OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,948 independent expert reviews and 5,024 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Apple Watch Series 2 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£390Screen size:?Battery life:0.88 daysDisplay type:OLED

Apple Watch Series 2 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 21 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Technical score

30%

8.2

Review score ( 10 · 11)

Review score 30% · 8.2 · based on 21 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 33 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 50% of smartwatches
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

24%

3.4

Health

21%

8.9

Fitness

16%

3.5

Battery

14%

7.8

Smart features

12%

6.4

Connectivity

9%

6.9

Display & Design

4%

5.2

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 57% of smartwatches
8.2

Review score

Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Grades by review (21)
Text reviews 5
✓ explicit
4

8.2%

10

t3.com

8.2%

10

expertreviews.co.uk

8.2%

8.0

techradar.com

8.2%

8.0

trustedreviews.com

≈ estimated
1

6.6%

8.0

wareable.com

Video reviews 1

3.3%

7.0

PhoneArena

estimated from the review
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 75% of smartwatches
  • apple-watch-series-2
  • apple-watch-series-2
  • apple-watch-series-2
apple-watch-series-2
apple-watch-series-2
apple-watch-series-2

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Apple Watch Series 2

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

24%

3.4

Health

21%

8.9

Fitness

16%

3.5

Battery

14%

7.8

Smart features

12%

6.4

Connectivity

9%

6.9

Display & Design

4%

5.2

Hardware

5.9
Review score
Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Grades by review (21)
Text reviews 5
✓ explicit
4

8.2%

10

t3.com

8.2%

10

expertreviews.co.uk

8.2%

8.0

techradar.com

8.2%

8.0

trustedreviews.com

≈ estimated
1

6.6%

8.0

wareable.com

Video reviews 1

3.3%

7.0

PhoneArena

estimated from the review
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

8.5

Price

7.2
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
Barometer
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
0.88 days
Battery life
0.88 days
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 0.88 days which is shorter than that of 96.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.7% of smartwatches.
Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
Battery life in training mode
6 h
Battery life in training mode
6 h
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 6 h in training mode which is shorter than 83.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.1% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
5 h
Battery life with GPS on
5 h
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 5 h with GPS on which is shorter than 91% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.8% of smartwatches.
Battery power
273 mAh
Battery power
273 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 273 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 63.8% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.6% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
120 min
Charge time
120 min
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 120 min which is faster than 13.1% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 44.2% of smartwatches.
Normalized from hour-based sources to 120 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
watchOS
Operating system
watchOS
★ Better than 96% of models
This smartwatch runs watchOS which is more advanced than the operating system in 95.7% of smartwatches and the same as that in 4.3% of smartwatches.
OS detail: watchOS (3).
Software update frequency
ended
Software update frequency
ended
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
Resolution
272x 340
Resolution
272x 340
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 272x340 which is lower than that of 64.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
326 ppi
Pixel density
326 ppi
â–² Better than 46% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi which is higher than that of 46.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.1% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
1,000 nits
Display brightness
1,000 nits
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 1,000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 59.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.5% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
2x 0.78 GHz
CPU speed
2x 0.78 GHz
â–² Better than 67% of models
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 2x0.78 GHz which is faster than that in 67.2% of smartwatches.
Derived from core-count and per-core clock notation
Processor model
Apple S2
Processor model
Apple S2
â–² Better than 89% of models
This smartwatch uses the Apple S2 processor model.
RAM
0.5 GB
RAM
0.5 GB
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 0.5 GB of RAM which is smaller than the RAM in 75.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 24.9% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
8 GB
Internal storage
8 GB
â–² Better than 68% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 8 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 67.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 12.1% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Apple Watch Series 2 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (3).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Supports on-watch route guidance via Apple Maps.
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • 400 nits higher display brightness
    Display brightness
    1,000 nits
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (1000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    1,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • Better case material
    Case material
    aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch uses aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic vs polycarbonate
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Ion-X
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch uses Ion-X display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Ion-X vs mineral glass
  • Better band material
    Band material
    silicone, leather, nylon, stainless steel
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather, nylon, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather, nylon, stainless steel vs silicone
  • 8.7 mm narrower watch width
    Width
    33.3 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (33.3 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    33.3 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 6.4 mm shorter watch height
    Height
    38.6 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is shorter than the average smartwatch (38.6 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    38.6 mm vs 45 mm
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (3).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More advanced processor model
    Processor model
    Apple S2
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S2 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S2 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • Faster CPU speed
    CPU speed
    2 x 0.78 GHz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 2x0.78 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    Derived from core-count and per-core clock notation
    2x0.78 GHz vs 1 GHz
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 15 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    5 h
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    5 h vs 20 h
  • 6.12 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.88 days
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.9 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    0.88 days vs 7 days
  • No sleep tracking
    Sleep tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • No always-on display
    Always-On Display
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IPX8
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX8 vs IP68).
    50 m water resistance.
    IPX8 vs IP68
  • 3x more expensive
    Apple Watch Series 2 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£390 vs £130).
    £390 vs £130
  • 86.1% less popular
    Apple Watch Series 2 has a lower popularity than the average smartwatch (3.29 vs 6.1).
    3.29 vs 6.12
  • 4.8% worse value for money
    Apple Watch Series 2 has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.17 vs 7.5).
    7.17 vs 7.52
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No sleep tracking
    Sleep tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • No inactivity alerts
    Inactivity alerts
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 91.7% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 m
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 6.12 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.88 days
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.9 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    0.88 days vs 7 days
  • 15 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    5 h
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    5 h vs 20 h
  • 13.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    6 h
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (6 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    6 h vs 19.25 h
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 27 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    273 mAh days
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (273 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    273 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • No always-on display
    Always-On Display
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IPX8
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX8 vs IP68).
    50 m water resistance.
    IPX8 vs IP68
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    272 x 340
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 272x340, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    272x340 vs 352x430
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    35.0 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2016
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2016 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2016
    2016 vs 2021
  • 0.5 GB less RAM
    RAM
    0.5 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
    This smartwatch has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.5 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
    0.5 GB vs 1 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
06/10/2016
Hands-on review · features, battery and watchOS 3
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 2 is a safe update, mainly worth it for serious fitness users rather than most owners.
8.0
Tom’s Guide
≈ estimated
07/09/2016
Quick hands-on look · first impressions
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 2 is a clear step up from earlier models, with built-in GPS and swim tracking at a reasonable price.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers praise the GPS, water resistance and speed, but are unhappy with the fitness tracking and the design.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
03/06/2019
Review · Upgrade over original
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 adds water resistance and built-in GPS to the original, though the Series 3 is the better buy.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
06/07/2018
Full review · Swimming and GPS
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 is a waterproof, GPS-equipped watch that could be most people's only wearable, though battery life is a serious gripe and sleep tracking is missing.
10
t3.com
✓ explicit
12/11/2018
Hands-on review · Running without iPhone
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 is the best smartwatch around for runners who want GPS without their phone, though distance readings and battery life could be better.
8.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
11/09/2017
Long-term review · Fitness and watchOS
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 is a stylish, comfortable watch with fast GPS and accurate swim tracking, though battery life is still poor.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
12/02/2018
Daily use review · Fitness and battery
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 is a good fitness watch for iPhone owners, with about three days of battery life, but the Series 3 has since replaced it.
theverge.com
14/09/2016
Not graded yet
cnet.com
14/09/2016
Not graded yet
mashable.com
14/09/2016
Not graded yet
uk.pcmag.com
30/11/2016
Not graded yet
hodinkee.com
14/10/2016
Not graded yet
stuff.tv
21/09/2016
Not graded yet
irishtimes.com
19/10/2016
Not graded yet
9to5mac.com
19/09/2016
Not graded yet
uk.pcmag.com
21/09/2016
Not graded yet
huffingtonpost.co.uk
28/09/2016
Not graded yet
wired.com
28/11/2016
Not graded yet
8.0
larsbobach.de
≈ estimated
18/02/2017
Two-month review · Sports and GPS
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 is a capable sports watch that replaces GPS watches and bike computers, but lacks a must-have app for non-athletes.
spiegel.de
14/09/2016
Not graded yet
stern.de
15/09/2016
Not graded yet
computerbild.de
16/09/2016
Not graded yet
computerbase.de
23/09/2016
Not graded yet
chip.de
29/09/2016
Not graded yet
chip.de
29/09/2016
Not graded yet
8.0
applesfera.com
≈ estimated
30/01/2017
Original owner review · Daily use
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 is a less flashy upgrade on the original, but its two-day battery and water resistance matter day to day.
8.0
revista-gadget.es
✓ explicit
No disponible
Weeks of testing · Swimming and speed
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 is a strong fitness watch that is faster and water-resistant, but its battery still needs charging every night.
xataka.com
30/09/2016
Not graded yet
elconfidencial.com
11/10/2016
Not graded yet
applesfera.com
19/10/2016
Same outlet as a graded review (counted once)
8.0
panorama.it
≈ estimated
20/01/2017
Pool test · Swim tracking
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 works well in the pool, with 50m water resistance and dependable heart-rate readings, though you must pause rests yourself.
8.0
smartwatch360.it
≈ estimated
07/07/2017
Hands-on review · Sport and swimming
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 2 is a sporty, water-resistant watch with built-in GPS, but its battery lasts only about six hours during GPS workouts.
andreagaleazzi.com
08/10/2016
Not graded yet
tech.everyeye.it
25/10/2016
Not graded yet
tomshw.it
19/09/2016
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Apple Watch Series 2

  • Integrated GPS allows for outdoor activity tracking without needing a tethered iPhone.
  • Water-resistant up to 50 meters, enabling swim tracking in both pools and open water.
  • Significantly brighter display (1,000 nits) makes the screen much easier to read in direct sunlight.
  • Faster dual-core S2 processor improves overall responsiveness and reduces app load times compared to the original model.
  • Innovative 'water lock' and ejection feature uses sound vibrations to clear moisture from the speaker.
  • Comprehensive fitness ecosystem with accurate heart rate monitoring and diverse workout modes.

What we don't like about Apple Watch Series 2

  • Battery life remains largely unchanged from the original, typically requiring daily charging.
  • Significant battery drain occurs when using GPS tracking during long workouts.
  • Lack of an always-on display requires a wrist-raise gesture to view the time or notifications.
  • No integrated native sleep tracking software included at launch.
  • The device is slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessor to accommodate the new internals.
  • High price point compared to dedicated fitness trackers or competing smartwatches.

Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 2 is a performance-focused wearable featuring an S2 dual-core processor, a built-in GPS/GLONASS system for phone-free tracking, and a second-generation OLED Retina display that reaches 1,000 nits of brightness. Distinguished by its 50-metre water resistance and specialized swimming workout modes, the device includes a unique speaker system that ejects water via sound pulses. Its primary advantages are its robust fitness tracking capabilities, the high-visibility screen for outdoor use, and reliable 18-hour battery life for standard daily activities. However, key drawbacks include the lack of an always-on display, relatively slow charging times, and the absence of modern health sensors like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring found in later models.

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