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- Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm full specifications
Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm full specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
General
| Status | Discontinued |
| Announced |
2016, September |
| Released | 01 December, 2025 |
| Model |
A1803 |
| Price Apple iPhone Price in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Pakistan, China, Japan and Europe |
EUR 300 USD 326 |
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 | 42.5 x 36.4 x 10.5 mm (1.67 x 1.43 x 0.41 in) |
| Weight | 30 g body (1.06 oz) |
| Colors |
Case colors: silver, gold, rose gold, gray Band colors: brown, white, black, blue |
| SIM SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small card that contains mobile network subscriber's account information. This allows the phone using the card to attach to a mobile network. The SIM card is most commonly associated with GSM and UMTS mobile networks. Moving a SIM card from one phone to another allows a subscriber to switch mobile phones without having to contact their mobile network carrier. SIM cards can also be used by a phone to store limited amounts of data, such as phone numbers and text messages. | No |
| 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 | 1.65 inches |
| Resolution | 390 x 312 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. | (~303 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 |
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. | 8GB |
| 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. | 250 mAh (0.94 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. | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Wi-fi Hotspot | |
| 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 42mm is an iconic wearable device released in December 2016. Despite its age, it remains a solid option for users seeking basic smartwatch functionality with Apple’s trademark quality. Below, we’ll explore the full specifications, performance, and features of the Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm, helping you understand whether it’s a good choice for your needs.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm features a lightweight and durable aluminum body weighing 30 grams. Its dimensions—42.5 x 36.4 x 10.5 mm—strike the right balance between a sleek look and a comfortable fit for daily wear. The glass front is made from Ion-X strengthened glass, ensuring improved scratch resistance, while the composite plastic back enhances durability.
Apple offers this model in various case colors, including silver, gold, rose gold, and gray, with matching sports bands in colors like brown, black, blue, and white. The watch’s sporty aesthetic and customizable bands make it suitable for both casual and professional settings.
Display Performance
The Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm boasts a 1.65-inch Retina OLED display with a resolution of 390 x 312 pixels and a pixel density of 303 ppi. This ensures crisp visuals and sharp text. With a brightness level of 450 nits, the display remains easily viewable in most lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.
The 3D Touch feature further enhances usability, allowing users to interact with apps and notifications through pressure-sensitive gestures.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Apple S1P chipset and a dual-core Cortex-A7 processor clocked at 520 MHz, the Series 1 offers smooth performance for basic tasks like tracking workouts, receiving notifications, and accessing apps. The PowerVR G6200 GPU ensures decent graphical performance for animations and visuals.
The watch initially launched with watchOS 3.0 but can be updated to watchOS 6.2.8, giving users access to improved features and app compatibility. However, it lacks support for some newer watchOS features, such as advanced health tracking and third-party apps that demand higher processing power.
Battery Life
The watch features a 250mAh Li-Ion battery, which offers up to a full day of usage on a single charge, depending on activity levels. Wireless charging ensures convenience, though the 5W charging speed may feel slow compared to modern standards.
Water Resistance
The IPX7 water resistance rating makes the Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm splash-proof and resistant to immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. While this protects against rain and accidental splashes, it’s not recommended for swimming or prolonged water exposure.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Apple Watch Series 1 includes essential sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate monitor. These enable basic fitness tracking, including:
- Step counting
- Calorie tracking
- Heart rate monitoring
However, it lacks advanced health metrics such as blood oxygen monitoring or ECG, which are available in newer Apple Watch models.
Connectivity
The Series 1 connects to iPhones via Bluetooth 4.0 and supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. It also features NFC, enabling Apple Pay for convenient and secure transactions. However, it does not include GPS or cellular connectivity, so outdoor fitness tracking requires pairing with an iPhone.
App Compatibility
Users can download apps directly from the App Store, though the Series 1’s limited 512MB RAM may affect app performance. While it supports many essential apps, newer, resource-intensive applications might not run efficiently.
Sleep Tracking
Although the Apple Watch Series 1 does not include built-in sleep tracking features, users can download third-party apps like Sleep++ or AutoSleep to monitor sleep patterns. These apps use motion data from the accelerometer to provide basic sleep insights.
Pricing and Availability
At launch, the Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm was priced at around 300 EUR. However, as Apple has discontinued this model, it is no longer available directly from the company. You may find it on secondary markets at reduced prices.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm is an excellent entry-level smartwatch for users who prioritize simplicity and affordability. While it lacks advanced features like GPS, ECG, and sleep tracking, it provides reliable performance for everyday tasks and fitness tracking.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Apple Watch for basic usage, the Series 1 Aluminum 42mm is worth considering. However, for those who need advanced health features or standalone connectivity, newer models like the Apple Watch SE or Series 7 may be better options.
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