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How to Apple’s new watches fair against each other?
Michael Grothaus
16:05, 21 Sep 2016
Many people think Apple only unveiled one new Apple Watch this month: the Apple Watch Series 2. However, Apple actually unveiled two new Watches. Along with the Series 2, then also unveiled the Series 1, which is essentially a tweaked version of the original Apple Watch released in 2015. But just so how do the new Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watches differ? We took a look to find out.
Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch Series 2: Specs
Apple Watch Series 1
Processor: Dual-core Apple S1P
Memory: 512 RAM
Storage: 8 GB
OS: watchOS 3
Battery: 18 hours
Display: 38 mm or 42 mm OLED Retina display with Force Touch
Connectivity: NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
Waterproofing: Splash resistant
Sensors: Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Vibration/Haptics engine, Heart rate sensor, Barometer
Build: Aluminum case with Sport Band
Apple Watch Series 2
Processor: Dual-core Apple S2P
Memory: 512 RAM
Storage: 8 GB
OS: watchOS 3
Battery: 18 hours
Display: 38 mm or 42 mm second-generation OLED Retina display with Force Touch
Connectivity: GPS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
Waterproofing: Water resistant
Sensors: Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Vibration/Haptics engine, Heart rate sensor, Barometer
Build: Aluminum case with Sport Band or Woven Nylon band; Stainless steel case with Sport Band, stainless steel band, or leather band
As you can see from the specs for processor, memory, storage, OS, and battery the Series 1 and Series 2 Apple Watches are virtually identical. Both have 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage, an 18 hour battery life, and run watchOS 3.
The only difference between the two comes in the processors. Series 1 features a new Dual-core Apple S1P processor and Series 2 features the new Dual-core Apple S2P. While the S1 processor in the original Apple Watch was a single core processor, bit the S1P and S2P processors are dual core and 32-bit. So, how do they differ then? Simply: the S2P has an integrated GPS chip while the S1P in the Series 1 Watch does not. This means the Series 2 Watch supports independent GPS, while the Series 1 Watch requires the Watch to be paired with an iPhone to share its GPS connection.
Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch Series 2: Display And Design
Both Series 1 and Series 2 come in two screen sizes: 38mm and 42mm. Both also feature OLED Retina displays with Force Touch. However, the Series 2 Watch features a second-generation display that is brighter. The display on the Series 2 is 1000 nits–or over twice as bright as the 450 nit Series 1 display. This means the Series 2 Watch is easier to read in bright sunlight.
As for design, the Series 1 Watch only comes in one model: an aluminum body with Sport Band. The Series 2 Watch gives you options of either an aluminum body with Sport Band or Woven Nylon band, or a Stainless steel body with Sport Band, stainless steel band, or leather band. NOTE: this is only for the “Apple Watch Series 2” model. The Apple Watch Nike+, the Apple Watch Hermès, and Apple Watch Edition Series 2 models come in other model makes and band combinations.
Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch Series 2: Connectivity And Sensors
As for as connectivity goes, we already mentioned that only the Apple Watch Series 2 features built-in GPS. Other than that, the connectivity options between the Series 1 and Series 2 are all the same: NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n.
The sensors in the Series 1 and Series 2 are also exactly the same: Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Vibration/Haptics engine, Heart rate sensor, Barometer.
Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch Series 2: Waterproofing
Both the Series 1 and Series 2 offer some level of waterproofing, but the Series 2 is better able to handle H20. Technically the Series 1 has a water resistance rating of IPX7 under IEC standard 60529, which means it's splash and shower resistant, but you shouldn’t submerge it in the ocean or a pool or otherwise take it for a swim.
The Series 2, on the other hand has a water resistance rating of 50 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means the Series 2 can be worn in the pool or ocean while swimming up to 50 meters deep. Note, however, that neither Apple Watch series should be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Also keep in mind that Apple Watches made of stainless steel or that have leather straps shouldn’t be submerged for long.
Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch Series 2: Cost and Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 1 starts at £269 while the Series 2 starts at £369. For that extra £100 you’re essentially getting a much brighter, easier to see in sunlight screen, built-in GPS, and a submergible device you can actually swim with. If those three things are worth it to you, spring for the Series 2.
Wearable technology
Apple
Apple Watch Series 2