Apple watch series 3 without red button. Comparison with competitive models. Reviews about the application

Along with new iPhones Apple has also updated its line of smart watch. Third generation Apple Watch cannot boast of radical improvements, but it pleases with additional sensors and operating modes, and also promises smoother operation thanks to the new SoC. We got acquainted with the clock and used it in real life. This article contains all the details!

Before moving on to a description of innovations and impressions of Apple usage Watch Series 3, let's deal with the current one model range Apple Watch.

As we remember, first Apple The Watch came in two sizes (42 and 38 mm) and two types of materials: aluminum Apple Watch Sport with Ion-X glass and steel Apple Watch with sapphire crystal. In addition to this, there was also an elite Apple series Watch Edition, but it can be ignored, since million-dollar watches are a very tiny segment.

When the manufacturer introduced the second generation of watches a year later, there was no longer a steel version, but the first generation was still on sale in all its variety. And now, with the release of Apple Watch Series 3, it was decided not to confuse buyers completely and with a strong-willed decision to limit the choice by size (42 or 38 mm), generation (Series 1 or Series 3; series watch 2 are no longer represented in Apple Store) and color (silver, gold, white or dark gray Space Gray).

Alas, you can no longer buy a watch with a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, although this was a truly remarkable design decision. You can’t choose between Series 2 and Series 3. But the price of Series 1 has dropped to 18,490 rubles, so the choice strategy has become extremely simple: if you want to save money, take any version of Series 1; if you want much broader functionality, take Series 3. At the same time, In terms of appearance, they are practically the same (except for the color and straps, of course).

Let's explore Apple specifications Watch Series 3 and compare them with the two previous generations.

*Prices and offers are based on models with aluminum case and silicone strap

Of course, based on the specified characteristics, little can be said about the innovations of the Apple Watch Series 3, especially in comparison with the Series 2. Apple does not disclose details about single-chip systems: not even the frequency is reported CPU cores. We only know that all SoCs have two of them, but Series 3 has the most powerful SoC.

We cannot verify this with any tests, but traditionally the difference will be felt with the release of new versions of watchOS. Let's say, at the very first Apple Watch new watchOS 4 is noticeably slow.

As we can see, the main difference is the potential availability of a cellular version. However, we must take into account that such options are not officially sold in Russia yet, since our operators do not yet support this option in the form that is implemented by Apple (via eSIM and using the same number with the iPhone). However, I think it’s a matter of time.

We will talk about other differences in this article.

Equipment

Aluminum packaging Apple versions Watch Series 3 looks the same as the Apple Watch Series 2 and the first generation Apple Watch Sport. This is an elongated box made of thick cardboard.

The equipment of the new product is identical to that of models of previous generations: in addition to the watch itself, it includes a silicone strap (with a spare half smaller size- so that you can choose the optimal one for your hand), Charger 5 V 1 A, USB cable with wireless charging tablet at the end and leaflets with user information.

Charger from new Apple Watch is fully compatible with Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 1. And vice versa. Therefore, accessories will also work - for example, a convenient docking station.

Design

In appearance, the new product does not differ from its predecessor (Series 2). This is the same aluminum rectangular case with rounded corners and edges, as well as two buttons on the right side.

One of these buttons is oblong, the other is round, simultaneously serving as a wheel that can be rotated ( Digital Crown). There is a feeling that the wheel scrolls more smoothly, and button presses, on the contrary, are a little tighter. But, firstly, we cannot compare directly, and secondly, even if this is so, then this is a plus, since it should have reduced the likelihood of accidental clicks and simplified the use of the wheel.

The screen size remains the same. We had the 42 mm version, and the 38 mm version is also available for sale. On the back we see a sensor heart rate, buttons for detaching the strap. The circular area around the sensor is ceramic. On the left side are the speaker and microphone holes.

The thickness of the new product is the same as that of the Apple Watch Series 2, which is a millimeter more than the first Apple Watch and is apparently explained by enhanced moisture protection and the presence of more capacious battery. However, the watch on your hand looks no worse than the first generation model. It’s just a pity that it’s not possible to select versions from other materials, but we’ve already complained about this and won’t repeat it.

Maintaining dimensions has one important advantage: absolutely all models of all Apple generations Watch, including Series 3, is fully compatible with all available bands. Considering that some of these straps cost more than the watch itself (such as the steel block bracelet), it would simply be unfair to the people who bought them to change the way the straps are mounted on a new generation of watches.

At the same time, Apple continues to expand its range of straps. And we will talk about this in the next section of the article.

Straps 2017

Over the past six months, Apple has expanded the line several times. The most Last update, timed to coincide with the release of the Apple Watch Series 3, became, as expected, the most radical, but there are many interesting things among the spring-summer models. We managed to get to know them and even used some of them in Everyday life.

Let's start with the most exciting new product: the nylon strap with Velcro. Apple is consistently expanding the types of clasps. Velcro fastening has been added to the magnetic clasps, classic buckle, butterfly buckle and sport strap button.

Here the strap is a continuous band without division into halves. It is attached to the watch using plastic blocks. And it is fixed on the hand, respectively, with the help of five Velcro. The advantage of this option is that you can adjust the size of the strap to your hand with maximum flexibility - down to the millimeter.

The surface of the strap itself is made of nylon threads of different colors, this creates interesting shades: for example, the photo shows a black strap, but thanks to threads of other colors (it’s difficult to even tell which ones), an unusual combination is obtained. In our opinion, this strap goes well with a sweater or any other fluffy fall-winter clothing.

Another new strap is a variation of the nylon straps. The essence is the same (fastening, clasp, combination of threads of two colors), but the arrangement of the threads itself is different, which is why the pattern turns out to be very different from what it was before.

To this is worth adding the spring-summer collection of nylon straps. They store old type weaving, but the approach to color is changing. If previously intertwined threads of two colors formed a single color field, now there are options with multi-colored stripes. For example, Apple calls the option in the photo below “yellow pollen.”

In the meantime, we were able to appreciate three color options in everyday life: “red”, “lake blue” and “pollen yellow” (in addition to the previously described black). They fit casual clothes and suggest the presence of some bright elements in clothing. Ideally, the same shades in other clothing items.

So this is, of course, an interesting task for fashionistas. But note that the colors do not look flashy or vulgar (for example, “wild berry” is a much more universal option than any other type of pink straps). And “blue lake” is an excellent option for denim.

In addition, we note that when worn for a long time on the hand, nylon straps do not cause any unpleasant sensations. On the contrary, over time they take the shape of a hand - as if they were created especially for you. It's nice. And for those who do not plan to actively use the watch for sports, a nylon strap is a very good alternative to a silicone or Nike strap (their cost is identical - about 4,000 rubles at the time of writing).

These are, of course, summer decisions. However, they can also be relevant in the fall - you want to maintain a summer mood, even when it’s dark and slush outside.

New colors have also appeared for straps made of other materials. Moreover, along with the color, the surface texture was updated, so the straps began to feel different. A striking example is the yellow leather strap with a classic buckle.

First of all, it's actually three colors: outer color- yellow, the inner surface is natural (dark beige) color, and the edges are gray. And secondly, the leather here is softer and more elastic than in the case of a brown strap and, especially, a black one (we wrote about them earlier). In addition, oddly enough, the buckle itself is different, although it cannot be said that it is for the worse or worse better side. She's just a little different.

As for the color itself, it is a little lighter and brighter than in the photos, without an orange tint. And it looks very cool - it gives you a summer mood and becomes a great accent when worn with neutral clothes.

In addition, back in the spring, regular sports straps appeared in the colors "smoky blue", "pollen yellow" and "flamingo pink", and the most widely updated line of Nike straps. “Light Violet/White”, “Purple Dust/Plum Haze”, “Orbit Blue/Gamma Blue” and “Obsidian/Black” added variety to the previously limited selection of strict shades.

Screen

The Apple Watch Series 3 screen size and resolution have not changed compared to the first and second generations. The watch is available in two display sizes: 38mm and 42mm. Accordingly, their resolution also differs: 272×340 and 312×390, respectively. We had a 42mm watch with a screen resolution of 312x390.

We conducted a detailed examination of the screen using measuring instruments. Below is the conclusion of the editor of the “Monitors” and “Projectors and TV” sections, Alexey Kudryavtsev.

The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a scratch-resistant glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface curved towards the edges. On the outer surface of the screen there is a special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating (effective, slightly better than Google Nexus 7 (2013)), therefore fingerprints are removed much easier and appear at a lower speed than in the case of ordinary glass. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are slightly better than those of Google screen Nexus 7 2013. For clarity, here is a photo in which a white surface is reflected in the switched off screens:

The screen of the Apple Watch Series 3 is slightly darker (brightness according to photographs is 105 versus 113 for the Nexus 7). There is no double reflection, which indicates that there is no air gap between the layers of the screen. When displaying the white field in full screen, the maximum brightness value we recorded was about 650 cd/m² (with bright backlight on the screen), the minimum was 60 cd/m² (the first level of adjustment, office lighting).

It’s worth making a reservation here: Apple promises brightness up to 1000 cd/m², but it’s impossible to verify this, because when measuring brightness, the light sensor is partially blocked and the brightness is automatically reduced, and it’s impossible to disable this parameter. So we couldn’t confirm the numbers promised by the manufacturer, but we have no reason not to trust Apple.

As already said, automatic adjustment Brightness based on the light sensor always works. The user can only make adjustments to the operation of this function by choosing one of three levels. At any brightness level there is modulation with a frequency of 60 Hz, but its amplitude is small, so flickering is not visible. Graphs of brightness (vertical axis) versus time (horizontal axis) illustrate the above:

This screen uses AMOLED matrix— active matrix on organic LEDs. A full-color image is created using subpixels of three colors - red (R), green (G) and blue (B) in equal numbers, as confirmed by a fragment of a microphotograph:

For comparison, you can familiarize yourself with those used in mobile technology.

The spectra are typical for OLED - the primary color areas are well separated and appear as relatively narrow peaks:

However, there is also cross-mixing of components ( programmatically), so the coverage is not overly wide, but adjusted to the sRGB boundaries:

Accordingly, typical images (with sRGB coverage) on the screen apple watch Watch has a natural richness. Unfortunately, color profiles are not supported (or are not transferred when copying images to the watch), so even wide color gamut images are still displayed as sRGB. Colorful temperature white and gray fields is approximately 7350 K, and the deviation from the black body spectrum (ΔE) is 4.4-4.7 units. Color balance is good. Black is just black from any angle. It's so black that the contrast setting is in this case not applicable. When viewed perpendicularly, the uniformity of the white field is excellent. The screen has excellent viewing angles with a much smaller drop in brightness when viewed from an angle compared to LCD screens, but at higher angles the whites fade noticeably to blue. Overall, the quality of the Apple Watch screen is very high.

New opportunities

The watch comes preloaded with watchOS 4.0 operating system. You can read about its main innovations in, and what is said there is true for all generations of Apple Watch. Let us remind you that even the very first generation is compatible with the latest OS. Here we will look at those functions and features that apply only to the Apple Watch Series 3 and are not available on older models.

So, perhaps, the main innovation of the Apple Watch Series 3, not counting the LTE connection, which is not yet available to Russian users, is constant and rather in-depth monitoring of cardiac activity. As Apple rightly notes, cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death today, especially among men. Moreover, their danger is that for quite a long time a person, already being unhealthy, may not feel any discomfort and, therefore, does not take any measures to prevent a heart attack or the like.

In addition, regular medical examinations in Russia are still not established, and obtaining health certificates is nothing more than a formality. And somehow it is not customary for us to go without any complaints and have our heart checked. Therefore, the importance of constant monitoring of heart function is difficult to overestimate. It is clear that with diagnostics in medical centers and this cannot be compared with the use of professional equipment, and it is stupid to expect that the watch will immediately give us a diagnosis (although, who knows, maybe in 10 years we will live to see that). But Apple Watch Series 3 can alert you if it notices problems with your heart rate. And even if this is a mistake, it is better to be safe.

So let's take a closer look at how this happens.

While you're wearing Apple Watch Series 3, the watch automatically measures your heart rate every few minutes. At the same time, they correlate the information received with yours. current activity(which, of course, is reported by other sensors - the accelerometer and gyroscope), and if you sat still for 10 minutes, but your heart rate exceeded the specified threshold (by default it is 120 beats per minute), the watch will warn you.

You can view or change settings in Watch app on iPhone by going to the “Pulse” section.

The watch also measures heart rate variability, which is the difference in time between two heartbeats. This figure should be small.

All your heart monitoring information is automatically exported to the Health app. There, in a visual form, you can see to what values ​​and when your pulse rose, what the average pulse was for a certain period of time and other useful information.

In fact, from everyday non-professional Apple devices Watch Series 3 now collects and provides maximum information about the work of the heart. And, what is important, without any user effort. That is, you don’t have to run measurements, then do anything with the results, etc. You just wear the watch - and then see all the results in the application on your iPhone.

Another innovation of the Apple Watch Series 3 is the appearance of an altimeter. Thanks to it, the watch can measure the number of floors climbed and generally record your ascents and descents. Note that when everyday use The same information can also be collected by the iPhone—and the Health app lists the iPhone as a priority source. But, for example, on a hike or when playing sports, a watch will clearly be a more convenient tool.

And the last innovation, available only on Apple Watch Series 3: Siri can now talk through the watch speaker (and the sound is quite clear and loud) or through AirPods headphones. The manufacturer claims that this became possible thanks to a new, more powerful processor. Of course, it is difficult to call this an important innovation, but in certain situations it can really be useful.

Autonomous operation

As before, we do not have the tools to test the duration with any precision. battery life Apple Watch Series 3 - only subjective impressions. But if you rely on them, it turns out that Apple really carried out great job, and three days of work without recharging is already quite a reality for her watch.

Note that the first Apple Watch, updated to watchOS 4.0, worked for us for no more than two days. So there is a positive trend. Of course, the more intensively you use the watch, the faster it will drain, but if you use the Series 3 solely for notifications and viewing the time, you can safely count on three days.

conclusions

If we talk about the version without LTE, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a rather modest update. The vast majority of innovations reported by the manufacturer are related to watchOS 4, and not to the watch itself. Therefore, if you have an Apple Watch Series 2, then there is undoubtedly no reason to update. If you are the owner of an Apple Watch Series 1, then it all depends on whether you need the innovations that we noted in Series 2, and whether the watch with watchOS 4 slows down. The very first generation (which, let us recall, was functionally identical to the Series 1, but with a twice as slow SoC) there were slowdowns and “thoughtfulness”. So if you have the very first Apple Watch, then it’s worth upgrading, but if you have Series 1, you still need to think carefully.

Perhaps, main feature Apple Watch Series 3 - serious monitoring of cardiac activity. And this is perhaps an important argument, especially if you are a man over 40. But the main thing is that this is a very productive signal to the entire industry and an attempt to respond to the still topical issue: Why do we need smartwatches at all?

Other innovations - the appearance of an altimeter and Siri voice response capabilities - can hardly be considered truly significant. But, strictly speaking, Apple does not offer to compare Series 3 and Series 2. official store Now only Series 3 and Series 1 are sold, so the third generation just replaced the second, adopting all its features (moisture protection, GPS) and adding a few of its own. This is probably a boring situation for reviewers and tech geeks; I wish the Series 3 were a more serious step forward. But, on the other hand, we can’t help but be glad that Apple is developing not only hardware, but also software, and even owners of models of previous generations can take advantage of the innovations in watchOS 4.

From the same opera, there are new straps, of which there are many (if you count all those released after the Apple Watch Series 2). They are like operating system, are suitable for absolutely all Apple Watch models ever released. And for this you can even forgive the lack of updating the watch design. Yes, again, a little boring, but it is fully compatible with all existing straps. Apple is clearly trying to convey a message to doubters: buy our watches now, they will be relevant for a long time. And to make it easier for them to make such a decision, the manufacturer has lowered prices for Series 1, so that the threshold for entry into the “Apple Watch owner’s club” has become lower than ever.

(Cupertino, California) introduced smart watches. Didn't receive the gadget new design, but gained a number of really useful functions.

In contact with

Hardware in Apple Watch Series 3

The first and most important innovation is the LTE modem. Watch Series 3 - the first Apple smart watch with the support mobile networks(although the company admits that they wanted to build in a modem from the very beginning)! You can use them to make calls, talk to Siri anywhere, listen to 40 million tracks from Apple Music, etc. without having to keep your iPhone nearby.

During the presentation, Apple Vice President Jeff Williams gave an impressive demonstration of the capabilities of the new watch. He called one of his employees named Deirdre.

As it turned out, the girl... was standing on a surfboard in the middle of the lake (!), but thanks to Watch she was able to calmly communicate with her boss - Cellular technology provided the connection, and a tiny microphone and speaker - high quality sound in the middle of the waves.

Why is there a red dot on the Digital Crown?

The version of Apple Watch Series 3, equipped with an LTE module, has an external distinctive feature - the Digital Crown wheel on top is painted red. Accordingly, the GPS version of Series 3 does not have such a difference.

Does LTE work in Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular in Russia?

No! Unfortunately, the LTE version (Cellular) of Watch Series 3 does not yet make sense to use in Russia due to the lack of support from Russian operators.

The Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular model is not even for sale in the Russian online Apple Store, only Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS).

As for the rest of the hardware, the watch received a new dual-core S3 processor and an Apple W2 microchip for wireless communication— according to Williams, the new chip works 70% faster and makes possible job Siri.

The W2 chip allows the third generation Watch to work with Wi-Fi networks 85% faster and consumes 50% less battery. The latter is especially important, because due to the appearance of the LTE module, the load on the battery will also increase - although Apple claims that the watch still works on a single charge for 18 hours a day.

The appearance of an LTE module in the Apple Watch design forced the company's engineers to look for non-standard solutions in order to leave the dimensions of the watch the same. As a result, the SIM card connector was replaced with a much more compact electronic SIM (eSIM), and the display also functions as a radio antenna. As a result, Watch Series 3 retained the same dimensions as Series 2, with one exception - back panel“got better” by 0.25 mm.

In addition, the new watch has an additional sensor - an altimeter. Good news: This means that Apple has finally caught up with the "serious" ones in terms of statistical capabilities. sports watches from Garmin and Polar, and now you can safely go to the mountains with your watch. Apple Watch is also suitable for lovers of swimming - the watch can withstand immersion to a depth of up to 50 meters, and does not pay attention to splashes of water from the surface at all.

WatchOS 4 on Apple Watch Series 3

The fourth version of the Apple OS for smart watches will be released on September 19 and will delight you with new features for Siri, an updated collection of watch faces and fitness.

Apple has seriously worked on the heart rate monitor - now it has a special dial. The Heart Rate app will display detailed heart rate statistics, from which you can find out how your heart rate changes during various activities. And if your heart rate jumps when you are not doing anything special, the watch will warn you about it.

Also, smart watches and cardiac arrhythmia - a disease in which the heart beats at an unusual rhythm and which, without knowing it, affects tens of millions of people on Earth. Apple is going to actively fight this problem - the company announced the imminent start of a large medical study, the Heart Study, together with Stanford University.

In the box with the Apple Watch Series 3, we found a meager gentleman's set: an induction charging tablet, a 1 A plug, a silicone strap with one additional clasp of a different length, and documentation.

Modifications

Apple Watch Series 3 with eSIM support, as well as Hermès and Edition modifications, unfortunately, are not presented in Russia. This means that we don’t sell variations with sapphire glass, steel or ceramic cases either.

What you can choose: one of two sizes (38 mm and 42 mm), one of four colors silicone strap (smoky, pink, gray and black), depending on which one of three colors aluminum body(silver, gold and “space gray”).

There is also a modification of Nike+ for athletes and fans of the brand of the same name - with thematic design of dials and special mesh straps.

There is no difference in specifications depending on size. The difference in price is small - relative to the cost of the watch itself. Therefore, here you should be guided only by personal preferences. I have an Apple Watch with a case length of 38 mm, and I really like it, I don’t feel disadvantaged, I don’t want a “full-length” version.

Frame

The only controversial point is the choice specific model Apple Watch. On this moment Models of the first and third series are officially sold. If you need a remote control for iOS devices, an activity tracker, and a workout tracker, the Apple Watch Series 1 is enough. If it is waterproof and tracks swim laps in the pool, listens to music without a smartphone, and has hardware reserves for the future, it is better to choose the Apple Watch Series 3.

Smartwatch fans all over the world are eagerly awaiting... When will the Apple Watch Series 3 be released?. Many are interested in how the third generation will differ from the previous version, Series 2, which was released last year.

What to expect from the new version of iWatch 3?

When producing the third generation of Apple Smart Watch, the manufacturer did not bother with the design and left it:

• the same;
• familiar;
• loved by everyone.

The emphasis in the new 3rd generation gadget is on:

• power;
• performance.

Apple Watch Series 3 design

The design of smart watches remains familiar to all users. As in earlier versions, the basis of control remains the wheel on the side of the screen, with which you can:

• scroll through the menu;
• select options.

The screen quality will change slightly - aluminum models use durable Ion-X glass. Smart watches made of steel and ceramics will be covered with sapphire glass. The device, like its predecessors, is waterproof. Photo: Apple S3 processor

Power and productivity

The main thing to expect from the Apple Watch Series 3 is increased performance. The main content of the watch will be Apple processor S3 with two cores is almost twice as powerful as last year’s version. He reacts much faster than his predecessors from the first and second series.

Also, the memory capacity will double, and the third version will have 2 GB. A reinforced battery will allow you to hold a charge for 10-12 hours longer, taking into account that the new product will consume more energy due to its power. The iWatch will pair directly with the iPhone as usual.
Photo: Apple Watch Series 3rd generation

Additional features

Apple will equip the new iWatch Series 3 smart watch with all the necessary sensors:

1. Adapter, Wi-Fi, GPS.
2. Accelerometer.
3. Barometer.
4. Built-in camera (1.2 MP) for video calls and selfies.

As for the camera, these are still rumors related to the fact that manufacturers wanted to equip it with a second version of smartwatches. The main thing is that there is room on the body for the camera lens.

Release date Apple Watch Series 3

The interval between the release of the first and second models was 18 months. If we believe this tradition, then the third should have appeared in March 2018, since series 2 was presented in September 2016. Exact date No one can say yet, but it’s certain that we’ll have to wait another year.

When the manufacturer is ready to present Apple world Watch Series 3 release date will definitely be on everyone's lips.

Price category

In principle, prices will remain the same as in the second version of the smart gadget. The predecessors will become a little cheaper, and the third series of models will have approximately the following prices in America:

1. “Sport” series - from 369 dollars (30,000 rubles).
2. “Steel” series - from $549 (RUB 50,000).
3. “Edition” series - $1,250 (RUB 120,000).

The cost is approximate, based on the prices of the second model at the time it went on sale.

The Warm Up, Mobility and Exercise rings visually show your activity throughout the day. You will immediately realize that you have stayed too long. Find out how many calories you burned. You will see how many minutes you spent on the exercises. At the same time, your friends can also spy on your rings if you give them access. In addition, there was new feature"Activity Competitions" And the virtual trainer's tips will further motivate you.

Improve your workouts.

You can measure all popular types of workouts. For example, there are modes for yoga, swimming, cycling and interval exercises. Runners will love these advanced features, like cadence measurement and tempo change warnings. In a fitness club, the watch can be connected wirelessly to compatible exercise equipment. And your favorite playlists from Apple Music will create the right mood.

All attention to your health.

Apple Watch helps you monitor your heart function and will alert you if your heart rate suddenly gets too high or low. The watch also monitors for irregularities in your heart rhythm, which could be a sign of atrial fibrillation. Function " Emergency call- SOS" will allow you to quickly call the rescue service. With the Breathing app you will find it easier to cope with everyday stress. You can also use many applications to maintain healthy image life, diet and sleep.