Don't know which Apple Watch to choose? A list of all models offered by Apple has been published. Steel Apple Watch vs. Aluminum Sport: Everything you need to know about them
Smart watches Apple Watch designed to be both fashionable and practical accessory. 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 body can be made from 7000 series anodized aluminum as a zinc alloy (family Watch Sport) or 316L stainless steel (Watch line) - in each case, two colors, as well as in 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)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/white-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-white-fluoroelastomer-sports-band-stainless-steel-pin-sapphire-crystal-retina-display-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/black-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-black-fluoroelastomer-sports-band-stainless-steel-pin-sapphire-crystal-retina-display-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/black-leather-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-black-leather-classic-buckle-band-stainless-steel-buckle-sapphire-crystal-retina-display-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/stainless-steel-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-stainless-steel-milanese-loop-band-magnetic-closure-sapphire-crystal-retina-display-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/stone-leather-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-42mm-case-only-with-stone-leather-loop-band-magnetic-closure-sapphire-crystal-retina-display-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/bright-blue-leather-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-42mm-case-only-with-bright-blue-leather-loop-band-magnetic-closure-sapphire-crystal-retina-display-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/light-brown-leather-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-42mm-case-only-with-light-brown-leather-loop-band-magnetic-closure-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/pink-leather-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-case-only-with-soft-pink-leather-modern-buckle-band-stainless-steel-buckle-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/midnight-blue-leather-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-case-only-with-midnight-blue-leather-modern-buckle-band-stainless-steel-buckle-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/brown-leather-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-case-only-with-brown-leather-modern-buckle-band-stainless-steel-buckle-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/steel-bracelet-316l-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-stainless-steel-link-bracelet-band-butterfly-closure-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/black-bracelet-316l-space-black-stainless-steel-apple-watch-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-space-black-stainless-steel-link-bracelet-band-butterfly-closure-and-ceramic-back.jpg)
Apple Watch Sport (7000 series)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/white-sport-7000-series-silver-aluminum-apple-watch-sport-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-white-fluoroelastomer-sports-band-stainless-steel-pin-ion-x-glass-retina-display-and-composite-back.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/blue-sport-7000-series-silver-aluminum-apple-watch-sport-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-blue-fluoroelastomer-sports-band-stainless-steel-pin-ion-x-glass-retina-display-and-composite-back.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/green-sport-7000-series-silver-aluminum-apple-watch-sport-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-green-fluoroelastomer-sports-band-stainless-steel-pin-ion-x-glass-retina-display-and-composite-back.jpg)
![](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/pink-sport-7000-series-silver-aluminum-apple-watch-sport-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-pink-fluoroelastomer-sports-band-stainless-steel-pin-ion-x-glass-retina-display-and-composite-back.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/cdn.bgr.com/2015/02/black-sport-7000-series-space-gray-aluminum-apple-watch-sport-38mm-or-42mm-case-with-black-fluoroelastomer-sports-band-space-gray-stainless-steel-pin-ion-x-glass-retina-display-and-compo.jpg)
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 the Apple Watch would be reduced, and this is a good reason to talk about the “smart watch” 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. Basic model gadget, 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. There are “space gray”, silver, gold and pink options available - everything 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 similar to “sports”.
- 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.
But you understand that, in essence, you are waiting for the acquisition of a “pig in a poke”; in today’s article we will try to solve the main problem and decide what what size smartwatch is ideal for you.
More than six months have passed since Apple announced its first smartwatch. At the March presentation, Tim Cook introduced the new product a little closer, but those who were ready to go to the official online store immediately after the end of the event and order an Apple Watch were disappointed. Pre-order for the long-awaited new product will begin only from April 10, and direct deliveries - from 24.
The presence of a wide range of bracelets and two options for the size of the gadget case (38 and 42 mm), which in Russia is unlikely to be touched in the nearest electronics store with your own hands, somewhat confuses the user. Well, let's try to untangle the tangle of strap sizes and lengths using the old-fashioned method that we used when we bought it.
Using the Apple Store app
The first way to check the current Apple Watch size involves installing official application Apple Store . Download it from the app store ( available via US account).
Launch the application and on the smart watch model you are interested in, press Learn more, and on the tab that opens, select View Pricing. A list will open available models specific Apple Watch series.
Select an item Compare case sizes(Compare sizes). We will see a picture showing two versions of smart watches: 38 and 42 millimeter.
No matter what iOS device you are working on Apple app Store, the image will correspond to their actual physical size. Checking with a simple ruler confirms this.
By placing your iPhone on your wrist, you can see a distant picture of what the Apple Watch will look like on your hand.
Understanding the straps
Another question that will be relevant when buying a smart phone apple watch Watch – strap size. The presented range of bracelets is described in detail on the company's website. The size of each strap model is not only available in several options, but also depends on the size of the smartwatch case. For your convenience, we have adapted the original PDF file.
Arm yourself with a meter and measure your wrist. On pivot table everything is clearly presented possible options straps included with the Apple Watch. Alas, the scale of the PDF file does not reflect the actual physical dimensions of smart watches and bracelets, so we smoothly move on to the next point.
Printing a paper layout on a printer
While we don’t have a real opportunity to touch the Apple Watch, inspired by the art of origami, let’s make our own. However, the guys from G.H. and developed a PDF layout that will help you select a smart watch specifically for your wrist.
When printing the layout, pay attention to the current scale, which should be exactly equal to 100% (printed on a sheet of paper A4). Do not stretch the image and in the print settings, uncheck the box next to “Fit to page size”. You now have a paper copy of your Apple Watch.
Of course, comparing an actual image of a watch and a paper mockup will not replace the real feeling of wearing an Apple Watch, but if you are planning to purchase a smart watch on pre-order or ask a friend who suddenly leaves for the USA to bring the long-awaited gadget, you definitely can’t go wrong with the size. That's how I decided on choosing an iPhone 6 and received it a few days after the start of sales in the USA. Have a good shopping!
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.
Similar to iPhone Jet Black and make an excellent tandem with him. 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 recommend a steel Apple Watch in this design.
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.
Which smartwatch to choose: Apple Watch Series 3 or Series 2?
APPLE WATCH 3 or APPLE WATCH 2
Smartwatches are becoming more and more sophisticated, and now you have quite a wide choice, depending on whether you own iPhone phone or Android.
If you're thinking about buying an Apple Watch, you'll need an iPhone because smartwatches aren't compatible with devices running the Android operating system.
Let's assume that this is not an obstacle for you, we present to your attention comparative review smart watches Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch 2.
What is the difference between APPLE WATCH 2 and 3?
In short, the Series 3 smartwatch has more fast processor, and also, optionally, built-in 4G. In all other respects, the new watch is practically no different from the Apple Watch 2.
Undoubtedly, painstaking engineering work has been done, thanks to which the developers managed to accommodate LTE technology without having to increase the size of the device. From the point of view regular user there is no difference in size.
It is worth clarifying that when purchasing an Apple Watch 3 smart watch, two options are available: a model only with a built-in GPS module and a model with GPS + LTE.
There are a huge variety of versions available, including Nike+, Hermes and Edition (with a ceramic case), as well as two sizes: 38mm and 42mm. This means that prices will vary significantly. And due to the fact that the version with a built-in cellular module LTE communications requires connection, you will have to pay additionally monthly for mobile operator services, which are not included in the price of the device.
The table below briefly summarizes the main differences between Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch 2. To make it easier for you to make your choice, we included both versions of the new Apple Watch 3 model in the comparison.
Series 3 GPS | Series 3 GPS+LTE | Series 2 | |
Initial cost 38mm | $329 | $399 | $369 |
Initial cost 42mm | $359 | $429 | $399 |
Housing material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Back material | Combined | Ceramics | Combined |
Memory capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB | 8 GB |
Waterproof | Yes, up to 50m | Yes, up to 50m | Yes, up to 50m |
Offline mode | No | Yes | No |
CPU | S3 | S3 | S2 |
Display brightness | 1000cd/m2 | 1000cd/m2 | 1000cd/m2 |
GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
WiFi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Altimeter | Yes | Yes | No |
operating system | watchOS 4 | watchOS 4 | watchOS 4 |
Claimed battery life | 18 o'clock | 18 o'clock | 18 o'clock |
Which APPLE WATCH model is worth purchasing?
As you can see, the presence of a 4G modem is a feature that defines the key difference between the Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch 2 smart watches. This technology automatically uses the built-in e-SIM if the smart watch is far from your iPhone, so you can receive and make calls and exchange messages.
All of these services are available on the same phone number that the iPhone uses, so you don't have to service two at once. subscriber numbers. However, adding Watch 3 to your tariff plan will cost you an extra $10 per month (the first six months are free). The bad news is that at launch this technology will only be available in the UK and some other countries with EE coverage.
You can purchase a contract version of the Apple Watch 3 smartwatch directly through mobile operator EE, or from other retailers including Apple, John Lewis and Currys, and then connect your new product to the EE network (assuming EE is already your mobile operator).
If you are a client of another operator, then you will need to switch to EE in order to be able to use cellular functions Apple Watch 3. Otherwise, you can only wait for the exclusive contract to expire and other operators to also join the service.
US users can buy the new product from the official distributor Apple or from other distributors, and then synchronize the device with your network: the service is supported by Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T.
Don't forget that the Apple Watch 3 LTE does not support roaming, so any additional features, sold via e-SIM will not work abroad.
In addition to connectivity, the Series 3 smartwatch gets an updated processor. Apple developers claim that it is up to 70 percent faster than the previous one. And this is great news for the future, as applications become more and more demanding on processor power.
Also, the updated processor made it possible to speak voice Siri assistant. In the previous model, Siri could only show messages or search results on the display. So this is a very useful improvement.
You can no longer purchase the Apple Watch 2 through Apple's official website, but the device is still available in many stores. Prices have not dropped since launch, which means that new model Apple Watch 3 without module cellular communication It's even cheaper than the previous model. So while sellers have not begun to reduce prices on Apple Watch 2 for the purpose of sales warehouse stocks, it’s worth taking a closer look at the Apple Watch Series 3, the amount of built-in memory is twice as large (16GB versus 8GB).
If prices do drop significantly and you don't really need 4G, you'll be able to grab the Series 2 at a much lower price than the Series 3. However, don't forget that the Series 3 has a faster processor and more memory. twice as large and has a built-in altimeter (to measure the height of the climb).
The Series 1 smartwatch is still available on Apple's website with a price tag of $249, so it's unlikely you'll be able to find the Series 2 for less than that. Therefore, the choice of purchase directly depends on how highly you value new Apple features Watch 3.
Apple Watch Series 2 Specifications (38mm and 42mm Versions)
- Colors: Golden, Rose Gold, Silver, Gray Space in Aluminum and Black Space, Silver with Stainless Steel and Ceramic
- S2 Dual-core processor
- Height: 38.6/42.5mm
- Width: 33.3mm/36.4mm
- Depth: 11.4mm
- Case weight: 28.2/34.2g
- Retina display with Force Touch technology (2x twice as bright as the original watch)
- Digital wheel
- Heart rate monitor
- WiFi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- IPX7 waterproof (up to 50 meters)
Conclusion
Apple has set a lower price tag for Series 3 than for the previous Series 2 model, while equipping the new product with increased memory and a faster processor. You'll have to pay more for the version with built-in 4G, but this feature gives you the ability to use your watch even when you don't have your iPhone with you.
The Series 3 is the clear winner between the two models being compared, unless you can find the Series 2 at an incredible discount.