Okay, so you are torn between the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5. On one side is Series 3- the OG budget-friendly icon that refuses to retire.
On the other side, you have got the Series 5- not the newest kid on the block, but a clear step up with standout upgrades. It’s smarter, more polished, and adds features that could genuinely make a difference.
But here’s the deal: even though they are both “older” models, they are still floating around refurbished shelves and making shoppers question their life choices.
So let’s simplify the chaos and decode whether Series 3 is still kicking or just kicking it in the nostalgia lane.
Apple Watch 3 vs Apple Watch 5: A Quick Overview
In the world of Apple, newer usually means better, with more features and polish. But that doesn’t mean older models like the Apple Watch Series 3 are completely outdated.
Presently, Apple doesn’t officially sell the Series 3 anymore. So, to buy it, if you try to visit their website, it will redirect you to a page where you can find places that might still have it in stock.
However, many people still buy it as their first smart watch or if they are on a budget, and it can still be found on websites like eBay and other online sellers.
The Series 5, though, takes things up a notch with key improvements like the Always-On Display, better health tracking, and smarter sensors, making it feel more like a full-on health and lifestyle companion than just a basic fitness tracker.
Spoiler: The difference is more than skin profound.
Specifications at a Glance
Let’s take a look at the core specs that set the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 apart
| Specification | Apple Watch Series 3 | Apple Watch Series 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 2017 | September 2019 |
| Build Material | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium, Ceramic |
| Case Sizes | 38 mm, 42 mm | 40 mm, 44 mm |
| Weight | 38 mm: 26.7 g42 mm: 32.3 g | 40 mm: 36.7 g44 mm: 47.8 g |
| Display Type | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak), Always-On Display |
| Display Resolution | 38 mm: 272 x 340 pixels42 mm: 312 x 390 pixels | 40 mm: 324 x 394 pixels44 mm: 368 x 448 pixels |
| Chipset | Apple S3 Dual-Core | Apple S5 Dual-Core |
| RAM | 768 MB | 1 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB (GPS model), 16 GB (GPS + Cellular model) | 32 GB |
| Operating System | watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 | watchOS 6.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS/GLONASS, Optional LTE | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO/QZSS, Optional LTE |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate Sensor, Barometric Altimeter | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate Sensor, Barometric Altimeter, Compass, ECG (region dependent) |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging Method | Magnetic Charging Cable | Magnetic Charging Cable |
| Compatibility | iPhone 5s or later with iOS 11 or later | iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13 or later |
| Colors Available | Silver, Space Gray (Aluminum); Silver, Space Black (Stainless Steel) | Silver, Space Gray, Gold (Aluminum); Silver, Space Black (Stainless Steel); Titanium, Ceramic |
| Notable Features | Siri, Activity Tracking, Heart Rate Monitoring, Optional LTE | Always-On Display, ECG App, Compass, International Emergency Calling, Cycle Tracking App |
So, in my opinion, the Series 5 is beefed up in almost every way. It’s faster, smarter, and far more future-proof.
Price Comparison
Now let’s talk money:
Series 3: You can grab a refurbished one for as low as $149.
Series 5: Series 5 is officially discontinued, but resale and refurbished prices vary. Depending on its condition, it is still available for $220- $300.
But here’s the thing: cheaper isn’t always better in the long run. Series 3 is close to being phased out, which means fewer updates and shorter support.
So while your wallet might thank you now, your future self might wish you’d gone with the slightly pricier but more future-proof Series 5.
Winner: Series 3, but at what cost?
Design & Display
The Series 5 just looks and feels more modern. It has a bigger screen with thinner bezels and the super handy Always-On Display, so you can check the time or your stats without flicking your wrist.
The Series 3, on the other hand, feels dated. It’s got a smaller screen, chunky bezels, and you’ll need to raise your wrist every time you want to see the display. It works, but it definitely shows its age.
Winner: Apple Watch 5. The screen is always lit (literally and figuratively).
Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 3 | Apple Watch Series 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Home Integration | Apple HomeKit | Apple HomeKit |
| App Store Access | Access via paired iPhone | Direct access to the watch with its own App Store |
| Call & Text (Cellular Models) | Yes (via LTE models); requires iPhone nearby for full functionality | Yes (via LTE models); more independent functionality |
| ECG Monitoring | No | Yes (FDA-approved in supported regions) |
| Sleep Tracking | Limited (via third-party apps) | Limited (native support introduced in watchOS 7; Series 5 supports with an update) |
| Fall Detection | No | Yes |
| Workout Auto-Detection | No | Yes |
| Menstrual Tracking | No | Yes (via Cycle Tracking app) |
| Always-On Display | No | Yes |
| Watch Face Customization | Limited (preset-based) | Extensive (including third-party options) |
| Gesture Navigation | No | No (Double Tap gesture introduced in later models) |
| Navigation (Maps) | Apple Maps | Apple Maps with built-in Compass |
| Cross-App Handoff | Yes (with iPhone) | Yes (with iPhone) |
| App Store Access | Limited direct access (via watchOS 6+); via iPhone | Full standalone App Store on the watch |
| Sleep Tracking | Native support from watchOS 7; limited features | Native support from watchOS 7; better performance |
| Menstrual Tracking | Yes (via Cycle Tracking app on watchOS 6+) | Yes (via Cycle Tracking app) |
Performance & Storage
The Apple Watch Series 3 is hanging on with that old S3 chip, and while it technically still works, it honestly feels like it’s moving through molasses.
It is okay for checking the time, basic fitness tracking, and reading messages (if you have patience), but if you ask it to do anything more, like open an app quickly or respond to a notification in real time, expect some lag.
Multitasking? Not possible, and with just 8GB of storage, you will constantly be cleaning out apps and music just to install a simple update.
Now, on the other hand, if we talk about the Apple Watch Series 5 with the S5 chip, it is 2X faster and noticeably smoother. In this watch, apps open quicker, animations are more fluid and overall system responsiveness is dramatically improved.
Latency is also lower, and swiping between screens is seamless, which makes it pleasant to use. Plus, 32 GB of storage gives you actual breathing room for music, apps, and updates without constantly clearing space
Winner: Series 5. No competition.
Battery Life
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 3 | Apple Watch Series 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Apple’s Claimed Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Real-World Average Battery Life | ~16–18 hours with moderate use | ~14–17 hours with Always-On Display enabled |
| Charging Time | ~1.5–2 hours to full | ~1.5 hours to full |
Both the Series 3 and Series 5 claim around 18 hours of battery life, and they are pretty close in real-world use. The Series 3 can sometimes last a bit longer just because it’s running older, less power-hungry tech.
The Series 5 still does well even with the Always-On Display (which you can turn off to save power).
So it’s a draw, unless you’re counting every last percentage point.
Health & Fitness Features
When it comes to health and fitness, the Apple Watch Series 5 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a whole new league. It features both optical and electrical heart sensors, which means it can take an ECG reading right from your wrist, something the Series 3 simply can’t do.
The Series 5 also comes with Fall Detection, a genuinely life-saving feature that can detect a hard fall and automatically call emergency services if you remain unresponsive.
As for fitness tracking, both watches cover the basics: heart rate, calories, steps, and workouts. But the Series 5 does it all faster and smarter, thanks to its newer chip, sharper display, and enhanced sensor accuracy, especially useful during high-intensity training.
Series 3 is still a solid option for everyday fitness tracking, but it lacks the depth and safety features that make the Series 5 a true health companion.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 5 because your life and your workouts deserve better.
Cool Extras You Didn’t Know You Needed
The Series 5 comes with a built-in compass, which is super handy if you hike, travel, or just want better navigation on your wrist. It also has International Emergency Calling, which can connect you to help if something goes wrong while you’re abroad.
The Series 3 doesn’t have either of these features.
Winner: If you’re into exploring or just want peace of mind, Series 5 is the clear winner.
Software Support & Longevity
The Series 3 is stuck on watchOS 8 and hasn’t seen real support from Apple in recent years. It’s basically on its way out. Series 5, on the other hand, runs the newer watchOS 10 and should keep getting updates for a while.
If staying up-to-date with new features and security is important to you (and it should be), Series 5 is the smarter pick.
Winner: Series 5. Future-proofed.
Sleep Tracking
Now, neither Series 3 nor Series 5 is winning any awards for sleep tracking. If that’s your priority, a smart ring might serve you better.
The Series 5 handles sleep tracking better overall for one big reason: it is faster and more responsive. It syncs data more quickly with your iPhone, integrates more smoothly with its sleep app, and has better sensor accuracy because of the newer chip and updated sensors.
Meanwhile, Series 3 struggles with syncing and background processing, which means delayed data, more lag, and occasionally missed sleep records, especially if you are low on storage or haven’t updated your paired iPhone.
According to user reviews and testing (including mine), I will say that series 5 consistently provides more accurate and reliable results, even though both offer fairly basic sleep metrics.
Series 5 does it a bit better, syncing faster and more reliably.
Comfort-wise, both are wearable, but not dreamy.
Winner: Series 5, slightly.
Women’s Health Features
Both the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 have basic cycle tracking, but nothing groundbreaking, because wearables have only started seriously addressing women’s health in the last few years.
PS: This is why we need feminism.
When the Series 3 and 5 were released, cycle tracking was more of an afterthought than a feature. So it’s really not surprising that these models don’t have the smarter sensor-based reproductive health tools. The same ones that we are starting to see now in newer devices, like skin temperature-based evolution tracking or pregnancy monitoring.
So if you want more advanced tools on your watch, Series 3 or 5, you will still need to rely on third-party apps like Clue, Ovia, or Glow because there are no in-depth fertility, insights, ovulation prediction, or pregnancy tracking features built in.
Apple, we love you, but it’s 2025. Step up.
Winner: Neither (sadly).
Ultimate Winner
Apple Watch Series 5 is the Clear Winner.
The Apple Watch Series 5 took the lead in design, display, health features, speed, and long-term support. Series 3? It won on price and, well… that’s about it.
Series 5 wasn’t just slightly better; it introduced game-changing features like the Always-On Display, ECG, fall detection, and a massive storage upgrade that made daily use smoother and way more future-proof.
But here’s the real clincher: longevity. The Series 3 is stuck at watchOS 8 and barely made it through 2023. It’s basically on borrowed time.
Meanwhile, the Series 5 supports up to watchOS 10 and is still very much in the Apple ecosystem’s good graces. Apple’s track record of software updates easily outpaces the Series 3’s fading relevance.
So while Series 3 might save you a few bucks upfront, Series 5 saves your sanity and possibly your life over time.
Ultimate Winner: Apple Watch Series 5 because saving $50 isn’t worth missing out on years of updates, better performance, and life-saving features.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 3? Yeah, it technically still works but the thing is, it’s clinging to life support like your old iPhone with a cracked screen and 12% battery. It’ll track your steps, ping you with messages (eventually), and tell the time like a champ from 2017.
If you want a smartwatch that’s not wheezing through updates and begging for retirement, the Series 5 is where it’s at. It’s smoother and snappier, actually supports modern features (hi, ECG and Always-On Display), and won’t ghost you when the next watchOS rolls out.
So, unless your budget is tighter than Apple’s secret product roadmap, go for the Series 5. Your wrist and your future self will thank you.
