Apple Watch Series 3 reviews are out. Most reviewers suggest buying the GPS model instead of the one that can also place phone calls.
Reviews of the Apple Watch Series 3 — which includes GPS and optional cellular connectivity for placing phone calls on the go — are out.
The consensus seems to be that it’s convenient to have a watch with a connection when you don’t have a cell phone, but that the battery life is pretty bad when you’re using it in those situations. Most reviewers don’t see the cellular model as a worthy upgrade.
Ed Baig’s review: Apple Watch review: Ditch the iPhone
The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern said that users will be « lucky if the battery allows you to roam on cellular for longer than half a day—especially if you’re making calls. » Stern also experienced dropped calls when using the watch on AT&T and T-Mobile. Stern ultimately recommends sticking with a Series 2 or, if you have to make the choice, picking the GPS-only Series 3 model until cellular connectivity improves on the connected option.
CNET’s Scott Stein said the Apple Watch Series 3 is the « best phone watch » he’s ever tested. Stein also didn’t seem as bothered by the call quality, but did complain about poor battery life when it’s being used as a phone and with GPS on. Additionally Stein says the added cost required to pay for service with a cellular carrier keeps it from being a « must have upgrade. »
The Verge’s Lauren Goode opens with: « You should still call me on my cellphone. » Goode said that cellular connectivity made both interacting with Siri and sending messages difficult, since there wasn’t always a reliable connection. Apple explained to Goode this is because the watch might be auto-connecting to Wi-Fi networks and a fix is in the works. Battery life was also a problem for Goode, who said the watch fell below 30-percent battery before noon. Goode ultimately says she « can’t recommend buying it. »
Wired’s David Pierce said performance was « dramatically better » than his older Apple Watch and that battery life was about 5 hours on LTE or a full day when he wasn’t connected to a cellular network. He also seemed to have no issue using the watch for phone calls and pulling up Siri and said the Apple Watch Series 3 is the best workout gadget « of its kind. » Pierce said this is the first Apple Watch « that really works » but says you should be aware of battery life limitations. He just wishes it had an always-on display.
The New York Times’ Brian Chen liked the Apple Watch Series 3 but said the « value of the cellular capabilities on the Apple Watch is questionable considering the price you pay each month. » Chen said this is the first smartwatch he can « confidently recommend people buy » but says most people don’t need the connected model.
