Apple Watch Series 3 vs. Series 2: Smartwatch Comparison, Differences

Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 3 at its event Tuesday, which will come with a major upgrade: built-in LTE cellular support. While the Series 3 comes with some new features, not all consumers are ready to get the new version and might consider sticking with the Series 2.

For those who are undecided, here’s a comparison of the Apple Watch Series 3 Vs. Apple Watch Series 2.

Cellular LTE

The biggest difference between the Series 3 and Series 2 is the LTE cellular support on the newest model. With the Series 3, users can leave their iPhone at home when running to the grocery store and still be connected. Some apps will switch from the iPhone to the Apple Watch when it detects the smartphone has been left behind.

Apple COO Jeff Williams said the "biggest challenge of all was adding cellular,” since Apple tried to avoid creating a bulky device. The Apple Watch Series 3 will be the same size as the Series 2. The new Watch display itself is a multi-frequency antenna for both LTE and UMTS. Apple also integrated an electronic sim card half the size, to avoid making a bigger Watch.

Battery

The Apple Watch Series 3 includes a new dual-core processor, which is 70 percent faster. The device also features Apple’s W2 chip, which makes Wi-Fi 85 percent faster and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 50 percent more power efficient. The Series 2 comes with a dual-core processor and, like the Series 3, offers up to 18 hours of battery life.

Waterproof

Both the Series 3 and Series 2 have a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. The devices can be used in shallow water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. The Series 3 and Series 2 shouldn't be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities that involve high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Both devices are better with water than the Series 1, which is splash and water resistant but should not be submerged in the water.

Siri

The Series 3 also features a quicker Siri. The assistant on the newest model differs from the Series 2 since users will now be able to hear Siri's voice after asking a question, instead of just reading the screen.

watchOS 4

Both devices will get a boost from the new Apple Watch update watchOS 4. The update, which was revealed at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, will include person-to-person payments with Apple Pay. With the watchOS 4 update, the NFC chip on the Apple Watch will be able to sync how many calories a user burned on a treadmill at the gym to iCloud devices with just a tap. The NFC chip feature will be compatible with gym equipment from Life Fitness, MS Artrix, Schwinn, Cybex, Technogym, Stair Master and Star Trac.

watchOS 4 will also include better features for workouts, a Do Not Disturb mode and a better assistant.

Apple Watch Series 3 Vs. Series 2: Price

The Apple Watch Series 3 will be available for pre-order on September 15 and will release on September 22 at a $399 starting price for the cellular and Wi-Fi model. The Series 3 standard version is priced at $329. The Apple Watch Series 2 starts at $299, while the Apple Watch Series 1 remains at $249.