Apple Watch Series 1 (2016)

1874 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
usability (222)
design (137)
performance (76)
software (72)
size (66)

Negative
price (127)
battery (100)
water proof (8)
image quality (1)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 1874 reviews of Apple Watch Series 1 (2016). The average rating for this product is 4.5/5, compared to an average rating of 4.1/5 for other products in the same category for all reviews. Views about the size and software are generally positive. The performance and design also get good feedback. Some have doubts about the image quality and water proof.

usability, design, performance, software, size

price, battery, water proof, image quality

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other products in the same category the Apple Watch Series 1 (2016) is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 86/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 1874 reviews)

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User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 10 of 1482 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (390)

Expert review by : Scott Stein (cnet.com)

Apple Watch Series 1 review (updated): An affordable alternative

It doesn't have GPS and you can't swim with it, but that's okay: Series 1 might be the way to go for anyone who doesn't need those top-end fitness options.

Costs less than Apple Watch Series 3. Has Apple Pay, heart rate functions, and runs all the same apps. Similar design and uses same bands, too.

Lacks swim-ready water resistance and onboard GPS found in Series 3 models. Only comes in aluminum. Doesn't have the Wi-Fi music streaming and Radio app of Series 3 models.

If you're not a runner or a swimmer, the entry-level Apple Watch has most of what you'll need at a more affordable price.

Sep, 2018

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Expert review by : Alex Colon (pcmag.com)

Apple Watch Series 1

The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch yet, but it's more of a luxury item than a replacement for your Timex.

Attractive design. Secure, comfortable fit. Plenty of third-party apps.

Expensive. Average battery life. Little functionality without connected iPhone.

Conclusions I definitely enjoyed my time with the Apple Watch, but I still don't think it's a replacement for my trusty old Timex. After all, the $699 model of the watch I reviewed is the same version I would want to buy, and I just can't see myself...

Dec, 2016

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Expert review by : Scott Stein (cnet.com)

Apple Watch Series 1 review

You don't need a smartwatch. And if you think you do, paying more than a couple of hundred dollars feels pretty hard to swallow.

Same storage space, speed, and basic functions of Apple Watch Series 2, but for less money. WatchOS 3 is much-improved software over last year.

Lacks swim-ready water resistance and onboard GPS found in Series 2 models. Only comes in aluminum models.

Apple's step-down Apple Watch has everything most people would need at a more affordable price.

Nov, 2016

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Expert review by : Scott Stein (cnet.com)

Apple Watch, the re-review: One year after its launch, is it worth buying?

At 1-year-old and newly discounted, the Apple Watch is a study in contradictions; it's the best overall smartwatch out there, but not something you should feel compelled to buy.

Beautifully constructed. Handles messages well. A solid fitness tracker. Hundreds of apps. Can send and receive voice calls via an iPhone. Lots of design choices. Apple Pay-enabled. Stores music for local playback over Bluetooth.

Battery only lasts a little more than a day. Most models and configurations cost more than they should. Requires an iPhone to work. Interface can be confusing. Many apps load slowly. Lacks built-in GPS.

A year old and even more affordable, the Apple Watch remains the best designed and most capable smartwatch you can buy -- but we're hoping that the inevitable sequel makes it more of a must-have product.

Sep, 2016

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Expert review by : Joe M. (phonearena.com)

Apple Watch Series 1 Review

When Apple held their big keynote event back in September, a heap of new products were announced. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were easily the starlets of the entire show, but they were also accompanied by the new AirPods and Apple Watch Series 2. While...

Lightweight and comfortable to wear ; Fast performance thanks to the new dual-core processor ; Screen looks great, if not as bright as the one found on Series 2 ; watchOS 3 is the best version of the operating system yet ; 100 cheaper than Series 2 and...

Display is not super-bright ; No true waterproofing ; Lack of GPS ; Battery life is still an issue

With those differences between the two series in mind, is the Apple Watch Series 1 worth it? As long as you know what you’re getting with the Series 1, it certainly is. The lack of full waterproofing and GPS is bound to be a disappointment for those...

Dec, 2016

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Expert review by : Chance Miller (9to5mac.com)

Apple Watch Siri awkwardly interrupts on-air meteorologist and contradicts his forecast

Earlier this month, Apple Watch fall detection made a humorous appearance on James Corden's The Late Late Show when it was unexpectedly triggered by a guest in the audience. Following that, Siri on Apple Watch recently made an unplanned appearance on a...

Nov, 2019

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Expert review by : Michael Potuck (9to5mac.com)

Apple asks Trump administration for tariff relief on iPhone parts, AirPods, Apple Watch after last denial

Apple has officially asked for more exemptions on tariffs that went into effect in Septemeber as part of the US-China trade war. As reported by Bloomberg , Apple's latest formal requests seek another round of exemptions, this time for iPhone...

Nov, 2019

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Expert review by : Benjamin Mayo (9to5mac.com)

Apple sets next Apple Watch Activity Challenge for Veterans Day

Apple updated its Activity Challenge servers today in preparation for its next Apple Watch challenge ( via Kyle Seth Gray ). Apple Watch owners will be able to earn the 2019 Veterans Day badge by doing a workout of 11 minutes or more on Veterans Day:...

Oct, 2019

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Expert review by : Michael Potuck (9to5mac.com)

Apple Watch fall detection saves New Jersey man after tumbling off cliff and breaking his back

Apple Watch ‘s fall detection feature has likely saved another life. This time, Apple's wearable auto dialed 911 after a young couple hiking in New Jersey fell off a cliff and landed on the rocks in a river below. expand full story

Oct, 2019

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Expert review by : Chance Miller (9to5mac.com)

Apple reaches first deal to subsidize Apple Watch costs through private Medicare plans

We've seen Apple Watch catch on with a handful of insurance providers so far. Now, CNBC reports that Devoted Health has become the first health insurer with private Medicare plans to offer a discounted Apple Watch as a benefit. expand full story

Oct, 2019

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