If you are contemplating what Apple watch size to get right now, you are not alone. You only got two choices which are the 38mm and the 42 mm with only a 4mm difference. How big of a difference can it actually be.
I will be the first one to tell you that a 4mm difference when we’re talking about a device of this size can make a big difference. Depending on how you plan to use this device and your preferences, the difference to you goes beyond the obvious size.
In this article, We’ve listed a few variables below to help you determine if the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm or 42mm is right for you.
Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Vs 42mm: Comparison Chart
Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Vs 42mm: Wrist Size
Your selection may have already been made for you if you have a very small or very large wrist.
Wrist sizes vary from person to person. What many people think is that you should get the larger size if you’re a man and the smaller size if you’re a woman, but this is very simplistic and stereotypical. You should choose the one that best fits you, regardless of gender.
The circumference of your wrist has a significant impact on this.
Consider that the bands on the 42mm Apple Watch are substantially longer than those on the 38mm Apple Watch. Those with wider wrists may have difficulty clasping the 38mm, while those with smaller arms may find the 42mm too large.
Of course, you should try on both sizes and other bands to see how they feel on your wrist. Almost always, one of them will appear and feel better than the other.
Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Vs 42mm: Screen size
The larger the screen size, the easier it is to view and use.
Larger touchscreens are just easier to use as typical phone screen sizes grow larger and larger. Precision is more difficult to achieve with smaller touchscreens. As a result, folks with larger fingers will benefit from a larger screen.
Many Apple Watch apps were also designed for the 45mm version, and the text has been downsized in the form of clipped and hyphenated words to fit in the 41mm version. However, keep in mind that you will not interact with your smartwatch as much as you will with your phone. It’s typically used as a secondary device for fitness tracking and app notifications.
Overall, the smaller screen of the 41mm does not affect your ability to see the interface or read text, and you’ll probably prefer to scroll using the rotating crown anyhow.
Apple Watch Series 7 41mm Vs 45mm: Device Weight
The Apple Watch 41mm is slimmer and more comfortable on the wrist.
There are many case sizes and weights available for the Apple Watch. For individuals who are already used to wearing a watch, the weight of the Apple Watch may not be an issue. Otherwise, it may take some time for you to get used to the extra pull on your wrist. Size does matter in this case, as the 42mm is much heavier, particularly with the stainless steel finish.
If you simply want an Apple Watch for casual wear, the 38mm version with an aluminium finish will be lighter on your wrist. This is a more important factor for wearables than smartphones because you will not be wearing your smartwatch all day. It’s also the reason Apple opted to offer various sizes and finishes in the first place.
38mm Apple Watch Series 3 weight:
- 32.1 grams for aluminum finish
- 42.4 grams for stainless steel finish
- 37.1 grams for titanium finish
42mm Apple Watch Series 3 weight:
- 37.3 grams for aluminum finish
- 52.8 g grams for stainless steel finish
- 43.6 grams for titanium finish
Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Vs 42mm: Battery Life
The Apple Watch 42mm features a little larger battery, which means it will last somewhat longer.
The battery in the 42mm variant is approximately 10% to 20% larger than the battery in the 38mm variant. But what does this mean in terms of practical application?
Extensive testing has revealed that the larger battery lasts 15 to 20% longer than the smaller one. This is especially important if you intend to use the cellular functionality of the LTE-enabled Apple Watch all day. If you want to leave your iPhone at home and just wear a wearable while running or working out, a larger battery will give you more peace of mind, especially if your workouts are 2 to 3 hours long.
If you intend to have your phone with you throughout that period, the smaller 38mm will suffice and will last the entire day.
Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Vs 42mm: Which should you Buy?
Select the size that best fits and feels on your wrist.
The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm and Apple Watch Series 3 42mm are sufficiently distinct from one another that you should examine which one best suits your needs.
Most of the time, the size of your wrist will be the most crucial factor since one watch size will appear more likeable and feel more comfortable than the other. However, if you plan to use this watch to track your fitness and health, a bigger battery will be necessary.
We strongly advise you to visit an Apple shop in person and try both sizes for comparison, so you can feel how they feel on your wrist. If you can’t, keep in mind why you’re getting an Apple Watch, and don’t let popular opinion influence your decision.
FAQs
Is there a significant difference between the Apple Watch 38mm and Apple Watch 42mm?
Yes, there are enough differences between the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch Series 7 versions to warrant additional examination. The 38mm model has a smaller 1.7-inch display with 352 x 430 pixels resolution than the 45mm model, which has a 1.9-inch display with 396 x 484 pixels resolution. As a result, the 45mm Apple Watch is easier to read on. Furthermore, it boasts a 20% longer battery life than the smaller Apple Watch 38mm. The 38mm model, on the other hand, will feel substantially lighter on your wrist.
Is the Apple Watch 41mm too small for a man?
No, it is entirely dependent on the size of your wrist and your tastes. Some men may have smaller wrists than usual and will find the Apple Watch 38mm to be the ideal size.
Is a 42mm Apple Watch too large for a woman’s wrist?
The Apple Watch does not come in different sizes for men and women. The 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch versions 3 are designed to provide the best sizing alternatives for different wrist circumferences and personal preferences. In summary, if you prefer or it better fits you, you can wear the Apple Watch 42mm.
Is it worthwhile to get an Apple Watch 3?
The Apple Watch Series 3 is still a viable wearable option, thanks to recent price decreases. Even in 2022, it will undoubtedly be one of the greatest GPS smartwatches available for the money. Its outstanding range and amount of fitness and health tracking capabilities, as well as its fashionable appearance, make it well worth the present price tag.
