The Apple Watch Series 10 is finally here, and on its 10th anniversary, it promises a host of improvements and new features over the existing lineup. If you’re in the market for a new Apple Watch or already own last year’s Series 9, you’re probably wondering whether the Watch Series 10 is an upgrade over its predecessor. In this Watch Series 10 vs Series 9 comparison, we’ll explain what’s different between the two models and, most importantly, whether you should upgrade to the latest device right away.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs Series 9: What are the differences?
The most noticeable difference when moving from one existing Watch Series model to another is the larger display on both variants. The base 41mm model is now replaced by a 42mm model, while the old 45mm version has been bumped up to 46mm. The larger displays mean the watch case is a bit larger, which is just an increase in size. The new wide-angle OLED panels are also 40% brighter than their predecessor.
For power, the Watch Series 10 gets the Apple S10 and a quad-core Neural Engine. It comes with smart features like on-device Siri, automatic workout detection, and double-tap gesture. Charging time is also improved. The Series 10 can be powered from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes, while older models take up to 45 minutes for the same.
The new model is equipped with a water temperature sensor and a depth gauge that works up to 6 meters underwater. The 9 series, on the other hand, is not equipped with such sensors. In addition, the new model comes with the Oceanic+ app for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs Series 9: Similarities
Aside from the features we explained above, the Watch Series 10 retains all the other features of the Series 9. Besides being larger, both models are Retina LTPO OLEDs with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The overall design is similar to the Series 9, so you have the same stainless steel frame with a ceramic and sapphire crystal back panel.
Then there’s the sleep apnea detection feature that monitors your sleep routine and checks your breathing patterns during that time through blood oxygen saturation. If it detects any abnormalities, the Series 10 will prompt you to consult a doctor. This feature isn’t exclusive to the Watch Series 10, though, so you’ll soon find them on the Series 9 models as well.
The new model benefits from the same IP6X resistance rating. Thus, both models are submersible up to 50 meters and are swim-proof.
The battery life is more or less the same between both the devices, i.e. up to 18 hours and 36 hours on normal and low battery usage respectively. Apart from the additional sensors, the rest of the hardware remains intact. The 10 series borrows all the major sensors like electrical heart rate sensor, optical heart rate sensor, temperature, SpO2, VO2max, compass, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, and altimeter.
You also get the second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for connectivity. On the software side, both models will run Apple’s latest watchOS 11, so you won’t notice any major differences when browsing.
Should you upgrade to the Watch Series 10?
Unlike the iPhone, which got a major overhaul for its 10th anniversary, the Apple Watch hasn’t had a major upgrade. Aside from the larger displays, the only area where the Series 10 feels like an upgrade is in health features. But unless you really need blood pressure and sleep apnea monitoring for your health, it doesn’t make sense to upgrade if you already own the Watch Series 9.
