The cult brand “Apple” does not forget to update not only smartphones and iPads. The accessories of the world-famous company do not go unnoticed. The hero of the review is the Apple Watch Series 2 smartwatch, which the creator has fully upgraded. Built-in GPS, water resistance, several hydro modes for swimming, amazing display brightness - these are not all the “know-how” that have received approving reviews from experts.
Apple programmers armed themselves with the most advanced technologies, used all the innovations in the world of gadgets, and offered users the Apple S2 SoC. In addition, the Apple company has developed the latest operating system, watchOS 3, which lucky owners of the Apple Watch Series 2 will be able to appreciate all the benefits from the first seconds of working with the device. How will these changes affect customer reviews and overall product quality?
In the review, we will give a detailed description of the latest version of smartwatches, objectively evaluate the additional capabilities of second-generation devices, and try to answer the main questions that concern the reader: “Is it worth changing the accessories of the first series for the new product presented this year?” and “Is the Apple Watch Series 2 really as good as its creators claim?” . Let's figure it out together.
Watches from Apple's latest series come in 38mm or 42mm sizes. In addition to the display size, the buyer will have to choose the case material. To create Apple watches (the same as before), they use aluminum or stainless steel. The body of the Series 2 model is almost 1 mm thicker than previous variations, but this change did not affect the reviews of happy owners in any way: the thickening does not in any way affect the sensations while wearing, and the difference can only be noticed by a detailed comparison of the gadgets of the two series.
But before we begin a detailed review of the device, let's get acquainted with the complete Smart Watch collection. After all, the premium brand not only added another masterpiece to the collection. The developers finally replaced the first generation of watches with Watch Series 1 devices, leaving only the case unchanged. The Series 1 now lacks GPS, but does feature the latest Apple S2 processor, just like the Apple Watch Series 2 (but this change has received only good reviews).
Now there are two parallel lines of smartwatches on the market (Series 1 and Series 2), which have received flattering reviews from many users. The “debut” generation, still running on the S1 processor, is no longer presented in the Apple Store. A little secret: many distributors will definitely not lose this position in the near future, so if you wish, you can easily find the very first generation of Apple Watch in an unofficial store.
Comparative characteristics of devices
| Apple Watch Series 2 | Apple Watch Series 1 | Apple Watch (2015) | |
| Screen | rectangular, flat, AMOLED, 1.5″, 272×340 (290 ppi) / 1.65″, 312×390 (304 ppi) | rectangular, flat, AMOLED, 1.5″, 272×340 (290 ppi) / 1.65″, 312×390 (304 ppi) | rectangular, flat, AMOLED, 1.5″, 272×340 (290 ppi) / 1.65″, 312×390 (304 ppi) |
| Protection | from water (5 atm) | from splashes | No |
| Strap | removable, leather / silicone / metal / nylon | removable, leather / silicone / metal / nylon | removable, leather / silicone / metal / nylon |
| SoC (CPU) | Apple S2, 2 cores | Apple S1P, 2 cores | Apple S1, 1 core @520 MHz |
| Connection | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Camera | No | No | No |
| Microphone, speaker | There is | There is | There is |
| Compatibility | devices running iOS 8.3 and later | devices running iOS 8.3 and later | devices running iOS 8.3 and later |
| operating system | watchOS 3.0 | watchOS 3.0 | watchOS 1.0 (upgrade to watchOS 3.0 available) |
| Battery capacity (mAh) | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Dimensions* (mm) | 38,6×33,3×11,4 / 42,5×36,4×11,4 | 38,6×33,3×10,5 / 42,5×36,4×10,5 | 38,6×33,3×10,5 / 42,5×36,4×10,5 |
| Weight (g) | 25 / 30 (Sport version)* | 25 / 28 | 25 / 30 (Sport version)* |
| Average price (for Sport version, 38 mm) | T-14207066 | T-14207064 | T-11031691 |
| Apple Watch Series 2 (Sport, 38mm) Retail Deals | L-14207066-5 | ||
| Apple Watch Series 2 (Sport, 42mm) Retail Deals | L-14207067-5 | ||
*according to manufacturer's information
In addition to the flagship Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 1, the company offered fans the Apple Watch Hermes and Apple Watch Nike+ collections, and also seriously expanded its range of straps. The range of accessories is truly impressive! Bracelets differ in style, material, thickness, and color scheme. In short, Apple offered straps for all occasions: for home, office, fitness.
Another feature that has received pleasant reviews: you can buy original bracelets not only complete with the device, but also separately. The designers left the strap mounts unchanged on all Apple watch models, so you can endlessly combine accessories! Now you can experiment with style by changing the dial design and strap design.
The company made some adjustments to the model names (Perhaps in this way Apple sought to simplify the ordering conditions). The Apple Watch Sport model has become the Apple Watch, and when purchasing, you now need to indicate which case you want (steel or aluminum). Judging by the reviews, making a choice and placing an order has become easier. In the elite line of Apple Watch Edition you will no longer find gold watches, but it now includes elegant ceramic models at a reasonable price.
The Apple brand intrigued the whole world with the creation of single-chip systems S2 and S1P. The frequency of the CPU cores is still kept secret. The only information received from Apple representatives: CPU+GPU performance using dual-core single-chip systems will be multiplied by two. This statement will most likely only be verified (or refuted) in practice, that is, after the presentation of the new version of watchOS. It is not yet known whether the S2 and S1P will be compatible with all smartwatch models, but the Apple Watch Series 2 will certainly support the new platform.
Characteristics and test results of Apple Watch Series 2 42mm
| Price-quality ratio | 64 |
| Weight | 80 |
| Case: Width x Height | 36.4 x 42.5 mm; |
| Case: Thickness | 11.4 mm; |
| Waterproof | 50.0 meters |
| RAM capacity | 512 MB |
| Speaker | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes |
| Replacing the bracelet | simple |
| Display: shape | rectangular |
| Display: size | 1.5 inches |
| Display: type | OLED |
| Display: resolution | 312 x 390 pixels |
| Display: Pixel Density | 334 ppi |
| Display: colors | 16,777,216 colors |
| Camera | — |
| SIM slot | — |
| WLAN | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Compass | — |
| NFC | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Display orientation sensor | Yes |
| Altimeter (Barometer) | — |
| Light sensor | Yes |
| Continuous heart rate measurement | Yes |
| Battery life (measured) | 32:39 h:min |
| Battery charging time | 1:46 h:min |
| Battery: charging via Micro-USB | — |
| Battery: inductive charging | 1 |
| Entering messages using voice commands | Yes |
| Controlling music playback on your smartphone | Yes |
| App Store | Apple App Store |
Equipment
The Apple Watch Series 2 packaging is an elegant white case made of thick cardboard. The product is located in a recess, which guarantees safety during transportation.
Basic equipment:
The model is available with a nylon or silicone strap (optional). This does not affect the cost, but there is one caveat: the nylon bracelet is available in a single size, and if you have large wrists this may cause some inconvenience. In any case, some negative reviews were associated precisely with this.
An important point: almost all accessories from the first generation Apple Watch are 100% compatible with Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 1 products. An excellent alternative to the “native” charger is wireless charging, which is connected to a 5 V 1 A power supply using a USB cable Instead of a complete unit, any smartphone charger will work perfectly. This feature has received millions of positive reviews.
Design
An elegant rectangular “dial” with streamlined edges and corners, a miniature logo on the inside of the case - the design of the Apple Watch Series 2 is perfect! Devices with a screen diagonal of 38 mm or 42 mm are available for sale.
On the right side of the case there are two buttons: an oblong one and a round one, rotating like a wheel. This rotating button functions as the Digital Crown. On the back wall there is a heart rate sensor and bracelet latches.
When making a review of the new product, it is simply impossible not to compare the model with previous versions and not pay attention to customer reviews. After all, this is the only way to objectively evaluate all the pros (and cons) of the device.
In the aluminum version of the Apple Watch Sport, the sensor was mounted on a plastic panel, and ceramics were used exclusively for products with a steel case. The creators paid attention to dissatisfied customer reviews and corrected this significant drawback. Now in all models of the Apple Watch Series 2 line, regardless of the price segment, this panel is ceramic.
Another innovation is two speakers instead of one.
We already mentioned that the latest model is a little thicker. This in no way affects the sensations and does not cause the owner the slightest discomfort. According to experts, this increase can be explained by two factors.
- The developers were required to install a more capacious battery so that the enhanced SoC performance and screen brightness did not affect battery life.
- The most significant innovations in the Apple Watch Series 2 line: built-in GPS and increased water resistance to 5 ATM! How the creators managed to enhance the technical characteristics so much, leaving the design unchanged and increasing the thickness by just a millimeter, remains a mystery!
Why was it so important for Apple to keep the original design? The authors cared not only about aesthetics. If you significantly change the length or width, then exclusive bracelets will no longer be compatible with the entire model range. But branded straps can cost an order of magnitude more than the watch itself, which is why the fastening of the straps has remained unchanged in the new generation!
Moreover, the Apple company continues to increase the range of branded belts, expanding the color range and developing partnership programs. Thus, Apple is already collaborating with Hermes and Nike. The perforated silicone bands in Nike's signature color scheme on the Apple Watch Nike+ series have received rave reviews. The polymer bracelet with large holes ensures maximum comfort even during intense sports activities.
The only negative: for now they are sold exclusively in tandem with watches.
Advantages of the gadget
Apple Watch Series 2 is available with a 38 mm screen diagonal with a resolution of 272x340 and a 42 mm diagonal with a resolution of 312x390. We conducted an independent examination of the model with a 42 mm display using the latest equipment.
Brief expert characteristics and reviews:
- The front surface of the display is made of strong, wear-resistant glass, rounded at the edge.
- A special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating is applied to the mirror plate. Thanks to this, the glass is much less prone to scratching, and fingerprints are much easier to remove.
- Carrying out a comparative comparison with Google Nexus 7 2013, we note that the anti-glare properties of the panel are significantly better (as well as the oleophobic layer).
The photo clearly demonstrates the quality of the anti-reflective coating. The screen appears white when turned off.
- The screen of the Apple Watch Series 2 is darker than that of its opponent (Google Nexus 7). Apple's photo brightness is 111, Nexus's is 115.
- Due to the fact that there is no air between the layers of the display, there is no ghosting of reflection.
- The maximum brightness value we recorded when displaying a white field on the entire monitor is approximately 660 cd/m², and the minimum is 15 cd/m².
- Automatic brightness adjustment works flawlessly. This option works from a special light sensor. You can easily adjust the sensor settings by choosing one of three possible levels. How it works? When the amount of light decreases, the screen automatically becomes brighter, but the brightness decreases only in very strong contrasts (for example, you came from the bright sun into a room with artificial lighting). If soft lighting gives way to complete darkness, the watch first goes into standby mode, and only after activating the gadget does the display brightness decrease.
Thanks to this function, combined with excellent anti-glare characteristics, it is convenient to use the watch both during the day (in intense lighting) and at night (in twilight or complete darkness). User reviews confirm that even after vision has adapted to new lighting conditions, the light from the screen will not seem overly bright and “harm” the eyes. Each brightness level is marked with 60Hz modulation, but since its range is small, flicker remains unnoticeable.
The vertical and horizontal axes on the graph clearly demonstrate the brightness-time relationship.
Screen
The Apple Watch Series 2 screen has a built-in AMOLED matrix - an active LED matrix (powered by organic light-emitting diodes). Red (R), green (G) and blue (B) sub-pixels create stunning full-color images.
The primary colors in the spectra are well separated from each other and have the shape of elongated, narrow peaks, which is typical for OLED.
Coverage is not too wide, carefully adjusted to sRGB thresholds. This occurs due to cross-mixing of the component.
- Apple Watch Series 2 images are impressively rich, but still look completely natural. Reviews from happy owners of the new product confirm this.
- Discrepancy with the spectrum ΔE (absolute black body) – 2-3 units. Black remains black no matter what angle you look at it from. In this case, the blacks are so deep that the contrast settings are simply inappropriate.
- The color temperature of the white and gray fields is approximately 7000 K. The uniformity of the white field at right angles is excellent.
- Compared to LCD screens, the Apple Watch Series 2 display is a serious winner. When looking at an LCD monitor at an angle, the brightness of the image drops significantly. You can admire your Apple watch from any angle – the clarity of the image, as well as the brightness, practically do not change. And only at a very sharp angle blue shades appear in white. Image quality remains high regardless of viewing angle. This statement is confirmed by numerous reviews.
WatchOS 3 and new features
A landmark event: the legendary brand launched the cutting-edge operating system for watchOS. The updated version of the OS is 100% compatible with all smartwatch models, including Apple watch series 2. It should be noted that there are no radical improvements in the third generation of Apple operating systems.
The most significant changes:
- Dock (the name remains unchanged in the Russian interface).
- Modular watch faces.
The Dock greatly simplifies working with the device. If previously, in order to launch any application, you had to go to the main menu, now a light click on the oblong button on the right is enough.
The fact is that due to the miniature size of the icons, which are almost impossible to get into on the first try, working with the application caused some inconvenience to users. Apple programmers paid attention to the negative reviews associated with any manipulations with the main menu, and offered a chic alternative - the Dock.
Now the most popular applications are launched, as they say, “with one click.” By clicking on the Dock, you will see thumbnails of the most important applications. Most frequently used applications are natively docked in the Dock. All recently opened applications are also recorded in memory, which, if desired, the user can easily pin to the Dock, and unnecessary icons can simply be removed from the list.
Thanks to this practical solution, customer reviews about the functionality of the gadget have become much better. Now you only need to click on tiny icons when you need to open a rarely used application.
We would like to note that initially this key was practically not used. The function it performed turned out to be completely useless in everyday life. The brilliant creators didn’t just figure out how to use this control more efficiently. The developers have assigned two very useful options to the Dock button! A long press on the key opens the emergency call and shutdown menu.
Alternative for Android
Samsung Gear S2 Classic (black)
Formerly the top smartwatch on our list, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic is now a recommended alternative for anyone using a mobile phone running the Android operating system. This smartwatch with a round display passed the tests convincingly in all disciplines. In addition, with a price of around 16,700 rubles, they are much cheaper than the Apple Watch.
Innovation in the details
Another useful innovation, available only to owners of Apple Watch Series 2, is a small icon depicting a droplet. This icon is designed to lock the screen when it comes into contact with water. You will find the “water” icon in the quick settings menu. The menu is called up by lightly touching the screen (moving from bottom to top). This improvement received the most positive reviews. After all, now you can safely wear your favorite watch on the beach and not take it off in the pool. The main thing is not to forget to click on the special icon!
The chic dials that appeared in the Apple Watch Series 2 line also did not go unnoticed. The dynamic dials featuring iconic cartoon characters and beautiful jellyfish received the most positive reviews. The latest Apple Watch line sees Mickey Mouse finally team up with his lady love. This will definitely delight all Minnie Mouse fans!
The ability to constantly change the design of the dial with one touch (to change the picture you just need to swipe across the screen from left to right) will interest not only real fashionistas. It's very convenient! Naughty anime is unlikely to be appropriate in the office or at business negotiations. A calm screensaver is an excellent solution for home, but for a morning run or a fitness club, a dial that records your activity is more suitable.
All proposed new items are modular, so each user can easily program the dial to suit themselves, designating where and what information will be displayed on it.
In the Apple Watch Series 2 collection, the creators not only offered users many interesting new features in the design of watch faces, adding colors and dynamics to the assortment, but also made it much easier to change from one screensaver to another.
Fitness potential, or limitless opportunities for sports.
The most rave reviews for the Apple Watch Series 2 line are related to its amazing sports capabilities. Now the branded device combines an unlimited number of additional functions. Even the bravest science fiction writers could not imagine that one day a wristwatch will help restore breathing, measure your pulse, and be able to count the exact number of meters you have walked!
Possibilities
Latest Fitness Features:
- Application with breathing exercises.
- Application that measures heart rate.
- New training modes.
Now let's take a closer look at the high technologies that have evoked such admiring reviews from lovers of expensive watches who lead a healthy lifestyle.
“Relax and concentrate on breathing!” “round flower” icon that appears on the display in this application helps you take a deep breath (the icon slowly increases in size over the course of a minute). When performing the exercise, a unique sensation arises: the watch makes quiet, soft sounds, reminiscent of either a creaking or the ringing of metal.
Of course, there are more than enough such simple utilities in the App Store, but such subtle details with Taptic Engine emphasize the status of the brand and its uniqueness, and also deserve good reviews from even the most discerning consumers.
People who closely monitor their health will certainly really like the pulse meter. If you wish, you can even track your heart rate fluctuations and get detailed statistics for the day. The “Health” application on the iPhone will help the user with this (it is in this application that all information from the pulse meter is exported and stored).
The new training modes are a real victory for the creators of the Apple Watch Series 2, especially in combination with other developments in the series. Thanks to the fact that the latest smartwatch models have finally become waterproof, they can be used not only as a status accessory.
The water-resistant watch is ideal for swimming. Now the model even provides different modes for swimming (in open water or in the pool). For example, when you swim in the pool, the device collects detailed information about the number of strokes, swim distance and your activity. In the “open water swimming” mode, in addition to all of the above, GPS is turned on.
Watch functions
Overview of main functions:
- Ability to receive calls and view SMS messages, as well as connect to the Internet.
- The apple iwatch smart watch communicates with the iPhone via Bluetooth.
- Tracking physical activity on the body, monitoring activity, helping with sports – you can monitor your progress through the application.
- The apple watch smart watch can count the number of kilometers traveled per day and save the results.
- There is a heart rate measurement function.
- The device measures how many calories a person has burned during a workout, for example.
- Ability to install applications and games.
Application and synchronization
In order to view all the data recorded during a workout, you need to go to the “Activity” application (on the iPhone).
An important nuance: at the very beginning of the swim, all buttons and the display are automatically blocked. You can unlock the watch by simultaneously pressing two buttons, as well as using the Digital Crown.
Now let's talk about the benefits of the advent of GPS. In theory, you select an outdoor workout mode (such as running or walking), the watch reads the information and exports the data to the iPhone app. In practice, everything turned out to be a little more complicated.
Firstly , if the watch does not fit tightly to the wrist, then during intense movement it stops reading the pulse. Secondly, GPS without proper settings shows absolutely incorrect data.
This problem is easily eliminated by “calibration” . True, you will have to spend some time on this: go to the Apple website, find instructions explaining how to properly calibrate GPS and reprogram your “manual” navigator. The finely tuned GPS on Apple Watch Series 2 accurately displays even complex routes.
Control
Two elements are responsible for controlling the gadget: the Digital Crown and the side button. However, now the wheel is only intended for scrolling and swiping, the appearance of the application menu and going to the main screen. The side button brings up the Dock menu, which contains widgets for all installed applications. Otherwise, navigation through the interface occurs through the touch display. You can zoom the image, enlarge the font, scroll through the screens with one light touch, and switch from one watch face to another in the same way. The controls are simple, even an inexperienced user who has never interacted with Apple technology before will understand it.
Battery life
According to the company, the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 2 is 18 hours . However, this indicator is extremely conditional. Numerous user reviews indicate that the device works on average for about two days (the same as first-generation devices).
Battery life is affected by many factors:
- Number and duration of telephone conversations;
- Frequency of notifications;
- GPS operating time;
- Using a microphone and speaker;
- Screen brightness;
- Enabling training modes and other applications.
Surprisingly, even the weather affects battery life! For example, in clear sunny weather, with a long stay outside, the clock discharges much faster than indoors. After all, in intense lighting, the screen brightness automatically increases.
In general, if you use the Apple Watch Series 2 in moderate intensity mode, you can charge the gadget overnight.
What didn't captivate me
There is an application store for watchOS, there is a lot of software, but I don’t use it. Why all this torment on a small watch screen, if you can take an iPhone in your hand and do everything faster and more conveniently? Therefore, I mostly use only the standard functions of the watch.
They say that you need to be aware of all events, and a watch helps you receive all notifications. But the constant vibration on my hand is just irritating and negative, so I turned off most of the notifications.
I don't use the built-in player either. Let me remind you that the watch works autonomously and you can connect headphones to it directly. Convenient for jogging if you want to leave your phone at home, but this format of use has not caught on with me. Moreover, the function only works with Apple Music, and I use Spotify.
