Apple Watch Series 10 vs Series 9: Is It Really An Upgrade?

Apple’s Watch Series 10 is finally here and, at its 10th year anniversary, it promises a slew of improvements and new features over the existing lineup. If you’re in the market for a new Apple Watch or if you already own last year’s Series 9, you must be wondering if the Watch Series 10 is an upgrade from its predecessor. In this Watch Series 10 vs Series 9 comparison, we’ll explain what are changes between the two models and most importantly, should you upgrade to the latest device right away.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Series 9: What’s Different

The most notable difference when jumping from an existing Watch Series model are the larger displays on both the variants. The base 41mm model is now replaced by a 42mm unit, while the older 45mm version has been bumped to 46mm in size. The bigger displays mean the watch casing is a bit bigger, which is just a build up in terms of size. The new wide-angle OLED panels are also 40 percent brighter than its predecessor.

For power, the Watch Series 10 gets the Apple S10 and a 4-core Neural Engine. It’s accompanied by intelligent features like on-device Siri, automatic workout detection, and double tap gesture. There’s also a bump in the charging time. Series 10 can be powered from 0-80 % in 30 minutes, while the older models take up to 45 minutes for the same.

The newer model has a Water temperature sensor and a depth gauge that works at up to 6 meters underwater. Series 9, on the other hand, doesn’t come with any such sensors. Additionally, the newer model comes with Oceanic+ app for people who are into snorkelling.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Series 9: Similarities

Besides the features we explained above, the Watch Series 10 retains all the other features from the Series 9. Other than being larger, both models are Retina LTPO OLED with peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The overall design resembles that of the Series 9, so you’ve got the same stainless steel frame with ceramic and sapphire crystal back panel.

Then, there’s the Sleep Apnea Detection feature that monitors your sleep routine and check your breathing patterns during this time through blood oxygen saturation. If it detects any abnormalities, the Series 10 will ask you to consult a doctor. This is, however, not exclusive to the Watch Series 10, so you will soon find them on the Series 9 models as well.

The newer model gets the same IP6X rating for resistance. So, both allow up to 50 meters submersion and are swimproof.

Battery longevity is more or less the same between the two devices, i.e., up to 18 hours and 36 hours on normal and Low Battery usages respectively. Besides the additional sensors, the rest of the hardware remains intact. The Series 10 borrows all the major sensors like Electrical heart sensor, optical heart sensor, temperature, SpO2, VO2max, compass, accelerometer, barometer, gyro, and altimeter.

You also get the second generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for connectivity. On the software front, both models will run Apple’s latest watchOS 11 version, so there’s no major difference you’d find when navigating through it.

Should You Upgrade to the Watch Series 10?

Unlike the iPhone, which received a major revamp during its 10th year anniversary, the Apple Watch hasn’t been fortunate. Besides the larger displays, the only area where the Series 10 feels like an upgrade are the health features. But unless you really need the blood pressure and sleep apnea monitoring for your health, it doesn’t make sense upgrading if you already own the Watch Series 9.