Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Series 9: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Around half a century in the tech industry is enough to earn you the label of OG. This is probably why Apple is its biggest and hottest competitor at the moment - at least when it comes to the smartwatch.
Dramatics aside, Apple sold around 50 million smartwatches in 2024, and this figure is expected to rise in 2025 with the debut of the new Apple Watch Series 10. Now, the question arises: How are people that dumb to ditch a barely 12-month-old, $400+ accessory for an even more expensive one? The answer lies in four words - the more, the merrier.
Unlike a few previous models (we’re not taking names), the company has promised more this time. According to the developers, the brand-new Apple watch is not merely a revamp or extension of the Series 9 but simply better. Well, we’re the judge of that.
So, if you’re looking for a die-hard honest review of the Series 10 smartwatch, plus if or how it is better than its forerunner, hop along.
Apple Watch Series 10 - Overview
Advertised by the brand as the thinnest accessory ever, the new model of Apple smartwatch was launched recently on September 20, 2024. One of the main reasons the company’s audience is so heavily inclined towards this new product is its claim for added comfort.
This smartwatch is all about aesthetics with a huge focus on fitness. Previous models also highlighted the accessory as a tool for tracking fitness but the Nike strap collab takes it to a different level. This baby comes in two models, mainly differentiated by size; one 46 mm and the other 42 mm.
Apple Watch Series 9 - Overview
The Series 9 watch by Apple has been a huge hit since its launch back in September 2023. The main reason behind this long-lasting fame is the performance it offers. It ran 60% better than the processor in the Series 8, thanks to the dual-core CPU which works with astonishing precision. Its NPU and sensors packed in that gorgeous stainless steel exterior are also a catch. This smartwatch is available in two sizes; 45 mm and 41 mm, both having the same characteristics.
Difference Between Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 9
Specs | Series 10 | Series 9 |
Dimensions | 42mm, 46 mm | 41mm, 45mm |
Material | Aluminum, Titanium | Aluminum, Stainless Steel |
Display Area | 989 sq mm, 1220 sq mm | 904 sq mm, 1143 sq mm |
Display Resolution | 374x446 pixel, 416x496 pixel | 352x430 pixel, 396x484 pixel |
Color | Silver, Rose Gold, Jet Black, Natural, Gold, Slate | Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red, Gold, Graphite |
Platform | WatchOS 11 | WatchOS 10 |
Processor | S10 SiP | S9 SiP |
Design & Display
Design-wise, the 2024 Model takes the spot as the best-ever smartwatch in the history of smartwatches. One of the main concerns wearers had with the 2023 model was its bulky design and weight. Even the smaller size measuring 41 mm weighed around 42.3 grams. And since we’re talking about design, let us mention that the series 10 has a more exclusive touch to it, especially with the titanium finish.
In terms of display, it can be hard to comprehend which one’s better because A, both are OLED Always-on screens, and B, brightness level falls between 1 to 2000 nits for both.
However, the 2024 model is an LTPO3 with an enhanced refresh rate, whereas the 2023 model is an LTPO. Also, the latest one has a wide viewing angle that ensures color and quality consistency.
Battery Life
If you look at the developer’s guide regarding the battery, you’ll be disappointed. Both products feature the same lithium-ion battery with a fast charge capability. It is also mentioned that these two watches have a span of 18 hours max while utilizing all elements at full. At low power, they can stay up for up to 36 hours.
Now, the catch is the actual experiences of users of the 2024 model. Most users reported that the battery of the latest smartwatch remains unconsumed by 35% even after 36 hours in low-power mode. This means the charging can last roughly up to 37-38 hours depending on your usage, which is quite an upgrade.
Smart Features
In terms of smart features, you’ll be a tad bit disappointed by the company’s progress since there isn’t much innovation. Be it regarding health or the general area, you’ll find all the existing series 9 functions in the series 9 model. And the 2024 model definitely has it all, from temperature sensing to irregular rhythm notifications and even the revolutionary sleep apnea.
The only major smart feature of the Series 10 is regarding voice and sound management. Its genius voice isolation ability allows you to take calls or record messages while cutting down the background din. Moreover, with the latest version, you can play music on the speaker as loud as you like.
Lifestyle Features
The entire agenda of this series is to promote an athletic and healthy lifestyle, which this product is nailing by the way. But since our topic of debate is Apple Watch Series 9 vs Series 10, let’s come straight to the facts.
The 2024 model has all the fitness functions of the previous model, but the Series 9 lacks the depth gauge and temperature sensor which can be a big deal among pro swimmers. The new model can measure the depth underwater up to 6 meters while tracking your heart health and bodily functions. It can also check the water temperature and notify you.
Performance & Quality
If you want nothing to do with the looks of the device and everything to do with the performance, welcome to our world. The Series 10 has a chip with a 64-bit dual-core processor with a CPU capacity of 64 GB. This chip also has a 4-core Neural Engine that boosts machine learning and artificial intelligence, while sideways, supporting the heat sink.
To nobody’s surprise, the Series 9 also has the same functions except for the name of the SiP S9. Hence, the running capabilities of these two watches are almost at the same level, and if there are any improvements in the performance, it's probably because of other features.
Price
Apple is notoriously famous for its exceptionally overpriced products, but does that stop us from obsessing over it? Nope! The reason is the value for money these devices bring and how well they can mesh into your everyday life and tasks.
Now, when it comes to cash, the Series 10 is obviously more expensive than the previous one. It can cost between $400 and $1050 for the latest model, depending on the connectivity options and material you choose. Even though the 2023 version starts at around $300 and can go up to $530, which is half of what the Series 10 comes at.
Final Verdict - Which is Better?
Without beating around the bush, the new Apple Watch Series 10 is the winner! Keeping the processor performance aside, there are quite cool characteristics that you can benefit from in your everyday life. Take the voice isolation tool, for example, it just makes your life easier. And that fast-charging battery also has the potential to last longer than the previous model.
Forget everything, the comfort this Series 10 brings to the table is impeccable. Its astonishingly lightweight structure and sleek chic design are worth every penny. Also, the screen does full justice to the price which is not the case with the previous models, so if you’re up for an upgrade, we approve it.