Apple Watch Series 3

The two versions of the Apple Watch 3 impress - but the cheaper, non-4G version of the wearable delivers good value for money and top fitness capabilities from the wrist.

With the exception of making calls and listening to music, I measure my Apple Watch interactions in seconds, not minutes, but even when using it far more than I normally would (both tethered and independently), I never needed to resort to Power Reserve mode.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is the best overall smartwatch you can buy. That said, do you even need an Apple Watch in the first place? No. And the step back in battery life that the new features require, sometimes, makes it feel like a compromise. But, when I went for walks with just the watch, it was pretty fun. And I enjoyed the feeling of being unburdened from my phone. I even left my wallet at home.

That said, it’s still not a perfect device. The battery remains the biggest limitation, and the Watch still needs more and better apps, and a simpler interface. And, for the love of everything holy, Apple needs to make a Watch with a screen that’s always on. But whether you’re a hyper-connected hyper-marathoner, or just looking for a few minutes away from the attention-sucking din of your iPhone, this is the first Watch that really works.

Apple's smart upgrade to its popular wearable takes the Apple Watch to a new level of responsiveness and constant connectivity.

There’s no question that the Apple Watch Series 3 is the best wearable the US technology firm has ever made. In fact, it’s the best smartwatch full-stop. This device is packed with features which not only bring notifications to your wrist but also keeps an eye on your health and even lets you pay for your weekly shop via Apple Pay.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is not perfect, of course. Like most smartwatches, it could benefit from longer battery life, and it can only be used with iPhones — no Google Android users may apply. The Watch 3 is an able advocate for wearable technology, however, and just might convince more people to leave their smartphone at home and go for a walk.

If you didn't find the Apple Watch useful before, it's likely that the Series 3 isn't going to change your mind. Cellular connectivity is an interesting novelty, but as it stands right now, not everyone will find it useful. It will be interesting to see if more developers take advantage of the Series 3's independence and if Apple will eventually even allow them to do so.