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Everything you need to know about apple watches

I

Illusionsoftime

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 3, 2017
38
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Hello all, I am in the process of deciding which apple watch to purchase, however with all apple products there are so many different models which makes it very confusing to someone who has little or no knowledge of them.

Could someone tell me the differences and the best value in your opinions ect, I believe there is SS and sport? And also series 1 and 2, if someone could list all of the differences and such it would be very much appreciated as I have no knowledge on any of them. Thanks in advance! P.s. I don't have a budget as such but I obviously don't want to be spending a ridiculous amount like £500+.
 
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Illusionsoftime said:
Thank you.
[doublepost=1483486711][/doublepost]
This may be a silly question but with the series 1 not having gps does that mean it won't work with Pokemon go and you won't be able to track distance when going for a run?
[doublepost=1483488142][/doublepost]Also whats the difference between stainless steel and aluminium in terms of the case?
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Well, one case is made of aluminum and the other is stainless steel. The steel case is a bit heavier and polished.
 
chuyn said:
Well, one case is made of aluminum and the other is stainless steel. The steel case is a bit heavier and polished.
Click to expand...
Figured that much, is that the only difference from aluminium? Seems way too expensive in comparison to the aluminium for such little difference.
[doublepost=1483490407][/doublepost]Also, how are the 3rd party straps from eBay?
 
Illusionsoftime said:
Figured that much, is that the only difference from aluminium? Seems way too expensive in comparison to the aluminium for such little difference.
[doublepost=1483490407][/doublepost]Also, how are the 3rd party straps from eBay?
Click to expand...
Yes. That's the only difference. The SS also has sapphire glass for the screen as opposed to x-ion glass for the sport model. However, internals are exactly the same for each model between the SS and the aluminum.
 
Illusionsoftime said:
Thank you.
This may be a silly question but with the series 1 not having gps does that mean it won't work with Pokemon go and you won't be able to track distance when going for a run?
Click to expand...

No idea on Pokemon but for running distance it'll estimate based on you taking your iPhone with you the first time for 20 minutes (the Watch asks you to do this). It's fairly accurate and probably goes off average stride length x no of steps taken.

With my iPhone in tow, a 10km run is exactly the same as my Garmin Forerunner reports. The exact same run leaving the iPhone at home sees the watch report it as 9.8km. Close enough and I'd rather it under calculate like that.

I'm a Series 0 owner (original Watch model) so no GPS. I don't miss not having it track my route as I have a number of fixed routes and am more focused on heart rate and other metrics.

Also whats the difference between stainless steel and aluminium in terms of the case?
Click to expand...

Looks, build quality - sapphire vs glass etc. Alu scratches fairly easily whereas SS can polish up. Personal preference really but I'm firmly an SS fan for both appearance and materials used.
 
ibookg409 said:
Yes. That's the only difference. The SS also has sapphire glass for the screen as opposed to x-ion glass for the sport model. However, internals are exactly the same for each model between the SS and the aluminum.
Click to expand...
spriter said:
No idea on Pokemon but for running distance it'll estimate based on you taking your iPhone with you the first time for 20 minutes (the Watch asks you to do this). It's fairly accurate and probably goes off average stride length x no of steps taken.

With my iPhone in tow, a 10km run is exactly the same as my Garmin Forerunner reports. The exact same run leaving the iPhone at home sees the watch report it as 9.8km. Close enough and I'd rather it under calculate like that.

I'm a Series 0 owner (original Watch model) so no GPS. I don't miss not having it track my route as I have a number of fixed routes and am more focused on heart rate and other metrics.



Looks, build quality - sapphire vs glass etc. Alu scratches fairly easily whereas SS can polish up. Personal preference really but I'm firmly an SS fan for both appearance and materials used.
Click to expand...

I heard that aluminum uses the same screen as iPhones? Is this true?
 
If you're looking for an inexpensive alternative, I'd recommend a pre-owned original sport Apple watch, which can be had for around $170. Apple is also offering refurbished models of their newer Apple watches online, which come with their standard warranty.

All of their watches have the same basic functions and same basic physical design. The Series 1 is essentially the original watch but with the updated dual-core processor, although for most basic tasks it will perform on-par with the original. The Series 1 is only offered in the aluminum case with sport band, since it's their entry-level model.

The Series 2 has the same updated dual-core processor, although it's also water resistant as opposed to only splash proof (neither watch is recommended to be used in the shower because of soaps being able to deteriorate the seals), it has built in GPS to track runs without needing your iPhone with you, as well as the 2x brighter screen.

As for the difference between the aluminum and stainless steel, this is all just personal preference. Stainless Steel looks more premium and feels more premium because of the added weight, although it is also prone to scratches. The stainless steel model also seems to go with a larger selection of bands. The Aluminum model is nice too though, and if you want a lighter watch this is the one to get. The aluminum model also does all of the same things the SS model does, so you may just want to save some money and go with this one.

As for 3rd party bands; there are a lot of nice replica bands on Amazon. They are considerably cheaper than Apple's bands, although I will say that Apple's bands have great built quality. For instance Apple sells their sport bands for $50, and you can find replicas on Amazon for ~$9. They looks very close to the real thing, although Apple uses fluoroelastomer for their sport bands which is very soft and supple, and the inexpensive one I bought from Amazon uses rubber. This wasn't an issue for me, so I decided to save the money and go for the cheaper band.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube that you can find of people reviewing replica Apple watch bands.
 
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M-5 said:
If you're looking for an inexpensive alternative, I'd recommend a pre-owned original sport Apple watch, which can be had for around $170. Apple is also offering refurbished models of their newer Apple watches online, which come with their standard warranty.

All of their watches have the same basic functions and same basic physical design. The Series 1 is essentially the original watch but with the updated dual-core processor, although for most basic tasks it will perform on-par with the original. The Series 1 is only offered in the aluminum case with sport band, since it's their entry-level model.

The Series 2 has the same updated dual-core processor, although it's also water resistant as opposed to only splash proof (neither watch is recommended to be used in the shower because of soaps being able to deteriorate the seals), it has built in GPS to track runs without needing your iPhone with you, as well as the 2x brighter screen.

As for the difference between the aluminum and stainless steel, this is all just personal preference. Stainless Steel looks more premium and feels more premium because of the added weight, although it is also prone to scratches. The stainless steel model also seems to go with a larger selection of bands. The Aluminum model is nice too though, and if you want a lighter watch this is the one to get. The aluminum model also does all of the same things the SS model does, so you may just want to save some money and go with this one.

As for 3rd party bands; there are a lot of nice replica bands on Amazon. They are considerably cheaper than Apple's bands, although I will say that Apple's bands have great built quality. For instance Apple sells their sport bands for $50, and you can find replicas on Amazon for ~$9. They looks very close to the real thing, although Apple uses fluoroelastomer for their sport bands which is very soft and supple, and the inexpensive one I bought from Amazon uses rubber. This wasn't an issue for me, so I decided to save the money and go for the cheaper band.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube that you can find of people reviewing replica Apple watch bands.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the very helpful in depth reply, I think I understand everything now and will likely be going with an aluminum series 2, one last question though if you wouldn't mind; is the screen brightness adjustable or is the x2 screen brightness from the series 1 something that is set and stone?
 
Illusionsoftime said:
Thank you for the very helpful in depth reply, I think I understand everything now and will likely be going with an aluminum series 2, one last question though if you wouldn't mind; is the screen brightness adjustable or is the x2 screen brightness from the series 1 something that is set and stone?
Click to expand...
The brightness is adjustable. Low, Med, High
 
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Illusionsoftime said:
Thank you for the very helpful in depth reply, I think I understand everything now and will likely be going with an aluminum series 2, one last question though if you wouldn't mind; is the screen brightness adjustable or is the x2 screen brightness from the series 1 something that is set and stone?
Click to expand...

Series 1 has the same brightness levels as the first generation Apple Watch (450 Nits). Series 2 has a 1000 Nit brightness. Both displays can be adjusted.
 
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Sorry for the noobish question but does anyone know how to close apps so they aren't running in the background? Like you do on the iPhone by double tapping the home button, thanks
 
Illusionsoftime said:
Sorry for the noobish question but does anyone know how to close apps so they aren't running in the background? Like you do on the iPhone by double tapping the home button, thanks
Click to expand...

Hold the big side button in until it shows the power off/medical ID/emergency screen, then push and hold the Digital Crown until it takes you back to the clock face.
 
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Illusionsoftime said:
Hello all, I am in the process of deciding which apple watch to purchase, however with all apple products there are so many different models which makes it very confusing to someone who has little or no knowledge of them.

Could someone tell me the differences and the best value in your opinions ect, I believe there is SS and sport? And also series 1 and 2, if someone could list all of the differences and such it would be very much appreciated as I have no knowledge on any of them. Thanks in advance! P.s. I don't have a budget as such but I obviously don't want to be spending a ridiculous amount like £500+.
Click to expand...

I'd recommend finding a clearanced original stainless or space black unless you swim a lot. You'll save money and get a top end Watch at the same time.

I just ordered a space black 42mm with link band for $300 on Amazon. It appears you're in the UK, but I'd imagine similar options are available to you there.

I'd also recommend buying it for reasons other than Pokémon Go, such as wanting a nice time piece, activity tracking, or notifications.
 
atlas_0 said:
I'd recommend finding a clearanced original stainless or space black unless you swim a lot. You'll save money and get a top end Watch at the same time.

I just ordered a space black 42mm with link band for $300 on Amazon. It appears you're in the UK, but I'd imagine similar options are available to you there.

I'd also recommend buying it for reasons other than Pokémon Go, such as wanting a nice time piece, activity tracking, or notifications.
Click to expand...

I'm mostly getting just for the aesthetics, I'm a fan of nice watches and bracelets. Pokemon go is pretty much the only app I use outside of social media, so it would be nice to also be able to use the this on the Apple watch, which is why I'll go for the series 2.
 
Question: I have really small wrists (about 15 cm) so are the straps fully adjustable? I ask because I seen a video on YouTube where someone was testing it out and he said it didn't fit him and you could see the watch was huge on him.
 
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Illusionsoftime said:
Question: I have really small wrists (about 15 cm) so are the straps fully adjustable? I ask because I seen a video on YouTube where someone was testing it out and he said it didn't fit him and you could see the watch was huge on him.
Click to expand...
Then get a 38mm. Friend with same size wrists tried on the 42 and it did like very big. A milanese loop wrapped all the way around and pretty much touched the watch.
 
chuyn said:
Then get a 38mm. Friend with same size wrists tried on the 42 and it did like very big. A milanese loop wrapped all the way around and pretty much touched the watch.
Click to expand...

Is 38mm a must? I'd prefer the 42mm for the extra screen size if I could, how about a 42mm watch with a 38mm strap? Since I've heard both straps fit both watch sizes
 
Illusionsoftime said:
Is 38mm a must? I'd prefer the 42mm for the extra screen size if I could, how about a 42mm watch with a 38mm strap? Since I've heard both straps fit both watch sizes
Click to expand...
If you think the watch looked huge on the person in the video, it'll look huge on you too. IMO, like on my friend, it's too big and just looks funny. It's a watch to see notifications, fitness tracking, etc, not a phone you watch videos, play games, read news on.. but at the end of the day, your choice.
 
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chuyn said:
If you think the watch looked huge on the person in the video, it'll look huge on you too. IMO, like on my friend, it's too big and just looks funny. It's a watch to see notifications, fitness tracking, etc, not a phone you watch videos, play games, read news on.. but at the end of the day, your choice.
Click to expand...
Night Spring said:
Look at this chart.
https://store.apple.com/Catalog/regional/amr/pdf/static/pdf/content/Watch_Sizing_Guide.pdf

And I wouldn't say both strap fit both sizes. They can be forced in, but they don't really look right.
Click to expand...
This is what confused me, the watch looked huge on that guy, but s/m bands suggest they would fit me (140mm-185mm)
 
Illusionsoftime said:
This is what confused me, the watch looked huge on that guy, but s/m bands suggest they would fit me (140mm-185mm)
Click to expand...

Not sure what's so confusing. Just because a strap on the 42mm can be tightened to the maximum doesn't mean the Watch won't look huge on a small wrist.

My wrists are 165mm, and I'm fairly fit at 5'10". That being said, a 38mm still fits my wrist arguably a bit better than a 42mm. For me, though, the extra battery life in the 42mm was the decision maker, as I do 2-3hrs of workouts daily. These can be pretty draining on the Watch.

I will say though - if your wrists are much smaller than 160mm? The 38mm Watch is just going to look and feel better, and activity tracking will be better as well.
 
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