Apple Watch - Series 2

Apple Watch Series 2

The Apple Watch Series 2 is the second-generation Apple Watch. Design wise, the Apple Watch Series 2 looks identical to the first Apple Watch, which has been renamed "Apple Watch Series 1" with a few upgrades of its own along with several internal upgrades.

Available in 38 and 42mm varieties, the Apple Watch Series 2 is the same size and shape as the original Apple Watch (albeit slightly thicker), but it has been constructed with superior 50m water resistance and better seals, making it suitable for swimmers.

It continues to measure metrics like steps taken, calories burned, and pulse rate, and it can track many activities using the Workout app. Positioned as a fitness device and designed to encourage users to be more active, the Apple Watch and watchOS 3 include health-focused features and built-in activity reminders, much like the original Apple Watch.

Inside, there's a new dual-core S2 chip that's 50 percent faster than the processor in the original device, and a new GPU offers 2x better graphics performance for apps that open much faster and do more.

An NFC chip allows it to work with Apple Pay, Apple's payment service, and a Taptic Engine provides haptic-based notifications and other feedback.

Apple Watch Series 2 includes a redesigned 1,000nit display that's a full two times brighter, making it easier to see when outdoors in bright sunlight. A GPS chip included in the S2 is able to record precise distance, speed, and pace data for running, walking, and hiking, even when away from the iPhone.

Like the original Apple Watch, Series 2 is available with mid-priced stainless steel (Silver and Space Black) and lower-priced aluminum "Sport" bodies (in Silver, Gold, Space Black, and Rose Gold), plus Apple has also introduced a new high-end glossy white ceramic "Edition" model. Apple Watch Sports models start at $369, stainless steel models start at $549, and ceramic models start at $1,249. Prices vary based on band selection and casing size.

Apple has teamed up with Hermès and Nike to offer Apple Watch Series 2 models with exclusive software, bands, and watch faces. Nike's Apple Watch is an Apple Watch Sport, with prices starting at $369, while Hermès models are all stainless steel Apple Watches with Hermés-designed leather bands.

DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY

When it comes to design, the Apple Watch Series 2 is identical to the original Apple Watch. It features a rounded, rectangular body in two sizes (38mm and 42mm) that is able to snap into an array of interchangeable bands thanks to built-in lugs.

Beyond the touchscreen, there are two methods of input on the device -- a Digital Crown for controlling much of the interface and selecting apps and a side button that brings up the app dock as of watchOS 3.

All Apple Watch models include a Retina HD display and a ceramic backing with four built-in sapphire-covered sensors to measure heart rate using green light technology that keeps track of the pace of blood flow beneath the skin.

The front of the Apple Watch can be customized with a range of unique watch faces featuring traditional watch-style designs, characters, animated images, and more, all of which can be personalized with complications and variations in appearance.

The Apple Watch Series 2 comes in Stainless Steel, Space Black Stainless Steel, Silver Aluminum, Space Gray Aluminum, Gold Aluminum, Rose Gold Aluminum, and Ceramic.

The 18-karat gold and rose gold Apple Watch Edition models were discontinued in favor of the new ceramic Apple Watch. Made from a glossy white ceramic with a pearl-like shine, the Apple Watch Edition comes with a special cloud-colored white Sports band. According to Apple, the ceramic material is the "ultimate combination of beauty and strength." Because it's four times harder than stainless steel, the ceramic Series 2 Apple Watch seems less scratching.

INTERNAL UPGRADES

PROCESSOR

Apple Watch Series 2 Powered by a dual-core second-generation (S2) system-on-a-chip. According to Apple, it is 50 percent faster than the S1 chip in the original Apple Watch and includes a new GPU with 2x better graphics performance. With a more robust processor and better GPU, apps open faster and developers can create new kinds of apps that weren't able to run on the Apple Watch before.

GPS CHIP

New to the S2 is a built-in GPS chip that allows the Apple Watch to determine its position without needing to be near the iPhone, effectively lessening the Apple Watch Series 2's dependence on an iPhone.

GPS in the Apple Watch keeps tabs on speed and distance when you're walking, running, or hiking, and following the end of an activity, there's a color-coded route available that shows your overall pace and different speeds at each point on the path. Developers are able to take advantage of the GPS chip and develop apps that use it.

Aside from the GPS chip, the Apple Watch still relies on the iPhone for connecting to LTE and Wi-Fi networks, but it is able to connect to known Wi-Fi networks on its own.

BATTERY LIFE

There are larger batteries in both the 38 and 42mm versions of the second-generation Apple Watch, but it continues to offer the same battery life of up to 18 hours. The GPS chip and brighter display likely draw additional power, eating up the added battery reserves. Apple was, however, able to introduce some significant battery life improvements through the watchOS 3.1 update, and now the Series 1 and Series 2 models often last for more than 18 hours before needing to be recharged.

Broken down, the Apple Watch offers three hours of talk time, 6.5 hours of audio playback, and eight hours when working out. It takes 1.5 hours to charge the Apple Watch to 80 percent and two hours to charge it to full.

OTHER FEATURES

The Apple Watch Series 2 features 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and 4GB of internal storage for music. It also includes a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, and two microphones for better call quality. The 38mmApple Watch has a 273 mAh battery, 33 percent larger than the 205 mAh battery in the original 38mm Apple Watch.

COLLECTIONS

• SPORT
• STAINLESS STEEL
• EDITION
• NIKE
• HERMÈS

BANDS AVAILABLE

• SPORT BAND
• WOVEN NYLON
• CLASSIC BUCKLE
• MODERN BUCKLE
• MILANESE LOOP
• LEATHER LOOP
• LINK BRACELET
• HERMÈS

VERDICT

Apple has upgraded the Watch in a number of ways, and all of them useful. The extended battery life, the GPS abilities, and the water-resistance now make this a compelling smartwatch - but it doesn't quite do enough to make you need such a watch in your life... yet.