phoneopinionsThe Smartphone Analyzer
Apple Watch Edition Series 3

Apple Watch Edition Series 3

Released 2017, September. Released 2017, September
Available Colors 2
White
Gray

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia (A1891) HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 800 - USA, LATAM, Canada (A1861) HSDPA 2100 - China
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia (A1891) 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 41 - USA, LATAM, Canada (A1861) 1, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China (A1892)
SpeedHSPA, LTE

Launch

Announced2017, September. Released 2017, September
StatusDiscontinued

Body

Dimensions42.6 x 36.5 x 11.4 mm (1.68 x 1.44 x 0.45 in)
Weight46.4 g (1.62 oz)
BuildGlass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic back, ceramic frame
SIMeSIM 50m water resistant

Display

TypeRetina OLED, 1000 nits (peak)
Size1.65 inches
Resolution390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density)
ProtectionSapphire crystal glass 3D Touch display

Platform

OSwatchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7
ChipsetApple S3
CPUDual-core
GPUPowerVR

Memory

Card slotNo
Internal16GB 768MB RAM

Camera

—No

Sound

LoudspeakerYes
3.5mm jackNo

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBNo

Features

SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable
ChargingWireless

Misc

ColorsWhite, Gray
ModelsA1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892
SAR0.35 W/kg (head)     0.18 W/kg (body)
PriceAbout 1450 EUR
★ Best Deal Today

Buy the Apple Watch Edition Series 3

≈ $1,576Amazon.com · secure checkout

As an affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Phone Opinions Review

Apple Watch Edition Series 3 is one of those devices that tries to pack a lot into one package. Let us see if Apple has managed to put together a phone that is actually worth your money. Announced in 2017, September. Released 2017, September, it arrives at a time when the competition is as tight as ever.

Design & Display

On the front you get a 1.65 inches panel, pushing a resolution of 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density), and in real-world use it looks bright, crisp and easy on the eyes. In terms of design, the Apple Watch Edition Series 3 keeps things modern and comfortable to hold. You can pick it up in a few finishes, including White.

Performance & Software

At the heart of it sits the Apple S3. For the kind of tasks most of us throw at a phone, there is plenty of muscle here. It runs watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 out of the box, so the software experience feels current.

Camera

Photography is handled by a main shooter that should cover most situations, from daylight shots to the occasional low-light frame. Expect solid detail in good light, with the usual softness creeping in once the sun goes down.

Battery

Battery duties are handled by a Li-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable unit. With moderate use you can expect to end the day with charge to spare.

Our Opinion

After spending time with the spec sheet and what Apple is promising, here is where we land. What you are getting is a device that quietly covers the fundamentals rather than shouting about them. It gets the basics right, offering a crisp display, which is exactly what most buyers are really after. For someone who simply wants a dependable daily driver that will not let them down halfway through the day, this ticks a lot of boxes. You could nitpick a few things, as you can with any phone in this bracket. But taken as a whole, the Apple Watch Edition Series 3 is a sensible, well-judged choice that should keep most users happy for a good while. If you have used this device or are planning to pick one up, do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Rate the Apple Watch Edition Series 3

Would you buy it? Let other readers know.