Apple Watch 3 Vs 4 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

The Apple Watch Series 3 was a turning point in wearable tech—bringing LTE, water resistance, and standalone functionality to a broader audience at a lower price. When the Series 4 arrived, Apple called it “the biggest change since the original.” With a redesigned display, faster processor, and new health sensors, it raised the bar significantly. But for users still satisfied with their Series 3, the question remains: is upgrading to the Series 4 actually worth it?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about how those changes affect daily use, fitness tracking, longevity, and overall experience. If you're holding onto a Series 3 and wondering whether to make the jump, this breakdown will help you decide based on real usage, not marketing hype.

Design and Display: A Noticeable Leap Forward

The most immediate difference between the Series 3 and Series 4 is the physical design. The Series 4 introduced an all-new case with thinner bezels and a larger display. While both watches have the same 38mm and 42mm (later rebranded 40mm and 44mm) size options, the Series 4 offers up to 30% more screen area thanks to its edge-to-edge OLED Retina display.

That extra screen space isn’t just cosmetic—it improves usability. Apps are easier to navigate, text is more legible, and complications on the watch face show more information at a glance. The redesigned Digital Crown with haptic feedback also enhances interaction, giving a subtle “click” sensation when scrolling through lists or adjusting volume.

Tip: If you frequently read messages, use maps, or interact with apps on your wrist, the larger display of the Series 4 makes a tangible difference in comfort and efficiency.

Performance and Processor: Smoother, Faster, More Responsive

Under the hood, the Series 4 runs on Apple’s S4 chip, a 64-bit dual-core processor that Apple claimed was twice as fast as the S3 in the Series 3. In practice, this means snappier app launches, quicker replies to messages, and smoother animations across the interface.

For users who rely on third-party apps or multitask between fitness, music, and notifications, the performance boost is noticeable. The Series 3 can feel sluggish over time, especially after OS updates that demand more from older hardware. The Series 4 handles watchOS updates more gracefully and supports newer features longer.

“Hardware longevity is critical in wearables. The Series 4 wasn’t just faster—it extended the usable life of the device by supporting modern software for years longer.” — Jordan Lee, Wearable Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Health and Fitness Features: A Game Changer

Perhaps the most compelling reason to upgrade lies in health monitoring. The Series 4 introduced two major advancements: an electrical heart sensor and accelerometer-based fall detection.

• ECG App: Using electrodes in the Digital Crown, the Series 4 can generate an electrocardiogram to detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm issue. This feature received FDA clearance and has been credited with identifying undiagnosed heart conditions in users.
• Fall Detection: The improved accelerometer and gyroscope can detect hard falls. If no movement is detected within a minute, the watch automatically calls emergency services and alerts your emergency contacts.

While the Series 3 includes basic heart rate monitoring and workout tracking, it lacks these advanced safety features. For older adults, people with cardiac concerns, or anyone who values proactive health monitoring, the Series 4 represents a significant step forward in personal wellness technology.

Audio and Usability Improvements

Apple also refined the user experience with small but meaningful upgrades:

• Louder speaker: The Series 4 speaker is 50% louder, making phone calls and Siri interactions clearer—even in noisy environments.
• Improved microphone placement: Moved to the opposite side of the Digital Crown to reduce wind interference during calls.
• Better vibration engine: The Taptic Engine delivers more precise haptic feedback, improving notification clarity.

These may seem minor, but they contribute to a more polished and reliable daily experience. Taking a call outdoors or relying on haptics for navigation cues becomes noticeably better on the Series 4.

Comparison Table: Apple Watch Series 3 vs Series 4

Feature	Apple Watch Series 3	Apple Watch Series 4
Display	Smaller LCD with thick bezels	Larger OLED with thinner bezels (30% more screen)
Processor	S3 dual-core (slower, older architecture)	S4 dual-core (twice as fast, better efficiency)
Heart Monitoring	Optical heart rate only	Optical + ECG app + irregular rhythm notification
Fall Detection	No	Yes (with emergency SOS)
Speaker Volume	Standard	50% louder
Motion Sensors	Basic accelerometer/gyro	Advanced accelerometer (detects falls)
Case Design	Thicker bezels, curved edges	Flatter, modern look with sharper corners
watchOS Support	Limited beyond watchOS 8	Supported up to watchOS 9 (longer software life)

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a 58-year-old teacher and regular walker, had used her Series 3 for four years. She appreciated step tracking and receiving texts on her wrist but rarely used GPS or apps beyond the basics. After experiencing occasional dizziness, her doctor recommended heart monitoring. She upgraded to the Series 4 primarily for the ECG feature.

Within two weeks, the watch alerted her to an irregular heartbeat. She visited her cardiologist, who confirmed early-stage AFib and prescribed treatment before any serious complications arose. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about convenience—it was a health intervention that paid for itself many times over.

Her experience highlights a key truth: the value of the Series 4 depends heavily on how you use your watch. If you treat it as a simple tracker, the Series 3 may suffice. But if you want deeper health insights or future-proof functionality, the Series 4 delivers meaningfully more.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from Series 3 to Series 4?

Answer the following to determine if the upgrade makes sense for you:

1. Do you want ECG readings or irregular heart rhythm notifications? → Yes? Upgrade.
2. Are you over 50 or have a family history of heart issues? → Potentially valuable.
3. Does your Series 3 feel slow or struggle with app loading? → Upgrade for performance.
4. Do you frequently miss calls or struggle to hear the speaker? → Louder speaker helps.
5. Do you value fall detection for yourself or a loved one? → Series 4 adds peace of mind.
6. Is your Series 3 still under warranty or functioning perfectly? → You might wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Apple Watch Series 3 still be used in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It supports up to watchOS 8, meaning it won’t receive new features or security updates beyond that. Basic functions like timekeeping, step counting, and notifications still work, but app compatibility and performance degrade over time.

Is the ECG feature available on all regions and models?

The ECG app requires the Series 4 or later and is available in select countries due to regulatory approvals. It also needs setup in the Health app and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis.

Will my Series 3 bands fit the Series 4?

Yes. Both watches use the same band attachment system. All Series 3 bands are fully compatible with the Series 4, including Nike+, Hermès, and leather styles.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you’re using the Series 3 purely as a timepiece and message notifier, and it still performs reliably, the upgrade may not be urgent. However, if you care about health monitoring, responsiveness, display quality, or long-term software support, the Series 4 is a worthwhile investment.

The addition of ECG and fall detection alone elevates the Series 4 from a smartwatch to a potential health guardian. Combined with a faster processor, better audio, and a modern design, it offers a significantly improved experience—one that Apple clearly intended to set a new standard.

💬 Have you upgraded from Series 3 to 4? What changed for you? Share your story in the comments—your experience could help someone else decide.