

Whether that means it won't receive an update to WatchOS next year remains to be seen, but it's something to consider if you're planning on holding on to your watch for a couple of years and you want to continue getting the updates.
#ACCURATE 5 VS 7 SERIES#
Apple has been known to stop updating older models, and the Series 3 is currently the oldest model compatible with WatchOS 7, which means it's next on the chopping block to stop receiving support on future OS versions. But there is one more thing to consider when making your decision, and that's the shelf life of the Watch. It has most of the same features as the Series 5 and costs over $100 less. If you're buying your first smartwatch, the Series 3 seems like the better deal. It's also more reliable when connected to LTE and has more storage space for listening to your music offline. But the Series 5 has a faster processor and Wi-Fi chip so it's generally more responsive at performing tasks like starting a workout and switching between apps. Unless you have both watches side by side running the same tasks, you may not even notice the difference in speed. Faster processor and more storage space on the Series 5 If the user doesn't move for about a minute, the Watch then notifies both emergency services and emergency contacts. The Series 5 also has fall detection, which is like an automated version of the SOS feature that's triggered by a hard fall instead of a long press. On the Series 5, this feature also works even if you're traveling abroad. Once activated, the Watch automatically calls 911 and then sends a text to your emergency contacts with your coordinates. The Series 3 and the Series 5 have an SOS feature that can be triggered by long-pressing the side button in a pinch. In addition to the traditional optical sensor that tracks heart rate, the Series 5 has a sensor that allows users to take an electrocardiogram by way of the ECG app, which can then be shared with their physician. But only the Series 5 has an ECG (electrocardiogram) feature built-in. The key difference is that the Series 5 has a compass, which may come in handy if you do a lot of hiking.īoth watches keep tabs on your ticker with heart health notifications that alert users when their heart rate is too high, low or give signs of atrial fibrillation (aFib), a serious heart condition. They both have a built-in GPS, which means you can leave your phone behind on a run and still be able to track route and distance info via the Watch, and they're water resistant up to 50 meters for both salt- and fresh-water swimming. They're both great at tracking workoutsīoth these watches are great fitness companions that track just about any workout and give you reminders to get moving on your off days.

This will be especially helpful for checking live stats during a run without having to pause and squint at the screen to see your data. The Series 5 display is also brighter than that of the Series 3, making it easier to see outdoors and in direct sunlight. It's still a tiny screen compared to your phone, but it's definitely easier to read. The Series 5 is only a couple of millimeters larger than the Series 3, but the screen will seem noticeably bigger because it has smaller bezels. +15 More Better visibility during workouts And even with the always-on display, the battery of the Series 5 doesn't drain any faster than the Series 3's. The Series 5 has a dimmer version of your watch face that's visible at all times. (That said, the lack of always-on screen didn't bother us so much on the Apple Watch SE.) Good luck discreetly checking the time during a meeting, because looking at anything on the screen of the Series 3 requires a very intentional flick of the wrist. It may not seem like that big of a deal, but once you've had a taste of the always-on screen, it's hard to go back.

The screen on the Series 5 is always on so you can see the time or your workout stats without raising your wrist, while the screen on the Series 3 turns off when you're not using it. The first major difference between the Apple Watch Series 5 and the Series 3 is the display. The cellular version of the Series 3 has a red dot on the crown, while the Series 5 only has an outline. $169 at Amazon Always on is convenient, but not a must
