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I sold my first Apple Watch. Cellular brought me back: here’s my unboxing of the Series 3 Nike+ GPS + Cellular and why LTE was the game changer.
I owned a Series 1 when it first came out and sold it for two reasons: it didn’t look pretty enough, and it was just an extension of my phone. The Series 3 with cellular can operate independently of the phone, which let me look past the looks. Here’s what’s in the box and what’s different on the Nike version. The Series 3 isn’t sold new anymore, so the button goes to the current Apple Watch SE 3 GPS + Cellular on Amazon.
- LTE lets it work without your phone
- Nike Sport Loop is infinitely adjustable and comfortable
- Nike version costs the same
- Magnetic charger snaps on easily
- Get calls, texts and reminders even when you leave your phone behind
- Still not a beautiful watch to me; it looks like a little computer
- Extra chargers are expensive
- Back is slightly thicker on the cellular model
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Why I sold my first Apple Watch
As a watch guy, a technology guy and an Apple guy, I was excited about the Series 1 (42 mm, Space Gray). But it just wasn’t beautiful enough; it looked like an iPod Nano on a strap. I actually thought some round watches like the Moto 360 looked better.
The critical reason was that it was only an extension of my phone. It had to be paired to give you alerts, take calls and get messages, so it was a slightly easier way to check what was already in my pocket.
Why cellular changed my mind
LTE means it can operate independently of the phone. I can mow my lawn and listen to podcasts and music without my phone, and not worry about missing texts, calls or emails. How many times have I gone to lunch, left my phone at my desk, and forgotten a one o’clock meeting? To me, the cellular version is really the only version you should get.
What’s different on the Series 3 and Nike+
Mine is Space Gray, a charcoal bead-blasted gray, not black. The red insert on the crown marks cellular. Otherwise it’s the same as the other Series 3 watches except the lens on the back is a little thicker, though you can’t really perceive it.
The Nike version has different watch faces with big, bold neon yellow numbers and Nike fitness features, and no material price difference. It was still $429 plus tax.
The Nike Sport Loop
A lot of bands are silicone sport straps, but this one is a soft woven fabric that feels like the soft side of velcro, with little springy thread loops, a silver-gray and black stripe and a Nike logo. The other end has the hook side, and it loops through a bar.
That makes it infinitely adjustable, tight or loose, whether you’re bloated or sweaty, with a bit of a NATO-strap look. It feels comfortable on my 7.5-inch wrist.
In the box: the charger
You get a quick start guide, a standard Apple power brick and the magnetic charging cable. Those cables are worth their weight in gold; extras run around $50, and you’ll probably want one for the nightstand and one for your travel kit. It’s a concave white puck on a long cord with USB on the other end, and it snaps over the back of the watch.
Next I’m ordering spring bar adapters for a leather band, plus covers and portable chargers, then I’ll connect it to AT&T and really test it.
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 3 cellular work without an iPhone nearby?
Yes, that’s the point of cellular: calls, texts and alerts without the phone.
What is different about the Nike+ version?
Nike watch faces and fitness features, and the Sport Loop band. Same price.
How do you tell a cellular Apple Watch?
The red insert on the digital crown.
What came in the box?
The watch, the Sport Loop, a quick start guide, a power brick and the magnetic charging cable.
Is the Series 3 still sold?
Not new. The current SE 3 GPS + Cellular is the modern equivalent.
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