How Does the Apple Watch 10 Stack Up?
Apple Watch Series 10 Review: A Closer Look
After trying both the 46mm and 42mm versions of the Apple Watch Series 10, I can confidently say they each bring something unique to the table. With their sleek Jet Black Aluminum cases and matching Black Sport Bands, both sizes look fantastic on the wrist. However, there are some real differences in feel, visibility, and battery life that stood out to me.
First Impressions and Design
Both sizes maintain the clean, streamlined Apple aesthetic, and I was immediately impressed by how lightweight and comfortable each felt. The Jet Black Aluminum case looks sophisticated but not flashy, which I love for daily wear. The sport band is surprisingly comfortable, holding up well to both casual wear and workouts without causing any discomfort.
Using the 46mm vs. 42mm: Key Differences
Display Size and Readability Starting with the 46mm, I immediately appreciated the extra screen space. The larger display makes a noticeable difference in readability—checking workout stats, reading texts, and navigating through apps feels much easier and more enjoyable. If you’re like me and tend to use your watch for more than just notifications, the 46mm gives you a little more room to work with. It’s also great when using the ECG app, as the larger screen lets you see your readings more clearly.
When I switched to the 42mm model, I found it was still perfectly readable, but it’s a bit more compact. The display is just as bright and vibrant, thanks to the Always-On Retina feature, which is fantastic in both sizes. I found that the 42mm is still easy to read and doesn’t feel cramped; it just requires a bit more focus when glancing at quick stats or notifications. If you’re someone who prefers a subtle look or has a smaller wrist, the 42mm might actually feel just right.
Comfort and Fit The 42mm version was definitely the winner in terms of comfort, at least for me. It’s lighter and fits closer to the wrist, which made it feel less noticeable during everyday wear and high-intensity activities. I wore both during workouts, and the 42mm was practically unnoticeable, even during intense movement. If you’re looking for something that’s there when you need it but isn’t always a big presence, the 42mm hits that sweet spot.
The 46mm, though, has its own appeal—it has a bit of a “statement watch” feel. While it’s still lightweight, it does feel more substantial on the wrist. I didn’t find it uncomfortable, but I did notice the size difference, especially when typing or doing other activities where my wrist is bent a lot. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means; in fact, the larger screen and battery life trade-offs made it worth it for me on days when I knew I’d rely on the watch more.
Battery Life The battery life difference between the two models isn’t huge, but it’s there. The 46mm model consistently lasted a few hours longer for me, especially on days when I was using features like GPS, music streaming, or heart rate monitoring. With the 42mm, I usually ended the day with around 20% battery, while the 46mm would still have around 30-35%. It’s not a massive difference, but if you’re a power user or have a long day ahead, those extra hours can be reassuring.
My Experience with Health and Fitness Features
Both sizes have the same health and fitness features, and as someone who relies on these, I was impressed with the accuracy and ease of use in both models. The ECG app is still a highlight for me, providing quick access to heart health insights, and it works smoothly on both screens. The water resistance is also reliable—I wore both watches while swimming, and they held up perfectly. The activity tracking and workout apps are the same in both, and both sizes sync flawlessly with Apple’s Health app.
Pros and Cons from My Perspective
46mm Pros:
Larger, more comfortable display for reading and navigating
Slightly extended battery life, noticeable on heavier usage days
Stands out as a bit of a style statement, for those who like a bigger watch
46mm Cons:
Feels bulkier on smaller wrists and can be noticeable in certain activities
Slightly heavier feel, though still comfortable for extended wear
42mm Pros:
Lightweight, low-profile fit that’s great for all-day wear
Compact size doesn’t interfere with movement or wrist flexibility
Easier to wear during workouts or high-intensity activities without feeling cumbersome
42mm Cons:
Smaller screen can be a bit limiting for quickly glancing at notifications or detailed health data
Battery life may fall slightly short if you’re using a lot of features throughout the day
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 is an impressive smartwatch, offering cutting-edge health and fitness tracking with a stylish design. The 46mm model stands out for users who prioritize a larger display and extended battery life, while the 42mm offers a more compact, comfortable fit without compromising functionality.
Both sizes share the robust feature set of the Series 10, making them equally effective for health tracking, notifications, and daily wear. Choosing between the 46mm and 42mm boils down to whether you value a larger screen and presence or a more understated, lightweight fit. Either way, the Series 10 is a top choice for those looking to elevate their health monitoring and lifestyle connectivity.