Home
News
You are here

Michael Kors Access Sofie 2.0 smartwatch comes with a stellar mix of style and technology

2comments

By Adrian Diaconescu

Published: Jan 09, 2019, 6:33 AM

Michael Kors Access Sofie 2.0 smartwatch comes with a stellar mix of style and technology

The extensive Michael Kors Access collection of stylish Wear OS smartwatches is getting a somewhat discreet new addition at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. The Access Sofie 2.0 follows in the footsteps of the fashion brand’s popular first female-oriented device compatible with Android handsets and iPhones.

At first glance, not much seems to have changed, but under the familiar glamorous hood, the second-gen smartwatch actually hides plenty of major upgrades and important feature add-ons.

In a nutshell, the Michael Kors Access Sofie 2.0 does a significantly better job than its predecessor at bringing the fashion and tech worlds together. With standalone GPS and NFC support, owners of the refreshed device will be able to track their location during the occasional run (no connected phone needed), as well as pay for stuff directly from the wrist.

A heart rate monitor is another welcome addition to Sofie’s list of features, proving healthcare and fashion are not mutually exclusive, while the modest IP67 water resistance rating of the original model is improved to 3 ATM, meaning you can also take this beaut for a quick swim with no worries whatsoever.

If there’s something to be disappointed about, that’s definitely the ancient Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor powering the Access Sofie 2.0. For some reason, Qualcomm’s hot new Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset is not catching on as quickly as you may have expected.

Let’s at least hope that compromise will allow the Fossil Group, which is the actual company behind Michael Kors-branded smartwatches, to sell this thing at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, there are no words on that or a release date yet. For reference, the original Sofie lineup is currently available at $249 and up with no GPS, NFC, or a heart rate monitor.

Our new coffee table book, Iconic Phones, is a stunning visual tribute to the legends in the world of phones, featuring exclusive high-resolution photography, stories, quotes and fun trivia. Save 10% by using this code at checkout: XMAS10. Offer lasts until 1 January 2026.

Shop Now

View Full Bio

Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.

Read the latest from Adrian Diaconescu