Apple Watch Series 9 vs 10 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Series 10 & Apple Watch Series 9 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 10 rather than the Apple Watch Series 9. 

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 10

  • The Apple Watch Series 10 includes the newer S10 SiP for more efficient processing and smoother multitasking, while the Apple Watch Series 9 uses the older S9 SiP.
  • Apple Watch Series 10 features a wide-angle OLED 1.92 inch display with better brightness at off-angles for improved readability during outdoor activities, while the Apple Watch Series 9 uses a standard 1.67 inch OLED display.
  • It supports 0-80% charging in about 30 minutes for quicker turnaround between uses, whereas the Apple Watch Series 9 takes around 45 minutes to reach the same level.
  • The Apple Watch Series 10 has a depth sensor and water temperature sensor for accurate water-based activity tracking, while the Apple Watch Series 9 lacks both of these sensors.
  • Apple Watch Series 10 features enhanced speakers with neural network noise suppression for clearer call audio in noisy environments, whereas the Apple Watch Series 9 uses standard speakers without noise suppression.
  • It comes with a thinner and lighter case design for enhanced comfort during extended wear, whereas the Apple Watch Series 9 has a thicker and heavier build.
  • The Apple Watch Series 10 includes new kayaking, canoeing, and rowing workout modes with a Tides app for improved tracking of water sports, while the Apple Watch Series 9 does not have these additional workout modes.
  • Apple Watch Series 10 comes in a carbon-neutral titanium variant with higher recycled material content for reduced environmental impact, whereas the Apple Watch Series 9 does not have a carbon-neutral model.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 9 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 10. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Series 10Apple Watch Series 9
ProcessorS10 SiPS9 SiP
Thickness~10% thinnerStandard thickness
Weight~10% lighterHeavier
Case MaterialsAluminum, TitaniumAluminum, Stainless Steel
Color OptionsMidnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, Jet Black, Natural Titanium, Black TitaniumMidnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, Product(RED), Gold Stainless Steel, Graphite Stainless Steel
Display Size~9% larger screen area vs Series 7-9Standard screen size
Display TypeWide-Angle OLEDStandard OLED
Display Brightness (at angle)~40% brighter at off-anglesStandard brightness at angle
Always-On Display RefreshUpdates every secondUpdates less frequently
Charging Speed0-80% in ~30 minutes0-80% in ~45 minutes
Depth SensorYesNo
Water Temperature SensorYesNo
Speaker QualityEnhanced speakersStandard speakers
Noise Suppression for CallsYesNo
On-Device Music PlaybackYesNo
Fitness ModesAdds kayaking, canoeing, rowingStandard modes only
Tides AppYesNo
Carbon Neutral ModelYes (titanium)No
PriceCheck Series 10 PriceCheck Series 9 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • watchOS 11 Compatibility: Both models run watchOS 11, ensuring identical access to the latest features, apps, and interface updates.
  • Design Language: Both keep Apple’s signature rounded rectangular case with curved edges for comfort and familiarity.
  • Display Tech: Each uses an Always-On Retina OLED display for vivid colors, deep blacks, and clear readability in all lighting.
  • Peak Brightness: Both reach 2000 nits outdoors, maintaining visibility under direct sunlight.
  • Touch & Haptics: Each supports multi-touch gestures and features haptic feedback for more precise interactions.
  • Digital Crown: Both include the haptic-feedback Digital Crown for smooth scrolling and tactile navigation.
  • Water Resistance: Both are WR50-rated, meaning they can withstand swimming and shallow water activities.
  • Dust Resistance: IP6X protection ensures durability against dust ingress in both models.
  • Heart Rate & ECG: Both have an optical heart sensor and ECG app for accurate heart health monitoring.
  • Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Both can measure blood oxygen saturation to aid fitness and wellness tracking.
  • Temperature Sensing: Each tracks skin temperature during sleep for wellness insights.
  • Safety Features: Both support Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS for user safety.
  • Apple Pay: Contactless payment via Apple Pay works identically on both.
  • GPS/GNSS: Both have built-in GPS/GNSS for accurate workout and location tracking.
  • Cellular Models: Each has a GPS + Cellular option for standalone connectivity.
  • Wireless Tech: Both support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity with devices and accessories.
  • App Store Access: Direct app downloads are available on both watches.
  • Battery Performance: Both offer up to 18 hours in standard use or up to 36 hours in low-power mode.
  • Charging Compatibility: Both support MagSafe and Qi wireless charging for convenience.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Series 10Apple Watch Series 9
Operating SystemwatchOS 11watchOS 11
Case Shape & StyleRounded rectangular case with curved edgesRounded rectangular case with curved edges
Display TechnologyAlways-On Retina OLEDAlways-On Retina OLED
Display Brightness (Max)2000 nits peak brightness in sunlight2000 nits peak brightness in sunlight
Touch ControlsMulti-touch with Force Touch hapticsMulti-touch with Force Touch haptics
Digital CrownTactile feedback Digital Crown with haptic responseTactile feedback Digital Crown with haptic response
Water ResistanceWR50WR50
Dust ResistanceIP6XIP6X
Heart Rate MonitoringOptical heart sensor (2nd gen) + Electrical heart sensorOptical heart sensor (2nd gen) + Electrical heart sensor
Blood Oxygen SensorYesYes
Temperature SensingSkin temperature tracking during sleepSkin temperature tracking during sleep
Fall DetectionYesYes
Crash DetectionYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
Apple PayYesYes
GPSBuilt-in GPS/GNSSBuilt-in GPS/GNSS
Cellular OptionGPS + Cellular models availableGPS + Cellular models available
WirelessWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
App Store AccessYesYes
Battery LifeUp to 18 h standard, up to 36 h low-powerUp to 18 h standard, up to 36 h low-power
MagSafe & Qi ChargingYesYes
Price Check Series 10 Price Check Series 9 Price

FAQ

Does the Apple Watch Series 10 have better battery life than the Series 9?
No, both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 9 have the same rated battery life of up to 18 hours in standard mode and up to 36 hours in low-power mode.

Is the Apple Watch Series 10 faster than the Series 9?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 uses the newer S10 SiP, which brings improved efficiency and potentially smoother performance compared to the S9 chip in the Series 9.

Are the new sensors in the Series 10 exclusive?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 adds a depth sensor and a water temperature sensor, which were not available in the Series 9.

Can both Series 10 and Series 9 run watchOS 11?
Yes, both models run watchOS 11 and have access to the same software features and interface updates.

Which model has the larger display?
The Apple Watch Series 10 has a slightly larger display area, about 9% bigger compared to Series 9, along with improved brightness at off-angles.

Does the Series 10 charge faster than the Series 9?
Yes, the Series 10 charges from 0 to 80% in about 30 minutes, while the Series 9 takes around 45 minutes to reach the same level.

Do both watches have the same water resistance?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 9 have a WR50 water resistance rating, suitable for swimming and shallow water activities.

Is the Apple Watch Series 10 available in stainless steel?
No, the Series 10 is available in aluminum and titanium, while the Series 9 offers aluminum and stainless steel models.

Do both watches support Apple Pay?
Yes, both Series 10 and Series 9 fully support Apple Pay for contactless payments.

Does the Series 10 have better call quality than the Series 9?
Yes, the Series 10 has enhanced speakers, noise suppression via a neural network, and supports music playback directly from the watch, which the Series 9 does not.

Are the fitness features the same on both models?
No, the Series 10 adds tracking for kayaking, canoeing, and rowing, plus a Tides app, while the Series 9 does not include these additions.

Do both watches have ECG and blood oxygen monitoring?
Yes, both the Series 10 and Series 9 have ECG capability and a blood oxygen sensor.

Is the Apple Watch Series 10 more environmentally friendly?
Yes, the titanium version of the Series 10 is carbon neutral and made with more recycled materials compared to the Series 9.

Should I upgrade from Series 9 to Series 10?
You should consider upgrading if you want a thinner and lighter design, larger and brighter display, faster charging, extra water-related sensors, better audio quality, and new fitness modes, but if those features are not essential, the Series 9 remains a capable device.

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