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
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Processor | S10 SiP | S9 SiP |
| Thickness | ~10% thinner | Standard thickness |
| Weight | ~10% lighter | Heavier |
| Case Materials | Aluminum, Titanium | Aluminum, Stainless Steel |
| Color Options | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, Jet Black, Natural Titanium, Black Titanium | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, Product(RED), Gold Stainless Steel, Graphite Stainless Steel |
| Display Size | ~9% larger screen area vs Series 7-9 | Standard screen size |
| Display Type | Wide-Angle OLED | Standard OLED |
| Display Brightness (at angle) | ~40% brighter at off-angles | Standard brightness at angle |
| Always-On Display Refresh | Updates every second | Updates less frequently |
| Charging Speed | 0-80% in ~30 minutes | 0-80% in ~45 minutes |
| Depth Sensor | Yes | No |
| Water Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| Speaker Quality | Enhanced speakers | Standard speakers |
| Noise Suppression for Calls | Yes | No |
| On-Device Music Playback | Yes | No |
| Fitness Modes | Adds kayaking, canoeing, rowing | Standard modes only |
| Tides App | Yes | No |
| Carbon Neutral Model | Yes (titanium) | No |
| Price | Check Series 10 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Operating System | watchOS 11 | watchOS 11 |
| Case Shape & Style | Rounded rectangular case with curved edges | Rounded rectangular case with curved edges |
| Display Technology | Always-On Retina OLED | Always-On Retina OLED |
| Display Brightness (Max) | 2000 nits peak brightness in sunlight | 2000 nits peak brightness in sunlight |
| Touch Controls | Multi-touch with Force Touch haptics | Multi-touch with Force Touch haptics |
| Digital Crown | Tactile feedback Digital Crown with haptic response | Tactile feedback Digital Crown with haptic response |
| Water Resistance | WR50 | WR50 |
| Dust Resistance | IP6X | IP6X |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Optical heart sensor (2nd gen) + Electrical heart sensor | Optical heart sensor (2nd gen) + Electrical heart sensor |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Sensing | Skin temperature tracking during sleep | Skin temperature tracking during sleep |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Crash Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in GPS/GNSS | Built-in GPS/GNSS |
| Cellular Option | GPS + Cellular models available | GPS + Cellular models available |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| App Store Access | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 h standard, up to 36 h low-power | Up to 18 h standard, up to 36 h low-power |
| MagSafe & Qi Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Series 10 Price | Check Series 9 Price |
