Apple Watch S2 Review from a non athlete

[EvilManatee]

I just got the Apple Watch Series 2 a couple days and thought I'd share my initial impressions. It seems that Series 2 is being marketed towards athletes, and being someone who is not athletic (I don't swim and I don't run) I wasn't sure if I needed a Series 2 watch. But the brighter screen and dual core processor were what got me to jump on the Series 2 wagon. Brighter and faster = better.

As for my initial impressions, the watch feels...So. Much. Faster. - It is hard to explain the speed difference until you actually use a Series 2 but everything just feels silky smooth. For example...with Series 0, "hey siri" used to take a few moments to work and now with Series 2 it works immediately. Also I've noticed Apple Pay launches much faster. The speed difference is quite noticeable.

Also, the brighter screen is nice outdoors. Indoors the Series 2 looks exactly the same to be as Series 0, but outdoors the Series 2 really outshines the Series 0. I love having more nits. It is fun to say nits.

And finally the features I didn't think I'd use (water proofing and GPS)...I'm finding I actually appreciate these features even though I'm not swimming or running in my watch. With Series 0, I would always take my watch off when giving my daughter a bath or washing the car, but now I feel more confident leaving it on during all these activities. I know the Series 0 could probably work during these activities being "water resistant" but I feel better doing it with a "water proof" watch.

I also tried the fitness feature with GPS tracking last night by going for a walk around my neighborhood. I actually really enjoyed all the statistics from my walk and the map showing my route. Will this be enough to keep me motivated? I'm not sure, but I am definitely more motivated to work out now than I was before.

If you are considering an Apple Watch 2 and are on the fence, I think it is a worthy upgrade. Hope this mini review helps any non athletes wondering about the second gen watch.

 

[44267547]

Nice review. And the Watch can suit many customers without having to participate in physical fitness. I work out, ironically, not with my Apple Watch though. And the notifications are one of my favorite features. It's a convenience factor to not have to pull out my iPhone all the time, when the Apple Watch does this for me.

And the S2 processor will clean up any of the lag from the Gen 1 Watch, paired with Watch OS3. I have the stainless Gen 1 and now you have me considering the Apple Watch 2 stainless.

 

[LouisLoh]

I think the dilemma faced by 'non-athletes' would be whether to get the S1 or S2. If you're water resistance needs are limited to baths and car washes, I feel you would be perfectly fine with the S1 and save that $100.

OP, what made you go for the S2 over the S1?

 

[EvilManatee]

I think the dilemma faced by 'non-athletes' would be whether to get the S1 or S2. If you're water resistance needs are limited to baths and car washes, I feel you would be perfectly fine with the S1 and save that $100.

OP, what made you go for the S2 over the S1?

I thought about getting a series 1, but the brighter screen and bigger battery were a couple things that pushed me toward series 2. I am outside a lot and I figured the brighter screen would come in handy. Also I like that the battery is a little bigger. Finally I figured if / when I sell my series 2 in the future to get series 3, it will retain more value since it appeals to a wide range of people.

 

[adamjackson]

I never fill up my rings even at my paltry 400 calories of movement per day minimum and I bought the S2

The main reason is my last AppleWatch died from showering, I'd like to avoid that in this one. The second is I thought with the inclusion of GPS, Apple presumably added more battery and since I never use the GPS (phone is always on me), I've experienced exceptional battery life. I could get 2 days out of this thing easily.

Also, the S2 had the SS Space Black DLC coating where the S1 did not.

Finally, the S2 will have a higher resale value when version 3 is out.

 

[oneMadRssn]

This might be answered elsewhere, and sorry if it is, but is the battery life on an S2 with GPS off significantly better than the battery life of an S0?

 

[bluecluee]

This might be answered elsewhere, and sorry if it is, but is the battery life on an S2 with GPS off significantly better than the battery life of an S0?

Previous serious 0 owner here... yes, the battery life of series 2 is much better and allowed me to get almost two full days out of it.

 

[lordofthereef]

I'd be curious in what people think about series one. Outside of the screen it's basically everything the OP wanted out of the series 2, right? Of course, right now I'd have a hard time justifying a series 1 with the discounts in SS series 0.