The Apple Watch Sport 38mm (1st Gen), released in April 2015, is a compact and lightweight smartwatch designed for fitness enthusiasts. Featuring an aluminum frame, Ion-X strengthened glass, and a Retina OLED display, this device is built for durability while offering a sleek design. With built-in heart rate monitoring, fitness tracking, and wireless charging, it offers an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem. Despite being discontinued, it remains a solid option for those who want a reliable smartwatch for everyday use.
Apple Watch Sport 38mm (1st Gen) Specifications
Here’s a detailed responsive table highlighting the key specifications of the Apple Watch Sport 38mm (1st Gen):
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | No cellular connectivity |
| 2G Bands | N/A |
| GPRS | No |
| EDGE | No |
| Dimensions | 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm (1.52 x 1.31 x 0.41 in) |
| Weight | 25 g (body) |
| Build | Glass front, Composite plastic back, Aluminum frame |
| SIM | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX7, up to 1 meter and 30 minutes |
| Display Type | Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak) |
| Display Size | 1.5 inches |
| Resolution | 340 x 272 pixels (~290 ppi density) |
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| 3D Touch | Yes |
| OS | watchOS 1.0, upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2 |
| Chipset | Apple S1 (28 nm) |
| CPU | 520 MHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 |
| Internal Memory | 8GB, 512MB RAM |
| Camera | No |
| Sound | Loudspeaker, No 3.5mm jack |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate |
| Battery | Li-Ion 205 mAh, wireless charging |
| Colors | Silver/White, Orange, Blue; Gray/Black; Rose Gold/Lavender, Stone; Gold/White, Blue, Yellow, Apricot, Royal Blue, Pink/Royal Blue/Gold&Red/Black Woven Nylon |
| Price | About 250 EUR |
Apple Watch Sport 38mm Review
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Sport 38mm features a lightweight aluminum frame, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Weighing only 25 grams, it’s one of the lightest smartwatches from the first generation, designed specifically for fitness enthusiasts. Its composite plastic back and Ion-X strengthened glass provide durability while keeping the overall design sleek. The IPX7 water resistance rating ensures that the watch can handle splashes and brief submersion, making it suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Display Quality
The 1.5-inch Retina OLED display delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colors, with a resolution of 340 x 272 pixels and a pixel density of ~290 ppi. The 450 nits brightness ensures readability even in direct sunlight. The display is protected by Ion-X strengthened glass, which is designed to withstand impacts and scratches, making it a practical choice for active users. Additionally, the 3D Touch display provides an interactive experience, allowing users to access different features by applying different levels of pressure.
Performance and OS
Powered by the Apple S1 chipset and a 520 MHz Cortex-A7 CPU, the Apple Watch Sport 38mm handles basic tasks like notifications, fitness tracking, and music control with ease. While the hardware is not as powerful as newer models, it runs watchOS 4.3.2, which brings updated features and smoother performance. The watch’s 512MB RAM may seem minimal, but it is sufficient for managing the watch’s OS and various apps.
Battery Life
The 205 mAh Li-Ion battery provides enough power for a full day of use with moderate activity. With features like wireless charging, it’s convenient to top up the battery at the end of the day. However, users who rely heavily on fitness tracking and notifications may need to charge the watch daily.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Apple Watch Sport 38mm includes a range of sensors like the accelerometer, gyro, and heart rate monitor, making it an excellent fitness companion. It tracks your steps, calories burned, and monitors your heart rate during workouts, providing insights into your daily activities and fitness levels. The built-in apps are designed to help users stay active, while watchOS continues to offer updated fitness tracking features, making this watch a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Connectivity and Features
Though the watch lacks cellular connectivity, it connects to your iPhone via Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 LE, allowing you to receive notifications, control media, and answer calls directly from your wrist. The inclusion of NFC allows for Apple Pay, making contactless payments quick and easy.
Storage and Compatibility
The Apple Watch Sport 38mm features 8GB of internal storage, providing space for apps, music, and other data. With 512MB of RAM, it runs smoothly for most tasks. The watch is compatible with iPhone 5 and newer models, making it accessible to a wide range of iPhone users. watchOS updates continue to improve performance, even on this first-generation model.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Sport 38mm (1st Gen) is a great entry-level smartwatch for users looking for a lightweight, fitness-oriented device. With a Retina OLED display, Ion-X strengthened glass, and robust fitness tracking features, it offers solid value at an affordable price. While it may not have the latest features, it remains a dependable option for those wanting a simple, easy-to-use smartwatch that integrates well with the Apple ecosystem.
Disclaimer
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