Apple Watch Series 2 Aluminium 42mm Review

When Apple launched their initial smartwatch in the fall of 2015, customers were intrigued by the customisation options available. These included both 38mm and 42mm frames, while variable casings were also available in materials such as stainless steel, ceramic and aluminium.

When it comes to the second-generation of Apple's smartwatch, our preferred configuration is the 42mm aluminium timepiece. Sleek and (dare we say it) sexy, this device boasts an iconic look that's typical of the Apple brand, while it also packs a superb specification. Whether you're obsessed by looks or favour substance over style, you won't be disappointed with our refurbished Apple Watch.

An iconic aluminium casing

There's no doubt that Apple has sought to claim a distinct market advantage by making its second-generation smartwatch customisable. Make no mistake; however, it's the sleek aluminium case that really catches the eye, particularly when combined with Apple's renowned penchant for bright displays, rounded edges and premium crystal glass. In short, the slimline aluminium frame manages to convey both style and robustness in equal measure, and despite its immense build quality it certainly doesn't appear too heavy on the wrist at 34.2mm.

A brighter screen that ever before

The new device features a 1.65-inch display with a resolution of 390x312, which represents just an incremental upgrade on the 42mm version of the Apple Watch Series 1. However, Apple has ramped up the brightness configuration to 1000 nits, resulting in improved colour-contrasts and sharper images. You can really see the difference with the 42mm frame, while brighter tones contrast sharply with the sleek black aluminium case.

A battery that really lasts

When it comes to the 42mm aluminium version of Apple's second-generation smartwatch, the larger, 334 mAh power pack provides an estimated two days of moderate use on a single charge. This is more than adequate when you consider the unique functionality of smartwatches, while it's quite remarkable given that the 42mm iteration is only six grams heavier than the 38mm alternative.

Taking 'immersive' to a whole new level

Smartwatches and phones are constantly being described as providing an 'immersive' experience, but in the case of the Apple Watch Series 2 this concept has been elevated onto a whole new level! More specifically, the 42mm iteration features a genuinely water-resistant chassis, which can survive and thrive following a plunge in deep waters and also be worn safely when swimming.

With the inclusion of Apple's innovative 'wet mode', the screen on your device will instantly be locked when you enter the water. Touch functionality is also disabled, so that the screen doesn't interpret water splashes as input and start making voice calls while you're underwater!

A significantly improved processor

While the S1 processor featured in the Apple Watch Series 1 was genuinely fit for purpose, the brand realised that an upgrade was required for its second-generation timepieces. Fortunately, the 42mm aluminium watch more than delivers in this respect, as it features the S2, dual-core processor that distinguishes between different tasks and enables users to multitask more effectively however they intend to utilise the device. Even on a fundamental level, you'll be able to navigate the device's numerous menus quickly and effectively, while accessing the main menu barely a second after clicking through the dock button.

Ultimately, we're big fans of the Apple Watch Series 2, both in terms of its specification and the customisation options that have been made available to customers. When it comes to appearance, however, it's hard to top the sleek and stylish aluminium casing, while the 42mm frame also allows for additional display real estate and a much more impressive viewing experience.

If nothing else, you can at least go swimming with the device, which is apt given that the timepiece also benefits from improved sensors that effectively track a host of fitness activities for all occasions!

5 real-life highlights

1. The way in which you unlock the device after being in the water is really helpful, as you spin the digital crown while the speaker emits a pulse to disperse any residual water
2. Get subtle but discernible notifications with Apple's Taptic feedback engine, which triggers pleasant and real-time buzzing whenever you receive a text, email or voice call
3. Thanks to the display's OLED technology, you'll notice that all black backgrounds are intuitively turned off when they're not in use, thereby saving battery life
4. The embedded GPS chip also hooks up to Glonass, which delivers more accurate location information
5. The new battery overs two-day life or more in most cases, with a basic 45-minute run (complete with streaming music and an active heart rate monitor) draining just 16% of power