When Apple announced Apple Watch series 11he had a feeling of déjà vu as his features seemed quite close to Episode 10 what it replaced. If you are looking for a new one smart watchIs it better to find a refurbished or used Series 10 rather than buying the latest version? Read on, I've compiled all the differences that may help you make a decision, especially if you're using an older model.
Let's compare the models and highlight the finer details.
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Apple Watch Series 11 prices
Series 11 retained same price like the Series 10. Prices start at $399 for the aluminum model or $699 for the titanium model.
Add $30 for the larger (46mm) aluminum case or $50 for titanium. Opting for a cellular radio model that connects independently to networks adds $100. And if you choose a strap that is not made of rubber or textile, such as a stainless steel bracelet, the price will rise even more. Unfortunately, you cannot order just the watch case; you will have to choose a new strap, even if it ends up in your drawer instead of the one you already have and prefer.
There's also a titanium model of the Apple Watch Hermès, available in silver titanium in both sizes starting at $1,249.
Apple no longer sells the Series 10 as it's being replaced by the Series 11, but you can still find renovated Lower priced Series 10 models from Apple, plus new models from other retailers, while supplies last.
Check this out: Apple Watch Series 11 review: Is it worth upgrading?
Apple Watch Series 11 vs Series 10: External Design
The Series 11 and Series 10 share the same body design and materials. The larger model measures 46mm high by 39mm wide, while the smaller model measures 42mm by 36mm. (Kudos to Apple for continuing to offer two sizes to accommodate people with different sized wrists.) They're also both 1mm thinner than previous Apple Watch models at 9.7mm.
Apple Watch Series 11 looks exactly like the Series 10.
Despite similar dimensions, the Series 11 is slightly heavier than the Series 10. For example, the 46mm aluminum GPS Series 11 weighs 37.8 grams compared to the Series 10's 36.4 grams. The 42mm versions weigh 30.3 grams and 30.0 grams, respectively.
In terms of colors, the Series 11 adds space gray aluminum paired with rose gold, silver and jet black. Both models are also available in titanium finishes: slate, gold and natural.
Titanium is a premium finish for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Series 10 (the latter shown here).
The physical controls remain the same across the series, including the watch face, which Apple calls the Digital Crown, and the side button (which Apple cleverly calls the “Side Button”). Only Apple Watch Ultra has a third physical control, the Action button.
Also notable: The titanium Series 11 is made from 100% recycled titanium, compared to 95% recycled material in the titanium Series 10. The Series 11 display glass is made from 40% recycled glass; For Series 10 the quantity is not specified. And the Series 11 battery uses 100% recycled cobalt and 95% recycled lithium. (Series 10 only lists 100% recycled cobalt.)
Series 11 and Series 10 screens
The Series 11 and Series 10 watch screens feature a wide-angle LTPO 3 OLED display. This means content is easier to see from an angle, and the always-on display refreshes once per second, allowing the seconds counter to advance even when the watch is inactive.
LTPO3 screens are also more energy efficient. The screens brighten up to 2000 nits for clear visibility in sunlight and dim to 1 nit in the dark.
The key difference between the Series 11 and Series 10 screens is the glass coating. For the aluminum Series 11 models, Apple uses Ion-X glass, which the company claims is twice as scratch-resistant as the glass on previous aluminum versions. The titanium Series 11 uses a sapphire crystal display.
The glass covering the Apple Watch Series 11 display is more scratch-resistant.
Apple Watch processor and chips
We usually highlight how much better a new processor is than its predecessor, but for 2025 Apple has stuck with the same S10 processor found in the Series 10. This also means the other chips will remain the same: the Apple Wireless W3 chip, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip (for precise Find My location tracking), a quad-core Neural Engine, and 64GB of internal memory.
Battery Power: Series 11 vs Series 10
Battery life is what makes these two models really interesting. Apple doesn't reveal the size of the built-in lithium-ion battery or its capacity, but says it can last up to 24 hours on the Series 11, compared to 18 hours on the Series 10. In low power mode, it's up to 38 hours on the Series 11, compared to 36 hours on the Series 10.
It's not entirely clear how Apple squeezed an extra six hours of battery life out of seemingly virtually identical hardware. Both use the same S10 processor, although there are likely software optimizations in WatchOS 26. CNET lead writer Vanessa Hand Orellana found that, at least initially, Apple may be underestimating battery performance. I'll write in my review“With notifications turned on (heavy Slack use and texting), at least one 30-45 minute outdoor workout per day, sleep tracking all night, and moderate flashlight use, I was consistently able to squeeze out 27 to 32 hours on a single charge.”
In our real-world testing, the Apple Watch Series 11 lasted about four hours after a 24-hour rating.
When it comes to charging the watch, both the Series 11 and Series 10 can be charged to 80% in about 30 minutes. With a 20W power adapter, Apple says that 15 minutes of fast charging provides up to 8 hours of regular use, and just five minutes is enough for eight hours of sleep tracking—thanks to the watch's much lower power consumption while you sleep. Apple comparative information the Series 10 doesn't list those last two numbers, but that's more likely due to the fact that it was a marketing point from last year rather than a new feature in the Series 11.
Comparison of Series 11 and Series 10 sensors
Apple Watch sensors provide healthcare features that range from heart rate monitoring to depth sensing and precise location tracking. Nevertheless…
They are identical in Series 11 and Series 10. There are no changes here.
Another change: connectivity in Series 11 and Series 10.
One of the most notable changes to the Series 11 cellular models is support for 5G networks, specifically the energy-efficient type called reduced-capacity 5G (or 5G RedCap). This allows it to connect to both 5G and LTE networks without the need for a connected iPhone, and 5G speeds should be better. In comparison, the cellular Series 10 supports LTE and UMTS (3G).
Apple Watch with cellular connectivity means you can go for a run without having to take your iPhone with you. Episode 10 is shown here.
Part of the Series 11's 5G adoption includes a redesigned cellular antenna and an algorithm that “simultaneously engages two system antennas when needed, significantly increasing signal strength,” according to Apple. Episode 11 press release. According to Apple, this algorithm is exclusive to Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Both Apple Watch models support Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) at 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz speeds. (Apple's comparison page only lists Series 11 speeds, but Apple Watch Wi-Fi support page notes that 5GHz is supported starting with Series 6 watches.)
Both watches communicate with iPhone and other peripherals via Bluetooth 5.3.
WatchOS 26 on Apple Watch Series 11 and Series 10
New WatchOS 26 features are available on both watch models, including hypertension notifications, sleep assessment, and the Blood Oxygen app (which makes it reappearance in the US amid an ongoing legal dispute). Apple's comparison page lists a new wrist swipe gesture for the Series 11 but not the Series 10, although that must be a typo since I can confirm it works on my Series 10 watch.
Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Series 10
| Apple Watch series 11 | Apple Watch series 10 | |
| Design and sizes | Rectangular, 42mm, 46mm | Rectangular, 42mm, 46mm |
| Display | 42 mm: 446 x 374 pixels, LTPO3 OLED Retina display, wide-angle OLED 46 mm: 416 x 496 pixels, LTPO3 OLED Retina display, wide-angle OLED | 446 x 374 ppi, LTPO3 OLED Retina display, wide-angle OLED |
| Brightness | From 1 to 2000 nits | 2000 nits |
| Thickness and weight | Size 46mm: 9.7mm; 37.8g (aluminum), 36.9g (aluminum GPS + Cellular), 43.1g (titanium) 42mm size: 9.7mm; 30.3 g (aluminum), 29.7 g (aluminum GPS + Cellular), 34.6 g (titanium) | 9.7 mm; 30–41.7 g (46 mm titanium model) |
| Material and finishing | Aluminium: jet black, rose gold or silver; titanium: slate, gold or natural finish | Aluminium: jet black, rose gold or silver; titanium: slate, gold or natural finish |
| Durability | 5ATM Water + IP6X (dust) | 5ATM Water + IP6X (dust) |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours, up to 38 hours. Low power consumption (always on) + Fast charging: 80% in 30 minutes, 100% in 60 minutes. | 24-30 (always on) + Fast charge: 80% in 30 minutes, 100% in 60 minutes |
| Sensors | ECG, 3rd generation optical heart sensor, skin temperature, depth gauge, SpO2, noise monitoring, water temperature, compass | ECG, Heart Rate, Skin Temperature, Depth Sensor, SpO2, Noise Monitoring |
| Emergency functions | Satellite SOS, Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Collision Detection, Registration and Return | Emergency SOS, fall detection, collision detection, registration and return |
| AI and coaching | Siri (voice assistant); workout buddy | Siri (voice assistant); workout buddy |
| CPU | S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor and Apple W3 wireless chip | S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor and Apple W3 wireless chip |
| RAM/Storage | 64 GB (storage) | 64 GB (storage) |
| Payments | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
| Price (US) | $399-$750 (titanium) | $399-$750 (titanium) |
