3 is cheaper ($150 than a 44mm), but what am I really missing out?

What is the prevailing thought about watchOS support for an S3...a couple more updates?

Undoubtably the S3 will see at least two more watchOS updates, but that would not be the question I would be asking, what I would be asking and wondering personally, is how does watchOS 6 counteract with the Series 3 dual core processor when released in the fall? Because if the performance lags with watchOS 6, then that will take away any other considerations/enjoyment you would appreciate with the Series 3.

Ultimately if you’re considering longevity for support, then that would be the Series 4, but if you’re really set on having the 42 mm size with the discounted price point, then purchase the Series 3.

 

[kanselmo]

I'm using my old 38 mm series 2 right now while I wait for my 40 mm series 4 to come back from repair. The difference in the screen is really dramatic - series 4 makes WAY better use of it. With the wider bezels and all that the whole thing looks and feels a lot more "square-ish" in a way I don't like very much.

 

[ActionableMango]

I'm leaning towards the AW4 primarily for longevity and suspicion that Apple will limit new features to AW4 and later.

That is a very good instinct you have. People are stating the obvious differences, but there are significant under the hood differences like twice the storage and a switch from 32 to 64 bit.

AW4 isn't just a model year difference, it's a real next-gen.

 

[ryanscott6]

Just picked up a very slightly used 44mm S4 GPS/Cell for $325 off of Offerup. I've had my S3 since launch and I'd say the S4 is very worth the upgrade. I'm using it much more because of the bigger display. The watch faces available only for the S4 are also worth the price difference.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Just picked up a very slightly used 44mm S4 GPS/Cell for $325 off of Offerup. I've had my S3 since launch and I'd say the S4 is very worth the upgrade. I'm using it much more because of the bigger display. The watch faces available only for the S4 are also worth the price difference.

I agree. I only upgraded for the ECG feature. I waited until it became available in my country and then I bought it. However I've been so impressed with how much more usable the screen has become with the increased size. Having more complications on the new watch faces has become invaluable too.

 

[edhchoe]

faster processor and bigger screen is a nice improvement.
I want even faster processor and thinner profile on AW5.

 

[MisterSavage]

I agree. I only upgraded for the ECG feature. I waited until it became available in my country and then I bought it. However I've been so impressed with how much more usable the screen has become with the increased size. Having more complications on the new watch faces has become invaluable too.

It's crazy how much bigger the display is on a watch that didn't feel any different size-wise to me. I'm so happy with my S4.