Apple Watch Series 2 Aluminium 38mm Review

It's rare for Apple to produce a second-generation device that does not represent a significant upgrade on its predecessor, and its Series 2 smartwatch is no exception to this rule. This smart timepiece boasts an upgraded specification, which includes intuitive water-resistance, a more efficient GPS chip and two-day battery life that means you'll never run out of juice! Of course, the stylish, 38mm aluminium second-generation watch is also really attractive, with a refurbished Apple Watch Series 2 perfectly combining form and function.

Go back to basics

We'll start with Apple's intriguing and customisable design, with its second-generation smartwatch now available in ceramic, stainless steel and aluminium casings. The latter is our particular favourite, as it provides a sleek and dark aesthetic which perfectly compliments Apple's iconic design. It certainly helps the device's rounded edges and premium crystal glass to stand out, providing a stylish adornment for anybody's wrist. The aluminium casing also adds additional heft and robustness to the build quality of the frame, which at 28.2 grams manages to remain lightweight and durable in equal measure.

A powerful battery that lasts longer

The 38mm aluminium iteration of the Apple Watch Series 2 features an impressive, 273 mAh power pack, which represents an incremental upgrade on the previous model. How Apple have managed to squeeze into such a sleek and slimline frame is beyond us, but this definitely delivers improved performance and can power your device for up to two days on a single charge. This can be extended further during low to moderate use, while the inclusion of a more efficient GPS chip also reduces consumption considerably.

Take the plunge with water resistancy

'Water-resistant' is a commonly used term in the watchmaking industry, although this occasionally refers to devices that can barely survive a brief immersion in bath water. In the case of the Apple Watch Series 2 38mm aluminium model, however, we're pleased to say that this device features a durable, water-resistant chassis which can be safely whether you're completing laps of the pool or plunging the depths of the ocean. The device even features a so-called 'wet mode', which is activated automatically when you enter the water. This instantly disables the display's touch functionality, so you won't make any muffled calls to loved ones when submerged beneath the waves.

Apple's improved, S2 processor

One of the biggest improvements with this smartwatch is the inclusion of Apple's brand new S2 processor, which is more capacious and powerful than the previous engine. More specifically, this chipset features dual-core processors to allow for diverse multitasking, which can include both simple and labour-intensive tasks. This certainly makes it much easier and quicker than ever to navigate the device's interface and individual menus, with barely a beat between pressing the dock button and opening up the main menu.

Get discreet notifications with Taptic Feedback

In many ways, the Apple Watch Series 2 acts as a compact smartphone for your wrist, through which you can receive notifications, respond to messages and even answer calls. To this end, the 38mm Aluminium model features Apple's innovative Taptic feedback engine, which features a vibrating system which delivers discreet but apparent notifications in real-time. We'd even go as far as to say that the engine's buzz feels pleasing against the skin, while this has the added bonus of not draining the battery unit too much.

These specs, in conjunction with 512MB of RAM and up to 8GB of external surgery, have helped to establish Apple's second-generation smartwatch as one of the most sought-after on the market to this day. The stylish aluminium casing also adds a sense of drama to proceedings, which is ideal if you prefer form over function and like to sport something stylish. All in all, you can't go wrong with a refurbished Apple Watch Series 2.

5 real-life highlights

1. Apple's wet mode automatically disables the display when it's immersed in water, and can drain any traces of water that may have infiltrated the device
2. Apple's improved display now boasts brightness levels up to 1000 nits, creating superb colour contrasts
3. With the screen's OLED technology, the black backgrounds are intuitively turned off when not in use, saving battery life
4. Apple's improved heart rate and fitness trackers can be used across an array of activities, including running, cycling and operating elliptical machines
5. When operated by Watch OS4, this device also features flashlight support, meaning that you can turn the whole display white and search for things in the dark!