The Apple Watch Series 3 is available in two sizes; 38mm and 42mm, these two have the same features but differ in the respective sizes which sort to give iWatch lovers the option to choose based on wrist size. The Watch 3 is an entry-level option for Apple watch lovers and iPhone users who have a tight budget. Despite lacking some features present in the Watch 7, it’s an outstanding smartwatch with a very compact and lightweight design. It’s also equipped with a lot of features but lacks incidental fall detection, blood oxygen measurement, a compass, and an always-on display. We’re comparing the full specifications, features, and prices of the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) vs (42mm) to find out the differences.
Note that Apple has discontinued the Cellular model of the Watch 3 and currently produces, the Watch 7, Watch SE, and Watch 3. While the Watch 7 is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, the Watch SE and Watch 3 are only available in aluminum. Moreover, while the Watch 7 and Watch SE are available in Cellular and GPS-only units, the Watch 3 is only available in the GPS model.
Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) vs (42mm): Specifications Compared
| Product Info |
 Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) Specifications, Features and Price |
 Apple Watch Series 3 (42mm) Specifications, Features and Price |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | - |
| ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
| Device name | Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) | Apple Watch Series 3 (42mm) |
| Device type | Standalone/Fitness smartwatch | Standalone/Fitness smartwatch |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
| Release date | September, 2017 | September, 2017 |
| Predecessor | Apple Watch Series 2 | Apple Watch Series 2 |
| Successor | Apple Watch Series 4 | Apple Watch Series 4 |
| Versions | Apple Watch Nike+ | Apple Watch Nike+ |
| BODY | BODY | BODY |
| Dimension | 38.6 x 33.3 x 11.4 mm | 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm |
| Weight | — | 52.8 grams |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Case material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Strap material | Elastomer | Elastomer |
| Bezel material | Bezeless | Bezeless |
| Strap size | 22 mm | 140 – 180mm (small), 180 -220mm (big) |
| Interchangeable strap | 22 mm, Yes | 24mm, Yes |
| Screen protection | Ion-X glass (aluminum) | Ion-X glass (aluminum) |
| Water resistance | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Durability test | — | — |
| Swim-proof | Yes | Yes, recommended |
| Color | Black, White | Black, White |
| DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
| Display size | 1.5 inch | 1.65 inch |
| Display type | 1000nit, OLED | 1000nit, OLED |
| Display resolution | 272 x 340 pixels | 312 x 390 pixels |
| Pixel density | — | — |
| Always on | No | No |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | 1 Physical button, Digital crown, Touchscreen | 1 Physical button, Digital crown, Touchscreen |
| CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY |
| Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth v4.2 LE | Yes, Bluetooth v4.2 LE |
| Bluetooth calling | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | GLONASS, GPS | GLONASS, GPS |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY |
| RAM | 0.768GB | 0.768GB |
| ROM | 16GB (GPS + Cellular), 8GB (GPS) | 16GB (GPS + Cellular), 8GB (GPS) |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
| CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
| Technology | None | None |
| SIM type | — | None |
| Band | — | — |
| NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps alert | Yes | Yes |
| MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA |
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient light | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | No | No |
| ECG | No | No |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| HRM | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse oximeter (SpO2) | No | No |
| Thermometer | No | No |
| Other sensors | — | — |
| ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING |
| Blood oxygen | No | No |
| Blood Pressure | No | No |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| ECG tracking | No | No |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| Incidental fall detection | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
| Swim-tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Underwater heart rate tracking | No | No |
| On-screen workout | No | No |
| Sport modes | Yes | Yes |
| BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
| Battery type | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | 279mAh | 279mAh |
| Battery life | Regular: up to 18hrs | Regular: up to 18hrs |
| Charging type | Charging dock | Charging dock |
| Charging time | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Solar charging | No | No |
| PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM |
| Chipset | Apple S3 | Apple S3 |
| CPU | Dual core | Dual core |
| GPU | — | — |
| Operating system | WatchOS 4 | WatchOS 4 |
| MISC | MISC | MISC |
| Companion app | Apple Watch App | Apple Watch App |
| Compatibility | iOS 12.0+ | iOS 12.0+ |
| Payment system | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
| Voice command | Yes, Siri | Yes, Siri |
| Find my phone | Yes | Yes |
| Box content | Apple Watch Series 3, Charger, Manual, Straps | Apple Watch Series 3, Charger, Manual, Straps |
| Price |
Difference Between Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) vs (42mm)
Both the 38mm and 42mm units of the Watch 3 have the same features. Each of these two comes in an aluminum frame with an Ion-X screen and fluoroelastomer strap. Beyond the build, both sizes are equipped with same number of sensors that enables the watch to track steps, calories, sleep, heart rate, and more. The Watch 3 also has an inbuilt GPS that enables it to track your routes and locations when you go for outdoor workouts.
The Watch 3 has an 8GB storage capacity that will allow you to store music onboard the watch which you can listen to without carrying your phone. It also has a microphone and speaker that allows you to make and receive calls directly from the watch when your phone is nearby. It’s also about 18hrs battery life for both sizes.
The difference between the 38mm and 42mm comes in the dimension, display size, and price. Beyond these, both have the same features.
- The 38mm unit is a more compact smartwatch than the 42mm unit. It also weighs a little less than the 42mm unit. Nonetheless, the 42mm is still a very compact and comfortable to wear smartwatch. The strap size also differs, it’s 22mm for the 38mm unit and 24mm wide straps for the 42mm unit. Both sizes have the same 11.4mm thickness.
- While the 42mm unit has a 1.65 inches display size, the 38mm unit has a 1.5 inches display size. In other words, the 42mm unit has a bigger display that allows you to see a little more at a glance.
- Because the 42mm unit has a bigger display size, its priced a little higher than the 38mm size.
Which Size is Right For You?
The right size for you is totally dependent on your wrist size. The 38mm unit being more compact will make a great choice for individuals with a slim to moderate sized wrist, while the 42mm unit will make a suitable fit for individuals with moderate to fat wrist.
