Difference between apple watch series 1 and sport. Apple Watch (Apple Watch) - a new toy for iPhone owners

(10 ratings, average: 4,40 out of 5)

Apple Watch– a companion device for the Apple iPhone smartphone. As of the beginning of 2018, three generations of these smartwatches and several additional versions have been released.

Comparison of technical characteristics of Apple Watch series 1, 2 and 3

Smartwatches of different generations differ in technical and operational characteristics.

Size

Regardless of generation, Apple Watch smartwatches have two sizes (screen diagonals) - 38 and 42 mm. The only difference is in thickness:

• Series 1 – 5 mm;
• Series 2 and 3 – 4 mm.

We are talking about standard versions of watches here. Edition is slightly (a fraction of a millimeter) thicker.

Display

The screen resolution in all versions of the watch is the same - 272x340 pixels for 38 mm models and 312x390 pixels for 42mm. The difference lies in the brightness of the display. For series 1 it is 450 cd/m2, and for subsequent generations it is already 1000 cd/m2.

In all versions, the screen is made using OLED technology and distributes the intensity of pressing (Force Touch). Protective glass – Ion-X. In series 3 its strength was increased. The series 2 Edition has sapphire glass.

Autonomy

In all generations of watches, the battery provides up to 18 hours of battery life.

Processor and memory

All versions of the watch use a proprietary dual-core processor, which is updated annually to a more powerful revision. The amount of permanent memory, regardless of version, is 8 GB.

The difference lies in the amount of RAM. In series 1 and 2 it is 515 MB, in series 3 it is 768 MB.

Waterproof

Apple Watch series 1 comes in a splash-proof case. This means that you can wash your hands in them - and nothing more. The second and third generations are carried out in a waterproof housing, which, according to ISO 22810:2010 specifications, ensures the device’s functionality during short-term immersion to a depth of up to 50 m.

This means you can use it for hours in the rain, in the shower, or during short swims in the pool or sea. Not suitable for diving or prolonged stay in water.

Connection

All versions of the watch support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. In the third generation, support for mobile Internet using eSIM was added (which in Russia as of the beginning 2018 hasn't worked for a year).

Sensors

All watch versions are equipped with:

• Heart rate monitor– a sensor for measuring heart rate;
• Accelerometer and gyroscope– sensors for measuring physical activity;
• Photometer– a sensor for measuring ambient light and automatically adjusting the brightness of the display.

The GPS module for geopositioning and positioning was added only to series 3 and is present in series 3.

Series 3 also added a barometric altimeter, a sensor designed to measure altitude. Counts both floors climbed and mountain peaks conquered.

Materials

Apple Watch series 1 made of aluminum and complemented by a strap made of polymer materials. In the Edition modification they are plated in gold.

Apple Watch series 2 are made of aluminum or stainless steel and are complemented by a nylon, leather or metal strap, depending on the edition. In the Edition modification, their body is made of ceramic.

Apple Watch series 3 made of aluminum and complemented by a strap made of polymer materials. In additional modifications, the strap can be leather or steel. In the Edition version, the case is made of ceramic.

Siri and phone calls

You can make and answer phone calls only on the Series 3 - but not in Russia, because eSIM technology is not supported in that country.

Apple Watch versions

Apple Watch smart watches are available in different versions.

Standard

There are no additional software or hardware modifications in this edition.

Estimated cost – from 18 thousand rubles for the first and second generations, from 24 thousand rubles for the third generation.

Apple Watch Nike+

Sports version. Available in second and third generations. Equipped with a special polymer sports strap (more comfortable when touching hot and sweaty skin), several additional dials with real-time activity display, as well as compatibility with the Nike+, Runtastic, Endomondo and several others fitness ecosystems.

The estimated cost corresponds to the prices for the standard configuration.

Apple Watch Hermes

A special “fashionable” version of the second and third generations of watches. Developed together with the Hermes fashion house. Equipped with special leather or metal straps and unique dials.

The estimated cost depends on the type of strap and is from 25 thousand rubles.

Apple Watch Sport

A simplified version of the first generation of watches. Equipped with a branded dial and a special strap.

At the start of sales the cost was 349 dollars (about 20 thousand rubles).

Apple Watch Edition

Premium version smart watch. It differs in the material of the case - in the first generation it is plated with gold, in the second and third - it is completely made of polished ceramic.

Estimated cost for series 3 Edition – from 1299 dollars (about 78 thousand rubles).

Which Apple Watch should a girl choose?

Choosing a watch For a girl, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• Size. For a miniature female hand, a small watch – 38 mm – is better suited. They are designed for a wrist with a girth of 13-20 cm. However, nothing will stop a girl from wearing the 42 mm version;
• Price. The 38 mm version usually costs about 2.5 thousand rubles less than the 42 mm version. If price is critical, it is recommended to pay attention to a smaller size;
• Version. If a girl needs a device to view notifications, calls and other events, the standard configuration will do. Nike+ is an ideal device for athletic girls. A series Hermes and version Edition– for those who appreciate style;
• Generation. The third one is definitely recommended - it is both more secure and more functional than all the others.

Apple Watch series 3 – what's new?

Series 3, released in 2017, received the following innovations and possibilities:

• LTE andeSIM. The watch can go online and receive voice calls. Unfortunately, as of the beginning of 2018, eSIM does not work in Russia and the CIS countries;
• Possibility of connecting headphonesAirPods from company " Apple» . Through them you can listen to music from the Apple Music service, receive voice responses from Siri and talk;
• Wireless charger. The watch can be charged both through the supplied cradle and through a special proprietary AirPower device from the company " Apple»;
• Barometric altimeter. Measures height - from the number of floors climbed to the peaks conquered during mountaineering;
• New processor and increased RAM provide greater productivity.

The rest of the new features were brought by the watchOS 4 operating system, which improved the heart rate monitor and added several new programs.

Key differences between all Apple watch series

To describe it literally in a nutshell, the differences are as follows:

• First generation– the initial release of a companion device from the Cupertino company (and at the same time the cheapest);
• Second generation– excellent screen;
• Third generation– maximum functionality within the ecosystem “ Apple».

Is it worth buying an Apple Watch? conclusions

If you have an iPhone of one of the latest models (newer than 4), and you need a companion device for viewing notifications, calls, quick access to Siri and some applications, then a definite yes. Also Apple Watch» will appeal to lovers of an active lifestyle. The device is very convenient for everyday use.

But if you don’t have an iPhone, then you don’t need it. You won’t even be able to activate them on an Android smartphone (or another).

The disappointment experienced by many when it became possible to compare Apple Watch 2 and 3 is easily understandable. Considering the early and widely publicized announcement of a new product designed to take smart watches to a fundamentally new level. After all, the main function for residents of many countries was simply inaccessible.

Smartwatches are still available in two versions:

• 38 mm;
• 42 mm.

According to polls, no one would like to change this.

Comparing the new smartwatch with the Gear watch is no longer relevant, since the new version of the iWatch 3 turned out to be as close as possible to its predecessor.

Design

Interestingly, a distinctive design detail of the case of models equipped with an LTE module is the color of the top of the Digital Crown wheel in red.

The update, mainly in the variety of colors, affected the watch cases as a whole, as well as the straps for them, the most suitable width for which is still considered 22 mm, and the straps themselves continue to be made from:

• skin;
• of stainless steel.

News accompanying the appearance of the iWatch 3 model

It is worth noting that the iPhone for the third model is still needed to create a pair.

An unexpected and new decision by Apple was the discontinuation of iWatch 2 from sale and production, so that soon comparison of the two versions will become meaningless. Users will have to return to reviews of the first version of the smartwatch, which is easy to distinguish from the third, but disappointing, since in many ways it is outdated.
Photo: Apple Watch 2 vs 3

Device performance updates

As for the electronic filling, comparing the Apple Watch Series 3 with the Series 2 version of the smart watch, the following can be considered the most significant changes:

1. Increase in RAM from 512 to 768 MB.
2. Upgrading the dual-core processor from S2 to the base of the third generation architecture, which speeds up the performance of the smartwatch by 70%.
3. The iWatch operates under the WatchOS 4 operating system, which replaced WatchOS 3 from the previous version of the smartwatch.
4. The operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is noticeably faster, while their energy consumption is reduced by almost half.

Barometric altimeter

The barometric altimeter, in comparison with Apple Watch 2 vs Apple Watch 3, added points to the third smartwatch against the earlier version, and with its help it is possible to:

1. Keep a count of the flights of stairs climbed.
2. Track routes.
3. Accurately detect differences in altitude differences, which should especially appeal to athletes and fans of a healthy lifestyle.

Intelligent Assistant

The Siri assistant was present in the previous version of the smartwatch, but the difference between it and the latest development is that Siri can speak out loud.

Waterproof

Similar to the previous Series 2 model, the 3rd generation Apple smartwatch belongs to the category of waterproof electronic devices, the case of which is protected at a depth of up to 50 meters.

Based on this, according to the official explanations of the company, they can be used in the following conditions:

1. Shallow dives, for example when swimming in the sea or pool.
2. Walking or running in the rain.

The results of water resistance tests also impose a number of restrictions on the use of the watch so that it does not stop functioning properly:

1. You should not leave them on your hand when scuba diving.
2. The device must not come into contact with water at high speeds, such as occurs when water skiing.

It is important to note that water protection, according to the new watch water resistance standard ISO 22810:2010, only applies to the watch case, while leather or stainless steel straps are not water resistant.

So in this regard, there is simply no difference between Apple Watch 2 and 3.

Offline mode

In terms of battery life, the new smartwatch remains unchanged compared to the earlier version - 18 hours on a single charge, provided the device is used in mixed mode.

Comparison results Apple Watch 2 vs 3

Summing up the results about smartwatches, we can say that the comparison of devices in terms of main and additional characteristics for the current and previous versions of the watch cannot be as bright as expected.

Along with the new iPhones, Apple has also updated its line of smartwatches. The third generation of Apple Watch cannot boast of radical improvements, but it pleases with additional sensors and operating modes, and also promises smoother operation thanks to the new SoC. We got to know the watch and used it in real life. This article contains all the details!

Before we get into what's new and what's new with the Apple Watch Series 3, let's take a look at the current Apple Watch lineup.

As we remember, the first Apple Watch came in two sizes (42 and 38 mm) and two types of materials: aluminum Apple Watch Sport with Ion-X glass and steel Apple Watch with sapphire glass. In addition to this, there was also an elite Apple Watch Edition series, but this can be ignored, since million-dollar watches are a very tiny segment.

When the manufacturer introduced the second generation of watches a year later, there was no longer a steel version, but the first generation was still on sale in all its variety. And now, with the release of the Apple Watch Series 3, it was decided not to confuse customers completely and with a strong-willed decision to limit the choice by size (42 or 38 mm), generation (Series 1 or Series 3; Series 2 watches are no longer presented in the Apple Store) and color ( silver, gold, white or dark gray Space Gray).

Alas, you can no longer buy a watch with a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, although this was a truly remarkable design decision. You can’t choose between Series 2 and Series 3. But the price of Series 1 has dropped to 18,490 rubles, so the choice strategy has become extremely simple: if you want to save money, take any version of Series 1; if you want much broader functionality, take Series 3. At the same time, In terms of appearance, they are practically the same (except for the color and straps, of course).

Let's take a look at the specs of the Apple Watch Series 3 and compare them to the two previous generations.

*Prices and offers are based on models with aluminum case and silicone strap

Of course, based on the specified characteristics, little can be said about the innovations of the Apple Watch Series 3, especially in comparison with the Series 2. Apple does not disclose details about single-chip systems: even the frequency of the CPU cores is not reported. We only know that all SoCs have two of them, but Series 3 has the most powerful SoC.

We cannot verify this with any tests, but traditionally the difference will be felt with the release of new versions of watchOS. For example, on the very first Apple Watch, the new watchOS 4 slows down noticeably.

As we can see, the main difference is the potential availability of a cellular version. However, we must take into account that such options are not officially sold in Russia yet, since our operators do not yet support this option in the form that is implemented by Apple (via eSIM and using the same number with the iPhone). However, I think it’s a matter of time.

We will talk about other differences in this article.

Equipment

The packaging of the aluminum version of the Apple Watch Series 3 looks the same as the Apple Watch Series 2 and the first generation Apple Watch Sport. This is an elongated box made of thick cardboard.

The equipment of the new product is identical to that of models of previous generations: in addition to the watch itself, it includes a silicone strap (with a spare half of a smaller size - so that you can choose the best one for your hand), a 5 V 1 A charger, a USB cable with a wireless charging tablet at the end and leaflets with information for the user.

The charger from the new Apple Watch is fully compatible with Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 1. And vice versa. Therefore, accessories will also work - for example, a convenient docking station.

Design

In appearance, the new product does not differ from its predecessor (Series 2). This is the same aluminum rectangular case with rounded corners and edges, as well as two buttons on the right side.

One of these buttons is oblong, the other is round, and at the same time serves as a wheel that can be rotated (Digital Crown). There is a feeling that the wheel scrolls more smoothly, and button presses, on the contrary, are a little tighter. But, firstly, we cannot compare directly, and secondly, even if this is so, then this is a plus, since it should have reduced the likelihood of accidental clicks and simplified the use of the wheel.

The screen size remains the same. We had the 42 mm version, and the 38 mm version is also available for sale. On the back we see a heart rate sensor and buttons for detaching the strap. The circular area around the sensor is ceramic. On the left side are the speaker and microphone holes.

The thickness of the new product is the same as that of the Apple Watch Series 2, which is a millimeter greater than that of the first Apple Watch and is apparently explained by enhanced moisture protection and the presence of a more capacious battery. However, the watch on your hand looks no worse than the first generation model. It’s just a pity that it’s not possible to select versions from other materials, but we’ve already complained about this and won’t repeat it.

Keeping the dimensions has one important advantage: absolutely all models of all generations of Apple Watch, including Series 3, are fully compatible with all released straps. Considering that some of these straps cost more than the watch itself (such as the steel block bracelet), it would simply be unfair to the people who bought them to change the way the straps are mounted on a new generation of watches.

At the same time, Apple continues to expand its range of straps. And we will talk about this in the next section of the article.

Straps 2017

Over the past six months, Apple has expanded the line several times. The latest update, timed to coincide with the release of the Apple Watch Series 3, was, as expected, the most radical, but there are a lot of interesting things among the spring-summer models. We managed to get to know them and even used some of them in everyday life.

Let's start with the most exciting new product: the nylon strap with Velcro. Apple is consistently expanding the types of clasps. Velcro fastening has been added to the magnetic clasps, classic buckle, butterfly buckle and sport strap button.

Here the strap is a continuous band without division into halves. It is attached to the watch using plastic blocks. And it is fixed on the hand, respectively, with the help of five Velcro. The advantage of this option is that you can adjust the size of the strap to your hand with maximum flexibility - down to the millimeter.

The surface of the strap itself is made of nylon threads of different colors, this creates interesting shades: for example, the photo shows a black strap, but thanks to threads of other colors (it’s difficult to even tell which ones), an unusual combination is obtained. In our opinion, this strap goes well with a sweater or any other fluffy autumn-winter clothing.

Another new strap is a variation of the nylon straps. The essence is the same (fastening, clasp, combination of threads of two colors), but the arrangement of the threads itself is different, which is why the pattern turns out to be very different from what it was before.

To this is worth adding the spring-summer collection of nylon straps. They retain the old type of weaving, but change the approach to color. If previously intertwined threads of two colors formed a single color field, now there are options with multi-colored stripes. For example, the option in the photo below is what Apple calls “yellow pollen.”

In the meantime, we were able to appreciate three color options in everyday life: “red”, “lake blue” and “pollen yellow” (in addition to the previously described black). They fit casual clothes and suggest the presence of some bright elements in clothing. Ideally, the same shades in other clothing items.

So this is, of course, an interesting task for fashionistas. But note that the colors do not look flashy or vulgar (for example, “wild berry” is a much more universal option than any other type of pink straps). And “blue lake” is a really great option for denim.

In addition, we note that when worn on the hand for a long time, nylon straps do not cause any unpleasant sensations. On the contrary, over time they take the shape of a hand - as if they were created especially for you. It's nice. And for those who do not plan to actively use the watch for sports, a nylon strap is a very good alternative to a silicone or Nike strap (their cost is identical - about 4,000 rubles at the time of writing).

These are, of course, summer decisions. However, they can also be relevant in the fall - you want to maintain a summer mood, even when it’s dark and slush outside.

New colors have also appeared for straps made of other materials. Moreover, along with the color, the surface texture was updated, so the straps began to feel different. A striking example is the yellow leather strap with a classic buckle.

First of all, it is actually tri-color: the outer color is yellow, the inner surface is a natural (dark beige) color, and the edges are gray. And secondly, the leather here is softer and more elastic than in the case of a brown strap and, especially, a black one (we wrote about them earlier). In addition, oddly enough, the buckle itself is different, although it cannot be said for the worse or for the better. She's just a little different.

As for the color itself, it is a little lighter and brighter than in the photos, without an orange tint. And it looks very cool - it gives you a summer mood and becomes a great accent when worn with neutral clothes.

In addition, back in the spring, regular sports straps appeared in the colors "smoky blue", "pollen yellow" and "flamingo pink", and the most widely updated line of Nike straps. “Light Violet/White”, “Purple Dust/Plum Haze”, “Orbit Blue/Gamma Blue” and “Obsidian/Black” added variety to the previously limited selection of strict shades.

Screen

The Apple Watch Series 3 screen size and resolution have not changed compared to the first and second generations. The watch is available in two display sizes: 38mm and 42mm. Accordingly, their resolution also differs: 272×340 and 312×390, respectively. We had a 42mm watch with a screen resolution of 312x390.

We conducted a detailed examination of the screen using measuring instruments. Below is the conclusion of the editor of the “Monitors” and “Projectors and TV” sections, Alexey Kudryavtsev.

The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a scratch-resistant glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface curved towards the edges. The outer surface of the screen has a special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating (effective, slightly better than Google Nexus 7 (2013)), so fingerprints are removed much more easily and appear at a lower speed than with regular glass. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are slightly better than those of the Google Nexus 7 2013 screen. For clarity, here is a photo in which a white surface is reflected when the screens are turned off:

The screen of the Apple Watch Series 3 is slightly darker (brightness according to photographs is 105 versus 113 for the Nexus 7). There is no double reflection, this indicates that there is no air gap between the layers of the screen. When displaying the white field in full screen, the maximum brightness value we recorded was about 650 cd/m² (with bright backlight on the screen), the minimum was 60 cd/m² (the first level of adjustment, office lighting).

It’s worth making a reservation here: Apple promises brightness up to 1000 cd/m², but it’s impossible to verify this, because when measuring brightness, the light sensor is partially blocked and the brightness is automatically reduced, and it’s impossible to disable this parameter. So we couldn’t confirm the numbers promised by the manufacturer, but we have no reason not to trust Apple.

As already mentioned, automatic brightness adjustment based on the light sensor always works. The user can only make adjustments to the operation of this function by choosing one of three levels. At any brightness level there is modulation with a frequency of 60 Hz, but its amplitude is small, so flickering is not visible. Graphs of brightness (vertical axis) versus time (horizontal axis) illustrate the above:

This screen uses an AMOLED matrix - active matrix organic light-emitting diodes. A full-color image is created using subpixels of three colors - red (R), green (G) and blue (B) in equal numbers, as confirmed by a fragment of a microphotograph:

For comparison, you can familiarize yourself with those used in mobile technology.

The spectra are typical for OLED - the primary color areas are well separated and appear as relatively narrow peaks:

However, there is also cross-mixing of components (programmatically), so the coverage is not excessively wide, but adjusted to the sRGB boundaries:

Accordingly, typical images (with sRGB coverage) on the Apple Watch screen have natural saturation. Unfortunately, color profiles are not supported (or transferred when images are copied to the watch), so even images with a wide color gamut will still appear as sRGB. The color temperature of the white and gray fields is approximately 7350 K, and the deviation from the black body spectrum (ΔE) is 4.4-4.7 units. Color balance is good. Black is just black from any angle. It is so black that the contrast setting is not applicable in this case. When viewed perpendicularly, the uniformity of the white field is excellent. The screen has excellent viewing angles with a much smaller drop in brightness when viewed from an angle compared to LCD screens, but at higher angles the whites fade noticeably to blue. Overall, the quality of the Apple Watch screen is very high.

New opportunities

The watch comes preloaded with watchOS 4.0 operating system. You can read about its main innovations in, and what is said there is true for all generations of Apple Watch. Let us remind you that even the very first generation is compatible with the latest OS. Here we will look at those functions and features that apply only to the Apple Watch Series 3 and are not available on older models.

So, perhaps, the main innovation of the Apple Watch Series 3, not counting the LTE connection, which is not yet available to Russian users, is constant and rather in-depth monitoring of cardiac activity. As Apple rightly notes, cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death today, especially among men. Moreover, their danger is that for quite a long time a person, already being unhealthy, may not feel any discomfort and, therefore, does not take any measures to prevent a heart attack or the like.

In addition, regular medical examinations in Russia are still not established, and obtaining health certificates is nothing more than a formality. And somehow it is not customary for us to go without any complaints and have our heart checked. Therefore, the importance of constant monitoring of heart function is difficult to overestimate. It is clear that this cannot be compared with diagnostics in medical centers and using professional equipment, and it is stupid to expect that a watch will immediately give us a diagnosis (although, who knows, maybe in 10 years we will live to see that). But Apple Watch Series 3 can alert you if it notices problems with your heart rate. And even if this is a mistake, it is better to be safe.

So let's take a closer look at how this happens.

While you're wearing Apple Watch Series 3, the watch automatically measures your heart rate every few minutes. At the same time, they correlate the information received with your current activity (which, of course, is reported by other sensors - the accelerometer and gyroscope), and if you sat still for 10 minutes, but your heart rate exceeded a specified threshold (by default it is 120 beats minute), the watch will warn you.

You can view or change settings in the Watch app on iPhone by going to the “Heart Rate” section.

The watch also measures heart rate variability, which is the difference in time between two heartbeats. This figure should be small.

All your heart monitoring information is automatically exported to the Health app. There, in a visual form, you can see to what values ​​and when your heart rate rose, what the average heart rate was for a certain period of time and other useful information.

In fact, among non-professional household devices, the Apple Watch Series 3 now collects and provides maximum information about the functioning of the heart. And, what is important, without any user effort. That is, you don’t have to run measurements, then do anything with the results, etc. You just wear the watch - and then see all the results in the application on your iPhone.

Another innovation of the Apple Watch Series 3 is the appearance of an altimeter. Thanks to it, the watch can measure the number of floors climbed and generally record your ascents and descents. Note that during everyday use, the same information can be collected by the iPhone - and in the Health application, the iPhone is listed as the priority source. But, for example, on a hike or when playing sports, a watch will clearly be a more convenient tool.

And the last innovation, available only on Apple Watch Series 3: Siri can now talk through the watch speaker (and the sound is quite clear and loud) or through AirPods headphones. The manufacturer claims that this became possible thanks to a new, more powerful processor. Of course, it is difficult to call this an important innovation, but in certain situations it can really be useful.

Autonomous operation

As before, we don't have the tools to accurately test the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 3 - only subjective impressions. But if you rely on them, it turns out that Apple has done a really great job, and three days of work without recharging is already quite a reality for its watches.

Note that the first Apple Watch, updated to watchOS 4.0, worked for us for no more than two days. So there is a positive trend. Of course, the more intensively you use the watch, the faster it will drain, but if you use the Series 3 solely for notifications and viewing the time, you can safely count on three days.

conclusions

If we talk about the version without LTE, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a rather modest update. The vast majority of innovations reported by the manufacturer are related to watchOS 4, and not to the watch itself. Therefore, if you have an Apple Watch Series 2, then there is undoubtedly no reason to update. If you are the owner of an Apple Watch Series 1, then it all depends on whether you need the innovations that we noted in Series 2, and whether the watch with watchOS 4 slows down. The very first generation (which, let us recall, was functionally identical to the Series 1, but with a twice as slow SoC) there were slowdowns and “thoughtfulness”. So if you have the very first Apple Watch, then it’s worth upgrading, but if you have Series 1, you still need to think carefully.

Perhaps the main feature of the Apple Watch Series 3 is serious monitoring of cardiac activity. And this is, perhaps, an important argument, especially if you are a man over 40. But the main thing is that this is a very productive signal to the entire industry and an attempt to answer the still pressing question: why do we need smartwatches at all?

Other innovations - the appearance of an altimeter and Siri voice response capabilities - can hardly be considered truly significant. But, strictly speaking, Apple does not offer to compare Series 3 and Series 2. Only Series 3 and Series 1 are now sold in the official store, so the third generation replaced the second, adopting all its features (moisture protection, GPS) and adding a few of my own. This is probably a boring situation for reviewers and tech geeks; I wish the Series 3 were a more serious step forward. But, on the other hand, we can’t help but be glad that Apple is developing not only hardware, but also software, and even owners of models of previous generations can take advantage of the innovations in watchOS 4.

From the same opera, there are new straps, of which there are many (if you count all those released after the Apple Watch Series 2). They, like the operating system, are suitable for absolutely all Apple Watch models ever released. And for this you can even forgive the lack of updating the watch design. Yes, again, a little boring, but it is fully compatible with all existing straps. Apple is clearly trying to convey a message to doubters: buy our watches now, they will be relevant for a long time. And to make it easier for them to make such a decision, the manufacturer has lowered prices for Series 1, so that the threshold for entry into the “Apple Watch owner’s club” has become lower than ever.

In parallel with the release of its new iPhone 6th generation smartphone, Apple introduced a completely new product. Yes, we are talking about those that have managed to make a splash in just a few months of their presence on the market.

For most users, this gadget is something new and unusual, since, as sales statistics for other similar devices show, buyers are not too attracted by smart watches, bracelets and other similar products. Perhaps this is just a matter of habit, and in a few years, watches equipped with a smartphone will become an integral part of our daily lives. An alternative view is that Apple tried to launch a new product by creating artificial buzz around it.

Be that as it may, in this article we will try to figure out what this gadget is. Customer reviews of the Apple Watch and general technical characteristics of the device will be posted here. And readers of the article will thus be able to independently decide how they see the new Watch.

General concept of smart watches

Let's start with how this device was implemented. Traditionally for Apple, he was represented by Tim Cook, the head of the company, at a general conference. The device was shown in action, its advantages were listed and it was emphasized that the Apple Watch will allow customers to show what a model of this class can be.

That is, in the words of the Apple representative there really is information that the company intends to bring smart watches to a new level of popularity, make them a salable accessory and a gadget in demand in everyone’s life. In this we can read the understanding that previous attempts to release a similar device, made by Samsung and other representatives of the electronics market, can be called not entirely successful. Indeed, not so many people now use smart watches, while the brightest representative of products in this segment remains the Apple Watch, the characteristics of which we will present in the article.

Therefore, obviously, the Apple corporation seriously intends to restore the reputation of smart watches in the eyes of the buyer and make this device a must-have.

Frame

Well, whether they succeed or not, time will tell. In the meantime, let’s decide what they are trying to “slip” into us under the guise of a revolutionary, high-tech product in a beautiful wrapper. Let's start, of course, with the case, which is extremely important for any device.

First of all, let’s emphasize its water resistance. The watch (reviews confirm this) is designed in such a way as to prevent moisture from entering the device. This is normal, given the specific use of the device and its possible contact with water. In general, there is nothing surprising here - it is right when watches are made protected from water.

In addition, the device body is made from different metals, depending on its model. For example, the Apple Watch Sport (reviewed as the lightest gadget in the entire line of models) is made from aluminum. Due to this, the watch is not afraid of scratches and impacts; At the same time, they are light and look quite stylish.

Device screen

Since a watch is a thing that must be protected from exposure to any factors, it is not surprising that the screen here is covered with different types of protective glass (depending on the watch model). This is either sapphire Sapphire Glass or Ion-X Glass. It, as you can guess, is also not subject to scratches and abrasions, so there is no need to worry about its quality and service life.

Since, as noted, the Apple Watch screen (in Russia and around the world) is touch-sensitive, it has special protection against accidental touches. We are now talking about locking the display, which is removed automatically if a person suddenly raises his hand. The developers introduced this function precisely so that they could check the time without delay.

Another feature worth mentioning is geopositioning of the gadget (working with maps). As you might guess, it is inconvenient for a person to view the map on their own using a touch screen. Therefore, Apple provided a special wheel with which you can scale the map so that all the necessary information is visible.

Clasps and straps

Finally, let us mention one more feature of this watch. It concerns the strap and clasps of the Apple Watch. Reviews show that for many people, an unreliable strap is a serious problem when wearing a watch. Apparently, Apple also took this threat seriously. That’s why the clasp here was made from solid metal, it looks quite impressive, and it functions like a charm. As for the strap itself, it is made of rubber or metal, depending on the model of the device. Thus, firstly, this makes it possible to talk about the long service life of the watch, about its high performance qualities. Secondly, a strap is another way to individualize a device, make it unique and inimitable.

The lineup

By the way, let's not forget about individualization. This is another strong point of the Apple Watch device. Reviews indicate that there are a huge number of different models of this brand. They all differ in color, design and features. In particular, if there are only three versions - just Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Watch Edition, then there are (ultimately) several dozen color options with them. This is good because it allows you to choose a model that will ideally satisfy all your wishes.

For even more variety, Apple has released two versions of the watch with different displays (we are talking about 38- and 42-mm screens). Thanks to this, smartwatches can appeal to even more people.

Comparison of versions

To understand the main features of different watch models, we will briefly describe the differences between these models. So, the simple version of the Watch has an aluminum case and a display made of aluminum. It has several colors and types of straps. Another model is Watch Sport. These watches, as can be judged by their name, are suitable for sports due to their lightness (the weight is reduced by 20 percent compared to the basic version) and durability (the screen of the device is covered with a different type of glass - the Ion-X brand). Finally, the third version is the most luxurious of those presented above, and due to this, it allows the smart watch to be positioned as a “toy” for wealthy people. The thing is that they are made of yellow or pink gold and cost up to 27 thousand dollars per copy.

Key Features

You ask: “What can this watch do? What are the functions of the Apple Watch? We answer: this is a universal electronic device that operates on the Apple Watch OS. Logically, the latter is similar to the operating system of modern smartphones - add-ons can be installed on it in the form of various applications. Thus, again, you can expand the capabilities of smartwatches.

In particular, in addition to showing the time and map, Apple Watch can determine the rhythm of the heartbeat and breathing rate, air condition, serve as a walkie-talkie for communicating with the iPhone, connect to the Internet, work with many information applications (for example, for booking a ticket, finding a bus, etc. ). Thus, we can say that the functionality of the Apple Watch (reviews can confirm this) is similar to what a smartphone can do.

Owner's health

Particular attention is paid here to health monitoring. As already mentioned, the watch can calculate a person’s breathing and determine blood pressure. With these capabilities, the Apple Watch, which features the ability to download sports apps like Nike Run, can become an indispensable training assistant. With them, you can monitor your health even more carefully, determining how you feel and adjusting the pace of your activities. And this is the effective development of your body and the promotion of health.

Price

If we talk about the price of this device, then this is rather its disadvantage than its advantage. Even for American buyers, according to reviews, Apple watches are quite an expensive product. Buying a bracelet that can track your heart rate during a workout for almost $350 is not a very justifiable action when your iPhone can easily handle other tasks.

In general, the price range is as follows: the cost of Sport starts at $349; simple Apple Watch (the technical characteristics of which are not much different) - from $549; and the luxury Watch Edition - from 10 thousand dollars. The prices shown apply when purchasing from the company’s official website. Of course, this is true for the USA and other developed English-speaking countries.

If we talk about how much an Apple Watch costs in Russia, the Sport will cost at least 30 thousand rubles, the regular version - 60 thousand, and the Edition - 1.2 million rubles. As you can see, the cost is slightly higher than with a simple exchange rate conversion.

In 2014, Apple Watch was presented to the public at another presentation. The smartwatch was made in three variations:

1. Classic.
2. Sport.
3. Edition.

Many users have a question: what exactly is the difference between Apple Watch: classic, Edition, Sport from each other, since after the presentation the gadgets created a real stir. It is worth noting that the company has not previously announced anything like this, and even in several variations. Photo: How do Apple Watches differ from each other? Note that the smartwatch is one of the few company products in the development of which Steve Jobs was not involved. The product, developed under the leadership of Tim Cook, took a leading position among its competitors in the very first days of its appearance.

Classic

Classic is the basic version of the gadget, made of:

• of stainless steel;
• ceramics.

The watch display is equipped with sapphire protection. For these gadgets the company has developed:

• special processor S1;
• iOS for compact electronics:
• graphical interface UI - special adaptation for small devices.

The user is presented with .
Table: How does Apple Watch Classic differ from Sport and Edition? The only way the basic Apple Watch differs from the Sport and Edition is the materials used in the watch itself. Smart gadgets have:

• 38 mm;
• 42 mm.

Conventionally, users designated these two variations as “” and “”. The company also presents six strap designs made of different materials:

• metal;
• skin;
• polyurethane.

Edition

Comparison of VariationsApple Watch: basic,EditionSport, can only be produced according to the material of the product. The technical “stuffing” of all devices is absolutely identical. These gadgets have the highest cost - the body is based on 18-karat gold, which is several times stronger than usual.

The display, as in the basic configuration, is made of sapphire glass. A rose gold version is also available. The device comes with a special “box” that acts as a charger.

Sport

The body of this version is a duet of anodized aluminum and composite material. The company also took care of protecting the sports model from moisture and dust.

Another difference between Apple Watch andversionSport- glass. Instead of sapphire, Ion-X glass was used - it is not as durable, as evidenced by numerous tests, but has better optical characteristics.

Read more about smart watches at the link provided.