Apple Watch Series 8
Score: 83/100
Apple Watch Series 10
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Apple Watch Series 10 46 mm GPS aluminum model offers the largest Apple Watch display and the fastest charging in the lineup. Its trade-offs include modest battery endurance and the absence of dual-frequency GPS or cellular connectivity. Ideal for iPhone users seeking a big screen and comprehensive health tracking.
Apple Watch Series 8 45 mm GPS aluminum delivers a bright 2000-nit always-on display and a full suite of health sensors. It is limited by daily charging needs and lacks standalone cellular capability. Best suited for iPhone owners who want premium health features without rugged durability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
18 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 36.3 gbest | 36.4 g |
308 mAh | 327 mAhbest | |
64 GBbest | 64 GBbest | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | watchOS 10 | watchOS 11 |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Capacity (mAh) | 308 mAh | 327 mAh |
Display(2) | ||
Display Resolution | 396x484 | 416x496 |
Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On Retina |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 36.3 g | 36.4 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Series 9 for its ultra-bright 2000-nit display, the speed of the new S9 processor and the innovative Double Tap gesture, calling the interaction "magical." They also highlight richer workout visuals and Precision Finding via UWB, while noting that the GPS-only model still needs daily charging and lacks cellular capability, and that the weight gain over the 41 mm version is marginal.
Everyday users praise the watch's seamless iPhone integration, reliable fitness and health tracking, and the readability of the bright screen. Common complaints revolve around the need to charge daily, occasional sync hiccups with the iPhone, and band comfort issues for smaller wrists.
Professional reviewers praise the Series 10 for its spot-on GPS and heart-rate accuracy that mirrors the Series 9 and Ultra 2, the substantial 46 mm screen increase, and the fastest charging time yet. They note the thinner aluminum case feels premium, but criticize the lack of new sensor hardware and the separate navigation app, suggesting titanium would be a more durable long-term choice.
Everyday users love the larger display for reading messages, the barely-noticeable 36.4 g weight, and the modern thin design. Common frustrations revolve around the bulkier feel on smaller wrists, the split-screen navigation experience, and the perception that hardware improvements are limited to software tweaks.
