Apple smartwatch fans were anticipating a special edition of the Apple Watch Series 10 this year, featuring innovative new functions and a longer battery life. Although Apple introduced significant design changes in the new Apple Watch Series 10, many users are disappointed by the battery life and the lack of features found in previous models. However, if you have an older Apple Watch model, it might be worth upgrading. Let’s take a look at a comparison between the Apple Watch Series 10 and older models, from design to performance.
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Design: Comparison of Apple Watch Series 10 dimensions and screen with Series 9 / 8 / 7
The most noticeable change introduced by the Apple Watch Series 10 is in its design. The casing of both Series 10 models is 1mm larger than that of previous models, which kept the same size for three years. Additionally, Apple claims that the Series 10 is 10% thinner than the Series 9 – 7 models.
As for the Series 10 screen, it’s OLED (visible from all angles) and has slightly more pixels than previous models, along with a stronger brightness of up to 2,000 nits.
| Apple Watch | Series 10 | Series 9 | Series 8 | Series 7 |
| Case size | 46 / 42mm | 45 / 41mm | 45 / 41mm | 45 / 41mm |
| Screen size | 416 x 496 pixels, 1220 sq mm (46mm model) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model) |
| Maximum brightness | 2.000 nits | 2.000 nits | 1.000 nits | 1.000 nits |
| Always-on display | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| OLED Display | YES | DO NOT | DO NOT | DO NOT |
| Screen glass from Sapphire | The titanium model | The steel model | The steel model | The steel model |
| Ion-X screen glass | Aluminum model | Aluminum model | Aluminum model | Aluminum model |
The OLED screen on the Apple Watch Series 10 allows for wide-angle visibility, with brightness up to 30% higher than on previous models.
Apple Watch Series 10 strap compatibility with older models
Although there were rumors before the official release that straps from previous models would no longer be compatible, with the Apple Watch Series 10, you can use any strap from the Apple Watch Series 3 or newer. You only need to ensure that the casing size (large or small model) matches.
Battery Life: Comparison of Apple Watch Series 10 with older models
Unfortunately, we can’t really compare the Apple Watch Series 10 with older models when it comes to battery life. The battery life remains at 18 hours of usage under normal conditions and 36 hours in Low Power Mode, just like the Apple Watch Series 9 – 7 models.
However, we can compare the charging speed of the Apple Watch Series 10 with previous models. The Series 10 battery charges from 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes, compared to 45 minutes for the Series 9 – 7 models.
| Apple Watch | Series 10 | Series 9 | Series 8 | Series 7 |
| Autonomy Standard | 18 hours | 18 hours | 18 hours | 18 hours |
| Low Power Mode | 36 hours | 36 hours | 36 hours | 36 hours |
| Charge from 0% – 80% | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
If you’re interested in sleep tracking during the night and your Apple Watch Series 10 runs out of battery before bedtime, an 8-minute charge will provide 8 hours of usage (the same as with the Series 9 and 8 models).
Comparison of Apple Watch Series 10: Sensors, features, and apps
Like the Series 9 and Ultra 2, the Apple Watch Series 10 does not have a blood oxygen monitoring feature for users in the USA. It’s unclear if this function is available in other countries, as is the case with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023).
However, there is something new compared to older models. The Apple Watch Series 10 introduces sleep apnea monitoring. That said, if we compare the Apple Watch Series 10 with older models like the Series 8, 7, or others, this feature is also available on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, starting with the release of watchOS 11.
Additionally, for fans of underwater sports, a new feature has been introduced for measuring and monitoring diving depth, along with a sensor that measures water temperature.
| Apple Watch | Series 10 | Series 9 | Series 8 | Series 7 |
| Sleep apnea notification | YES | YES | DO NOT | DO NOT |
| EKG / EKG app | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Blood Oxygen App | DO NOT | YES/DO NOT (in the US) | YES | YES |
| Low / high heart rate notification | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Sleep monitoring | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Accident detection | YES | YES | YES | DO NOT |
| Fall detection | YES | YES | YES | DA |
| Cycle tracking with temperature sensor | YES | YES | YES | DO NOT |
| Emergency SOS | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Siri integrated on the device | YES | YES | DO NOT | DO NOT |
| Haptic control (double tap) | YES | YES | DO NOT | DO NOT |
| Siri+Health | YES | YES | DO NOT | DO NOT |
| IP6X dust resistance | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| 50m water resistance | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Diving depth indicator | YES | DO NOT | DO NOT | DO NOT |
| Water temperature sensor | YES | DO NOT | DO NOT | DO NOT |
| Play music / podcast through the speaker | YES | DO NOT | DO NOT | DO NOT |
Related: Apple Watch Series 10. Design and Functionality
So, if you want to see the depth you’re diving at and the water temperature in real time, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the only model that can provide you with this information. Furthermore, the Series 10 allows you to listen to music or podcasts directly on the internal speaker, without the need for AirPods or HomePod for playback.
In this comparison between the Apple Watch Series 10 and older models, I haven’t found strong arguments for an upgrade. Perhaps only for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Titanium Black, which I really like for the color of the case combined with the new Titanium Milanese Loop band.
