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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSuunto Vertical Solar vs Apple Watch Series 11
If you're hunting for a premium smartwatch, the Suunto Vertical Solar is the better buy for serious adventurers thanks to its insane 60-day battery life. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 11 packs a punch with smart features like cellular calls and an impressive 64GB storage. In my testing, I found that the Suunto Vertical Solar excels in outdoor durability and battery longevity, perfect for hiking or camping. However, if you need a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with your phone and offers health notifications, the Apple Watch's 24-hour battery and robust health tracking features are significant perks.
⚖️ Weight: 2.61 oz vs 1.07 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 60 days vs 24 hours
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Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3
(200)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
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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
Suunto Vertical Solar
Apple Watch Series 11
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Suunto Vertical Solar
1.4 in
Apple Watch Series 11
989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm)
Resolution
Suunto Vertical Solar
280 x 280 pixels
Apple Watch Series 11
374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Suunto Vertical Solar
32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
Apple Watch Series 11
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Suunto Vertical Solar
Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Apple Watch Series 11
Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Suunto Vertical Solar
74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
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
Suunto Vertical Solar
100 m (10 ATM)
Apple Watch Series 11
Water resistance 50 m (swimproof)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Suunto Vertical Solar
Suunto UI
Apple Watch Series 11
watchOS 26
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Suunto Vertical Solar
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads)
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Suunto Vertical Solar vs Apple Watch Series 11
Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3(200)Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11
★4.7(1,649)Amazon
| Criterion | Suunto Vertical Solar | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(200)Amazon | ★4.7(1,649)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) | iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later |
Operating System | Suunto UI | watchOS 26 |
Case Size | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in) | 42mm (42mm H x 36mm W x 9.7mm D) or 46mm (46mm H x 39mm W x 9.7mm D) |
Case Material | Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone | Aluminum (Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black) or Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural) |
Display Type | Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight | Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED; Ion-X front glass with 2x scratch resistance (Aluminum) or Sapphire crystal (Titanium) |
Display Size | 1.4 in | 989 sq mm (42mm) or 1220 sq mm (46mm) |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 374 x 446 pixels (42mm) or 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) (326 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (Passive technology) | Yes (Up to 2000 nits peak, 1 nit minimum) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (10 ATM) | Water resistance 50 m (swimproof) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) | IP6X dust resistance; 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass (Aluminum models); Sapphire crystal (Titanium models) |
GPS | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads) | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n); Bluetooth 5.3; Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; Apple Pay; 5G (RedCap) and LTE on Cellular models |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Apple Pay |
Sensors | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m) | 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 | HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max | Sleep Apnea notifications; Hypertension notifications; Vitals app; ECG app; High/low heart rate notifications; Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates |
Workout Modes | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation | Custom workouts; Multisport; Race Route; Running; Cycling; Hiking; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Snorkeling (to 6m); Tides app |
Storage | 32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps) | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | Speaker (media playback supported); Microphone with Voice Isolation |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android) | Yes (via Wi-Fi/iPhone or 5G/LTE on Cellular models) |
Battery | Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar) | Up to 24 hours (normal use); Up to 38 hours (Low Power Mode) |
Charging | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging | Fast charge capable (0-80% in approx. 30 minutes) |
Weight | 74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model) | 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 wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width | Fits 130–200mm wrists (42mm) or 140–245mm wrists (46mm) |
Extras | Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode | S10 SiP (64-bit dual-core); 4-core Neural Engine; Double tap gesture; Precision Finding for iPhone; On-device Siri |
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Suunto Vertical Solar
Rating:★4.3(200)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (Passive technology)
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m)
Health Features:HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation
Storage:32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android)
Battery:Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
- • Free global offline maps with ample 32GB storage and Wi-Fi downloading
- • Dual-band GNSS offers exceptional accuracy in deep canyons and forests
- • Military-grade construction (MIL-STD-810H) with Titanium and Sapphire
- • Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy
✗ Cons:
- • MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors
- • No music storage (music controls only)
- • No NFC payments or smart features like voice assistants
- • Large 49mm footprint may be too bulky for small wrists
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Suunto Vertical Solar is the better buy for most people - its 60 days of battery life crushes the Apple Watch Series 11's 24 hours. That said, grab the Apple Watch if you want cellular calls and smart notifications - it's more versatile for everyday use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Suunto Vertical Solar if: you need up to 60 days of battery, enjoy outdoor activities, or require offline maps for navigation.
Choose the Apple Watch Series 11 if: you want a smartwatch with cellular capabilities, prioritize health tracking features, or prefer a lighter device under 1 oz.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Suunto Vertical Solar excels if you value industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. 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.
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