Microsoft Band 2

Interestingly, though, it’s slapped with a slightly higher introductory price of $249.99, up from its predecessor’s initial cost of $199.99. That’s a hefty offering considering what it’s competing against in the space, but let’s put it through the paces to see if it can win over that precious real estate on your wrist. 

n the process of giving it a more uniform body, they’ve also improved its fit and comfort around our wrist. This time around, it contours our wrist better because the new display here is now curved, offering a better ergonomic shape for it to rest on our wrist. However, if you happen to have that boney hump protruding from your wrist, the Band 2 can sometimes cause a little bit of discomfort because there’s very little leeway for it to naturally expand. Despite that, it’s still nice knowing that they’ve trimmed off a lot of the fat off this one.

Wanna know what’s most improved about the Band 2? Well, it’s none other than its design, which thankfully doesn’t look as hulky or gargantuan as last year’s model. That’s certainly a relief! Although it’s sporting the same design language as before, an adjustable rubbery band worn on the wrist, it’s comforting to see Microsoft streamlining it considerably – whereby its thickest point is now situated on the clasp. The material employed here is technically thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanite (TPSV), which has that rubbery texture feel to it.

Even with the sleeker design, the Band 2 houses all the components and sensors found with its predecessor – so that includes a 3-axis accelerometer, gyrometer, GPS, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, capacitive sensor, galvanic skin response sensor, and a microphone. Two new additions to note, however, include the new barometer that can measure changes in altitude, which is useful if you’re into step climbing, and the UV sensor embedded into the clasp that can measure the amount of ambient UV light. Of course, that’s useful for those who have stronger sensitivity to light.

Much like most other fitness trackers, the Band 2 has some degree of water resistance. As Microsoft puts it, the IP67 certified construction of the Band 2 technically ensures that it’s dust resistant and offers protection against temporary immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. In reality, however, Microsoft refrains users wearing the Band while swimming or in the shower. That’s unfortunate because we were hoping to see its water-resistance improved, but instead, we still need to be mindful of what occasions to not wear it.


And finally, when it comes to charging the Band 2, Microsoft improves the process by embedding the charging pins into the end of the clasp – where the accompanying magnetic USB charger quickly establishes the connection.