This past Wednesday, Sept. 7, the day I’d been waiting for finally arrived. Apple announced Apple Watch Series 2 complete with several new features. Notably, Series 2 comes with GPS, decent water resistance, new Nike models, a new ceramic Apple Watch edition, a brighter display and a new dual-core processor. To my surprise, these new features come at a cost. The Apple Watch Series 2 starts at $369 for the 38 mm model and $399 for the 42 mm model. That’s more expensive than when the first Apple Watch debuted, only to later receive a price cut. To alleviate concerns about price, Apple is keeping the Series 1 around. If, like me, you were/are perplexed over which Apple Watch to splurge on, it’s time to weigh the benefits of each series.
Processor and GPS
Apple Watch Series 2 includes a new S2 dual-core processor that should come with significant performance gains over the first-generation Apple Watch. It also includes a built-in GPS tracker so you can track runs and workouts on your Watch without borrowing from your iPhone’s location information. However, Apple did something very atypical: it added the same dual-core processor to the new Series 1 Apple Watch. Series 1 doesn’t have GPS but the new dual-core processor in combination with watchOS 3 should make the first-generation just as fast as the second. The only remaining differentiator in this category is the GPS. If you’re athletic and often go out for runs without a phone, consider spending the extra money on Series 2 for this feature. Personally, I can’t imagine a situation in which I’d travel anywhere with an Apple Watch and leave my iPhone at home, so GPS isn’t a necessary built-in feature for me.
Outside Improvements
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside, in a pool, or just frequently active, the Series 2 is probably vastly more appealing. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, which Apple cleverly markets as swim-proof. You can easily go swimming in shallow waters with your Apple Watch Series 2 on, whereas Series 1 can handle light splashes of water at most. Additionally, the display in Series 2 is twice as bright than an Series 1 which comes in handy in direct sunlight. One of the complaints of the first Apple Watch was that it could be a little difficult to see in bright conditions and Series 2’s brighter display should fix that. Coming in late October is the final perk for athletes: a special Nike+ edition of Apple Watch. These special sport bands have stylistic perforations, exclusive Nike watch faces and the Nike+ Run Club app. The Nike+ flavor is only available as a Series 2 watch and will start at $369 once available.
Price
Apple Watch Series 2 complete with GPS, water resistance, Nike+ options and a brighter display starts at $369. Apple Watch Series 1 with the new dual-core processor also found in Series 2 starts at just $269. After evaluating the different features, I decided to order a Series 1 Apple Watch. I love that Apple chose to throw in the dual-core chip, but I don’t really need anything in Series 2. I can use my iPhone’s GPS, I don’t swim and I don’t personally care for the Nike+ designs. The brighter display would have been useful, but I couldn’t justify spending an extra $100 for it. The Apple Watch is a highly personal and customizable product, so go through the features of Series 2 to determine whether you really need them in your own context. Generally speaking, the less athletic you are, the less likely you need Series 2. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
