Apple Watch Series 2 Review | 126 Data compared

The Apple Watch Series 2 maintains the same design as its predecessor, positioning it as an ideal entry-level device with improved performance driven by a faster S2 dual-core processor and a significantly brighter display. Key pros highlighted in The Irish Times review include built-in GPS for independent tracking and a new 50-meter waterproof rating that enables comprehensive swimming analysis. Key drawbacks identified include a battery life that still requires daily charging and a high, 'hefty' price point that reinforces its position as a premium, Apple-exclusive device. Ultimately, the review characterizes the Series 2 as an evolutionary upgrade, offering better performance and functionality, particularly in sports, rather than a radical redesign.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is a "watershed wearable" that serves as a high-end smartwatch and fitness tracker, featuring built-in GPS for phone-free tracking and a 50-meter waterproof design. It boasts a dual-core processor and a 1,000-nit display, which is twice as bright as the original model. While improving with a two-day battery life, the watch is slightly thicker and lacks an always-on display. Despite highly capable tracking, the device's high price point for premium versions is a drawback.

Hodinkee's review of the Apple Watch Series 2 highlights it as a functional,, and more capable successor to the original, featuring a faster S2 processor and a screen that is twice as bright at 1,000 nits. Key enhancements include built-in GPS and 50-meter water resistance, transforming the device into a robust, phone-free fitness tool. Despite these upgrades, the review notes the Series 2 is slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate a larger battery and new hardware. While battery capacity increased by 35%, the actual battery life remains around 18 hours due to the power demands of the brighter screen and GPS, and the lack of an always-on display is noted as a drawback. The review positions the Series 2 as a 'natural partner' in daily life, with the, watchOS 3, software, refinements addressing, earlier, performance, issues. It concludes that the device, particularly the, new ceramic 'Edition' model, offers a refined, 'approachably premium' experience that bridges the gap between, technology, and, luxury.

T3 characterizes the Apple Watch Series 2 as a robust, "made-for-sports" upgrade that addresses original model deficiencies by introducing built-in GPS and 50-meter water resistance. Key performance upgrades include a significantly faster "S2" dual-core processor and a 1,000-nit display that offers superior, twice-as-bright outdoor visibility. The, design allows for precise phone-free workout tracking, though it is slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate the new components. Despite these improvements, the device still faces battery limitations, providing 1.5 to 2 days of real-world usage and roughly 5 hours of intensive GPS operation. While the water-ejection feature via the Digital Crown is a highlight, the on-wrist heart rate monitor remains less reliable than dedicated, non-Apple alternatives. For those who do not require intensive swim or run tracking, the more affordable Series 1 might still be a better investment. Ultimately, T3 declares the Series 2 to be the capable, health-focused device the initial model should have been. It is recommended for active users, yet casual users might find the features unnecessary.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is defined by a shift toward fitness, featuring built-in GPS, 50-meter water resistance, and a 1,000-nit display for improved outdoor visibility. The upgraded S2 dual-core processor delivers a faster, more responsive user experience compared to the original model. While the physical design remains similar, the device is now a more capable multi-sport tracker. Expert ReviewsKey drawbacks include, at best, a two-day battery life that is significantly impacted by GPS usage, alongside a higher starting price in the UK. Additionally, the device lacks an altimeter for elevation tracking and native sleep tracking functionality. The review concludes that while it is a stronger fitness tool, these compromises prevent it from being a perfect device.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is a significant refinement over the original, featuring built-in GPS for accurate tracking, 50-meter water resistance, and a 1,000-nit display for improved visibility. Notable cons include limited battery life, which often necessitates daily charging, and potential inaccuracies in the heart rate monitor during intense workouts. Despite these drawbacks, features like watchOS 3’s "dock" for apps and the "wet mode" for swimming make it a strong, albeit luxury, choice for fitness enthusiasts.

The PCMag review characterizes the Apple Watch Series 2 as a top-tier hybrid of a smartwatch and fitness tracker, highlighted by the addition of built-in GPS for accurate, phone-free tracking and a waterproof design suitable for swimming up to 164 feet. Performance is driven by a faster dual-core S2 processor and a high-brightness 1,000-nit display, running on the improved watchOS 3. While praised for these features, the device is criticized for its 18-hour battery life—which drops significantly during GPS use—the lack of native sleep tracking, and a high price point.

The Apple Watch Series 2 review by Mashable highlights a major strategic shift toward utility and fitness, introducing a powerful S2 dual-core processor that significantly reduces lag and a 1,000-nit display that is nearly twice as bright as the original. The device features a unique speaker system designed to eject water, supporting its new 50-metre water-resistance rating for swimmers. On the fitness front, the inclusion of built-in GPS makes it a legitimate tool for runners, while watchOS 3 provides a more streamlined experience with a practical app dock and easier watch face swiping. Despite improvements, the review notes drawbacks, including a nearly identical design to the original and a battery life that still only lasts about a day. While lacking a 'wow' factor, the Series 2 is described as the most capable and usable smartwatch available at the time.

The CNET review describes the Apple Watch Series 2 as a "made-for-sports" upgrade featuring a faster S2 processor, built-in GPS for phone-free tracking, 50-meter water resistance for swimming, and a display twice as bright as the original. Despite these performance improvements, the design remains nearly identical to the first model, though slightly thicker and heavier, with battery life still facing limitations during intensive GPS use. Ultimately, while recommended for athletes and users in the Apple ecosystem, the review suggests casual users might prefer the more affordable Series 1 for similar performance without the enhanced fitness features.

The Verge review characterizes the Apple Watch Series 2 as a refined, fitness-focused successor to the original, featuring built-in GPS and 50-meter water resistance. Upgrades like a 1,000-nit display and a faster S2 processor address previous hardware gaps, making it a more capable, independent sports watch. While the design remains similar to the first generation, it is slightly thicker and still requires daily charging, limiting its, and the lack of a "killer app" keeps it as a niche accessory rather than essential tech. The Verge

The Apple Watch Series 2 is described as a significant refinement over its predecessor, focusing heavily on fitness and performance, with a dual-core S2 processor and a display that is twice as bright at 1,000 nits. Major new features include built-in GPS and a 50-metre water-resistance rating, transforming the device into a standalone fitness tracker with a 'water eject' feature for swimmers, all while extending battery life to roughly two days. Pros include the beautiful screen and fast performance, though the review notes cons such as slow third-party apps, lack of native sleep tracking, and a high price point.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is characterized as a significant, sport-focused upgrade featuring built-in GPS for phone-free tracking and 5ATM water resistance for swimming, all powered by a faster dual-core processor and a 1,000-nit display. Pros include accurate, fast GPS performance, dedicated swim tracking with a water-ejection feature, and a much more polished user experience driven by watchOS 3. Cons, however, include a two-day battery limit, an unchanged design, and the lack of an always-on display or altimeter.

The Wired review declares the Apple Watch Series 2 a "legitimate fitness tracker" overhaul, marked by the addition of built-in GPS and 50-meter water resistance. Pros highlighted include a dual-core processor, a screen twice as bright (1,000 nits) as the original, and a speaker that ejects water after swimming. WIREDHowever, the device is thicker and heavier, and it still requires daily charging, with GPS usage causing significant battery drain. Other cons include unreliable "raise to wake" functionality, a lack of an altimeter for elevation tracking, and persistent limitations in third-party app support. WIREDUltimately, the Series 2 is described as a formidable, yet not perfect, wearable that justifies the upgrade for fitness-focused users over the original model. WIRED

The Apple Watch Series 2 is positioned as a "complete package," significantly improved by a faster dual-core processor, watchOS 3, built-in GPS, and 50-meter water resistance. Key pros include the brighter display, fitness tracking independence from the iPhone, and a durable, comfortable design, though the high entry price and limited battery life under heavy use remain notable cons. The review highlights the device as a major evolution for Apple, turning the wearable into a serious, independent fitness tool.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is described by PCMag as a successful hybrid of a smartwatch and fitness tracker, significantly improving upon its predecessor with built-in GPS and a waterproof design rated for depths up to 164 feet. These upgrades, along with a faster dual-core S2 processor and a much brighter 1,000-nit display, allow for improved performance and readability in direct sunlight. Pros include highly accurate fitness tracking, a vast app ecosystem, and the intuitive watchOS 3, featuring a quick-access 'Dock'. The design remains stylish, offering aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic options, while a unique speaker mechanism uses sound to eject water after swims. Cons focus on a high starting price of $369 and limited 18-hour battery life, which drops to five hours with active GPS, making it less suitable for long-distance athletes than dedicated trackers. Furthermore, the device lacks built-in sleep tracking and continuous heart rate monitoring outside of workouts, rendering it an expensive luxury for iOS users.

In his September 2016 review for 9to5Mac, Zac Hall describes the Apple Watch Series 2 as a significant improvement over the original, primarily driven by the addition of built-in GPS for independent tracking, 50-meter water resistance, and a 1,000-nit display that is twice as bright. The device features a faster dual-core S2 chip that, combined with watchOS 3, dramatically improves responsiveness compared to the underpowered first-generation model. Despite these upgrades, the review notes that the device is slightly thicker to accommodate a larger battery and that, while improved, app loading times still do not feel instantaneous. A notable limitation is that battery life during active GPS tracking lasts only about 5 hours, and some UI elements still feel unpolished. Ultimately, the review recommends the Series 2 for users seeking a refined fitness tracker, particularly for swimming and running, while noting the Series 1 remains a value option for those not requiring GPS or waterproofing. The enhanced display and performance make it a worthy upgrade for those disappointed by the original watch's speed.