Apple Watch Series 2 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Features & Pricing

Overview

The Apple Watch Series 2 Aluminum 38mm, released in late 2016, represents one of Apple's significant forays into the wearable technology space. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Series 2 brought several advancements such as improved water resistance, a brighter display, and built-in GPS functionality, making it particularly appealing to fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals looking for a more integrated lifestyle device. Despite being discontinued, it remains a noteworthy piece of technology due to its contributions to the development of smartwatches.

Design and Build

The Apple Watch Series 2 Aluminum 38mm boasts a sleek design typical of Apple's commitment to aesthetics and functionality. It features a glass front, a ceramic back, and an aluminum frame, contributing to its overall weight of just 28.2 grams. These materials not only enhance its durability but also provide a premium look and feel. The dimensions, measured at 38.6 x 33.3 x 11.4 mm, make it compact yet effective, suitable for daily wear and capable of fitting comfortably on most wrists.

Display

The 1.5-inch display is one of the Series 2's standout features. Utilizing a Retina OLED screen capable of reaching 1000 nits at peak brightness, it offers excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. This display is safeguarded by Ion-X strengthened glass, enhancing its resistance to scratches and everyday wear. With a resolution of 340 x 272 pixels, it provides a sharp and vibrant user interface that improves the overall user experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the Apple Watch Series 2 is powered by the Apple S2 dual-core processor, a significant upgrade from the original Watch. Operating at 780 MHz and paired with the PowerVR G6200 GPU, it delivers enhanced performance for running various applications smoothly. The 512MB of RAM ensures that applications load efficiently, and the watchOS 3.0, upgradable to watchOS 6.2.8, provides a user-friendly interface with various apps and features optimized for the watch’s capabilities.

Storage and Memory

The device comes with an internal storage capacity of 8GB, allowing users to store plenty of apps, photos, and music conveniently. While there is no option for expandable storage via a microSD card slot, the 8GB is generally sufficient for most users' needs. The storage is complemented by 512MB of RAM, contributing to the seamless operation of its operating system.

Connectivity and Sensors

In terms of connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 2 does not support cellular connectivity, which means it relies on being paired with an iPhone for full functionality. However, it features Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 that allows it to connect effortlessly with other devices and accessories. Equipped with GPS and GLONASS, it provides accurate location tracking, a critical component for fitness and navigation applications. Additionally, NFC support enables Apple Pay for convenient contactless payments. The watch also includes accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate sensors, playing a significant role in health and fitness tracking.

Battery Life and Charging

The smartwatch houses a non-removable 273 mAh lithium-ion battery, which offers adequate performance, lasting through a full day of typical usage. Charging is simple and convenient thanks to its wireless charging capability, allowing users to power up the device without the hassle of cables. Despite its relatively small battery size, watchOS optimizations help maximize the device's efficiency.

Software and User Interface

The Apple Watch Series 2 initially shipped with watchOS 3.0, which was later upgradable to watchOS 6.2.8. This system brought several enhancements over previous iterations, including improved app performance, more intelligent notifications, and the innovative Apple Watch Dock for quick access to favorite apps. The intuitive interface provides a rich user experience, ensuring that navigation and interaction with the smartwatch are both straightforward and enjoyable.

Additional Features

Water resistance is among the notable upgrades in the Series 2, as it's designed to withstand depths of up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. It comes in various case colors such as silver, gold, rose gold, and gray, with a diverse range of band options including sport and woven nylon in several colors. This customization capacity allows users to tailor the watch’s appearance to suit their personal style.

Price and Availability

At launch, the Apple Watch Series 2 Aluminum 38mm was priced at around 420 EUR, placing it in the premium segment of the smartwatch market. With its host of features and the solid brand reputation of Apple, it represented a worthwhile investment for many users. Although it has been discontinued, it remains available through third-party sellers and holds a place in the development history of smartwatches.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 2 Aluminum 38mm, despite its discontinuation, stands as an important step in the evolution of smartwatches. Offering a combination of design excellence, effective performance, and practical features, it catered to both technology enthusiasts and those seeking to enhance their lifestyle through wearable technology. It laid the groundwork for subsequent models, integrating essential smartwatch functionality with a sleek design, paving the way for what consumers can expect from smartwatches in the future.