Apple Watch Series 8 vs 10 – Which Should You Buy?
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Imagine standing at the Apple Store, wondering whether to upgrade to the latest smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 9 has been a fan favorite with its reliable performance and sleek design. Now, the Apple Watch Series 10 has arrived with fresh upgrades that catch the eye. Both watches are packed with features that make everyday life easier. But is the jump to the Series 10 truly worth it? Or is the Series 9 still a smart pick for most users? This article breaks it all down so you can decide which one fits your needs and your wrist better.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Larger edge-to-edge OLED, even thinner bezels | OLED Retina Display with Always-On Display |
| Brightness | Up to 3000 nits | Up to 2000 nits |
| Processor | New S10 chip with faster efficiency cores | S9 chip with advanced performance |
| Battery Life | 18 hours regular use, optimized for better standby | 18 hours regular use |
| Case Sizes | 45mm and new 47mm options | 41mm and 45mm options |
| Design | Slimmer, lighter design with stronger materials | Standard durable build |
| Health Sensors | Blood Oxygen, ECG, New Blood Pressure Monitoring | Blood Oxygen, ECG |
| New Features | Blood Pressure Monitoring, Smart Stack 2.0 | Double Tap Gesture, Siri on-device processing |
| OS Version | watchOS 11 out of the box | watchOS 10 at launch, upgradeable |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings a slimmer and lighter form compared to the Series 9. Apple used even stronger materials to make it more durable without adding weight. The Series 9 is still stylish but feels slightly bulkier when worn side by side.
Display Quality
Apple boosted the Series 10’s brightness up to 3000 nits, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. The Series 9 tops out at 2000 nits, which is already bright enough for most users. The thinner bezels on Series 10 also make the screen feel more immersive.
Performance and Processor
The Series 10 runs on the S10 chip, which has better efficiency cores. Everyday tasks like opening apps and navigating through menus feel quicker and smoother than on the Series 9 with its S9 chip. The difference is small but noticeable if you use demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery life remains the same on paper with 18 hours of typical use. However, the Series 10 benefits from software and processor optimization, allowing for better standby time. You might squeeze out a little more usage time if you manage settings carefully.
Health and Fitness Features
Both watches offer ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, and heart rate tracking. The Series 10 introduces blood pressure monitoring, which is a big leap for health tracking. Series 9 users will miss this feature unless they use external devices.
Software Experience
The Series 10 launches with watchOS 11, offering improved widgets through Smart Stack 2.0 and more customization. Series 9 can upgrade to watchOS 11 too, but some features, like enhanced Smart Stack interactions, feel better optimized on the Series 10.
New Features
Series 10’s blood pressure monitoring stands out as the major health innovation. Meanwhile, Series 9 introduced the Double Tap gesture and on-device Siri processing, which both Series 10 also have. If you want the newest health capabilities, Series 10 is the clear winner.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 a major upgrade over the Series 9?
The Series 10 brings a few important upgrades like a brighter screen, a slimmer design, and new blood pressure monitoring. If these features matter to you, it is a major upgrade.
Can Apple Watch Series 9 users upgrade to watchOS 11?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 9 users can install watchOS 11. However, some of the optimizations work slightly better on the newer hardware of the Series 10.
Does the Apple Watch Series 10 have better battery life than Series 9?
Both watches offer about 18 hours of use. However, the Series 10 has more efficient standby performance thanks to its improved chip.
Is blood pressure monitoring available on Apple Watch Series 9?
No, blood pressure monitoring is a new feature exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 10.
Are there any size differences between Series 10 and Series 9?
Yes, Series 10 adds a slightly larger 47mm option alongside the 45mm size, while Series 9 offered 41mm and 45mm sizes.
Which watch is better for outdoor visibility?
The Series 10 is better for outdoor visibility because it offers a brighter display with up to 3000 nits of brightness compared to 2000 nits on the Series 9.
Can I use the same bands with Series 10 that I used with Series 9?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 10 remains compatible with existing Apple Watch bands designed for 45mm cases.
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 more durable than the Series 9?
Yes, the Series 10 uses newer stronger materials for better durability while also being lighter and thinner.
Is there a big difference in everyday use between Series 9 and Series 10?
For most people, the everyday experience will feel similar. But if you care about the newest health sensors and a better display, the Series 10 stands out.
Which Apple Watch is the better value for money?
If you want the latest tech and plan to keep your watch for years, the Series 10 is the better value. If you want a more affordable option with excellent performance, the Series 9 is still a smart buy.