This article will compare the Apple Watch 6 vs. Apple Watch 3. If you’re interested in purchasing an Apple Watch, there are several models to pick from.
However, only a select fraction of those models are still available because Apple has ceased producing the Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 4, and 5.
The remaining Apple Watches are the SE, the more recent Series 6, and the older Series 3 model.
What distinguishes these Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 6 versions? We have listed their distinctions below since we know what they are.
Casing
The casing of the Apple Watch 6 vs. Apple Watch 3 is similar in appearance; however, there are some variations.
First, every screen (and hence, every watch) varies in size. The Series 3 is 11.4mm thick and has 38 and 42mm diameters. The Series 6 is 10.7mm thick and available in 40 or 44 mm widths.
Consequently, the Apple Watch Series 6 can feature a larger screen than the Series 3 model.
The Series 6 can be a little heavier despite being slimmer. Most of this is caused by the case being 2-4mm larger than Apple Watch Series 3 cases.
You can get an Apple Watch 3 or Series 6 with an aluminum or stainless-steel casing. While the Series 6 is only available in titanium, the Series 3 is also available in white ceramic.
Depending on your type of Apple Watch, the watch’s back is constructed of various materials.
The Series 6 always has a sapphire crystal and ceramic back, the Series 3 with cellular options has a composite plastic back, while the Series 3 with GPS has a ceramic and sapphire crystal back.
The Series 6 can be finished in various colors, whereas the Series 3 is only available in silver or space gray.
This is the last significant distinction with the casings.
Design
Little has changed in the Apple Watch family’s design over time. The Apple Watch 6 vs. Apple Watch 3 hardly stands out when the screens are off. But there are two key variations.
The Apple Watch 3 is available in many sizes to start. The Apple Watch 6 comes in sizes 40mm and 44mm, with the smaller one measuring 38mm and the larger one being 42mm.
Even though the two-millimeter difference might not seem like much, it is more significant than you might realize when considering the other significant design distinction—the display.
The display of the Apple Watch 3 is substantially smaller, and the thick bezels around it give the device a dated appearance.
The Apple Watch Series 6 sports a 30% larger display with just a 2mm larger shell thanks to its smaller bezels.
30% is a significant improvement on a smartwatch scale, making the six more user-friendly and attractive to look at.
The resolution of the Apple Series 6 is 368×448 as opposed to the Series 3’s 312×390, which is to be expected given the greater size.
This enables you to see more information and makes it appear sharper. Apple increased the number of color options with the Series 6.
The only colors available for the Series 3 were Silver and Space Gray; the Series 6 comes in Gold, Blue, and Apple’s trademark Product, RED.
If you choose a stainless steel body, most other colors are lost, but you gain graphite. The only option that is available in Space Black is titanium.
Always On Display
Yes, the algorithms in the Apple Watch are fairly effective at recognizing when you want to check your watch and turn on the screen to check the time, notifications, and other information.
This is similar to the Apple Watch 6 vs. Apple Watch 3. But sometimes you only want to scan it politely during a meeting. An always-on display is quite useful in instances like that and many more.
When in always-on mode, the Apple Watch dims its display and reduces the refresh rate to 1Hz to be less battery-intensive.
You can turn off the always-on feature to maximize your battery life.
Blood Oxygen Saturation Measuring
The Blood Oxygen app is Apple’s largest source of pride for the new Apple Watch Series 6.
It’s a crucial tool for monitoring your vitals when engaging in strenuous activity, but in modern times, it may also help spot early COVID-19 symptoms. You could find this useful even if you aren’t a gym rat.
Electrocardiogram
The Apple Watch Series 3 is missing a second important health-related feature with this one.
One that Apple never stops mentioning has already saved many lives. You could assume that heart problems aren’t a concern for you.
However, even in young individuals, the Apple Watch has detected anomalies and assisted in their early treatment, so it is preferable to use it than not.
Cellular Connectivity
Although it is more expensive, the Series 6 allows you to choose it. You can use it when out on the run to make calls directly from your Apple Watch and leave your iPhone at home.
Of course, you can reply and get notifications even if you’re not within Bluetooth range.
Sensor Separation
An optical heart rate sensor is on the rear of the Apple Watch Series 3 and 6. This enables them to monitor your heart rate throughout exercises and daily activities.
The third generation of these sensors is present in Series 6. The original generation is still in Series 3, and while they function perfectly, they are a little less modern.
As long as you download the Blood Oxygen app, put your Apple Watch on your wrist, and measure blood oxygen, the third-generation heart rate sensors can do so.
Sadly, the Series 3 sensor cannot perform the same. The Series 6 adds a sensor in addition to this, though.
You can use the electrical heart rate sensor in Series 6’s Digital Crown to take an ECG on your Apple Watch.
The inbuilt compass of the Series 6 watches is another feature that the Series 3 Apple Watches lack.
Therefore, you may use your Series 6 as a compass while hiking, while the Series 3 (or any Apple Watch before the Series 5) requires your iPhone.
Battery Life
For the past three years, Apple has maintained the 18-hour battery life of the Apple Watch.
Despite the Watch 6’s S6 chip being integrated into the iPhone 11’s A13, the Apple Watch 3 has the same battery life as the Watch 6.
However, the performance will change during that period. The Apple Watch 6 features an always-on display and is a quicker smartwatch overall. This is similar to the Apple Watch 6 vs. Apple Watch 3.
Fall Detection
Yet another feature that might save a life. When you fall, and the Apple Watch Series 6 accelerometers notice it, they ask you if you’re okay or need emergency help.
The call is made automatically if you don’t move after a minute. Having that service available internationally is undoubtedly a huge benefit if you frequently go overseas.
Price
As you read the sections above, the Apple Watch Series 6 offers a few additional features compared to the Series 3. You are entirely correct if you assume that this will raise the price of the Series 6 a little bit.
For the smaller 40mm variant, the Apple Watch 6 costs $399, while the larger 44mm model costs $429.
Your cost will increase if you use premium Apple Watch bands and if you add LTE.
The top Apple Watch discounts also enable you to frequently find it at a lower cost. LTE, however, was the death knell for the Apple Watch 3.
The Apple Watch SE is a fantastic alternative if you require cellular support.
The new mid-range device only costs an additional $50 with LTE, compared to an additional $100 for LTE on the Apple Watch 6.
There are far more similarities than differences between the Apple Watch Series 3 and 6 if you compare them side by side.
If you decide between the models, this summary of some distinctions will assist you.
However, whichever Apple Watch you choose, we’re confident it will be a gadget you will adore for a long time!
