With a wide range of the Apple Watch features to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you? Cut through the hype and see the real differences below.
Executive summary: When you compare Apple Watch features from model to model, you’ll see that the only differences are in appearance and strength of the glass (more on that below). The performance and capabilities of the watch are exactly the same, no matter which model you buy. Read the table below for a summary of the models, and then keep reading for a plain English explanation of what it all means!
Apple Watch features from Model to Model
| Apple Watch Sport | Apple Watch | Apple Watch Hermes | Apple Watch Edition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price with basic band (38mm/42mm) | $299/$349 | $549/$599 | $1100/$1150 | $10,000/$12,000 (no, that’s not a typo!) |
| Case | Anodized aluminum ( silver, space gray, gold, or rose gold) |
Stainless steel (silver or black, both have muted matte finish) | Stainless steel (muted matte silver) | 18-karat solid gold (yellow or rose) |
| Band Choices | Sport (plastic) or woven nylon | Wide Range | Handmade leather | Various |
| Crystal (The “glass” that protects the watch face – read below for differences) | Ion-X glass | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Buckle | Modern (knob that fits into small hole) Classic (pin that fits into a small hole) |
Modern (knob that fits into small hole) Classic (pin that fits into a small hole) Loop (magnetic fold over) |
Classic (pin that fits into a small hole) | Modern (knob that fits into small hole) Classic (pin that fits into a small hole) |
| Back | Composite | Ceramic | Ceramic | Ceramic |
Apple Watch Functions
When buying a watch, these are the important factors:
- What the watch does
- How durable it is
- What it looks like
The most important factor when buying an Apple Watch is what is does. And THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE from model to model in the capabilities of the watch. Whether you buy the cheapest or the most expensive, these watches are going to do the same things. The most basic common features are:
- Retina display with Force Touch
- Heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope
- Digital Crown
- Ambient light sensor
- Speaker and microphone
- Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz)
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Up to 18 hours of battery life*
- Water resistant
- watchOS 2
The next factor, the question of durability, is also important. I own the Sport watch with the Ion-X glass. I have worn it every day for over an year, and it has no scratches on it. I’m hard on my jewelry: I’ve banged this watch directly against a door frame, into counter corners and dropped it with no effect. I’ve broken three iPhone screens, however, within recent memory. For my purposes, the Ion-X watch is plenty durable.
Finally, watch appearance was least important to me when buying a watch. Because you can buy straps for relatively little money, you can update the appearance easily. The main question to decide is the color and material of the case. Most people probably couldn’t tell the difference between stainless steel Watch cases and the aluminum Sport Watch cases, unless they looked closely.
Tips Before You Buy the Apple Watch
Next, you’ll need to know a bit about sizing before you compare Apple Watch features.
- Size: Each Apple Watch comes in 38mm and 42mm sizes. This size refers to the height (from the 6:00 side of the watch to the 12:00 side). The width of the 38mm watch is 33mm and the width of the 42mm watch is 36mm. Want to get an estimate for how the watch will fit on your wrist? Cut one piece of paper at 38x33mm and another a 42x36mm and see how each looks on arm.
- The depth of the watches is the same, regardless of model or size (10.2mm from skin to crystal).
- Band Size – each model will specifiy a range of wrists that it fits, for example “145–180mm wrists.” Make sure to check this before you buy.
Which Apple Watch to Buy: My Recommendation
Finally, I’ll recommend the Apple Watch that will be best for most people. The sport model is the clear winner here. It’s the most affordable, and it looks great! The appearance is easy to customize using your chose of case color & strap. It does everything that the more expensive models do, and it appears to be just as durable. The Sport model contains all of the Apple Watch features you want and doesn’t require major sacrifices.
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