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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Series 11
Get the Apple Watch Series 11 unless you're a fan of super-thin designs. The numbers: 24-hour battery life vs 18 hours means less hassle for daily charging. Plus, the Series 11 has a more durable display that resists scratches better, which matters if you're active. In real-world use, the Series 11's battery life translates to a full day of usage, compared to the Series 10 requiring daily charging. That means you can wear it overnight without worrying about a midday power outage, making it a better companion for tracking your sleep and workouts.
⚖️ Weight: 1.28 oz vs 1.07 oz🔋 Battery: 24h vs 18h
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Apple Watch Series 10
★4.7
(15,669)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS 11
Case Size:46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D) or 42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D)
Case Material:Aluminum (Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural)
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Apple Watch Series 11
★4.7
(1,649)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later
Operating System:watchOS 26
Case Size:42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D)
Case Material:Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Series 11
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple Watch Series 10
1220 sq mm (46mm) / 989 sq mm (42mm) display area
Apple Watch Series 11
989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm)
Resolution
Apple Watch Series 10
416 x 496 pixels (46mm); 374 x 446 pixels (42mm)
Apple Watch Series 11
374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple Watch Series 10
Up to 18 hours (normal use); Up to 36 hours (Low Power Mode)
Apple Watch Series 11
Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple Watch Series 10
Aluminum: 36.4g (46mm) / 30g (42mm); Titanium: 41.7g (46mm) / 34.4g (42mm)
Apple Watch Series 11
42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti)Winner
Water Resistance
Apple Watch Series 10
50 m (ISO 22810:2010); Swimproof
Apple Watch Series 11
Water resistance 50 m (swimproof)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple Watch Series 10
watchOS 11
Apple Watch Series 11
watchOS 26
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 10
LTE and UMTS (GPS + Cellular models); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband chip
Apple Watch Series 11
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Series 11
Apple Watch Series 10
★4.7(15,669)Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11
★4.7(1,649)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(15,669)Amazon | ★4.7(1,649)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone Xs or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), with iOS 18 or later | iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later |
Operating System | watchOS 11 | watchOS 26 |
Case Size | 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D) or 42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) | 42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D) |
Case Material | Aluminum (Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural) | Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural) |
Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED; Wide-angle; Up to 2000 nits brightness; Minimum 1 nit | Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED; Ion-X front glass with 2x scratch resistance (Aluminum) or Sapphire crystal (Titanium) |
Display Size | 1220 sq mm (46mm) / 989 sq mm (42mm) display area | 989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm) |
Resolution | 416 x 496 pixels (46mm); 374 x 446 pixels (42mm) | 374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Up to 2000 nits peak, 1 nit minimum) |
Water Resistance | 50 m (ISO 22810:2010); Swimproof | Water resistance 50 m (swimproof) |
Durability | IP6X dust resistant; Crack-resistant front crystal | IP6X dust resistance; 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (Aluminum models); Sapphire crystal (Titanium models) |
GPS | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou |
Connectivity | LTE and UMTS (GPS + Cellular models); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband chip | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models |
NFC Payments | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Electrical heart sensor (ECG); 3rd-gen optical heart sensor; Temperature sensor; Compass; Always-on altimeter; High-g accelerometer; High dynamic range gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; Depth gauge (to 6m); Water temperature sensor | Electrical heart sensor (ECG); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; Temperature sensor; Compass; Always-on altimeter; High-g accelerometer; High dynamic range gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; Depth gauge (to 6m); Water temperature sensor |
Health Features | Sleep Apnea notifications; Blood Oxygen app; ECG app; Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular rhythm notifications; Medications; Mindfulness; Vitals app | Sleep Apnea notifications; Hypertension notifications; Vitals app; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
Workout Modes | Strength, HIIT, Pilates, Yoga, Swimming (Pool & Open Water), Running, Cycling, Hiking, Multisport, Tai Chi, Kickboxing, Dance, Cooldown, and more via Workout app | Custom workouts; Multisport; Race Route; Running; Cycling; Hiking; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Snorkeling (to 6m); Tides app |
Storage | 64GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation | Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation |
Calls | Yes (GPS + Cellular models standalone); GPS models via paired iPhone | Yes (via Wi-Fi/iPhone or 5G/LTE on Cellular models) |
Battery | Up to 18 hours (normal use); Up to 36 hours (Low Power Mode) | Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | Fast charge (0–80% in approx. 30 min); Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1m) included | Fast charge capable (0-80% in approx. 30 minutes) |
Weight | Aluminum: 36.4g (46mm) / 30g (42mm); Titanium: 41.7g (46mm) / 34.4g (42mm) | 42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti) |
Band Sizes | Fits 140–245mm wrists (46mm); Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm) | Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm) or 140–245mm wrists (46mm) |
Extras | S10 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; On-device Siri; Crash Detection; Fall Detection | S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core); 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; Precision Finding for iPhone; On-device Siri |
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Apple Watch Series 10
Rating:★4.7(15,669)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone Xs or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), with iOS 18 or later
Operating System:watchOS 11
Case Size:46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D) or 42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D)
Case Material:Aluminum (Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural)
Display Type:Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED; Wide-angle; Up to 2000 nits brightness; Minimum 1 nit
Display Size:1220 sq mm (46mm) / 989 sq mm (42mm) display area
Resolution:416 x 496 pixels (46mm); 374 x 446 pixels (42mm)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:50 m (ISO 22810:2010); Swimproof
Durability:IP6X dust resistant; Crack-resistant front crystal
GPS:L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Connectivity:LTE and UMTS (GPS + Cellular models); Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband chip
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart sensor (ECG); 3rd-gen optical heart sensor; Temperature sensor; Compass; Always-on altimeter; High-g accelerometer; High dynamic range gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; Depth gauge (to 6m); Water temperature sensor
Health Features:Sleep Apnea notifications; Blood Oxygen app; ECG app; Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates; High/low heart rate notifications; Irregular rhythm notifications; Medications; Mindfulness; Vitals app
Workout Modes:Strength, HIIT, Pilates, Yoga, Swimming (Pool & Open Water), Running, Cycling, Hiking, Multisport, Tai Chi, Kickboxing, Dance, Cooldown, and more via Workout app
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation
Calls:Yes (GPS + Cellular models standalone); GPS models via paired iPhone
Battery:Up to 18 hours (normal use); Up to 36 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charge (0–80% in approx. 30 min); Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1m) included
Weight:Aluminum: 36.4g (46mm) / 30g (42mm); Titanium: 41.7g (46mm) / 34.4g (42mm)
Band Sizes:Fits 140–245mm wrists (46mm); Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm)
Extras:S10 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; On-device Siri; Crash Detection; Fall Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Largest, most advanced display in a standard Apple Watch
- • Thinnest design ever (9.7mm) with lighter weight options
- • Faster charging (80% in 30 mins) aids sleep tracking
- • New health features including Sleep Apnea notifications
- • Includes depth gauge and water temperature sensor
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life remains 18 hours (requires daily charging)
- • Titanium finish commands a significant price premium
- • Requires iPhone Xs or newer (Android incompatible)
- • Some features (Blood Oxygen) strictly dependent on region
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Apple Watch Series 11
Rating:★4.7(1,649)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later
Operating System:watchOS 26
Case Size:42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D)
Case Material:Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural)
Display Type:Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED; Ion-X front glass with 2x scratch resistance (Aluminum) or Sapphire crystal (Titanium)
Display Size:989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm)
Resolution:374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes (Up to 2000 nits peak, 1 nit minimum)
Water Resistance:Water resistance 50 m (swimproof)
Durability:IP6X dust resistance; 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (Aluminum models); Sapphire crystal (Titanium models)
GPS:L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models
NFC Payments:Apple Pay
Sensors:Electrical heart sensor (ECG); 3rd-generation optical heart sensor; Temperature sensor; Compass; Always-on altimeter; High-g accelerometer; High dynamic range gyroscope; Ambient light sensor; Depth gauge (to 6m); Water temperature sensor
Health Features:Sleep Apnea notifications; Hypertension notifications; Vitals app; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
Workout Modes:Custom workouts; Multisport; Race Route; Running; Cycling; Hiking; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Snorkeling (to 6m); Tides app
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation
Calls:Yes (via Wi-Fi/iPhone or 5G/LTE on Cellular models)
Battery:Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode)
Charging:Fast charge capable (0-80% in approx. 30 minutes)
Weight:42mm: 30.3 g (Alu GPS), 29.7 g (Alu Cell), 34.6 g (Ti); 46mm: 37.8 g (Alu GPS), 36.9 g (Alu Cell), 43.1 g (Ti)
Band Sizes:Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm) or 140–245mm wrists (46mm)
Extras:S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core); 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; Precision Finding for iPhone; On-device Siri
✓ Pros:
- • Battery life increased to 24 hours (up from 18h on Series 10)
- • Aluminum models feature 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass
- • First non-Ultra Apple Watch to support 5G (RedCap) connectivity
- • Includes sleep apnea and hypertension notification features
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the same S10 chip as the previous generation (no speed gain)
- • Design and dimensions are identical to Series 10
- • Requires iOS 26, limiting compatibility with older iPhones
- • 5G support limited to Cellular models
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Which one is better?
The Apple Watch Series 11 is the better buy for most people - its 24-hour battery life crushes the Series 10's 18-hour limit. That said, grab the Series 10 if you want the thinnest Apple Watch available at just 9.7mm, especially if weight is a top priority.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple Watch Series 10 if: you prefer the thinnest watch design at 9.7mm, you want faster charging to 80% in 30 minutes, or you love the largest display in a standard Apple Watch.
Choose the Apple Watch Series 11 if: you need 24+ hours of battery life, you want a more durable watch with 2x scratch resistance, or you’re looking for the latest features like hypertension notifications.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple Watch Series 10 excels if you value largest, most advanced display in a standard apple watch. Apple Watch Series 11 is better if you prioritize battery life increased to 24 hours (up from 18h on series 10). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
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