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Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm full specifications

Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm full specifications
$294.00
Brand: Apple
Category: apple-watch
  • CPU Dual-core 520 MHz Cortex-A7
  • RAM 512MB RAM
  • Storage 8GB
  • Camera 1.5"
  • Display No
  • Battery 205mAh

SPECIFICATIONS

General

Status Discontinued
Announced 2016, September
Released 01 December, 2025
Model A1802
Price Apple iPhone Price in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Pakistan, China, Japan and Europe EUR 270
USD 294

Network

Technology No cellular connectivity
2G Network N/A
GPRS GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a packet oriented mobile data service on the 2G and 3G cellular communication system's global system for mobile communications (GSM), Generally, GPRS is used for the purpose of wireless data transfer, such as sharing pictures and videos or browsing the Internet via a mobile phone connection.
EDGE EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment) is a wireless network technology generally considered the next step in the 2G network offers data transfer rates up to four times faster than ordinary GSM networks, Generally, EDGE is used for the purpose of wireless data transfer, such as sharing pictures and videos or browsing the Internet via a mobile phone connection.

Body

Dimensions 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm (1.52 x 1.31 x 0.41 in)
Weight 25 g body (0.88 oz)
Colors Case colors: silver, gold, rose gold, gray
Band colors: gray, white, black, pink
Build Glass front, composite plastic back, aluminum frame
Water Resistant IPX7 water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes

Display

Display Type Display Technology => A number of display technologies and types used in mobile phones => TFT (Thin Film Transistor), IPS (In-Place Switching), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode), Super AMOLED (an even advanced version of AMOLED), Resistive Touchscreen (Resistive touchscreens contain two layer of conductive material with a very small gap between them which acts as a resistance), Capacitive Touchsceen (Capacitive touchscreen technology consists of a layer of glass coated with a transparent conductor) Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak)
Size 1.5 inches
Resolution 340 x 272 pixels
Pixel Density Pixel Density (PPI) is refers to the concentration of pixels on a particular display, measured in pixels per inch (ppi). Pixel density is calculated by dividing the diagonal pixel resolution of a display by its diagonal size, higher pixel density better display quality. (~290 ppi density)
Touch Screen 3D
Display Protection Display Protection => Gorilla Glass is a special alkali-aluminosilicate glass shield with exceptional damage resistance that helps protect mobile displays from scratches, drops, and bumps of everyday use, It is always better to go for a smartphone with Gorilla Glass for that added protection and peace of mind. Ion-X strengthened glass
Multitouch
Features 3D Touch display

Camera

Primary Camera is able to capture photographs and usually videos, The most important characteristics of a camera are the resolution (measured in megapixels), lens focus type (fixed or automatic), higher megapixel cameras are known to capture higher quality photos, but not always a good measurement of the photos quality. NO
Selfie Camera NO

Software

Operating System OS => Every computer system run on a base software called Operating System (OS). Operating System controls all basic operations of the computer (such as smartphone, PDAs, tablet computers and other handheld devices). The Operating System allows the user to install and run third party applications (apps), apps are used to add new functionality to the device. watchOS 3.0, upgradable to watchOS 6.2.8
Browser (Default) Safari

Hardware

Chipset Chipset is a group of integrated circuits designed to perform one or a more dedicated functions, often with real time computing constraints, Popular smartphones are equipped with more advanced embedded chipsets that can do many different tasks depending on their programming. Apple S1P (28 nm)
CPU CPU (Central Processing Unit) mostly known as processors, CPU processes instructions in order to carry out certain functions that make your device operate properly. Processors are often described as the brain of computers, smartphones and tablets, Smartphones and tablets rely on processors to carry out their every task, Processors are an incredibly important factor in selecting any type of computing device, including your smartphone. Dual-core 520 MHz Cortex-A7
GPU GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a single-chip processor designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display, This includes things such as lighting effects, object transformations, and 3D motion. PowerVR G6200
RAM (Memory) RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes that allows information to be stored and accessed quickly from random locations. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computer systems, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices. 512 MB
Internal Storage Internal Storage is a data storage space (flash memory) mostly used in smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices where operating system, apps, music, photos, videos, files and other user data Is stored. 512MB
Card Slot Memory Card Slot is a special slot for inserting a memory card. Memory cards allow you to expand the phone's built-in memory, A memory card (sometimes called a flash memory card or a storage card) is a small storage medium used to store data such as text, pictures, audio, and video, for use on small, portable or remote computing devices such as mobile phones, mp3 players, digital cameras. No
Sensors Sensors are electronic components that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure and location, The output is generally a signal that is converted to use in computing systems, a location sensor, such as a GPS receiver is able to detect current location of your electronic device. Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate
Natural language commands and dictation

Battery

Battery Type Battery Type => Cell phones run on various kinds of batteries depending on the manufacturer, phone size or shape and features. There are basically four types of cell phone batteries => Lithium Polymer, Lithium Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride and Nickel Cadmium. Li-Po
Capacity Battery Capacity is a measure (typically in Amp-hr) of the charge stored by the battery, and is determined by the mass of active material contained in the battery. The battery capacity represents the maximum amount of energy that can be extracted from the battery under certain conditions. 205 mAh (0.78 Wh)
Placement Non-removable
Wireless Charging Wireless Charging (Inductive Charging) uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. This is usually done with a charging station. Energy is sent through an inductive coupling to an electrical device, which can then use that energy to charge batteries or run the device. Yes

Media

Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm Jack
FM Radio No

Connectivity

Bluetooth Bluetooth is a wireless communications technology for exchanging data between mobile phones, headsets, computers and other network devices over short distances without wires, Bluetooth technology was primarily designed to support simple wireless networking of personal consumer devices. 4.0, LE
Infrared Infrared connectivity is an old wireless technology used to connect two electronic devices. It uses a beam of infrared light to transmit information and so requires direct line of sight and operates only at close range.
Wi-fi Wi-Fi is a popular wireless networking technology using radio waves to provide high-speed network connections that allows devices to communicate without cords or cables, Wi-Fi is increasingly becoming the preferred mode of internet connectivity all over the world. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-fi Hotspot
USB No
GPS GPS The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based radio navigation system, GPS permits users to determine their position, velocity and the time 24 hours a day, in all weather, anywhere in the world, In order to locate your position, your device or GPS receiver must have a clear view of the sky. No
NFC NFC (Near field communication) is a set of standards for smartphones and similar devices to establish peer-to-peer radio communications with each other by touching them together or bringing them into proximity, usually no more than a few inches.

MISC

Description

The Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm, launched in December 2016, is a lightweight and stylish smartwatch aimed at users looking for essential features at an affordable price. It offers an excellent entry point into the world of smartwatches, combining Apple’s design philosophy with practical functionality. This review delves into the specifications, features, and performance of the Apple Watch Series 1 to help you determine whether it’s the right choice for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Apple Watch Series 1 boasts a sleek and compact design. With a 25g body and a thickness of just 10.5mm, it offers a comfortable wearing experience, even during extended periods. The watch is built with a glass front, a composite plastic back, and an aluminum frame, which contributes to its lightweight yet durable structure. Users can choose from multiple color options, including silver, gold, rose gold, and space gray, allowing for personalization and style.

Display Quality

Apple Watch Series 1 Display

The 1.5-inch Retina OLED display of the Apple Watch Series 1 offers bright, vibrant colors with a resolution of 340 x 272 pixels (~290 ppi), ensuring clear visibility. The Ion-X-strengthened glass protects the display from scratches, and the 450 nits peak brightness makes the screen easily readable in various lighting conditions.

Additionally, the 3D Touch functionality provides more interactive and quick actions, enhancing the user experience.

Operating System and Performance

Apple Watch's S1 chip

The Apple Watch Series 1 operates on watchOS 3.0, upgradeable to watchOS 6.2.8, enhancing performance and adding features.
It is powered by the Apple S1P chipset, a dual-core 520 MHz Cortex-A7 CPU, and 512 MB of RAM.
Although the specifications seem modest by today’s standards, they handle notifications, workout tracking, and Siri commands efficiently. The watch performs well for everyday use, though it may not support more demanding apps.

Battery Life and Charging

Apple Watch Series 1 Battery

The Apple Watch Series 1 is equipped with a 205mAh Li-Ion battery, providing up to 18 hours of battery life with regular usage. It features wireless charging through a 5W charger, making it easy to power up the device overnight. The battery life is adequate for most users, though frequent use of fitness tracking and notifications may require daily charging. This battery capacity makes it suitable for light-to-moderate use but may not last through an entire day for more active users.

Fitness and Health Features

For fitness enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Series 1 provides essential health and activity-tracking features in a compact design. Equipped with built-in sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and heart rate sensor, it tracks workouts seamlessly.

The watch enables users to monitor progress effectively while setting and achieving personal fitness goals daily. However, it lacks advanced features, including GPS tracking and relying on the iPhone for location-based exercise data. The IPX7 water resistance rating protects against sweat or splashes but is unsuitable for swimming activities.

Connectivity and Features

Connectivity options for the Apple Watch Series 1 include Bluetooth 4.0 LE and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, which allow the watch to sync seamlessly with an iPhone. NFC support enables Apple Pay, allowing users to make contactless payments directly from their wrist. However, the Series 1 does not support cellular connectivity, meaning it cannot function independently without a paired iPhone. It also lacks a GPS sensor, so location-based activities require your iPhone to be nearby.

Pricing and Availability

The Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm was originally launched at a price of around 270 EUR. However, since Apple has discontinued the watch, it is likely no longer available directly from the company. You can still find the Apple Watch Series 1 from third-party sellers or as refurbished units at a discounted price, making it an attractive option for those on a budget or seeking an entry-level smartwatch.

Conclusion: Is the Apple Watch Series 1 worth it?

The Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm provides a perfect balance of affordability and essential features for users. It includes key functionalities like fitness tracking, notifications, and Siri voice commands, ideal for basic smartwatch needs. Although it lacks advanced features such as GPS, cellular connectivity, and enhanced performance, it remains a solid entry-level choice.

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