Apple watch which one to choose. Key differences between Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition

Most recently, on March 21, Apple held a presentation, during which it not only showed the public the iPhone SE and iPad Pro. It was also announced that prices for Apple Watch, and this is a good reason to talk about the “smart watches” of the Cupertino company. Or rather, compare their different models. Really? Not all users find it easy to figure out which Apple Watch they should buy. How do the models differ, and what are they capable of?

What models are there?AppleWatch?

It's hard to say how many models of Apple smartwatches there are: depending on how you count, given the variety of straps and case sizes. However, the main division occurs into three models:

Apple Watch Sport. The basic model of the gadget is therefore the cheapest. However, as you will soon see, its characteristics are almost in no way inferior to the more expensive version.
Apple Watch. The “main” model – it’s not for nothing that it doesn’t have a special name. Their price, depending on some parameters, can vary greatly.
Apple Watch Edition. This is a luxury model, with a case made of precious metals, the price of which starts at 10 thousand dollars and goes up to 17 thousand. For obvious reasons, there is no point in seriously comparing it with the two main models. This is no longer electronic gadget, and, first of all, a status accessory.

Here you can see the unboxing of the two main models:

On the Apple website, another model is highlighted separately - the Apple Watch Hermes, but in fact it is still the same “regular” Apple Watch with special straps. You can use this diagram or the video below for further selection, but it’s better to read the article further.

Dimensions and weight

All Apple Watch models are available in two case sizes, designated by display diagonal: 38 millimeters and 42 millimeters. At the same time, the thickness of all Apple Watches is the same: 10.5 millimeters.

But the weight is different: Apple Watch Sport weighs 25 or 30 grams (in the 38 mm and 42 mm versions, respectively), and the regular Apple Watch weighs 40 or 50 grams. The difference is quite large in itself, although, of course, it is hardly fundamental for the user.

Many people try to divide the Apple Watch into “male” and “female” versions, but this approach does not seem correct to us.

Design and materials

This is where the most significant differences between the models lie – and we’re not just talking about the “luxury” version, which hardly makes sense to consider. The Apple Watch Sport is very different from the Apple Watch.

Firstly, the Apple Watch Sport case is made of anodized aluminum, while the Apple Watch is made of stainless steel. This affects the weight, but also affects the strength and tactile sensations. Where the question of strength arises, there are drop tests, right?

Secondly, Apple Watch Sport has more color options for the case. Offered " gray space”, silver, gold and pink options - everything is like the iPhone (the last two options appeared not so long ago). But the Apple Watch is still available only in “cosmic” and classic steel colors.

Compare aluminum cases:

And stainless steel housings:

Thirdly, safety glass. The Apple Watch display is protected from damage by ultra-durable sapphire crystal. But the Apple Watch Sport has a little simpler protection: Ion-X ionized glass.

Functional

In terms of functionality, various models Apple Watch has no differences at all. All that can be noted: different screen resolutions depending on its size, which is quite expected. The 38mm display has a resolution of 340x272 pixels, and the 42mm display has a resolution of 390x312 pixels. Both screens are characterized by Apple as being Retina compliant and support Force Touch technology, which allows you to respond to the amount of pressure you press on the screen.

Interfaces supported bluetooth connection 4.0 and Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, frequency 2.4 GHz). All watches are waterproof, which can be easily verified by numerous tests like this:

All models claim 18 hours of operation on a single charge. Is this true? A lot of time testing has been done battery life, giving slightly different results:

operating system

All Apple Watches run the same operating system– watchOS, which at the time of writing this article is version 2.2. It is not difficult to understand its main capabilities.

Accessories

Apple is constantly expanding the range of straps for the Apple Watch, so we will not describe each model, but will only note the basic facts.

The straps have various sizes: both depending on the device model for which they are intended, and under different hands users. Also, straps can be divided into several main categories:

Sport Band – bright synthetic straps with a “sports” design.

Classic Buckle - straps classic design with steel buckle.

Milanese Loop - the so-called “Milanese weave” made of nylon.

Modern Buckle – straps of a modern but strict design, not like “sports” ones.

Leather Loop – straps made of genuine leather in various colors.

Link Bracelet – stainless steel bracelet.

The strap you use greatly impacts the overall price. There are also various exclusive bracelets. as well as covers. Here are examples of such products:

Prices

The cost of a stainless steel Apple Watch, depending on the size and band, can vary greatly. For example, today in Russia prices start from 53 thousand rubles and reach 96 thousand. With Apple Watch Sport everything is simpler - from 26 to 30 thousand rubles per at the moment. Which options are the most popular? For example, in the first month of sales the distribution was approximately as follows:

Note that prices in Russia differ from American ones in big side. This is due both to Apple’s concerns about the ruble exchange rate and to the 10% customs duty levied due to the fact that Russian authorities think Apple Watch wristwatch, not an electronic gadget.

We summarize the main things that were said above in the pictures:

And finally, you can watch the video of the gadget’s presentation: hardly anyone will talk about Apple Watch is better than the top managers of the Apple company.

Apple seems to intend to confuse its customers with complex model range, which is worth a lot to understand. 3 generations of wearable devices have already been released, each with several versions developed. Now let’s look at the differences between smart watches of different series and find out which apple watch to choose based on appearance and capabilities.

What models are there?

All Apple Watch series come in two sizes: . In the second option, the screen diagonal is larger, more powerful battery and higher cost by $50. The 42 mm version will hold a charge longer, but will cost more and will look more massive on the hand. The sleek version is neater, but the battery life is 2 hours less. The choice between the two models depends on the buyer's priorities. For convenience, Apple has made a life-size template of both versions on its website so that everyone can print it out and try it on.

There are 3 models of Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Sport is the most budget option, although the functions are not inferior to more expensive models. A distinctive feature is bright sports straps of different colors, built-in functions for training.
Apple Watch is the basic model, made in a classic style.
– the device is the most expensive, the body is made of an alloy of precious metals. It emphasizes status and is more of an accessory than a gadget.

The first and second series of devices. What improvements have been made?

It’s worth saying right away that the second version of wearable devices has already been discontinued by the company, so comparing the first two representatives is almost pointless. But still smart ones are on sale watch series 2 arrived, there are still some leftovers, so let’s look at the differences between generations and find out which one is wiser to purchase for use.

Case design

Apple module Watch Series 1 was made of aluminum, and the representative of the second generation boasts a choice between ceramics, aluminum and steel. The screen is now covered with sapphire glass, which protects the display from scratches and chips. Mechanical damage is no longer so terrible; users note that even after a fall, the case remains intact and unharmed.

Screen brightness

The second difference is that the Watch Series 2 has higher screen brightness (450 Nits versus 1000). This is a step forward, because previously in clear weather it was practically impossible to distinguish anything on the display, but now the text remains readable, and the image is clear and of high quality. The color of the picture has become more saturated. And the changes did not affect battery life in any way, this is a clear advantage.

Moisture protection

Series 1 watches are protected from splashes of water, but the main thing here is not to overdo it. You can wash your hands while wearing a watch; getting caught in the rain is also not a problem, but it’s better to stay away from water. Apple Watch 2 generations are characterized by increased resistance to moisture: they can withstand immersion to depths of up to 50m. You can already take a shower in them, swim in the pool, and swim in the sea. IN smart gadget There is even a special mode, by setting which you can monitor your results: the number of strokes and laps completed. At the end of the water procedures, just press a button, and excess moisture is pushed out by a sound wave.

Built-in GPS

The difference between the first and second generations is the built-in GPS sensor in the 2nd case. The gadget will save the history of the route covered and automatically transfer this data to the iPhone the next time it is synchronized.

Battery

The second representative is distinguished by more capacious battery, allowing you to hold a charge for up to 2 days. The predecessor only lasted 1 day of battery life.

Apple Watch Series 2 vs Series 3

Now let's compare series 2 and 3 and analyze the advantages of the latter. Apple Watch series 3 was released in 2 versions: with and without LTE, this is the ability to make and receive calls without an iPhone. These 2 models do not differ in anything else, let's look at the difference with the second generation.

LTE support in one version. This function will be useful to residents of the USA and Canada; for technical reasons it is not available in Russia.
The models are made in aluminum, ceramic and steel casing. But the last 2 options are varieties of the LTE version, which is not sold in Russia. It turns out that in this country only aluminum module design is available.
The processor has become more powerful, performance has increased by 70%, added RAM, now its volume is 768 MB. In the version with LTE, the built-in storage has also increased – up to 16 GB, previously it was 8 GB.
Bluetooth has become newer – 4.2. This increases data transfer speed and makes syncing with iPhone instant.
In the second series, a barometric altimeter appeared; the device counts the number of floors climbed. Also, when traveling in the mountains, the traveler will know to what height he has risen.

My colleague Mikk Seed was passionate about the Apple Watch Sport. According to my observations, the most popular model, especially in space grey. I used to wear these myself until I upgraded to the second series.

I purchased the steel ones in black with a Milanese mesh bracelet. And, I tell you, this is heaven and earth.

Keep four reasons why if you buy an Apple Watch, then only the steel ones.

All photos were taken on Samsung Galaxy S8+.

Appearance

The steel Apple Watch looks expensive and solid. Compared to them, aluminum ones look Chinese fake or an ordinary fitness bracelet.

Silver ones are spectacular, but catchy - they sparkle and shimmer in the light. In my opinion, too much.

I chose black ones - more restrained, but no less cool.

They are similar to the iPhone Jet Black and make an excellent tandem with it. The screen smoothly flows into the deep black body and merges with it. With a Milanese mesh or block bracelet, this effect is further enhanced.

They seem to be one with the clock.

Sapphire crystal is more reflective in the sun than the Ion-X glass in the Apple Watch Sport. But there are no problems with readability in the second generation.

The screen has become twice as bright, so everything is clearly visible even under the scorching sun.

The steel Apple Watch looks great with both a business suit and a sports suit. I can’t say the same about the Apple Watch Sport.

It’s like wearing sports sneakers with a three-piece suit. It's a matter of taste, but on the hand they look like a plastic trinket. Until you take it in your hand and feel the chill, you can’t believe it’s aluminum.

Steel ones are more versatile and will suit any wardrobe. The main thing is to choose the right strap.

Straps

The second advantage is the variety of straps. Not everyone looks good with a sporty Apple Watch.

Milanese mesh and block bracelets, leather strap with classic buckle are suitable only for steel ones. Moreover, the silver model has the advantage - almost all expensive straps have silver steel elements.

For black steel Apple Watches, the choice is not so large. I took it straight away with the Milanese loop and never regretted it.

It looks beautiful and interesting, the hand does not sweat. It goes with any clothes and, most importantly, does not tear the hair on your arm. This scared me, but in the end everything worked out.

The only thing is that it is inconvenient to play sports with such a strap. For these purposes, I took a black sports one from Nike. Due to the holes in it, it’s not so hot during training and it’s not a shame to wear it just like that. It looks unusual and goes well with holey jeans.

As for the Apple Watch Sport, only sports, nylon and Nike are suitable. The rest are not for everybody, but most often they are out of place.

Wear resistance

The steel Apple Watch gets scratched, and that's really a downside. But it all depends on how carefully you wear them. Several months later, my Apple Watch is still like new, including the steel magnetic clasp on the band.

The black case hides such flaws, so I advise steel Apple Watch in exactly this version.

And after six months they can be polished and they will be like new.

Aluminum Apple Watch is more practical, but if you knock or scratch it, the chips will not go away. The steel Apple Watch uses the right materials - a sandwich made of sapphire glass, ceramic and steel.

I'd like to see something like this in the next iPhone.

Weight

In his post, Mikk listed the weight of the Apple Watch Sport as a plus. They are lighter than steel - 30 versus 50 grams. I consider this a disadvantage.

Both models do not stretch the hand, but the steel ones feel pleasant on the hand. It feels like a thing.

It’s comfortable to play sports in them, and your hand doesn’t get tired by the end of the day.

The aluminum Apple Watch is too light and feels like a toy. It’s as if he took his daughter’s watch and drove it.

Steel or aluminum?

If you weigh the pros and cons, steel is better than aluminum. The only question is the price.

Are you ready to pay 50 thousand for smart watch? If so, then get a steel Apple Watch and don't skimp on a good strap. If you don’t want to spend that amount of money on an accessory, your Apple's choice Watch Sport.

They look simpler, but they do the same thing.

So both points of view have their place, it’s a matter of taste.

After spending 7 days using and Apple testing Watch, it's time to check out the next one expensive model. Since when trying to compare two new products, an Internet search may simply not be enough.

Therefore, you can start comparing the two competitors. Thus, the Apple Watch and Sport are functionally identical: you can only pay more or less due to materials and subtle differences in design. You can also add an insignificant reason, which lies in different packaging of devices.

The Sport watch is available in 10 styles, the Apple Watch in 20. Both models are available in 38mm and 42mm sizes. As for the price of the Sport, it is $349 for the smaller model and $400 for the larger model, regardless of the leather color of the band (black, blue, pink and white). Apple Watch starts at $549 and $599, respectively, based on device size.

The cost of the black Sport watch (which Apple calls space gray) is the same as the silver one. However, the stainless steel option costs significantly more ($1.05 or $1.1) than its siblings.

The black strap is sold with the black Sport strap. That is, for those who want to get a black belt for the device, you should plan your purchase in the form of a dark watch; not silver. However, the black Sport band is also available for silver Apple Watch. The company will always create a choice for those who are willing to pay more. By the way, sales specialists from four different Apple Store said that Sport space gray with a black belt is the most popular of all styles.

The Apple Store will be able to replace the belt for those who want an unavailable combination, but will be required to pay the difference, if any. If the strap is not available when purchasing an Apple Watch, the sales representative will offer to choose something else if you pay more. The straps, by the way, are interchangeable for watches of the same size. They are also very easy to replace as you just press the button on the back and it slides off. Which is good news.

The Apple Watch display is more durable than the Sport's - sapphire glass versus Ion-X glass. The difference is this: If you accidentally hit the device on a hard surface, the sapphire is less likely to be scratched. That being said, tempered crystal is not necessarily better than glass. Although appearance The Apple Watch is better than the Sport; looking at the watch, it is sometimes difficult to see its functionality. Outdoors, the sapphire display can be difficult to read. Viewing angles are reduced and even viewing directly can be challenging even at full brightness. There are no such problems with Sport. It's simple: sapphire is a more reflective material. For those who will primarily be wearing their smartwatch outdoors, the Sport may be a better choice.

The Apple Watch itself is likely more likely to show scratches or stains than the Sport. The nature of the material and its shine also play a role here. The aluminum finish is more matte, while the 316L stainless steel is shiny. Apple promises the benefits of sapphire crystal - in the form of durability - but not in this case. Stainless steel scratches more easily. However, this is not a particularly important detail when choosing a device in terms of price or some other indicator.

AppleCare+ for Stainless Steel Watch costs more: It's $69, not $49 - and you'll have to pay for it additional protection. Sapphire is not immune to drop damage, and Ion-X glass will be shattered if it does. We can only hope for the two-year warranty from the company that AppleCare+ provides.

It remains to add that the Apple Watch weighs significantly more than the Sport. When compared, this is immediately noticeable, because the 42mm Sport weighs 30 grams without a belt. The Apple Watch weighs 50 grams.

The Apple Watch is designed to be both fashionable and practical. Firstly, they are prepared in two sizes - for women and men. Secondly, the models differ in the color of the case. Thirdly, three collections are proposed, the differences between which lie in the materials used. Finally, six types of interchangeable bracelets have been created, and in an assortment of colors.

Apple Watch is made in two form factors, when the height of the gadget is either 38 mm or 42 mm. The square case can be made from anodized 7000 series aluminum as an alloy with zinc (Watch Sport family) or 316L stainless steel (Watch line) - in each case, two colors, as well as 18-karat yellow or rose gold, and with increased hardness (Watch Edition collection). The latter option would directly threaten luxury fashion brands.

The screen in the case of Watch and Watch Edition smart watches is protected by a sapphire crystal, and rear end assembled from ceramics with sapphire protection for the electro-optical sensor exposed there. The Watch Sport turned out to be simpler: the display is covered with durable Ion-X glass, the rear of the gadget is made of composite material with glass sensor protection.

Multi-colored interchangeable straps and bracelets are attached to the Watch case with special latches. Bracelets can be steel, leather, fluorine rubber. Their diameter is adjustable, secured with a clasp or magnets.

Apple Watch (model 316L)

Apple Watch Sport (7000 series)