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Worth upgrading from Series 0 to Series 3?

T

tech3475

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 17, 2011
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I currently have a 42mm S0 but I'm wondering if it's worth upgrading to the 42mm S3 since the latter is now discounted?

I've tried looking around for comparisons but they all seem to be based on older firmware so I'm concerned that performance may be different now.

I'm not concerned about fitness but I do use the watch for other things e.g. control music, check emails, texts, apple pay, etc.

So far the only thing that does annoy me about the S0 is that it can be slow for loading e.g. apple pay (especially when first turned on), music playlists, 'now playing', etc.

Thank you.
 
I went to s3 from s0 2 years ago. It’s a huge change; but agree that a cheap s4 would be even better. The bigger screen is a good thing.

but if you can’t, s0 to s3 is great. You’ll be surprised at the speed difference.
 
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^^^What they said.

Newcomer to AW, so, no comparison to S0.

I'm the opposite, fitness functions are priority, with Apple Pay, Notifications, audio control being next and about only other uses for me (ok, maybe taking a call while driving, but have only needed that once).

Using an S3, and it can be slow to wake/respond. But since I'm primarily starting/stopping Workouts, not really an issue for me.
 
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From the first GEN to the Series 3, it’s a fairly significant leap, mainly what you’re receiving is the water resistance 50 m, brighter display, dual core processor, the speaker is improved, ect. I’d say go for it, as the Series 3 has a decent future still ahead of it.
 
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tech3475 said:
I currently have a 42mm S0 but I'm wondering if it's worth upgrading to the 42mm S3 since the latter is now discounted?

I've tried looking around for comparisons but they all seem to be based on older firmware so I'm concerned that performance may be different now.

I'm not concerned about fitness but I do use the watch for other things e.g. control music, check emails, texts, apple pay, etc.

So far the only thing that does annoy me about the S0 is that it can be slow for loading e.g. apple pay (especially when first turned on), music playlists, 'now playing', etc.

Thank you.
Click to expand...

I just jumped from the Series 0 to the Series 5 about a week ago and I'm really enjoying it. Also to point out I'm pretty similar in usage to you. I occasionally do a workout, but I mostly use it for music controls, notifications, Apple Pay, email, texts, calls, etc. I'd say at least consider the Series 4 though. My logic in buying an Apple Watch comes down to software updates. How much support and longevity will you get out of something you buy now. You have cheaper starting price for a Series 3 now but how much longer will Apple support Series 3 with updates and tech support. That all comes down to your preference and bank account though. I'd honestly say anything Series 3 and newer is worth it. That Series 3-5 justification is your preference though.
 
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i did the S0 to S3 update 2 years ago

it was almost like having a completely different device vs just an update.
the battery life, and speed difference is incredible. it makes it usable, vs just a "gimmick"
(i'm surprised you still get a day out of the s0 battery)

just went to a s5, and it's amazing how much bigger the display feels.

you're going to start having OS compatibility problems soon with the S0 and the more recent iOSes

if you can swing the s4 or 5 i would do that, but if not, i'd definitely go for the s3
there are already deals around for the s5.
 
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Last month I went from a Series 0 to a Series 3 on watchOS 6. I’d worn the Series 0 since launch, so nearly 4 and a half years.

Major difference is the speed. Dictation is now so fluid, notifications and general usage is just so much faster.

The only other big upgrade are just what os 6 brings as a Series 0 can only go up to 4.2.1.

But...I don’t do anything any different to when I was using the Series 0. It hasn’t brought anything “new” in the way I use the watch.
 
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Seeing how you held onto the S0 for so long I’m assuming you’d like to hold onto your next watch for quite some time too? In which case definitely look for a S4 as a minimum for longevity. The design change in itself is enough for me personally to recommend S4 over S3.
 
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Go S4. I keep seeing how prices are dropping as stores are looking to offload their stock and its so like the S5 its just stupid apple even bothered this year.
 
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supertomtom said:
Seeing how you held onto the S0 for so long I’m assuming you’d like to hold onto your next watch for quite some time too? In which case definitely look for a S4 as a minimum for longevity. The design change in itself is enough for me personally to recommend S4 over S3.
Click to expand...
I would say this.

If it’s longevity you want, get an Edition. So as Series 4 never had an Edition version, that means a Series 5 Edition in Titanium or Ceramic. That way, you get the most premium materials possible that are designed for longevity.
 
i went from an Aluminium S0 to a SBSS S5 and although it is not night and day it is still a wonderful update. This just goes to show how great the original AW is. Guess it is just down to the watchOS upgrades down the line.
 
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Sorry for the late response, in the end I decided to return the S3.

I think I'll wait and get a S4/5(/6?) if anything, perhaps waiting until my current sim only phone deal is up and buy a cellular if I switch networks to one which supports it.

Thank you for the comments.
 
If you’re in the US, Best Buy has a sale on S4. I picked up a Black SBSS for $399. Sale ends tomorrow I think. That is a great deal.
 
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Baalie016 said:
If you’re in the US, Best Buy has a sale on S4. I picked up a Black SBSS for $399. Sale ends tomorrow I think. That is a great deal.
Click to expand...

I had seen that but unfortunately I’m in the UK, perhaps something will pop up on Black Friday.
 
tech3475 said:
I currently have a 42mm S0 but I'm wondering if it's worth upgrading to the 42mm S3 since the latter is now discounted?

I've tried looking around for comparisons but they all seem to be based on older firmware so I'm concerned that performance may be different now.

I'm not concerned about fitness but I do use the watch for other things e.g. control music, check emails, texts, apple pay, etc.

So far the only thing that does annoy me about the S0 is that it can be slow for loading e.g. apple pay (especially when first turned on), music playlists, 'now playing', etc.

Thank you.
Click to expand...
The S3 is a big upgrade from the S0.
 
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