The Apple Watch Series 3 is arguably the single best smartwatch option for iPhone owners right now.
Sarah Tew/CNET
If you’re looking for the best deal on an iPhone, I say look to last year’s models. How about the best deal on an Apple Watch? Same story.
Exhibit A: For a limited time, and while supplies last, Walmart has the Apple Watch Series 3 42mm (GPS) in silver or space gray for $229. That’s $80 off and comparable to what we saw during the last Black Friday.
Pretty solid, right? Here’s where I’m going to make it complicated: Amazon has the renewed Apple Watch Series 3 42mm (GPS plus cellular) for $236.97. In other words, for just $8 more, you get the cellular option — but in a refurbished model.
Tough call, as the refurb is covered with only a 90-day warranty.
Although there are cheaper smartwatch options for iPhone owners (including the Amazfit Bip and some of Fitbit’s latest), I’ve long felt that the Apple Watch — warts and all — is the single best choice. And I’m newly enamored of the Series 3’s ability to capture lap-swim data.
Check out CNET’s Apple Watch Series 3 review to learn more. And if you decide to pull the trigger, make sure you know the secrets of cheap Apple Watch accessories.
Read more: Apple Watch Series 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 3
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Originally published on Nov. 21, 2018.
Update, April 11, 2019: Changes to deal availability.
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