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Apple Watch Series 3 (Cellular) 42mm review

Smartwatch. Priced at $369.

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CHOICE Expert Rating

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This is the product's overall performance score, based on key tests conducted by our industry experts in the CHOICE labs.

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The product's best features and benefits

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Type View more details.

Fitness bands are focused on the specific tasks associated with fitness (steps, sleep, tracking heart rate etc) while smartwatches also include additional productivity and communication features.

Smartwatch
Recommended View more details.

We recommend models with a CHOICE Expert Rating above 80%.

CHOICE Expert Rating View more details.

This overall score consists of: ease of use (30%), comfort (35%), pedometer accuracy (17.5%) and distance accuracy (17.5%).

Ease of use score View more details.

We set up each fitness tracker on Android, iOS and Windows where available and score how easy they are to set up and wear, and how well they track information via the band and via the related app.

Comfort score View more details.

We use a panel of six people (3 men and 3 women) and get them to try on each fitness tracker. They rate how easy it is to put on and take off the band, how easy it is to adjust to get the best fit, and how comfortable the band is to use and wear daily. The scores are then averaged.

Step count accuracy score View more details.

We measure how accurately each fitness tracker measures steps. Accuracy depends on what you put in as your height, weight and, in some cases, pace length, and the technology used by the fitness tracker.

Distance accuracy score View more details.

We measure accuracy of distance and how well it tracks how you move. The fitness tracker uses a number of technologies to track how far you've travelled. Accuracy depends on what you put in as your height, weight and, in some cases, pace length.

Resting heart rate accuracy View more details.

We measure five different people tried on each fitness tracker and readings are taken against a medical-grade monitor. Each tracker is given time to stabilise. Note, we no longer test resting heart rate accuracy as of 2022.

Active heart rate accuracy View more details.

We measure accuracy and how well each tracker responds to changes in heart rate, and how it deals with adverse conditions, such as sweat and motion. Note, we no longer test active heart rate accuracy as of 2022.

Year tested View more details.

Models tested in, and after, 2022 are no longer assessed for resting and active heart rate.

Pre-2022
Satisfaction score View more details.

Results taken from CHOICE reliability survey (2018) of 2105 members, where possible. Does not contribute to the overall score.

Reliability score View more details.

Results taken from CHOICE reliability survey (2018) of 2105 members, where possible. Does not contribute to the overall score.

Price View more details.

Recommended retail price at time of purchase.

$369
Shop Ethical rating View more details.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

C
Waterproof or resistant claims View more details.

There are a variety of certifications that indicate the degree of dirt, grime, grit and water protection these include ATM (Atmospheric Pressure), IP (ingress protection) and WR (water resistant). The rule of thumb is, the higher the number, the greater the protection. For example, 1 ATM is equivalent to 10 metres underwater and 5 ATM is equivalent to 50 metres. Some manufacturers may make broad claims instead such as "water resistant."

Swimproof
Android app View more details.

Whether or not the device works via Android, the smartphone operating system.

No
iOS app View more details.

Whether or not the device works via iOS, the Apple smartphone operating system.

Yes
Windows app View more details.

Whether or not the device works via Windows, the Microsoft smartphone operating system.

No
Screen View more details.

Models with screens display some or all relevant information on the band/smartwatch. Models without screens convey all information on the accompanying app. Some can provide basic information such as time or battery life using a series of LEDs.

Yes
Digital clock View more details.

Most trackers can eliminate the need for a standalone watch as they present the time on your wrist.

Yes
GPS View more details.

Built-in GPS. Some models also include GLONASS (the Russian version of GPS). Models that support GPS and GLONASS should deliver the fastest position identification.

Yes
GLONASS View more details.

Built-in GLONASS (the Russian version of GPS). Models that support GPS and GLONASS should deliver the fastest position identification.

Yes
Weight (g)
69
Claimed battery life without GPS (days) View more details.

Activating GPS/GLONASS will significantly reduce battery life.

Not stated
Bluetooth View more details.

Bluetooth 5 is the most recent, widespread version which improved battery life as well as speed, signal strength and performance over longer distances. But fitness bands and fitness features on smartwatches don't really require features beyond the slightly older Bluetooth 4.0. "Smart" Bluetooth is more or less the same as 4.0. Some brands do not specify the version used.

4.2
Warranty (years)
1
Website
apple.com.au
Notifications View more details.

While fitness tracking is the main purpose for these devices, notification of a text or phone call coming in from your smartphone can be very handy.

Yes
Webpage tracker View more details.

Does the fitness tracker have a webpage that you can access via your PC to see your stats such as steps taken, calories burned, etc?

No
Alarm View more details.

An alarm can be a useful thing, especially if it's a silent alarm that just buzzes on your wrist to wake you up without waking up anyone next to you.

Yes
Altimeter View more details.

Most fitness bands and smartwatches measure this by assessing barometric pressure. A useful feature for measuring floors climbed.

Yes
Heart rate monitor View more details.

Heart rate monitors are a useful barometer of effort for some people and can act as a way to measure your fitness regime more precisely.

Yes
Sleep tracker View more details.

A sleep tracker claims to be able to measure when you are active in your sleep.

Yes
Session tracker View more details.

Some fitness bands have a session tracker which means you can trigger an activity type (such as a run or a cycle) and note it via the tracker rather than having to log it manually later. This means it can assess the number of calories you've burned in this period.

Yes
Food tracker View more details.

A food tracker built into the smartphone app used by the fitness band means you can log your intake of food throughout the day.

Yes
Milestones View more details.

Motivational points in your training regime. Models vary between supplying preset goals and allowing you to customise your milestones.

Yes
Shares results via social media View more details.

Some devices allow you to share milestones reached via various social media. Most can share these with a few different social platforms.

Yes
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