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The Apple Watch Series 3, dunked, sweated and tested

We took the Apple Watch Series 3 out to test its new features.

Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Sarah Tew Senior Editor / Photography
I'm a visual storyteller, working primarily in the medium of photography and photoshop. I listen to more podcasts than I can keep up with and enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, and am striving for a sustainable lifestyle. A big-picture thinker, I am always trying to put the pieces together, and though things are scary these days, I believe humanity will pull through.
Scott Stein
Sarah Tew
Apple Watch Series 3
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Apple Watch Series 3

We laced up our sneakers and tested the Apple Watch Series 3 cellular edition to try its new features around New York.

Apple Watch Series 3
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Design

The Series 3 looks just like an Apple Watch Series 2.

Apple Watch Series 3
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Series 2 meet Series 3

On the left is the Series 2. On the right is the Series 3. Hard to tell them apart, right?

Apple Watch Series 3
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GPS or GPS and cellular

There are two types of Series 3 watches: those with GPS and those with GPS and cellular connectivity. Both come in either 38mm or 42mm sizes and in a variety of colors and bands.

Apple Watch Series 3
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Pricing

The GPS models start at $329, £329 or AU$459. GPS and cellular models start at $399, £399 or AU$559.

Apple Watch Series 3
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LTE cellular

The red dot on the crown denotes a cellular model.

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Wristbands

The Series 3 uses the same wristbands as the Series 1, 2 and original Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Series 3
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Apple Watch Series 3
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WatchOS 4

The Series 3 runs WatchOS 4 software out of the box.

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GPS and maps

GPS lets you use maps and track runs without carrying your iPhone with you.

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Phone calls

The biggest plus about a cellular connection is being able to make and receive phone calls and texts.

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Phone calls

The Series 3 cellular watch communicates to the outside world in three steps.

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Phone calls

First, it looks for your iPhone via a Bluetooth connection.

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Phone calls

If it's not nearby, it looks for a previously used Wi-Fi network.

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Phone calls

And if neither of those options are available, the Watch uses 4G LTE.

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Apple Watch Series 3
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Phone calls

Calls can be dialed directly on the watch with a keypad, or made via tapping existing contacts.

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Siri on the go

The cellular connection also supports Siri queries.

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Siri

Siri now talks back to you.

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Waterproof

The Series 3 is waterproof.

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Waterproof

Water droplets on the optical heart rate sensor.

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Waterproof

It can track water workouts like swimming.

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Waterproof

The Series 3 can be submerged up to 50 meters.

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Waterproof

It can even be used in salt water.

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Waterproof

Obviously, minor splashes like washing your hands are just fine.

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Waterproof

You'll just have a wet wristband.

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Heart rate monitor

The Series 3 uses the same optical heart rate monitor as previous Apple Watch models.

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Heart rate monitor

Notice the inscribed "Series 3" at the 12 o'clock position above the optical sensors on the back of the watch.

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Sunlight

Here's the Series 3 screen in direct sunlight.

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Workouts

The Series 3 and WatchOS 4 give you a number of ways to track workouts.

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Workouts

WatchOS 4 adds new graphs for walking and resting heart rates.

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Workouts

Despite improvements to health and fitness tracking, the experience overall is still pretty barebones.

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Workouts

The watch can display a breakout of your heart rate minute by minute for a workout.

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Workouts

A cellular connection lets you stream Apple Music while you workout.

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Workouts

A quick glance can show you calories burned, distance, length of workout and time.

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Workouts

The summary screen displays average heart rate, elevation and duration of your workout.

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Workouts

A popular feature on Apple Watches is being reminded to stop and breathe.

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Workouts

A Nike Plus edition of the Series 3 watch.

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Stream Apple Music on the go

If you're an Apple Music subscriber, the Series 3 with cellular might be perfect for you.

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Stream Apple Music on the go

It can stream music and synchronize playlists with iCloud.

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Stream Apple Music on the go

Sadly Spotify, Google Music and Pandora cannot stream. And podcasts still have to be downloaded to the watch.

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Series 2 meet Series 3

Series 2 and 3 watches are nearly identical, except for the red dot on the crown of the cellular Series 3 model.

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Series 2, meet Series 3

On the left is the Series 2 watch in aluminum and on the right is the Series 3 watch in stainless steel.

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Out of the box

The Apple Watch Series 3 comes with a band and a charging cable.

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AirPods

The Series 3 pairs perfectly with a pair of Apple AirPods.

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Apple family

A wireless Apple family.

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Out of the box

The Watch Series 3 was announced alongside the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.

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Dick Tracy watch

So is this the two-way radio Dick Tracy watch many of us have dreamt of?

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Dick Tracy

While you might feel like Dick Tracy using it, the Apple Watch still needs to be paired with your iPhone from time to time. And, no video calls.

Apple Watch Series 3
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Apple Watch Series 3

For a more in-depth look at, check out our full Apple Watch Series 3 review.

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