The Apple Watch Series 3 is the closest attempt we've seen at a truly standalone smartwatch yet, and for that it deserves credit. But at the end of the day, it's still just a neat accessory for your iPhone.

Built-in cellular connectivity; Improved heart rate monitoring; Faster processor; Clear call quality; New band and case options

Expensive; LTE drains battery rapidly

How many worlds has Apple left to conquer? It its lifetime it has triumphed with computer, phone, tablet and watch. So, in 2017, does the world need an Apple computer inside an Apple Watch, with an Apple phone attached? It's got it with the Apple Watch Series 3.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is essentially a suped up Series 2 with improved battery life and performance. Apps load faster, Siri is smarter, and the sports/activity tracking features are better.

Improved battery life over Series 2; though still not that great; Large ecosystem of apps and accessories; Much faster than the Series 2; Water resistant with plenty of sport features; Very helpful smart features including notifications; music playback; and Siri

Still requires phone to be helpful (this is not the Cellular version; Expensive; Always looks like a smartwatch; Not terribly durable

But that's not a typical use case. When jumping between phone and LTE connection as most people will do, I was easily able to make it through a full day. 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...

LTE gives Apple Watch the freedom it's always deserved; Incredibly fast chip and excellent battery life; Great health and fitness features

Some connectivity issues; No onboard App Store

While the cellular capabilities of the new Apple Watch Series 3 are a big deal from a technology standpoint, after two years of wearing an Apple Watch we can understand how users may actually find themselves split on the necessity of always-available connectivity.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is a breakthrough product that offers even more features and stand-alone connectivity with the freedom and versatility of not being weighed down by your iPhone while still having access to your calls, messages and apps.

Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE and cellular is the ultimate wearable and the smartwatch to rule them all.

LTE gives Apple Watch the freedom it's always deserved; Incredibly fast chip and excellent battery life; Great health and fitness features

Some connectivity issues; No onboard App Store

The Series 3 Watch isn't an essential upgrade for Series 2 owners, unless you're desperate for that cellular connectivity to free you from your smartphone. However, for owners of the original Apple Watch and anyone who's yet to make the jump to smartwatches, this is a solid purchase.

Cellular support; Excellent health tracking; Same sleek design

The new Sport Loop band is made from a soft nylon weave and comes with a velcro fastening. Green dots on the screen denote the signal strength. It's been two and a half years since Apple came along and, in one stroke, legitimised the smartwatch market.

Cellular service; S3 dual-core processor; comparable battery performance

Cellular setup; signal strength indoors; no playing nice with third-party services

The Apple Watch Series 3 is crazy expensive for a smartwatch-$100 more than its closest competitors. Many of the third party apps are still slow enough to drive sane people to the brink. It also only lasts a day on a charge.

Walking the dog and leaving the phone at home

Slow third party apps and only 24 hours battery life