Back in 2014, Sony released the Smartwatch 3. A futuristic looking piece of kit that offered a wide range of features to the Android market. Fast forward to today, and you will be hard pressed to find one of these on the market. Mainly because the range has been discontinued and Sony has not updated the watch software to move with the times. However, if you have managed to get your hands on one, then you will probably want to know what it offers. Read on to find out more.
What Kind of Design Does the Sony Smartwatch 3 Offer?
With so many smartwatches working hard to look like classic timepieces, the Sony Smartwatch 3 goes in a totally different direction and embraces the fact that it dares to be different. It has a large, square face, rubber strap and looks pretty outdated compared to today’s standards.
However, the screen is easy to read and simple to put on and take off. There is an upgraded metal strap that gives it a more expensive vibe but all in all, this watch looks very much like a fitness tracker and would be at home on the wrist of someone who enjoys training.
How Easy is the Sony Smartwatch 3 to Use?
This device is powered by Android Wear and works well if you are not used to wearing a smartwatch. The decision to not update it over the years has meant that the functionality is not what it once was and it is therefore much harder to use if you wanted it as an everyday watch. When it comes to using the watch, you simply tap the screen to bring it to life or cover it with your palm to dim it when you have finished.
You can long press to select the screen that suits you best and swipe through cards that show you the forecast, traffic and other useful information. Swiping down will find the battery status and turn on cinema mode to silence the watch. You can also use voice commands to send messages by saying ‘OK Google’. The tech is spot on when it comes to functionality, keeping you in touch wherever you go.
How Good is the Sony Smartwatch 3 Battery Life?
The battery that powers this watch is a 420mAh and offers a decent amount of time before you need to charge. With average use, you can expect to have to plug your phone in once every two days. However, if you are planning to use it to stay in touch all day, then you will probably find that it will manage around a day and a half before it needs some recharge time.
Charging is done with a micro-USB that slots into a port on the watch. This gives you the freedom to charge wherever you go as the wire is easily transportable and can be plugged into any device with a USB slot or a USB plug.
What Kind of Apps Are Available On the Sony Smartwatch 3?
When it comes to installing the apps you want, then you can select from the wide range that is available on the Android market. However, as the watch has not been updated to the latest Android offering, then you may find that the choice is limited to what is able to be used on your device. If you have had the watch a while, then you will be able to continue using the apps you previously downloaded but will not be able to update them.
There is an in-built GPS option, and you can take it swimming or in the shower as it is waterproof. There is also pre-installed fitness tracking that you can use alongside the companion app to discover how well your workouts have gone and check the progress you make over time.
The Pros and Cons of the Sony Smartwatch 3
As with all devices, you can expect a range of pros and cons. To make your decision making easier, we have detailed the main pros and cons below so that you can get an idea of what you would be spending your money on.
Pros
- Fairly decent battery life that can last up to two days.
- A comfortable strap that can be worn all day without irritation.
- Clear screen and always on feature that makes it easy for you to read when you want to.
- Screen dimming is straightforward by simply covering it with your palm.
- Range of Android apps to choose from.
- Simple to charge with a micro USB.
- It is simple to use and easy to understand.
Cons
- The watch is somewhat outdated and cannot access the latest Android services.
- The apps are not as varied as you would expect from a smartwatch these days.
- The watch design is not in line with more modern models.
- The GPS option drains the battery very quickly.
- It looks more like a fitness tracker than a smartwatch.
- It is very hard to find in the current market.
- The GPS is not as accurate as we would have hoped.
The Verdict: Is the Sony Smartwatch 3 Worth it?
In reality, no matter how good the tech was when it was released nor how good the battery life is, this watch is no longer a market competitor. If you have one and do not mind that it has not been updated, then we are sure you can continue to use it with minimal fuss or hassle.
However, if you are considering purchasing one, then it really is not worth it unless you are looking to save a piece of history. They are hard to find, very outdated and do not beat or even meet the current competition. The Sony Smartwatch 3 is ultimately not worth spending your money on.
Have you got a Sony Smartwatch 3? Let us know in the comments if you love it or hate it…
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Last Updated on December 13, 2020
A top of the line copywriter with more than a decade of writing experience with many high-end clients. Lots of experience and interest in writing about technology.
Currently living a rural life in South Yorkshire, and devoted to work.
Wife bought me one of these when they came out, still love it still using it