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 Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,948 independent expert reviews and 12,633 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Apple Watch Sport Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£350Screen size:?Battery life:0.88 daysDisplay type:OLED

Apple Watch Sport Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Apple Watch Sport
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

6.2

Technical score

30%

7.4

Review score ( 10 · 10)

Review score 30% · 7.4 · based on 20 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. 3 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–¼Worse than 52% of smartwatches
7.2

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

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 72%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 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–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

24%

4.5

Health

21%

8.8

Fitness

16%

3.9

Battery

14%

9.2

Smart features

12%

5.0

Connectivity

9%

6.1

Display & Design

4%

6.5

Hardware

â–²Better than 52%
7.4

Review score

Review score
7.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Grades by review (20)
10 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 10 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–¼Worse than 66%
  • apple-watch-sport
apple-watch-sport
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 Sport

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 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–² Better than 52% of models
Score components:

24%

4.5

Health

21%

8.8

Fitness

16%

3.9

Battery

14%

9.2

Smart features

12%

5.0

Connectivity

9%

6.1

Display & Design

4%

6.5

Hardware

6.2
Review score
7.4
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:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.2
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
yes
This smartwatch supports ECG. 83.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
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
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
0.88 days
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
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
N/A
Battery power
205 mAh
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 205 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 86.2% of smartwatches and equal to those in 1.5% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
120 min
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
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.
Software update frequency
regular
This smartwatch has regular software update support which is more active than that of 94% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6% of smartwatches.
Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
no
This smartwatch does not include a compass. 52.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
Screen size
?
Display type
OLED
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
?
Pixel density
326 ppi
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
450 nits
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 450 nits of display brightness, which is lower than that of 86.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.5% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1 GHz which is faster than that in 29.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 31.2% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Apple S1
This smartwatch uses the Apple S1 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM which is larger than the RAM in 31.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 45.8% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
8 GB
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
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Apple Watch Sport vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • ECG support
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    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
    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
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 20 g lighter weight
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (25 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    25.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Ion-X display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Ion-X vs mineral glass
  • 1.1 mm thinner watch body
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10.5 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    10.50 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 2 mm narrower band
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    20.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • 8.7 mm narrower watch width
    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
    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 frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 2 more microphones
    This smartwatch has more microphones than the average smartwatch (3 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    3 vs 1
  • More advanced processor model
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S1 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S1 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • 2 year/s newer release date
    This smartwatch has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2023 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2023
    2023 vs 2021
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No multi-sport mode
    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
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 49 m lower water resistance depth
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    1 m vs 50 m
  • 6.12 days day/s shorter battery life
    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
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    Also reported with 50M water-resistance rating.
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 2.69x more expensive
    Apple Watch Sport is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£350 vs £130).
    £350 vs £130
  • 4.7% worse value for money
    Apple Watch Sport has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.18 vs 7.5).
    7.18 vs 7.52
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No sleep tracking
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • No multi-sport mode
    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
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    Apple lists a 10,0 ft / 3,0 m operating-altitude limit for standard non-Ultra models.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 6.12 days day/s shorter battery life
    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
  • 13.25 h shorter training battery life
    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
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 95 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (205 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    205 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • Not compatible with Android
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • 49 m lower water resistance depth
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    1 m vs 50 m
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    Also reported with 50M water-resistance rating.
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • Basic display type
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 150 nits lower display brightness
    This smartwatch has lower display brightness than the average smartwatch (450 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    450 nits vs 600 nits
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    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
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.

Video reviews

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

9.0
phototristan
≈ estimated
07/02/2016
Comparison · five reasons it beats pricier models
Verdict
Apple Watch Sport is the better pick over pricier models, since it offers the same functionality for less money.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 6

Reviewers like the solid build, screen and fitness tracking, but battery life, controls and sluggish software draw complaints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
audioholics.com
✓ explicit
19/08/2015
Four-week test · Runner's view
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport is a well-built watch for iPhone owners who want simple everyday tracking, but it needs nightly charging and depends on a nearby iPhone for GPS.
7.5
memeburn.com
✓ explicit
04/03/2016
Hands-on review · Daily use
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport is a classy, polished watch for devoted Apple users, but small icons, an oversensitive Digital Crown and weak Google app support get in the way.
9.0
catmeffan.com
≈ estimated
2015
Lifestyle review · Daily fitness
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport is an easy fitness watch for runners and yoga fans who want voice-started workouts and wrist payments, though tapping it upside down is awkward.
8.0
dcrainmaker.com
≈ estimated
26/02/2016
In-depth review · Fitness accuracy
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport is an excellent everyday smartwatch with the best notifications for iPhone users, but dedicated fitness watches are more accurate and reliable.
8.0
gearpatrol.com
≈ estimated
21/05/2015
Hands-on test · Fitness and health
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport suits everyday runners and cardio fans, but serious athletes tracking intervals or heart rate will find it too basic.
the-gadgeteer.com
25/04/2015
Not graded yet
zdnet.com
29/04/2015
Not graded yet
8.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
05/05/2015
Hands-on test · Fitness and display
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport is a well-built fitness watch with a sharp screen that lasts about a day, but its controls take time to learn.
5.0
computerbase.de
≈ estimated
23/05/2015
Two-week test · Design and bands
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport is very well built and can be customised with several bands, but two weeks of use did not win this reviewer over.
runnersworld.de
01.01.2009*
Not graded yet
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
16/07/2015
Full review · Screen and fitness
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport has a sharp screen and strong customisation, but a short battery and an induction charger hold it back.
7.0
hablandodemanzanas.com
≈ estimated
30/06/2015
Unboxing · First impressions
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport suits sporty Apple fans: light, comfortable and well synced, but few apps run on it yet.
7.0
smartworld.it
✓ explicit
05/05/2015
Hands-on review · Comfort and fitness
Verdict
The Apple Watch Sport is a comfortable watch with a clear screen for iPhone owners who want fitness tracking, but its software is clumsy and it needs nightly charging.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Apple Watch Sport

  • High build quality and comfortable, lightweight aluminum design for daily wear
  • Comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate and activity monitoring
  • Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and iPhone for calls, texts, and notifications
  • Excellent first-party app functionality and intuitive user interface
  • Accurate GPS for basic run tracking and navigation

What we don't like about Apple Watch Sport

  • Short battery life typically requiring daily charging
  • Exclusively compatible with iPhones, limiting its user base
  • Slower performance and limited utility of some third-party apps compared to first-party ones
  • Lack of advanced endurance metrics and physical buttons (like a dedicated lap button) found on specialized sports watches
  • The touchscreen can become unresponsive when wet or during intense exercise
  • High cost relative to many competing fitness trackers

Verdict

The Apple Watch Sport (1st Generation) is a fitness-focused smartwatch featuring a lightweight 7000 Series anodized aluminium case and a Retina display protected by strengthened Ion-X glass. Available in 38mm and 42mm sizes, it is powered by the Apple S1 processor and includes essential health and motion sensors such as a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and ambient light sensor. Key advantages include its comfortable fluoroelastomer Sport Band, high-quality haptic feedback via the Taptic Engine, and seamless integration with the iPhone ecosystem for notifications and activity tracking. However, it lacks onboard GPS, necessitating a tethered iPhone for distance tracking, and has a relatively limited battery life of up to 18 hours, typically requiring daily charging. Additionally, its water resistance is limited to an IPX7 rating, making it suitable for splashes but not for swimming or submersion.

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