The Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm is Apple's latest attempt to grab your attention, and after going through the spec sheet, there is a fair bit here worth talking about. Announced in 2016, September. Released 2016, December, it arrives at a time when the competition is as tight as ever.
Design & Display
On the front you get a 1.5 inches panel, pushing a resolution of 340 x 272 pixels (~290 ppi density), and in real-world use it looks bright, crisp and easy on the eyes. The build feels well put together, and Apple has clearly paid attention to the in-hand feel. You can pick it up in a few finishes, including Case colors: silver.
Performance & Software
Under the hood you will find the Apple S1P (28 nm). That combination should handle day-to-day multitasking and most games without breaking a sweat. It runs watchOS 3.0, upgradable to watchOS 6.2.8 out of the box, so the software experience feels current.
Camera
The camera setup is one of the talking points here, with a main sensor doing the heavy lifting. Point-and-shoot results are reliable, and that is exactly what most buyers want.
Battery
Battery duties are handled by a Li-Ion 205 mAh (0.78 Wh), non-removable unit. With moderate use you can expect to end the day with charge to spare.
Our Opinion
Coming to the important bit, our opinion on the Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm. What you are getting is a device that quietly covers the fundamentals rather than shouting about them. It gets the basics right, offering a crisp display, which is exactly what most buyers are really after. For someone who simply wants a dependable daily driver that will not let them down halfway through the day, this ticks a lot of boxes. You could nitpick a few things, as you can with any phone in this bracket. But taken as a whole, the Apple Watch Series 1 Aluminum 38mm is a sensible, well-judged choice that should keep most users happy for a good while. If you have used this device or are planning to pick one up, do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
