Hands-On with Apple Watch Series 2: Faster, Better, Prettier

I checked out Apple Watch Series 2 (AWS2) at Apple’s hands-on demo after Wednesday’s media event, and I was impressed. There’s a lot to like in this second generation device, and I’ve gathered my hands-on impressions below.

2016 Apple Watch product line

Apple Watch Series 2

The first thing one should note about AWS2 is that it’s essentially the same size as the original Apple Watch, which is now known as Series 1 (AWS1). It’s slightly thicker, even, but the difference is most likely imperceptible to most.

Despite being similar in size, AWS2 is aesthetically more pleasing. I really need to spend more time with it to be sure, but my gut reaction is that it’s more refined, with better fit and finish. It’s more attractive.

Apple Watch Series 2

I couldn’t get specifics on battery life for AWS2, but was told it has the same “all day” battery life of AWS1. I also wasn’t able to get specifics on whether battery capacity was changed. My educated guess is that it has a similar capacity. I further suspect that new power draws from the GPS and other new components are offset by incremental power consumption improvements elsewhere in the device.

AWS2 is a lot faster than AWS1, and it’s considerably brighter. I mean considerably. It’s going to be a lot easier to see outside or any well-lit environment. I held my AWS1 up next to the Apple Watch Nike+, and it was a literal night and day difference.

GPS features are fast and responsive. Apple staff demonstrated a star chart app (I think it was Star Walk, but forgot to ask), where the stars move with your arm. It was very responsive. Whatever Apple’s doing with the S2 processor and GPU powering AWS2, it’s working.

Next: Hands on with Apple Watch Series 2 Ceramic and Apple Watch Nike+

Page 2 – Hands on with Apple Watch Series 2 Ceramic and Apple Watch Nike+

Apple Watch Series 2 Ceramic

The ceramic AWS2 is lovely. No, it’s beyond lovely. It’s gorgeous. It’s delightful. It also comes only in white as of this writing. I could conceivably wear a white watch if it was this ceramic jobby.

Apple Watch Series 2 Ceramic

The device was only being shown with a white strap, and that was a little too white for me for every day where. Oh, and the shades of the strap and the ceramic body matched perfectly, despite being different materials. This is a such an Apple detail.

One way or another, I’d like to see it with different straps before taking the plunge and buying one.

Who am I kidding? It’s US$1,249, a bit out of my reach.

As someone who misses the heft and presence of my mechanical timepiece when I wear AWS1, the ceramic AWS2 is just heavy enough to feel perfect. It strikes that sweet spot between not-too-heavy and insubstantial. Your mileage is likely to vary on that front, but I loved the feel of this thing on my wrist.

Staff at Apple’s hands-on area told me each ceramic Apple Watch case requires two hours of polishing to get the right shine and texture.

Apple Watch Nike+

At its core, Apple Watch Nike+ is really just an AWS2. It has all the features of the AWS2, with a custom watch face and other interface features, and a strap designed specifically for runners. That strap has holes to decrease weight and increase breathability.

The custom watch face for AWN+ is a bright yellow-green. It’s designed specifically for runners to be able to see clearly and easily in the daylight. I wasn’t able to test that daylight hypothesis out, but as noted above, a side-by-side comparison with my AWS1 emphasized how much brighter the interface is.

Apple Watch Nike+

Apple staff demonstrated Nike’s running app, including GPS-based route information. I should note the device knew where it was instantly. That’s because Apple is using every bit of location data it can, and isn’t relying solely on GPS data to know where it is. It is using your iPhone when it can, Wi-Fi-based Location Services, and GPS data, too.

If the hands-on demo performance plays out in real-world settings, athletes are likely to appreciate AWN+.

Hands-On Conclusion

I’ve long been on record as liking, but not loving my original Apple Watch. I wear it every day because [data], but I miss my mechanical timepiece. No hands-on demo can tell me even a fraction of what I need to know, but I walked away thinking it’s possible AWS2 will narrow the gap between liking and loving. At least for me.

I definitely look forward to putting it through its paces.

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