Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Series 9: A Complete Comparison

The Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 9 are the latest versions of Apple’s incredibly popular smartwatch line, each packed with cutting-edge technology designed to improve your everyday life. Here, we compare both models so you can hopefully make a more informed decision about which one to choose.

The Apple Watch Series 9 was already a significant upgrade with its S9 chip, advanced fitness features, and sleek design. But Apple has gone even further with the Series 10, which has a larger screen, a slimmer profile, and even more robust health tracking capabilities.

At first glance, the two models seem fairly similar, but subtle differences in design and functionality make each unique. The Series 10 introduces a larger display – up to 9% larger than the Series 9 – and also reduces the overall thickness by almost 10%, creating a more modern, streamlined look.

Aesthetics aside, the Series 10 comes with additional features like sleep apnea detection, making it a strong contender for the title of best Apple Watch. Meanwhile, the Series 9 still offers strong performance at a more affordable price, making it a solid option for those who don’t need the latest upgrades.

When it comes to performance, both models use Apple’s SiPs – the S9 for the Series 9 and the S10 for the Series 10 – each with a quad-core Neural Engine that improves everything from app performance to on-device Siri.

But the 10 Series goes a step further, offering additional features like faster charging and an improved Ultra Wideband chip, making it even more convenient for busy, tech-savvy users. These improvements build on the solid foundation of the 9 Series, which already excels in fitness tracking, health monitoring, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Is it worth upgrading to the Series 9, or should you skip the current iteration and wait for the next generation? Let’s find out.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Series 9

Price and Availability

This Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 in the US for the aluminum 41mm GPS model, while the 45mm version costs $429. If you opt for the GPS + Cellular version, they cost $499 and $529 for the 41mm and 45mm models, respectively. For those who want a more premium design, the model with a stainless steel case starts at $699 for the 41mm size.

In the UK, pricing reflects this structure, with the 41mm aluminium GPS model costing £399 and the 45mm model £429. The GPS + Cellular models cost £499 and £529, while the stainless steel variant starts at £699.

In Australia, the 41mm aluminum GPS model starts at AU$649, while the 45mm version is priced at AU$699 and the GPS + Cellular models are priced at AU$799 and AU$849. The stainless steel case starts at AU$1,199.

For Apple Watch Series 10the price is slightly higher due to the updated design and features. In the U.S., the aluminum 42mm GPS model costs $429, while the 46mm model costs $449. The GPS + Cellular versions cost $529 and $549 for the 42mm and 46mm models, respectively. Models with a titanium case, which replace the stainless steel option in the 9 Series, cost $799.

In the UK, the 42mm aluminium GPS model is priced at £429, while the 46mm model is priced at £449. The GPS + Cellular models are priced at £529 and £549, while the titanium model starts at £799.

In Australia, the 42mm aluminum GPS model starts at AU$699, while the 46mm costs AU$749. The GPS + Cellular models cost AU$849 and AU$899, while the titanium model starts at AU$1,249.

The price differences reflect the improvements made to the Series 10, including a larger display, thinner profile, and premium titanium casing, as well as new health-monitoring features that make it a more advanced device than the Series 9. However, both models offer signature Apple build quality and functionality at different price points.

For the best prices, check out T3’s roundup of cheap Apple Watch deals . Head over to Apple to see the full range of Apple Watch deals currently available.

Key Specifications Comparison

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Row 0 – Cell 0	Apple Watch Series 10	Apple Watch Series 9
Available sizes	42mm, 46mm	41mm, 45mm
Display type	Wide angle LTPO3 OLED	OLED display
Maximum brightness	2800 rivets	2000 rivets
Integrated circuit set	S10 Signaling device	S9 SiP
Ultra wideband?	Yes, 2nd generation	Yes, 2nd generation
Gesture control	Double tap	Double tap
Battery life	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours
Storage	64GB	64GB

The most noticeable differences are the slight increase in size and the more advanced display in the Series 10, which is 9% larger and significantly brighter than its predecessor. This makes for better readability, especially when viewed at an angle. The S10 chip also promises improved performance and efficiency, although the impact on day-to-day use may be negligible for most users.

Design and build quality

Apple Watch Series 9 Hermes Edition on a purple background

(Photo credit: Apple/Pexels/Emre Can Acer)

Apple Watch Series 9 retains the iconic design of previous models, with case sizes of 41mm and 45mm. It features a bright LTPO OLED display, available in aluminum and stainless steel finishes.

The watch features the same digital crown and side button layout as before, and supports new color options like pink. The Series 9 is powered by the S9 SiP and includes a 2nd-generation Ultra Wideband chip. It supports gesture controls like Double Tap and Siri on-device (offline), making it more responsive and intuitive.

The Apple Watch Series 10 introduces a sleeker, thinner design with slightly larger 42mm or 46mm cases. The display is 9% larger than the Series 9, using a wide-angle LTPO3 OLED screen for better brightness and readability. It is said to be larger than the Apple Watch Ultra 2 screen.

The new display is not only larger, but also more power efficient. Whereas previously the screen would only refresh once a minute when inactive, the Series 10 display updates once a second, meaning you can see the second hand even when your wrist is down. We’re getting closer to a true always-on display that doesn’t drain your battery!

Apple Watch Series 10 on white background

(Photo source: Apple)

Apple Watch Series 10 (again) introduces a titanium case option, available in natural, gold, and slate finishes. It offers a lightweight, durable design that is 20% lighter than the stainless steel variant. The titanium case also provides high corrosion resistance and is ideal for those looking for a premium look and feel with excellent durability.

The integrated antenna is positioned to enhance connectivity while maintaining a sleek, elegant appearance.

The speaker has also been improved. While specific details about the size aren’t readily available, the Series 10 speaker is designed to provide improved audio clarity and volume, especially when using features like Apple Music, Podcasts, or making FaceTime calls.

Improved speakers also allow you to use your watch as a microphone for phone calls and FaceTime calls, while built-in noise cancellation ensures clearer communication.

Both models are interchangeable, as they support a wide range of straps from Apple’s extensive collection.

Features: Health, Fitness and Smart Features

Apple Watch Series 10

The double tap gesture was introduced in the 9 series

(Photo source: Apple)

Both models are powerhouses when it comes to health and fitness features. You’ll find the standard heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, and a temperature sensor on both models.

Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10 run watchOS 11, which introduces several key features. These include customizable new watch faces and improved Smart Stacks widgets for easier access to apps. Both models support Siri on-device, allowing for faster access to health data without having to rely on cloud servers.

The Mindfulness app has also been updated to focus on mental well-being. While the Series 9 and Series 10 share most of the same features, sleep apnea detection is only available on 10 Series hardware.

A key feature introduced in the Series 9, double-tap gesture control, has been carried over to the Series 10, allowing users to interact with the watch without touching the screen.

Apple Watch Series 10 is optimized for water sports with an advanced water resistance rating that allows it to withstand depths of up to 50 meters. It also has a built-in depth gauge that can measure depths of up to 6 meters, making it suitable for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and shallow diving. The watch also includes a water temperature sensor to help users monitor environmental conditions while engaging in water sports.

Battery life and charging

Battery life remains consistent across both models, with an estimated 18 hours of regular use and up to 36 hours in low power mode. However, the Series 10 does slightly outperform the others in terms of charging speed, reaching 80% charge in just 30 minutes, compared to the Series 9’s 45 minutes.

For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 offers up to 40 hours of battery life with the Always-On Display (AOD) off and about 30 hours with it on. However, the charging speed is slower, with fast charging refilling “only” 50% of the battery life in about 30 minutes.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 offers about 24 hours of battery life with Always-On Display (AOD) on and up to 36 hours in Battery Saver mode. The charging speed is the same as the Galaxy Watch 7, charging the watch to 50% in 3 minutes.

Verdict: Which is better?

Apple Watch Series 10

(Photo source: Apple)

Is the Series 10 the best Apple Watch yet? Absolutely. But both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10 are outstanding smartwatches, each with its own set of strengths.

The 9 Series remains a strong contender, especially considering its lower price and extensive feature set. For those who don’t absolutely need the latest technology, it’s a great choice and offers fantastic value.

For those looking for the latest in wearable technology, the Series 10 offers tangible improvements in display size, brightness, performance metrics for athletes, and additional health features like sleep apnea detection. If you’re a serious fitness enthusiast or want a future-proof device, the Series 10 is worth the investment.

The larger display is tempting, but unless your Series 9 is completely scratched up, we suggest you avoid the upgrade for environmental reasons, if for no other reason. If you have an older Apple Watch, perhaps a Series 7 or earlier, upgrading to the Series 10 will make your wrist-worn gadget feel like it’s been supercharged, so you should definitely consider upgrading.

In conclusion, if budget is your priority, the Series 9 is still an excellent, capable watch. But if you’re looking for cutting-edge technology and don’t mind spending a little more, the Series 10’s improvements will serve you well in the future.