Apple Watch Series 1 Review: Apple’s First Smartwatch

The Apple Watch Series 1 is a simple and affordable smartwatch from Apple, released in 2016. It may not have all the latest features, but it still offers useful tools for fitness tracking, notifications, and staying connected.

With its sleek design and smart capabilities, it’s a good choice for people who want an entry-level Apple Watch without spending too much money.

In this review, we’ll explore its main features, performance, and whether it’s worth buying today.

Release Date and Price

The Apple Watch Series 1 was officially released on September 16, 2016. Priced at $269 for the 38mm model and $299 for the 42mm model at launch, Series 1 provided a budget-friendly option compared to Series 2, which was introduced simultaneously.

The Series 1 Apple Watch was a better version of the original Apple Watch. It had a faster processor and the same features people liked, like tracking fitness and getting notifications. The competitive pricing and reliable performance made the Apple Watch Series 1 a popular choice for first-time smartwatch buyers.

Technical Specs: (Apple Watch 38mm)

See Other Apple Watch Series 1 Specifications:

• Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 42mm
• Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm

Design and Build Quality: Classic and Functional

The Apple Watch Series 1 retains the iconic design that made the original Apple Watch a hit. It features a square-shaped aluminum case available in 38mm and 42mm sizes, making it versatile enough to fit different wrist sizes comfortably.

The watch comes in four colors:

1. Silver Aluminum.
2. Space Gray Aluminum.
3. Rose Gold Aluminum.
4. Gold Aluminum.

Both are paired with a selection of interchangeable bands. The Series 1 is lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for all-day wear. The display is protected by Ion-X glass, which provides good scratch resistance, though not as robust as the cobalt crystal found in higher-end models like the Series 2 and later.

Display

The Apple Watch Series 1 features an OLED Retina display, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. The 38mm model has a resolution of 272 x 340 pixels, while the 42mm version offers a slightly higher resolution of 312 x 390 pixels.

Although Series 1 lacks the brighter display of later models, its screen is still easily readable in most lighting conditions. The touch-sensitive display allows for a smooth interface through the watch’s interface, and it includes Force Touch technology, which differentiates between a tap and a press to enable additional functionality.

Performance and Processor

The Apple Watch Series 1 is powered by the dual-core S1P chip, which is a slight upgrade from the original Apple Watch’s S1 chip. This processor provides a noticeable improvement in performance, making the watch more responsive and capable of handling basic tasks efficiently.

Series 1 runs on Watch OS, Apple’s dedicated operating system for its smartwatches, offering features like notifications, fitness tracking, and app support. The Series 1 smartwatch doesn’t have fancy features like GPS or waterproofness.

But it’s still a good choice for people who just want a reliable watch for everyday use.

Fitness and Health Tracking

One of the key features of the Apple Watch Series 1 is its focus on health and fitness tracking. The watch includes a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope, which work together to monitor your daily activities.

It tracks steps, calories burned, and distance traveled, providing users with a comprehensive overview of their physical activity. Series 1 also supports Apple’s Activity Rings, which encourage users to move, exercise, and stand regularly throughout the day.

Although it lacks built-in GPS, the watch can still track outdoor activities when paired with an iPhone. The Workout app on the watch allows users to track different types of exercise, from running and cycling to yoga and strength training.

Battery Life: Reliable Daily Performance

The Apple Watch Series 1 offers up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is sufficient for a full day of typical use.

This includes time spent on fitness tracking, notifications, and app usage. Charging is done via a magnetic charging cable, which connects to the back of the watch.

While the battery life is comparable to later models, users should note that heavy use of certain features, such as heart rate monitoring or app usage, can drain the battery more quickly.

Software and Features

The Apple Watch Series 1 runs on watch OS 3 out of the box, but it is upgradable to later versions of the watch OS, bringing new features and improvements.

Key functionalities include customizable watch faces, notifications, and access to the App Store for downloading apps. Series 1 supports Apple Pay, allowing users to make contactless payments directly from their wrist.

However, it lacks some of the more advanced features found in later models, such as water resistance, GPS, and the ability to make phone calls independently from an iPhone.

Connectivity: Seamless Integration with iPhone

The Apple Watch Series 1 is designed to work in series with an iPhone, offering seamless connectivity and technology.

• Bluetooth: 4.0
• Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz

With its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, the Series 1 allows users to stay connected even when their iPhone is out of reach. The watch can receive notifications, control music playback, and interact with apps directly from the wrist, making it a convenient extension of the iPhone.

Comparison: Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 3

Here’s a detailed comparison between the Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 based on the provided specifications:

This comparison explores the key features and specifications of the Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3. Each model offers distinct advantages depending on your needs, whether it’s a more affordable option with essential features (Series 1), an enhanced experience with built-in GPS and water resistance (Series 2), or a further evolution with better processing power, improved battery life, and options for cellular connectivity (Series 3).

Whether you’re looking for a fitness tracker, a fashion accessory, or a fully connected smartwatch, understanding these models’ differences will help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Affordable: A budget-friendly option for those seeking basic smartwatch features.
• Lightweight: Weighs only 25g, comfortable for all-day wear.
• Bright Display: 1.5-inch Retina OLED screen with good readability.
• Fitness Tracking: Includes heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyro.
• Customizable: Multiple case and band colors are available.
• Water Resistant: IPX7 rating for light water exposure.
• NFC Support: Use Apple Pay for contactless payments.

Cons:

• No Cellular: requires an iPhone for full functionality.
• No GPS: Depends on your iPhone for location tracking.
• Limited Performance: Slower due to S1P chip and 512MB RAM.
• Short Battery Life: 18 hours of battery, needs daily charging.
• Outdated OS: Limited to watchOS 6.2.8, no new updates.
• Limited Apps: Not compatible with the latest apps.
• No Camera: No video recording capabilities.

Conclusion: Is the Apple Watch Series 1 Still Worth It?

The Apple Watch Series 1 may not have all the bells and sounds of the latest models, but it remains a solid choice for users looking for a reliable and affordable smartwatch. Its design, performance, and fitness tracking capabilities still hold up well, making it a worthwhile investment for those who want to experience the benefits of an Apple Watch without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re new to smartwatches or looking for a budget-friendly option, the Apple Watch Series 1 is proof of Apple’s ability to create products that stand the test of time.

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