Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminium 38mm Review

Released in September 2017, the chameleon-like Apple Watch Series 3 comes in many different forms, from the size of the frame to the precise material that this is made in. While there are a number of different configurations that you can create with the Apple Watch Series 3, with our particular favourite being the 38mm timepiece with the striking aluminium frame. This watch certainly catches the eye, while it also delivers the build quality and functionality that you'd expect from an Apple product. But what's in the precise specification and how does our refurbished Apple Watch Series 3 compare to others in the range?

Introducing an LTE-enabled model

Apple has upped the configuration ante further with the Apple Watch Series 3, by introducing a 38mm aluminium version that has its own independent cellular connection. While you still need a compatible iOS handset to get genuine bang for your buck when using a Series 3 timepiece, buying an LTE-enabled model at least enables you to receive calls and some app notifications even when your phone's out of range.

Perhaps the biggest value of this upgrade is that it offers you direct access to more than 30 million songs through apps such as Beat Radio and (of course) Apple Music! If you're a true music enthusiast, this can more than justify the original cost of an LTE model.

An aluminium casing for a premium feel

While the aluminium case may not be the only option available for customers interested in the 38mm Apple Watch Series 3, we'd wager that this offers the best and most premium aesthetic. We particularly like how the aluminium case manages to feel both durable and lightweight in equal measure, while the sleek, 11.4mm frame and Apple's trademark curved edges combine to create an increasingly high-end design.

A truly stunning high-res display

Both the 38mm and 42mm iterations of the Apple Watch Series 3 boast similar display specifications, with OLED technology used to create a vivid viewing experience at optimal brightness. Of course, the 1.5-inch screen on the 38mm model offers a slightly lower resolution at 340x272 pixels, but this is more than adequate for commonplace smartwatch functions such as viewing notifications, answering emails and sending quick texts to loved ones.

Get fitter than ever before

If there's one criticism that has plagued both the first and second generation Apple watches, it's that these timepieces lacked versatile fitness tracking technology. So, while Apple's basic, four-sensor heart-rate monitor was fit for counting beats per minute, it offered little in the way of additional value.

Not only has this technology been enhanced in the 38mm aluminium iteration of the Apple Watch Series 3, however, but the integrated sensors are now also capable of monitoring your pulse rate, recording your daily resting heartbeat and performing a host of additional tasks. With the distance tracking function also much-improved and decidedly more accurate, you can use your Apple Watch Series 3 across a far wider range of fitness disciplines.

A battery that can keep up with you

It's fair to say that we've been impressed by the battery performance of every single Apple Watch iteration to date, partially because the brand has deployed the clever and age-old marketing trick of playing down expectations prior to launch. As for the Apple Watch Series 3, both the 38mm and the 42mm timepieces feature a 279 mAh power pack, which provides 50 hours of uninterrupted use on a single charge and during moderate to-heavy use.

Of course, the lifespan drops to 36 hours on average on the more capacious LTE-enabled model, while using the watch to track your performance during long runs also places a greater strain on the power pack.

We love the design and the functionality of the Apple Watch Series 3, which combines much-loved and familiar features with a host of new and targeted upgrades.

Our refurbished 38mm Series 3 watches are also available in aluminium, so you can now bag yourself a premium timepiece without breaking the bank!

5 real-life highlights

1. Thanks to the integration of a standalone cellular connection, you can now make high quality calls from the Apple Watch Series 3 even when your phone is out of range
2. The Series 3 is also the first timepiece to feature intuitive music streaming capabilities, as you can connect seamlessly to Beats Radio and Apple Music
3. Siri is now far more effective and can be used to seamlessly access menus and your favourite tracks safely when on the move
4. Anyone upgrading from the Series 2 watch will notice that the new timepiece features a whopping 16GB of internal storage (with the LTE version)
5. The battery on this third generation timepiece definitely performs well during exercise, losing just 4% of power during the course of a one-hour run