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Is the stainless edition really a lot better?

TH55 said:
What is so much better about the S4 over the S3 besides the screen size?
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Screen size, screen resolution and pixel density. But if you don't care at all about those things (even though they have a dramatic affect on how you use the watch) there's also the processor speed (it's literally twice as fast), the improved range and speed of Bluetooth 5.0 (as opposed to the S3's BT4.2), the much louder speaker and the haptic feedback for the Digital Crown. Honestly though, the screen is why I upgraded from a 42mm SS (S3) to a 44mm SS, S4.
 
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TH55 said:
Just shattered my series 2 aluminum 42mm, debating replacing with the stainless model. I have someone offering me a series 3 stainless for $350. I'm just worried it will feel more heavy than the aluminum model I'm used to, is this the case or does it feel nicer?
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The Series 3 Stainless is 40% heavier over the aluminum model. However, the stainless offers the sapphire protection, which I find critical for the display. That said, Series 3 and Series 2 are fairly similar, but the Series 4 is a huge step forward with the larger display, reduced bezels, tweaked display and casing, and of course the health sensors. It really is what you would appreciate when you decide to upgrade.
 
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mavis said:
Screen size, screen resolution and pixel density. But if you don't care at all about those things (even though they have a dramatic affect on how you use the watch) there's also the processor speed (it's literally twice as fast), the improved range and speed of Bluetooth 5.0 (as opposed to the S3's BT4.2), the much louder speaker and the haptic feedback for the Digital Crown. Honestly though, the screen is why I upgraded from a 42mm SS (S3) to a 44mm SS, S4.
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Cool, think I'll get it. Does it look similar enough to the original 3 that it still looks sharp?
 
The weight difference between aluminum and stainless is negligible.
Noticeable holding the watch in your hand, but not on your wrist. The difference is 9.7 to 11.2g - 0.34-0.4 oz.
 
macduke said:
Well, here is a full list of all improvements, from what I can tell:
  • 40mm display is 35% larger than 38mm, 44mm display is 32% larger than 42mm
  • 1GB RAM vs 768MB for better multitasking
  • First 64-bit processor in an Apple Watch with twice the performance for better future proofing
  • Two new infographic watch faces for more information at a glance
  • The fire/water/liquid metal faces look better, IMO, on Series 4 because they go edge to edge
  • 50% louder speaker
  • Microphone moved to the right for better call quality
  • Built-in ECG (coming soon after final FDA approval)
  • Now notifies you of abnormally low heart rates and atrial fibrillation, potentially warning you of an impending heart attack or other cardiological problems
  • The new crown is a lot smoother in rotation and has haptic feedback. It's one of those weird things you have to try yourself to understand.
  • Fall detection with improved accelerometer and improved gyroscope
  • Improved LTE antenna that works through case bottom now in addition to top for better signal strength
  • W3 chip and bluetooth 5.0 for faster/further data transmission to iPhone 8/X or newer, which also have 5.0. I suspect that the new AirPods will have a W3 chip in addition to the wireless charging case, which may extend their range and battery life.
  • 16GB capacity standard (only on cellular Series 3 or better)
  • Ceramic and sapphire back standard (only on SS previously), which has more of a premium feel and I believe is necessary for the ECG
  • Gold colorway on SS model for the first time
  • It's ~6% thinner, though slightly larger in width and height, equaling the same volume as Series 3.
So you have to see if any of those features/preferences are worth it for you to spend a little more to upgrade to the Series 4. Having just come from a Series 0, I can tell you that the display makes it all worth it. If I already had a perfectly good working Series 3 I'd have not upgraded and waited a year, but if I was forced to upgrade then it would be a no brainer for me. You also have to take into consideration how long you expect to own this watch and software updates, etc, which don't seem like they last quite as long as the iPhone does nowadays. Just look at the 5S and how it has been getting longer updates since it's a 64-bit processor, and the Series 4 now has a 64-bit processor. Furthermore, having a fresh battery from a non-used device is also a nice bonus.

Anyway, hopefully this helps you come to a conclusion about which watch you should purchase.
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And what is uniquely SS...since that is the theme of this thread.
 
TH55 said:
Cool, think I'll get it. Does it look similar enough to the original 3 that it still looks sharp?
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Series 4's screen is even sharper than the previous watches' screens! Dot pitch is increased, which means fine details will be better defined and more readable to the eye.
 
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TH55 said:
Just shattered my series 2 aluminum 42mm, debating replacing with the stainless model. I have someone offering me a series 3 stainless for $350. I'm just worried it will feel more heavy than the aluminum model I'm used to, is this the case or does it feel nicer?
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You can't spend the extra $50 for the new S4?
 
The glass quality really is different. Not only will it hold up better on the SS model, it just looks better. Like looking through glass rather than plastic. That overstates the difference, but there's a difference.
 
I previously owned the SS0 and the SS2. At one point I had convinced myself I could only wear the SS models. But then when you try to resell them...you quickly learn how much of their value is lost. This time around I went for the aluminum and didn’t look back. I don’t think I’ll buy another SS unless heavily discounted. If you are used to wearing the SS model, the aluminum is noticeably lighter. I also agree with those saying the haptic is stronger on the aluminum model. The prior SS models registered as almost a light tapping where as this aluminum feels like a jackhammering. And for anyone buying the SS model for “clout”, no one notices it’s an SS model. Apple watches look the same to most people.
 
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anthonymoody said:
it just looks better. Like looking through glass rather than plastic.
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The glass on aluminium watches is glass, not plastic, and I would say it looks like glass too.

Would you say iphone screens look like looking through plastic, because their screens are also covered by glass rather than sapphire crystal.
 
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Diana Prince said:
I previously owned the SS0 and the SS2. At one point I had convinced myself I could only wear the SS models. But then when you try to resell them...you quickly learn how much of their value is lost. This time around I went for the aluminum and didn’t look back. I don’t think I’ll buy another SS unless heavily discounted. If you are used to wearing the SS model, the aluminum is noticeably lighter. I also agree with those saying the haptic is stronger on the aluminum model. The prior SS models registered as almost a light tapping where as this aluminum feels like a jackhammering. And for anyone buying the SS model for “clout”, no one notices it’s an SS model. Apple watches look the same to most people.
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They all look different to me.

That said, if I could wear the aluminum and not feel like it's a toy or like I'll scratch the glass (I cannot stand scratches on glass) I'd buy the aluminum because it's less expensive.

I also prefer the SS on the iPhone to the aluminum they used to have... I was so sick of that aluminum that I went for the Jet Black 7 plus just to get away from it.
 
Relentless Power said:
The Series 3 Stainless is 40% heavier over the aluminum model. However, the stainless offers the sapphire protection, which I find critical for the display. That said, Series 3 and Series 2 are fairly similar, but the Series 4 is a huge step forward with the larger display, reduced bezels, tweaked display and casing, and of course the health sensors. It really is what you would appreciate when you decide to upgrade.
Click to expand...

I'd agree. It's not so much the SS, it is the Sapphire display that is the game changer for the SS models. I'd probably buy an apple watch that was aluminum with a sapphire display personally, but they don't make them!. All high end watches use sapphire crystal displays, they are very hard to scratch.

Also, I'm not a fan of the Ion-X screens because to my eyes they give off a yellow tint at times, which just annoys me, but they offer less glare than Sapphire. So it's really a matter of picking your poison.
 
Diana Prince said:
I previously owned the SS0 and the SS2. At one point I had convinced myself I could only wear the SS models. But then when you try to resell them...you quickly learn how much of their value is lost. This time around I went for the aluminum and didn’t look back. I don’t think I’ll buy another SS unless heavily discounted. If you are used to wearing the SS model, the aluminum is noticeably lighter. I also agree with those saying the haptic is stronger on the aluminum model. The prior SS models registered as almost a light tapping where as this aluminum feels like a jackhammering. And for anyone buying the SS model for “clout”, no one notices it’s an SS model. Apple watches look the same to most people.
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I tried to go aluminum last year and realized the screen is basically made of butter and went back on the SS after a weekend of owning the sport. I already had three but scratches on it.

I have owned SS since launch otherwise with zero scratches.

Resell is completely irrelevant to me. The peace of mind of not having to look at a scratched screen all the time is worth the loss.
 
The aluminum models will develop screen scratches, even if they are subtle. There are sometimes people posting pictures of perfect aluminum model screens after months of use, but I think that is the exception rather than the rule.

I bought an S3 SS recently (my third watch, first two aluminum) for this reason. It is excellent so far. It also came with AppleCare+ for additional peace of mind.

If you prioritize the highest speeds and the newest features, S4 aluminum. If you want screen durability and (objectively) more premium looks/materials, go S3 SS. If you want both, spend double and get the S4 SS.
 
Lennyvalentin said:
The glass on aluminium watches is glass, not plastic, and I would say it looks like glass too.

Would you say iphone screens look like looking through plastic, because their screens are also covered by glass rather than sapphire crystal.
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I would say what I said: looking through the glass on the aluminum models doesn't look as good as looking through the glass on the SS models. Full stop.
 
Bottom line, much more durable. However, as I've experienced, it doesn't hold its value any better even though it remains unblemished. This time around I went with aluminum.
 
madgalaxy said:
To me the IonX is noticeably brighter than the sapphire models.
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What you’re seeing is that Ion – X Glass doesn’t have the Sapphire coating like the stainless model accrues, which allows the display to be more vibrant. The Sapphire coating creates more of a reflection, which makes the display seem somewhat more muted, but that would be depending on the lighting conditions as well.
 
I struggled with aluminum vs stainless but ultimately chose the aluminum. I had s2 and s3 for about 1 year each and never had a scratch. I decided that if I really miss the SS for non exercise related use I can pick up an older as gps model for that occasion. The resale on SS isn’t so good and it’s technology. I’ll eventually want a newer model. Also go for v4. The upgrades are worth it. You can also get screen protector if u think u need one.
 
I bought a used pristine S3 LTE aluminum for a great price, and put a screen protector that is only noticeable to me. The screen scratching issue then becomes pointless for me.
 
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