Apple Watch Series 1

Apple Watch Series 1 overview

Apple Watch Series 1 (AWS1) appeared together with the Apple Watch Series 2 in the autumn of 2016. And when the second generation has received a number of improvements in performance and set of functions, AWS1 has just become an easy update of the original Apple Watch.

Now you can only buy aluminum Apple Watch Series 1 in silver or gray colours.
There are versions with a screen of 38 mm and 42 mm, with 272x340 resolution and 312x390 resolution respectively. According to the data of March 2018, Apple still sells AWS1. This model is suitable for those who are only getting acquainted with smart watches and do not want to spend a lot of money on the third generation. As Apple Watch Series 2 was officially removed from sale, we will compare AWS1 and AWS3 to decide what watch is better.

Apple Watch Series 1 functions

AWS1 is the same original Apple Watch with a more powerful processor. With the installed watchOS 4 operating system, the watch has received almost the same set of functions as the second or the third generation.

1. Notifications, calls and messages. After being synchronized with the iPhone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the watch will show all notifications from the smartphone. Using AWS1, you can call or answer incoming calls. There is no keypad, but it is easy to answer a message with a voice. Siri can show reminders and tasks;
2. Trainings and fitness tracker. With watchOS 4 the watch offers applications for training and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The gadget measures the pulse, counts calories burned, monitors steps and speed. There are modes for training in applications: walking, running, bicycle, training machines;
3. Activity and motivation. Activity rings help to move every day. There are only three of them: "Warm up", "Mobility", "Exercises". The watch will remind you that it is time to warm up after sedentary job, do some exercises and burn calories, walk to the house;
4. Music and playlists. When the watch is paired with the iPhone, you can listen to tracks from the watch on your smartphone, switch between them, change the sound level. There is an option to synchronize playlists — then they will appear in the watch memory, you can store up to 5.5 GB;
5. Apple Pay. Double pressing on the side button — and any purchase can be paid immediately from the watch. Apple Pay works only at watchOS 4. When you pay you do not need to enter any confirmations or codes.

Pros of Apple Watch Series 1

1. Set of functions — almost the same as for AWS2 and AWS3;
2. Memory — 8 GB, which is more than at its direct competitors;
3. Siri is still a great companion;
4. Design — faces for any taste and versatile straps.

Cons of Apple Watch Series 1

1. Compatibility — only with the iPhone;
2. Battery — it can withstand 18 hours in the active mode;
3. The processor is slower than in AWS2 and AWS3;
4. GPS — there is no one and it is not even planned;
5. Water — protection only from splashes, you can not swim wearing watches;
6. Glass — Ion-X strengthened glass gets scratches easier than sapphire crystal.

Performance improvement of the Apple Watch Series 1

AWS1 with a weak processor often works slowly. Here are three tips to improve watch performance:

• Reduce the transparency: Find "General" — "General Accessibility" — "Reducing Transparency" in the Watch app on your smartphone. The function is almost invisible on a not very bright watch screen, but it makes the processor’s work easier;
• Delete extra faces: watchOS does not remove faces after activation, they are stored in memory. To remove them, strongly press the screen and swipe unnecessary faces up from the bottom of the screen. This will free up the RAM;
• Clean Dock: The watch stores not only faces in its memory, but also different applications. Open Watch-Dock on iPhone, select "Edit" and remove unnecessary applications from the upper list. Leave only the most useful ones.

Other tips for using the Apple Watch Series 1

For more comfortable work with Apple Watch Series 1 you can:

• Upgrade to watchOS 4 = access to new applications, bug fixes;
• Buy a protective glass and a bumper = less risks of scratching or hitting the watch;
• Delete applications designed by another developers = they will not clog the interface and memory;
• Enable energy saving mode = the battery will last longer.

Applications reinstalling can help to solve problems with bugs. If there is still a problem, try to reset the watch by pressing the side button for a long time.

If the watch case or battery are severely damaged, it is better to contact an Apple Service Center. If the repair is expensive, think about buying a new watch.

Apple Watch Series 1 vs Apple Watch Series 3

Now Apple sells only two watch models: the first and the third generation. AWS3 is equipped with GPS, water protection up to 50 meters and a powerful processor. Thanks to the operating system, Siri can speak in this watch. There are also AWS3 versions with the LTE-module, so the watch can call without being connected to the iPhone. In addition, the battery life of AWS3 is two full days.

But the first generation based on the watchOS 4 platform works with the same applications, that is, the set of functions is practically the same. If it is your first watch, then it is better to choose AWS1 — you can save 80 USD.

Prices of Apple Watch Series 1 and its competitors

Comparison with other smart watches:

• Huawei Watch 2 — from 200 USD;
• Samsung Gear S 2 — from 190 USD;
• Asus ZenWatch 2 — from 120 USD;
• Pebble SmartWatch — from 50 USD.

All gadgets working not on WatchOS are compatible with both Android and iOS. The battery life of their competitors is longer. In terms of the ability of independent work, the most interesting alternative is Peblbe SmartWatch with an electronic ink screen. This watch has less number of functions than the Apple watch, but it works 80 hours being charged only once!

Apple Watch Series 1 - Comparison

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