If you just need to measure your run distances and get text messages the Series 3 is still great. I get so mad at reviewers who say to avoid the 3 because it’s too old. You don’t need a fast processor to read your iMessages. Those reviewers assume everyone is rich and has hundreds of dollars laying around.
Love, love that you’ve gone back to a device that doesn’t get attention from reviewers anymore but still has a huge market, especially for people who are looking to get more active. Great video.
Hands down THE BEST Apple watch review out there. Extremely informative and practical real world testing. Was on the fence about picking up a Series 3 in 2021 but your review dispelled my doubts. Keep making videos like these. Thank you!
Great review. I picked up a 3 cellular as a solution for dragging a phone on runs. I considered a 945 LTE but a Coros pace 2 and apple 3 combo was much cheaper, tho two watches does look dorky. :-) but, as a 67 year old wearing spandex, dorky is not a concern.
I really just want an Apple watch for fitness tracking. The Series 3 is the cheapest and will connect very easily to my iPhone. Its on sale at Walmart for Black Friday, so I am considering buying it. Thanks for this video! :D
Your videos are great! I was debating picking up a second hand Series 3 and the length and information of all of your reviews/comparisons have made me realize just how little tech I need (and so saved me a good amount of money). Fingers crossed that the 3 continues to be supported by Apple for a good period of time.
thanks just got my series 3 , my first smartwatch and im so happy to have it. ive always had anxiety that if/ i slept enough or good enough. instantly when i downlaoded aleep plus plus i knew i really am getting consistant mostly reatful sleep. cheers
Thank you so much! This video helped me a lot and boosted my confidence in my purchase🥰 Just ordered my Apple Watch series 3 (first smart watch) for workout purposes and calorie counting…i can’t wait! This will hopefully motivate me to move more🎊
@@Kay-bd1ht it’s been perfect so far, I’m the beginning it has a little trouble tracking my indoor walk workout but otherwise it’s perfect. It can last 2 days without charging but I always charging it when I go to bed so it’s only died on me twice🤗
I was the guy you were talking about at the beginning. I got my spouse a Series 7 and I got her "hand-me-down" series 3. Was a Fitbit user before now, but changed over to the watch when I got my first iPhone. Great review for me and helpful in getting me into the fitness side of the watch. We're still on the fence with considering the fitness subscription, but evaluating how I can best utilize the features for both cycling and walking. Thanks much!
Hi, I wanna go back to the battery life topic, there’s also a setting that I don’t know of you’re aware of, it’s that you get go to settings, general, app in the background and disable pretty all the options (I keep heart rate, exercise, fitness) it will save you a lot of battery cause it won’t load all the time every data on your watch
Yup, that's another good one. I had that in my battery life test/comparison video but forgot to mention it here but thanks for mentioning it! ua-cam.com/video/PnbbwAJHDpw/v-deo.html
I’ve noticed that turning off the raise to wake function on the Apple Watch saves a ton of battery life. But I am aware that a lot of people need/like that feature but it’s cool to know that there’s an on and off option.
I was going to buy a series 3 today as I thought for what I want there isn’t really much more if use with the se however I went with the se because long term I wasn’t sure how much longer the Apple Watch series 3 would recieve updates for
The SE will be a better bet since it's more current but I would have to assume that Apple is going to support the Series 3 for at least a few more years since they are offering it as a "new" device right now. Thanks!
@@DesFit I thought that too but I was willing to pay and extra £50 if it meant I might get Apple software updates for a year longer then the series three
So the Apple Watch series 7 will be available 15.10, when do you think your review will be ready because I don’t wanna buy it without watching it. I mean how long does it take you to review the watches. Great channel btw.
I LOVE your reviews! I bought the S3 last year, used it for a while, got pissed with the battery life and messiness, switched to Garmin, then FitBit, and I’m now back to the AW as of this Thursday after a midnight brain fart lol I’m hesitant about upgrading to the iOS because of space/battery life… advice? Thanks so much!
The devices I review are a mix of media review units and some that I purchase myself. If I keep a media review unit it's so I can have a device on hand to answer comments about certain features or functionality but the devices that I use personally for my own tracking I purchase on my own.
I didn’t know your chanel, now I’m thankful for the recommend, really liking your great job, I would love to be able to get this on my try for a more healthy fit life, maybe a second hand or so. Cuídate y gracias por compartir tu trabajo.
AW3 is so good. The only thing is it's a pain to update now, and aw 8 update really hit my batt life (edit: oh 8.0.1 came out yesterday, hopefully it fixes it). I've used my aw 3 on a number of ultras the past year from 50k to 100 miles. I don't recommend using it for 100 miles, it's such a pain to charge, lol. There's just so much that my aw does better than my fenix. It just sucks having to have both.
Great Review. I noticed you mentioned that the series 3 was the first watch with heart rate monitoring. I just got a Stainless Steel 42mm Series 2. Yes a series 2 in 2022 and its got heart rate monitoring and does so pretty well during my workouts. First smart watch, first fitness tracker and I must say, even for an unsupported device that maxed out at watch OS 6.3, for fitness tracking, it can’t be beat! Do you have a series 2 review on your channel?
Hi Des, superb and engaging review as always. Just a quick one, can you pair an external HR monitor (like mine, tickr) and foot pod to this apple watch? I know it doesnt have ant+ but I presume the bluetooth can work? Thanks a ton Sir.
really good review. please do the series 3 to se compare. on apple site if you compare 3 to se to 7 says se doesnt have ECG but then if you go to compare all models on same page it says SE has ECG?
Thanks! The SE vs Series 3 video is in the works - soon! And regarding ECG on the SE - it should not have it. The US version of the Apple.com site seems to have the correct information: www.apple.com/watch/compare/
I love your videos on Apple Watches. I've been using one since 2016 (Series 2 Stainless Steel 42mm), I then got the Series 4 Stainless Steel 44mm. My Series 7 Stainless Steel 41mm will be delivered on Friday and I can't wait for you to review it. Curious: have you never had the issue of the heart rate measurements not starting when you start a workout on your Apple Watch? I have had this with the Series 2, Series 4 and yes, I will have it with the Series 7 as well. I know it. Every single time I go out for a workout, I first open the Heart Rate monitor app on my Apple Watch to measure my heart rate, as soon as I get a reading I start the workout which apparently prevents the issue of heart rate monitoring not working on workouts, it's just like me launching the heart rate monitor app wakes the heart rate monitor from sleep or something... So strange. Would also love in your review to review battery life with cellular on and no connection with your iPhone and vice versa.
I had this issue on my aw3, it used to take 5-10 min for hrm to start , what worked for me was to let the watch do it’s countdown before any activity(3,2,1) rather than tapping on screen and starting workout instantly.
There is sometimes a delay with the first minute or so for it to collect HR but after that it's good to go. Funny enough I didn't experience that at all though during this round of testing with the Series 3.
I used to run with an Apple Watch Series 3 when it was first released but went back to a Garmin because the Series 3 does not have an always on display and needs this 'flip'motion or tap on the screen to turn on the display, which would totally throw off my running rhythm when I wanted to check my distance/speed etc. It is a battery saving feature, but I really hated it, even when not running.Has Apple fixed this with the Series 3 ??
i just researched and its still the same, always on display starts on series 5 upwards. and thanks you just reminded me why i shouldn't buy this watch. i really dislike having to flick a watch to see the time. i currently use huawei watch fit its great for the price with always on display, i was considering the apple watch 3 since i have an iphone. i would stick to my current watch.
Des, are there any upper arm heart rate monitors you know of that also cover additional data (without additional devices), such as steps, gps etc or are they mostly heart rate only?
Unless you can get the S3 for $100 and you just want it to measure your heart rate and runs, no one should be buying it. You would be much better off waiting for a sale on and SE (which has gone as $229). 5 year old tech really isn’t a good investment. The specs on a S3 and the 8gb of memory mean the device isn’t going to get updates for a few years. The device itself isn’t going to be able to handle it. It’s just being sold the get people into the AW system then annoy them enough to want to upgrade.
If you just need to measure your run distances and get text messages the Series 3 is still great. I get so mad at reviewers who say to avoid the 3 because it’s too old. You don’t need a fast processor to read your iMessages. Those reviewers assume everyone is rich and has hundreds of dollars laying around.
Double checked the title with the post date. Good call on going back over this device. It’s very different after a few years of software updates.
I did the same.
Thought it would be a good idea to revisit it since Apple continues to offer it. Seems like it still offers a lot years down the road. Thanks Matt!
Love, love that you’ve gone back to a device that doesn’t get attention from reviewers anymore but still has a huge market, especially for people who are looking to get more active. Great video.
Thanks! I thought it was worth revisiting it since Apple continues to offer it, plus some of the features that weren't there 4 years ago. 👍
Hands down THE BEST Apple watch review out there. Extremely informative and practical real world testing. Was on the fence about picking up a Series 3 in 2021 but your review dispelled my doubts. Keep making videos like these. Thank you!
Glad the information helped. Thanks!
Great review. Grabbing a refurbished one for under a hundred bucks to use as a fitness tracker. This review made me feel comfortable with my decision.
Enjoy!
Great review. I picked up a 3 cellular as a solution for dragging a phone on runs. I considered a 945 LTE but a Coros pace 2 and apple 3 combo was much cheaper, tho two watches does look dorky. :-) but, as a 67 year old wearing spandex, dorky is not a concern.
You go sir 🏃....great to see people like you
Thanks Matthew! Stay dorky - I'm right there with ya 😄
Wow! His review is packed full of useful info instead of all the fluff other reviewers put in to make their videos longer. THANK YOU!
Sure thing!
By FAR the best review I've seen of an apple watch!!!
Thanks!
12:44 Woooow... That's a beautiful scenery to go for a mountain bike ride!
Schwyz, Switzerland!
I decided to get a series 3 soon because it’s more affordable. I mostly need it to check and monitor my heart rate
👍
I really just want an Apple watch for fitness tracking. The Series 3 is the cheapest and will connect very easily to my iPhone. Its on sale at Walmart for Black Friday, so I am considering buying it. Thanks for this video! :D
Your videos are great! I was debating picking up a second hand Series 3 and the length and information of all of your reviews/comparisons have made me realize just how little tech I need (and so saved me a good amount of money). Fingers crossed that the 3 continues to be supported by Apple for a good period of time.
thanks just got my series 3 , my first smartwatch and im so happy to have it. ive always had anxiety that if/ i slept enough or good enough. instantly when i downlaoded aleep plus plus i knew i really am getting consistant mostly reatful sleep. cheers
Thank you so much! This video helped me a lot and boosted my confidence in my purchase🥰 Just ordered my Apple Watch series 3 (first smart watch) for workout purposes and calorie counting…i can’t wait! This will hopefully motivate me to move more🎊
Nice! Enjoy your watch and keep moving! 💪
How do you like it
@@Kay-bd1ht it’s been perfect so far, I’m the beginning it has a little trouble tracking my indoor walk workout but otherwise it’s perfect. It can last 2 days without charging but I always charging it when I go to bed so it’s only died on me twice🤗
Nice, get it. I can’t wait to buy one. Anything to move more
I was the guy you were talking about at the beginning. I got my spouse a Series 7 and I got her "hand-me-down" series 3. Was a Fitbit user before now, but changed over to the watch when I got my first iPhone. Great review for me and helpful in getting me into the fitness side of the watch. We're still on the fence with considering the fitness subscription, but evaluating how I can best utilize the features for both cycling and walking. Thanks much!
Glad the information helped! Enjoy your watches!
A comprehensive review by far, very helpful
Glad it helped. Thanks!
2037: Apple Watch Series 3 Review for Sports and Fitness // 2037 Edition --> because oh YES, it will still be in the lineup!
😂
I’m having a hard time tracking interval training on series 3. I’d like to see record time when running 200 meters, 300s and 400s on the track.
My first Apple Watch was an series 3 back in 2018 I’ve every Apple Watch since then
I am looking forward to the review and apple watch 7 especially gps battery life, I need it for hiking at least 12 hours in GPS mode
Coming up! Thanks!
Thanks just bought this today
Enjoy!
Hi Des, Perfect timing for this video. Great Work as always
Thanks!
Great review as always, Des. Looking forward to the Series 3 vs SE comparison.
Thanks! Should be in a few days if all goes well.
Thank you for the review.
Very welcome 👍
Great video. Greetings from Mexico!
Gracias!
So helpful, thank you!!
You’re welcome!
They said this would stop receiving support
Hi, I wanna go back to the battery life topic, there’s also a setting that I don’t know of you’re aware of, it’s that you get go to settings, general, app in the background and disable pretty all the options (I keep heart rate, exercise, fitness) it will save you a lot of battery cause it won’t load all the time every data on your watch
Yup, that's another good one. I had that in my battery life test/comparison video but forgot to mention it here but thanks for mentioning it! ua-cam.com/video/PnbbwAJHDpw/v-deo.html
@@DesFit also, I don’t think that I need to mentioned that you’re videos are at the top !
I’ve noticed that turning off the raise to wake function on the Apple Watch saves a ton of battery life. But I am aware that a lot of people need/like that feature but it’s cool to know that there’s an on and off option.
Thanks for the update!
Sure thing!
Excellent review 👍🏽
Thanks!
@@DesFit you're welcome !!
thanks for the review
Sure thing
I was going to buy a series 3 today as I thought for what I want there isn’t really much more if use with the se however I went with the se because long term I wasn’t sure how much longer the Apple Watch series 3 would recieve updates for
The SE will be a better bet since it's more current but I would have to assume that Apple is going to support the Series 3 for at least a few more years since they are offering it as a "new" device right now. Thanks!
@@DesFit I thought that too but I was willing to pay and extra £50 if it meant I might get Apple software updates for a year longer then the series three
For now at least get the SE. the series 3 might lose its support much much sooner
Hello i love your content, its so organic!!!
Thanks so much!
Great video, explained everything very well, FT Collins runners💪💪
So the Apple Watch series 7 will be available 15.10, when do you think your review will be ready because I don’t wanna buy it without watching it. I mean how long does it take you to review the watches. Great channel btw.
What a fantastic video, I appreciate this :)
Thanks!
I LOVE your reviews!
I bought the S3 last year, used it for a while, got pissed with the battery life and messiness, switched to Garmin, then FitBit, and I’m now back to the AW as of this Thursday after a midnight brain fart lol
I’m hesitant about upgrading to the iOS because of space/battery life… advice?
Thanks so much!
I'm trying to decide between Apple watch series 3 and Polar ignite 2...
I just bought one of these and I'm happy to hear that os8 is supported.
👍
Thanks man. Just quick question, can I use it on Ipad
Thank you very much, Des for your videos! Just the best reviews of smartwatches! Waiting for comparison with SE and of course 7th gen :)
Thanks!
Do you get to keep all the gadgets you review? That would be nice.
The devices I review are a mix of media review units and some that I purchase myself. If I keep a media review unit it's so I can have a device on hand to answer comments about certain features or functionality but the devices that I use personally for my own tracking I purchase on my own.
@@DesFit Again thanks for the reviews they are a big help!
Sure thing
Great vid 👌👌👌
Thanks!
I have the same watch but I was wondering how to see my Resting heart rate because it’s not displayed
Hi des ,I listened to your advice and bought a Garmin forerunner 245 thanks ,it's working perfectly fine and really something I was looking for
Glad the watch is working out for you. 👍
I didn’t know your chanel, now I’m thankful for the recommend, really liking your great job, I would love to be able to get this on my try for a more healthy fit life, maybe a second hand or so. Cuídate y gracias por compartir tu trabajo.
Thank you sir
Sure thing
How does it compare to the Samsung galaxy watch active
AW3 is so good. The only thing is it's a pain to update now, and aw 8 update really hit my batt life (edit: oh 8.0.1 came out yesterday, hopefully it fixes it). I've used my aw 3 on a number of ultras the past year from 50k to 100 miles. I don't recommend using it for 100 miles, it's such a pain to charge, lol. There's just so much that my aw does better than my fenix. It just sucks having to have both.
What does your AW do that your Fenix can’t With respect to ultras?
How’s the new update? I’m hesitant…
@@patricia__alves_ I'm scared to update and short on time lately so haven't done it yet! The past ones have been fine.
Great Review.
I noticed you mentioned that the series 3 was the first watch with heart rate monitoring.
I just got a Stainless Steel 42mm Series 2.
Yes a series 2 in 2022 and its got heart rate monitoring and does so pretty well during my workouts.
First smart watch, first fitness tracker and I must say, even for an unsupported device that maxed out at watch OS 6.3, for fitness tracking, it can’t be beat!
Do you have a series 2 review on your channel?
Great video, Sounds like the 3 is still a really nice device. :)
There may be a few bells and whistles with the newer models but the Series 3 still offers a lot for the money 👍 Thanks!
Except for the battery life, is there another benefit of choosing a Garmin watch over an Apple watch? Am I missing something?
Many more fitness metrics are collected as well as external sensor support.
@@DesFit understood, thank you!
Sure thing 👍
Desfit rocks
Thanks!
Hi Des, superb and engaging review as always. Just a quick one, can you pair an external HR monitor (like mine, tickr) and foot pod to this apple watch? I know it doesnt have ant+ but I presume the bluetooth can work? Thanks a ton Sir.
Thanks for the perfect review again Des! 🤍
No problem 👍
really good review. please do the series 3 to se compare. on apple site if you compare 3 to se to 7 says se doesnt have ECG but then if you go to compare all models on same page it says SE has ECG?
Thanks! The SE vs Series 3 video is in the works - soon! And regarding ECG on the SE - it should not have it. The US version of the Apple.com site seems to have the correct information: www.apple.com/watch/compare/
@@DesFit weird. your right
I love your videos on Apple Watches. I've been using one since 2016 (Series 2 Stainless Steel 42mm), I then got the Series 4 Stainless Steel 44mm. My Series 7 Stainless Steel 41mm will be delivered on Friday and I can't wait for you to review it.
Curious: have you never had the issue of the heart rate measurements not starting when you start a workout on your Apple Watch? I have had this with the Series 2, Series 4 and yes, I will have it with the Series 7 as well. I know it. Every single time I go out for a workout, I first open the Heart Rate monitor app on my Apple Watch to measure my heart rate, as soon as I get a reading I start the workout which apparently prevents the issue of heart rate monitoring not working on workouts, it's just like me launching the heart rate monitor app wakes the heart rate monitor from sleep or something... So strange.
Would also love in your review to review battery life with cellular on and no connection with your iPhone and vice versa.
I had this issue on my aw3, it used to take 5-10 min for hrm to start , what worked for me was to let the watch do it’s countdown before any activity(3,2,1) rather than tapping on screen and starting workout instantly.
There is sometimes a delay with the first minute or so for it to collect HR but after that it's good to go. Funny enough I didn't experience that at all though during this round of testing with the Series 3.
I used to run with an Apple Watch Series 3 when it was first released but went back to a Garmin because the Series 3 does not have an always on display and needs this 'flip'motion or tap on the screen to turn on the display, which would totally throw off my running rhythm when I wanted to check my distance/speed etc. It is a battery saving feature, but I really hated it, even when not running.Has Apple fixed this with the Series 3 ??
i just researched and its still the same, always on display starts on series 5 upwards. and thanks you just reminded me why i shouldn't buy this watch. i really dislike having to flick a watch to see the time. i currently use huawei watch fit its great for the price with always on display, i was considering the apple watch 3 since i have an iphone. i would stick to my current watch.
@@truthseeker6804 can you upload your workouts to strava with the HUAWEI watch fit
Des, are there any upper arm heart rate monitors you know of that also cover additional data (without additional devices), such as steps, gps etc or are they mostly heart rate only?
Heart rate only for all the options I know of from the main brands like Polar, Scosche, and Wahoo
Unless you can get the S3 for $100 and you just want it to measure your heart rate and runs, no one should be buying it. You would be much better off waiting for a sale on and SE (which has gone as $229). 5 year old tech really isn’t a good investment. The specs on a S3 and the 8gb of memory mean the device isn’t going to get updates for a few years. The device itself isn’t going to be able to handle it. It’s just being sold the get people into the AW system then annoy them enough to want to upgrade.
Damn first 30 seconds made me feel lazy af
This video is awesome, now i go for one for my girlfriend
Thanks! Hope she enjoys it.