The fans of Apple smart watches were waiting for a special edition of the Apple Watch Series 10 this year, with new innovative functions and a higher range. Although Apple has made important changes in the design of the new Apple Watch Series 10, many users are disappointed by the battery life and the lack of functions present on previous models. However, if you have an older Apple Watch model, it may be worth an upgrade. Let's see an Apple Watch Series 10 comparison with older models, from design to performance.
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Design: Apple Watch Series 10 size and screen comparison with 9/8 Series
The most visible change brought by the Apple Watch Series 10 is the design. The case of both Series 10 models is greater than 1mm than the models of previous years, which for three years have retained the same dimensions. Apple also says that Series 10 is 10% thinner than Series 9 - 7.
As for the Series 10 screen, this OLED (visible from all angles) and has some more pixels than previous models, plus a stronger brightness, up to 2,000 nits.
| Apple Watch | Series 10 | Series 9 | Series 8 | Series 7 |
| Housing size | 46/42mm | 45/41mm | 45/41mm | 45/41mm |
| Screen size | 416 x 496 pixels, 1220 sq mm (model 46mm) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (model 45mm) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (model 45mm) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (model 45mm) |
| Maximum brightness | 2.000 nits | 2.000 nits | 1.000 nits | 1.000 nits |
| Always-on display | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Ecran OLED | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Sapphire screen glass | Titan model | The steel model | The steel model | The steel model |
| Ion-X screen glass | The aluminum model | The aluminum model | The aluminum model | The aluminum model |
The OLED screen on the Apple Watch Series 10 allows wide -angle visibility, with a brightness of up to 30% higher than on previous models.
Compatibility Apple Watch Series 10 belts with older patterns
Although until the official launch it was rumored that the straps from the previous models were no longer compatible, at the Apple Watch Series 10 you can use any strap from the Apple Watch Series 3 or from a newer series. You need to consider just complying with the size of the housing (large model or small pattern).
Battery autonomy. Apple Watch Series 10 comparison with older models
Unfortunately, we cannot make a comparison Apple Watch Series 10 with older models in terms of battery use time. The battery life has remained at 18 hours of use under normal conditions and 36 hours in low power mode, as is the Apple Watch Series 9 - 7.
However, we can compare the Apple Watch Series 10 battery charge with previous models. The Series 10 battery is charged from 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes, compared to 45 minutes on the Series 9 - 7 models.
| Apple Watch | Series 10 | Series 9 | Series 8 | Series 7 |
| Standard autonomy | 18 ore | 18 ore | 18 ore | 18 ore |
| Low Power Mode | 36 ore | 36 ore | 36 ore | 36 ore |
| Loading from 0% - 80% | 30 minute | 45 minute | 45 minute | 45 minute |
If you are interested in monitoring sleep during the night and the Apple Watch Series 10 battery was downloaded before you get in bed, with a charging of only 8 minutes, it will have an 8-hour autonomy (as well as the Series 9, 8).
Apple Watch Series Comparison: sensors, functions and applications.
As with Series 9 and Ultra 2, the Apple Watch Series 10 does not have the blood oxygen monitoring function for USA users. It is not clear, however, if the function is available for other countries, as is the case of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023).
However, we have something extra compared to older models. With the Apple Watch Series 10, the monitoring function of sleep apnea syndrome is introduced. However, if we are to make an Apple Watch Series 10 comparison with older models, they will relate to Series 8, 7 or older. This feature is also available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, with the launch of Watchos 11.
Also, for those passionate about underwater sports, the function of measuring and monitoring the depth depth and the sensor measuring the water temperature is introduced.
| Apple Watch | Series 10 | Series 9 | Series 8 | Series 7 |
| Notification Apnea in Sleep | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| App EKG / ECG | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| App oxygen in the blood | NO | YES/NO (in the USA) | YES | YES |
| Low / increased pulse notification | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Sleep monitoring | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Accident detection | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| Detection of fall | YES | YES | YES | AND |
| Tracking cycle with temperature sensor | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| Emergencies sauce | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Siri integrated on the device | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Control haptic (double tap) | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Siri+Health | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| IP6X dust resistance | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Depth resistance 50m in water | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Sinking depth indicator | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Water temperature sensor | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Music playback / podcast through speaker | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Related: Apple Watch Series 10. Design and functionalities
So, if you want to see in real time the depth you are submerged underwater and its temperature, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the only model that can give you this information. Also, Series 10 allows you to listen to music or podcasts directly on the internal speaker, without the need for airpods or homepod.
As a personal opinion, in this comparison Apple Watch Series 10 with older models, we did not find solid arguments for upgrade. Maybe only the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Titanium Black, which I really like the color of the case combined with the new Titanium Milanese Loop.
