Gadgets Insights Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 may look familiar, but don’t be fooled – it’s packed with notable improvements. A larger display with better viewing angles, coupled with a slimmer, more comfortable build, makes it feel expansive without being overbearing.
Pros
- Stunning new display
- 46mm model offers more space without feeling oversized
- Slimmer, more comfortable design
Cons
- S10 chip offers no significant performance boost over its predecessor
- No improvement in battery life, though fast charging is a plus
Apple Watch Series 10: A Quick Overview
At first glance, the Apple Watch Series 10 could easily be mistaken for its predecessors, the Series 9 or 8. But upon closer inspection, it’s clear that the Series 10 brings substantial upgrades. The larger display, enhanced with better viewing angles, is the most significant improvement, making it easier to check the time or notifications with just a glance from almost any position.
It still maintains the bright, vibrant screen that Apple Watches are known for, which is great for outdoor use, and the refresh rate can drop to 1Hz for more precise second-hand movements. You can still choose between two sizes, now larger at 42mm and 46mm, providing more screen real estate without feeling cumbersome on your wrist. Despite the increase in size, the watch remains slim, measuring just 9.7mm thick. The lighter build, 30g for the 42mm and 36.4g for the 46mm, makes it comfortable enough to wear all day.
Performance-wise, the S10 chip delivers the same snappy experience as previous models, and while there’s no performance leap compared to the S9, it’s still fast and future-proof. Health and fitness tracking continue to be strong points, with the addition of sleep apnea detection, making the Series 10 a compelling choice for fitness enthusiasts. The one downside? There’s no significant battery improvement, but the introduction of fast charging makes up for it.
Apple Watch Series 10: Design & Build Quality
While the design of the Series 10 may seem similar to previous versions, there’s a lot to unpack. The larger, wide-angle display steals the show, offering improved visibility from all angles. This design change started with the Apple Watch Series 7, and the Series 10 completes the evolution by stretching the screen to the edges for a more immersive experience.
The Series 10 comes in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm, replacing the older 41mm and 45mm models. While the size increase may seem minor on paper, it becomes noticeable when wearing the watch. The 46mm version provides 7% more screen space than the previous 45mm model, making it more user-friendly for interacting with apps, viewing notifications, and responding to messages.
Apple has also refined the build, making it slimmer and lighter than ever before. The aluminum models come in Rose Gold, Silver, and Jet Black, while a more premium titanium option is available in Natural, Gold, and Slate finishes. The watch is still water-resistant (WR50) and dust-resistant (IP6X), making it durable enough for everyday use.
Apple Watch Series 10: Features & Functionality
Running on watchOS 11, the Apple Watch Series 10 introduces new features like customizable activity goals and sleep apnea detection. The Smart Stack feature, which allows you to swipe up to view handy widgets like the weather forecast or current activity, has been enhanced with support for live activities. This means you can now track Uber rides or follow your running workout in real-time, straight from your wrist.
The sleep apnea detection feature is a standout addition, using new algorithms to monitor your breathing disturbances during sleep. If the watch detects any issues, it sends a notification and suggests you consult a doctor. This feature is a welcome addition for anyone prioritizing health monitoring, although it’s not exclusive to the Series 10 and is available on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 as well.
Voice isolation for phone calls has also been improved. The Series 10’s larger speaker makes it easier to hear calls, and the onboard neural network helps filter out background noise, making conversations clearer even in noisy environments.
Apple Watch Series 10: Performance
The S10 chip may not offer a significant performance boost over the S9, but it still delivers a zippy experience, handling apps, messages, and health tracking with ease. The larger screen on the 46mm model takes full advantage of the new wide-angle OLED display, making interactions feel more fluid. New watch faces, like Flux and Reflections, utilize the updated display tech to show time in visually interesting ways, and they’re highly customizable.
Battery life remains consistent with previous models, promising up to 18 hours of use or 36 hours in Low Power Mode. However, Apple has improved charging speeds, allowing you to reach 80% charge in just 30 minutes using the included fast-charging puck.
Apple Watch Series 10: Should You Buy It?
Buy it if…
- You want the latest, sleekest design with a larger display and thinner profile
- You value health tracking, especially new features like sleep apnea detection
- You want a future-proof Apple Watch without paying extra for the Ultra model
Don’t buy it if…
- You already have the Series 9 and don’t need the slightly larger screen
- You need a more rugged watch for outdoor adventures – consider the Ultra 2 instead
