Apple Watch (38mm)

Smartwatches

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Smartwatches

What goes into the Overall Score?

Ease of use

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Health

/ 5

Step-count performance

/ 5

Heart-rate performance

/ 5

Scratch test

/ 5

Water resistance test

/ 5

Ease of interaction

/ 5

Readability in bright light

/ 5

Readability in low light

/ 5

Ease of pairing

/ 5

Heart-rate monitor accuracy

/ 5

Step count accuracy

/ 5

Color

/ 5

About

The Apple Watch (38mm) is part of the Smartwatches test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Smartwatches models like the Watch (38mm) are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Ease of use: How easy this smartwatch is to use overall, which includes how easy it is to interact with, pair for the first time, and read in different lighting conditions.

Versatility: Models that score high have a greater number of features and capabilities like sensors, celluar connectivity, and inactivity alerts.

Health: Models that score high have a greater number of health and safety features including ambient sound level detection, crash detection, and stress tracking.

Features & Specs

Features

Cellular

Standalone GPS

Standalone music

NFC

Yes

WiFi

Yes

SpO2 sensor

ECG

VO2 Max

Blood pressure (claimed)

Menstrual cycle tracking

Menstrual cycle tracking with temperature

Guided breathing

Stress tracking

SWOLF

Heart rate variations (HRV)

Sleep tracking

Alerts

Navigation

Breadcrumb navigation

Ambient sound level notification

Crash detection (claim)

SOS emergency calling (claim)

Fall detection (claim)

Siren

Low battery indicator

Always-on display capability

Touch screen

Yes

Display type

Retina Display

Heart-rate monitor

Active

Battery life (claimed)

18 Hrs

Phone compatibility

iOS

Depth and duration (ft., min.)

3.3 ft for 30 mins

Menstrual Cycle Tracking with Temperature

Specs

Crystal type

Sapphire crystal

Case material

Stainless steel

Diameter (in.)

1.5

Display size (in.)

1.5

Weight (oz.)

2.00

Thickness (in.)

0.41

Price & Shop

Apple Watch (38mm)

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

About

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