Refurbished S2, New S3 or Open Box SS S2

[IJBrekke]

I disagree - unlike classical timepieces the expense here is what inside the watch, ie the processor etc.

Always buy the latest since that’s what lasts longer. This is especially true with a new product like the watch which is constantly being updated with tech improvements.

Don’t buy the Series 2, go with the series 3.

It is, of course, both inside and outside with the Apple Watch, which is what makes it a tricky value proposition.

My S0 aluminum is slow, but generally still gets the job done for my uses (no 3rd party apps at all). It does, however, have two noticeable screen scratches that bother me. If I were to upgrade it would be for this more than the speed at this point.

Speed vs. aesthetic durability. Take your pick or spend more money.

 

[SigEp265]

If lte isn’t something you value (it seems you don’t) I personally think the open box stainless is the way to go. It’s $40 more than the aluminum s3 and you get that sapphire screen so no worries with scratches (or much lesser worries).

I don’t know that you’ll notice a huge difference in performance. I had an s2 and now an s3 and I still see load times on apps that haven’t been loaded in a while. It’s maybe a little faster but it’s not instant loads like we are used to on our phones so I don’t consider the spec bump this generation to be a notable difference.

I went with the s3 because I wanted lte but got aluminum since $230 additional wasn’t something I felt good about. I’d say the s3 without lte isn’t a terribly good value while there are stainless s2 floating around the $400 range.

Have you noticed any difference in battery life between the S2 and S3?

 

[AndrewR23]

I disagree - unlike classical timepieces the expense here is what inside the watch, ie the processor etc.

Always buy the latest since that’s what lasts longer. This is especially true with a new product like the watch which is constantly being updated with tech improvements.

Don’t buy the Series 2, go with the series 3.

This would be a good point if this wasn't macrumors. Over 90% here are going to upgrade every year.

 

[ggibson913]

I have had this same debate with myself about the new watch. I currently have a series 0 which is starting to show age and some functions are not working any longer (my fault, long story). When I initially bought the watch, I wanted to see how I would like it so I bought the Aluminum watch over the Stainless Steel as I didn't know if I would go back to wearing a watch. I ended up loving the watch. I would have no problem laying out $649 Vs. $429 for a 42mm watch but unlike regular watches, at the end of 4 or 5 years, the watch will be out of date. Though I am still debating in my head, I have to say that this factor alone makes me want to get the Aluminum one. All the inside is exactly the same, you are paying $220 for a Sapphire Crystal and Stainless Steel and for that extra, that is all you are getting. I am not saying that it isn't worth it for some, but then you also have a $10 per month cell phone contract to pay unless you choose not to activate it.

 

[lordofthereef]

Have you noticed any difference in battery life between the S2 and S3?

I'd say the s3 is remarkably better. Not even sure how since Apple estimates they are the same. I use it for sleep tracking now and basically only charge while I shower. I have only had it a couple days, so its possible it's just a placebo.

 

[SigEp265]

I'd say the s3 is remarkably better. Not even sure how since Apple estimates they are the same. I use it for sleep tracking now and basically only charge while I shower. I have only had it a couple days, so its possible it's just a placebo.

Awesome thanks! Ive been waiting for a definitive answer before I end up buying another one. I had the S1 and it would barely last a day unless I turned off the HR sensor and the majority of notifications.

 

[tonoboon]

My criteria to purchase the Apple Watch .
1) Price
2) Materials

For me Apple Watch ,It's a watch which give you notifications and able to change watch face , for fitness device you can track down you movement encourage you to be active .
I don't care much for the processor or any chip in the watch.
The answer for you from me, go to the gorgeous stainless steel . I just purchase more S1 last week to complete my collection.

 

[44267547]

I'd say the s3 is remarkably better. Not even sure how since Apple estimates they are the same. I use it for sleep tracking now and basically only charge while I shower. I have only had it a couple days, so its possible it's just a placebo.

I think a lot of times, when the consumer see's the exact same physical casing with the Apple Watch, they also correlate the watch to perform the same. But you have to experience it firsthand to see the speed difference and the battery improvements with the Series 3.

 

[satchmo]

We also need to realize not everyone has owned an Apple watch before.

So if you've never experienced the 'slowness' of a S0 or the speediness of a S3, a S2 may feel just fine.
It's relative and subjective.

 

[allthingsapple!]

I too am having difficulty deciding whether the S3 is worth the extra money over the S2.

 

[44267547]

I too am having difficulty deciding whether the S3 is worth the extra money over the S2.

Series 2 to Series 3 is More of lateral grade. Essentially what you're receiving with Series 3 is LTE, audible Siri and improved processing speed/battery life. But you have to ask yourself, would you appreciate those extra features for the amount of money that you will spend based on that alone. If you search, and especially coming with the holidays, Series 2 will be discounted even further to liquidate any stock.

 

[allthingsapple!]

Series 2 to Series 3 is More of lateral grade. Essentially what you're receiving with Series 3 is LTE, audible Siri and improved processing speed/battery life. But you have to ask yourself, would you appreciate those extra features for the amount of money that you will spend based on that alone. If you search, and especially coming with the holidays, Series 2 will be discounted even further to liquidate any stock.

LTE I definitely am not interested in so I’d be getting just the regular GPS model of the 3. Siri I never use so that doesn’t excite me either. I’m just trying to figure out if the battery and speed are truly that much better and worth the extra. I don’t mind paying extra if the features are worth it.

 

[satchmo]

LTE I definitely am not interested in so I’d be getting just the regular GPS model of the 3. Siri I never use so that doesn’t excite me either. I’m just trying to figure out if the battery and speed are truly that much better and worth the extra. I don’t mind paying extra if the features are worth it.

I would ask myself what those features are and if you're likely to use them or not.

For some, the added speed is a game changer particularly if they are heavily vested in apps. Some users can almost get to where the iPhone is rarely taken out of their bag.

Others may simply use the built-in core apps where speed is not vital. Their AW is a handy device but their iPhone is still king/queen.

Obviously we'd all like a week of battery life. But as we're not there yet, the question might be, what is the difference (for you), between recharging every 2 days versus 3 days?

I'm currently testing an AW2 I purchased on Apple's refurb site. It may go back, but not for it's performance.
I forgot I had BestBuy Gift cards that I want to rid myself of, so a AW3 will be essentially the same as the refurb unit.

 

[davedude]

I bought the S3 aluminum. The problem is that I felt way too worried about scratching it because aluminum is soft and the screen can scratch really easily (my S0 had this problem.)

Last week someone had a 4 month old SS S2 for $300 with full AppleCare. I returned the S3 and went to the S2. Now I don't have to worry about stupid little scratches (they can be polished out and the sapphire screen is great!) and it looks WAY better!

I prefer Siri not talking out loud and to me the speed difference is minimal so I'm happy.

I'll wait until next year for another SS S3 steal