Apple Watch Series 1 vs. Series 2: Know the difference

Look at these watches. They seem the same, right? And both look like last year's Apple Watch. It's confusing. The one on the left is Apple Watch Series 2, the one on the right is Series 1.

Apple Watch Series 1 costs less (starting at $269, versus $369 for the Series 2).

Series 1 (left) only comes in aluminum, while Series 2 (right) also comes in more expensive steel or ceramic models.

But here's the big difference: Series 2 (right) is swim0-proof to 50 meters, and has built-in GPS, Series 1 (left) doesn't.

Both watches feel the same; Series 2 has a brighter display, though.

Series 1 (bottom) is a bit thinner than Series 2 (top), but its battery life is also a bit less. Expect a day and a half on a charge, versus nearly two days on Series 2.

Will you miss GPS? Probably not. It maps GPS data when running without a phone, but the Apple Watch can still record workouts decently without GPS, too. The GPS-aided model is more accurate for tracking distance.

Both Series 1 and Series 2 have speakerphones, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and 4GB of storage for music and apps.

Both track heart rate equally well.

Both are faster than the original Apple Watch, too. Series 1 has a new processor that's a bit faster, much like Series 2. Apps load faster, and everything runs a bit smoother.

You need an iPhone for Apple Watch. And if you have an original model, you don't need to upgrade: just update the OS to WatchOS 3, which helps speed and performance even on last year's Watch. But if you're getting a new smartwatch and don't swim or need GPS, Series 1 is the one to get.