Apple has launched the Series 10 with prices starting at $400 in the US, matching the Series 9’s launch price. Though both models share some similarities, there are a few key differences. The Series 10 features a larger screen, bigger case sizes, a new voice isolation feature, and can even play music aloud on its speaker. Let’s dive deeper into how these two watches compare.
Bigger and Brighter Display on the Series 10
The Series 10 boasts the largest screen of any Apple Watch so far. It comes in 46mm and 42mm sizes, while the Series 9 is available in 45mm and 41mm. Apple claims the Series 10 offers 30% more screen area than the Series 4, 5, and 6, and 9% more than the Series 7, 8, and 9. This means users can see more content, such as an extra line of text or larger buttons in apps like Calculator or when typing a passcode.
Both the Series 9 and 10 feature a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. However, the Series 10’s wide-angle OLED display is 40% brighter when viewed at an angle. In her review, Lexy Savvides noted the Series 10 looked slightly brighter than the Series 9 when she wore them side-by-side.
Additionally, the Series 10’s LTPO 3 display can lower its refresh rate to 1Hz, allowing a ticking second hand to show up on the always-on display. This feature is unique to the Series 10 and is rare in smartwatches, usually found on premium smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Apple Watch Series 10 with Thinner and Lighter Design
The Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch to date, measuring 9.7mm thick compared to the Series 9’s 10.7mm, making it about 10% thinner. It also comes in aluminum and titanium finishes, while the Series 9 is available in aluminum and stainless steel. Both materials are lighter on the Series 10 than the Series 9, making it more comfortable for everyday wear.
Faster Charging, Same Battery Life in Apple Watch Series 10
The Series 10 charges faster than the Series 9. It takes about 30 minutes to go from 0% to 80%, while the Series 9 takes around 45 minutes. Lexy’s tests confirmed this, as she charged the Series 10 from 7% to 84% in 30 minutes.
However, the battery life remains the same for both models, lasting up to 18 hours or 36 hours in Low Power Mode. Given Apple’s focus on sleep tracking and features like sleep apnea detection, many users expected a longer battery life in the Series 10.
Voice Isolation and Speaker Music Playback
One standout feature of the Series 10 is voice isolation, which reduces background noise during calls. In her test, Lexy called a colleague during a noisy dragon dance, and they could hear each other clearly thanks to this feature.
The Series 10 can also play music aloud on its speaker, a feature missing from the Series 9.
Improved Water Features in Apple Watch Series 10
Both watches are water-resistant and swim-proof, but the Series 10 adds a depth gauge rated for 6 meters and a water temperature sensor. It also supports the Oceanic Plus app for snorkeling, while the Series 9 does not.
WatchOS 11 Brings Sleep Apnea Detection and More
With WatchOS 11, both the Series 9 and 10 gain new tools, such as a sleep apnea detection feature that uses the accelerometer to track breathing disturbances. The new Vitals app also monitors important metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, and wrist temperature during sleep. WatchOS 11 allows users to pause their activity rings for breaks and is available as an update for older models dating back to the Series 6 and SE (2nd gen).
Should You Upgrade?
The Series 10 offers a larger, brighter screen, is thinner and lighter, and has new features like voice isolation and speaker playback. If you’re upgrading from the Series 9, the changes might not feel significant. But if you’re coming from a Series 4, 5, or 6, the improvements in screen size, features, and future WatchOS updates will likely make the upgrade more worthwhile.
