Apple Watch 11 vs. 10: A brief overview of the differences
Both models use the same S10 chip, so performance and everyday use are very similar.
The design (size, materials, display) has hardly changed, and both continue to offer sizes of 42 and 46 mm with OLED displays up to 2000 nits.
- New health features such as high blood pressure notifications are new, but will soon find their way onto older models such as the Series 10 via an update.
- The Series 11 offers improvements in battery life and cellular connectivity (5G) in particular, and the glass on the aluminum versions is significantly more scratch-resistant.
- Those who value longer battery life per charge and the latest cellular network will find the Series 11 model offers noticeable added value. However, performance and health sensors are virtually identical.
- For users of the Series 10 or older, an upgrade is particularly worthwhile if you need better battery life and 5G. The new health features are also available for the Series 10 via a software update, so an immediate replacement is not absolutely necessary.
Is it worth upgrading from Series 10 to Series 11 for battery life?
Upgrading from Apple Watch Series 10 to Series 11 is particularly worthwhile if battery life is a decisive factor .
- Series 11 offers significantly improved battery performance with up to 24 hours of battery life, while Series 10 manages around 18 hours. This is particularly noticeable in everyday use, for example for continuous sleep tracking or longer use without charging.
- In addition, fast charging is slightly more efficient with the Series 11 (8 hours of use after 15 minutes of charging).
- For users who find the 18 hours of the Series 10 sufficient and who do not need a 5G mobile connection, an upgrade is not absolutely necessary for battery life reasons. The performance and many features are very similar on both models thanks to the identical S10 chip and software updates.
- However, for the best battery life and cellular connectivity, the Series 11 is the better choice.
Differences in health and sensor functions in detail
The health and sensor functions of the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 11 are virtually identical, as both models use the same sensor base and comparable health features.
- Common health and sensor featuresof both models: ECG measurement for detecting cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, blood oxygen measurement (SpO2), sleep tracking including sleep quality, heart rate and heart rate variability measurement, sleep apnea detection, health alerts such as high blood pressure notifications, accelerometers and gyroscope for movement and fitness measurements. GPS and cellular features for activity tracking.
- Differences in detail: The Series 11 has slightly more robust and scratch-resistant Ion-X glass on the aluminum versions, which can protect the sensor systems in the long term. The Series 11 has a longer battery life and thus also longer continuous operation of the sensors, enabling longer measurements without recharging.
- New health features, such as further improved algorithms or new biomarkers, are expected to be distributed to both models via software updates. There are currently no exclusively new sports or sensor specifications for the Series 11.
- For most users, the health and sensor features of the Series 10 and 11 are nearly identical. The upgrade primarily offers advantages in terms of battery life and durability, but not in terms of core sensors or new health features. Neither model offers a decisive advantage in terms of exclusive new sensor features.
How 5G affects battery performance and usage
Using 5G generally has a negative impact on battery life, as battery consumption is often higher with an active 5G connection than with 4G (LTE). The reason for this is that many current 5G networks still operate in non-standalone (NSA) mode, which uses 4G and 5G signals simultaneously. This requires multiple mobile circuits to be active, which increases power consumption and also causes the device to become slightly warmer.
- According to independent tests, the actual additional load on the battery is often in the range of about 10 to 20 percent higher consumption compared to 4G. However, it can sometimes be even higher, depending on network coverage, usage, device, and provider.
- In the long term, with the expansion of true standalone 5G networks (SA) and better technology, 5G is expected to actually conserve battery power, as data transmission will be more efficient and only occur when needed. However, current 5G connections usually consume more battery power than 4G.
- For the Apple Watch Series 11 with 5G, this means that intensive 5G use will drain the battery more than the Series 10 with 4G. However, Apple has improved the overall battery life of the Series 11 to partially offset this additional consumption.
Comparison of display scratch resistance and materials
Compared to the Series 10, the Series 11 offers more robust glass, especially in the more affordable aluminum models with the improved Ion-X glass version. Those who value maximum scratch resistance will benefit from the update. Stainless steel and titanium models in both series continue to use sapphire glass and are similarly resistant.
- Apple Watch Series 10: Standard Ion-X glass (aluminum) and sapphire glass (stainless steel/titanium). Aluminum models with Ion-X have good but lower scratch resistance. Stainless steel and titanium models have more scratch-resistant, sapphire-coated glass.
- Apple Watch Series 11: Improved Ion-X glass version for aluminum, sapphire crystal glass remains for stainless steel/titanium. Newer Ion-X glass version with significantly more scratch and break resistance. Sapphire crystal glass remains unchanged in terms of robustness and clarity. Overall, the Series 11 display is more resistant to scratches than the Series 10, especially on aluminum models.
- Ion-X glass is a type of hardened glass that is mainly used in aluminum models. It is lighter and cheaper, but less scratch-resistant than sapphire glass. Sapphire glass is much harder and more scratch-resistant. It is used in stainless steel and titanium models and is considered one of the most durable display glasses for smartwatches. The Series 11 improves Ion-X glass with a newer version that better reduces wear from scratches and impacts.
Prices, availability, and retail offers for Series 11 vs. 10
The Apple Watch Series 11 is available from $449, while the Series 10 is currently available from around $390. The Series 11 will officially go on sale on September 19, 2025, and is already available for pre-order.
- Series 10 is often cheaper at online retailers and in price comparisons because it is the older model.
- Series 11 offers the latest features and improved battery/5G performance, but is slightly more expensive.
- Offers and promotions for the Series 11 are expected to be available from many retailers when it goes on sale in mid-September 2025.
- Both models are compatible with a wide range of wristbands.
- If you are the type of customer who wants the latest model and values longer battery life, 5G, and more robust glass, the Series 11 is the better choice. For price-conscious customers who place less importance on 5G and battery life, the Series 10 is a good and cheaper alternative.
