[madman76]

Thinking of getting an Apple Watch. Looking online and comparing the two, Series 2 only seems better in that it's "water resistant" and has built in GPS. Otherwise, compared to series 1 battery life the same, same processor, etc....

For $100 cheaper.... worth getting series 1?

Also I saw Watch OS4 coming out but are we not expecting a new hardware device this year and only software, assuming Apple won't surprise us?

[Mac Guy]

For $100 cheaper.... worth getting series 1?

If you don't go in the water and don't need GPS, then the Series 1 sounds like just the thing.

[Matty]

Hey @madman76 , iMore did a really nice blog post which showed all the differences between series 0 , 1 & 2.
Apple Watch Comparison Blog Post

The series 2 does have about 2x brighter screen (450 nits vs 1000 nits) The series 2 is also marginally heavier. Series 1 should get the updated WatchOS 4. So you won't be behind there.

If money is tight, then that $100 might be worth saving. You not missing out on a lot but having GPS might really help in the future if Apple rolls out specific apps that use it.

[Snoweagle]

Hey @madman76 , iMore did a really nice blog post which showed all the differences between series 0 , 1 & 2.
Apple Watch Comparison Blog Post

The series 2 does have about 2x brighter screen (450 nits vs 1000 nits) The series 2 is also marginally heavier. Series 1 should get the updated WatchOS 4. So you won't be behind there.

If money is tight, then that $100 might be worth saving. You not missing out on a lot but having GPS might really help in the future if Apple rolls out specific apps that use it.

I have the original AW and now the Series 2. The Series 2's screen is brighter but definitely not 2 times, only a little bit.

[Matty]

I have the original AW and now the Series 2. The Series 2's screen is brighter but definitely not 2 times, only a little bit.

In real world usage, i definitely agree it may not seem like it's double the brightness and only a little brighter but I'm sure Apple wouldnt lie to its customers about how bright the screen can go. I only said its 2x brighter because of the specs iMore posted and because it says 2x brighter on Apple's website
.

[doogald]

I believe that the series 2 will go as bright as 1000 nits only in the brightest ambient conditions (e.g., when you are outdoors at noon on a bright, sunny, summer day.) Otherwise it will adjust the brightness to fit the conditions, in order to save battery. So, you may be able to see the series 2 display more easily on a summer day than you would the series 1 or original watch.

[Snoweagle]

In real world usage, i definitely agree it may not seem like it's double the brightness and only a little brighter but I'm sure Apple wouldnt lie to its customers about how bright the screen can go. I only said its 2x brighter because of the specs iMore posted and because it says 2x brighter on Apple's website
.

Yes I know Apple theoretically stated 2x brighter display but actual results isn't much like that. Though the difference can be seen, but it's just marginally brighter.

[Mac Guy]

I believe that the series 2 will go as bright as 1000 nits only in the brightest ambient conditions (e.g., when you are outdoors at noon on a bright, sunny, summer day.) Otherwise it will adjust the brightness to fit the conditions, in order to save battery.

I completely agree with that.

So, you may be able to see the series 2 display more easily on a summer day than you would the series 1 or original watch.

That bit not so much, at least not without the extra heavy emphasis on 'may'.

Yes I know Apple theoretically stated 2x brighter display but actual results isn't much like that. Though the difference can be seen, but it's just marginally brighter.

This has been my exact experience as well. Brightness was the main reason I bought the S2 as I thought it would look twice as bright as my AWs. I was definitely disappointed in that respect but as it was a color I didn't yet have and had GPS (which I've yet to use LOL) I don't regret the purchase. Had I a chance to try an S2 for a day or two, I would have bought an S1.

[Snoweagle]

But I've been forced to upgrade to the S2, else I would've just stuck to the original one till now.

[thedonp]

Well I've been told Best Buy has them for $70. Now I have to go in and verify lol

[Mac Guy]

Well I've been told Best Buy has them for $70. Now I have to go in and verify lol

For $70 I'd even take an AW!

[Just_Me_D]

Well I've been told Best Buy has them for $70. Now I have to go in and verify lol

That’s hard to believe.

[Spencerdl]

The sale is NOT $70 for an Apple Watch...it's $70 off the original price.

[thedonp]

The sale is NOT $70 for an Apple Watch...it's $70 off the original price.

Yes $70 off my bad

[Mac Guy]

The sale is NOT $70 for an Apple Watch...it's $70 off the original price.

Yes, that sale has been floating around for awhile now.

[bamf-hacker]

I have multiple Watches. If you need the GPS (run or walk without your phone) or you are a swimmer then the S2 is the way to go. If not grab the S1. The few other differences don't warrant the additional cost.