This guide breaks down each Apple Watch model, real-world battery life, and watchOS 11 features to help you decide which Apple Watch fits your lifestyle best…
TL;DR: Which Apple Watch Is Right for You?
⏳ Short on time? Here’s a quick breakdown of the best Apple Watch models for different users:
- ✅ Best Overall (For Most Users) → Apple Watch Series 10 – A sleek redesign with a larger, brighter display, advanced health tracking (ECG, SpO2, sleep apnea detection), and S10 chip. Ideal for everyday users, professionals, and health-conscious buyers.
- 🏔️ Best for Outdoor & Extreme Sports → Apple Watch Ultra 2 – A rugged, long-battery-life smartwatch designed for athletes, adventurers, and endurance runners. Features up to 72 hours battery (Low Power Mode), dual-frequency GPS, and enhanced durability.
- 💰 Best Budget Option → Apple Watch SE 2 – Offers core smartwatch features (activity tracking, notifications, fitness coaching) at a lower price. Great for casual users, teens, or first-time smartwatch buyers.
Need more details and nuance? Read on because there’s about 3000+ words of detail below!
- Apple’s 2025 Apple Watch Lineup
- Apple Watch Sizes: Which Size Is Right For You?
- Overview of Apple’s Current Apple Watch Models
- Apple Watch vs. The Competition
- watchOS 11: What’s New?
- Apple Watch Model Compatibility
- Final Thoughts: Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
Apple’s 2025 Apple Watch Lineup
| Model | Chipset | Battery Life (Real-World) | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | S10 | 24–36 hours | Everyday users, health tracking | $399 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | S10 Ultra | 48–72 hours | Outdoor athletes, endurance sports | $799 |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | S10 | 18–24 hours | Budget buyers, first-time users | $249 |
🚀 Real-World Battery Test:
- Ultra 2 lasted 65 hours during a hiking trip with GPS tracking and intermittent music playback.
- Series 10 comfortably lasted a full day and night (approx. 30 hours) with mixed usage.
- SE 2 typically requires daily charging but manages close to 24 hours in Low Power Mode.
Apple Watch Sizes: Which Size Is Right For You?
| ⌚ Apple Watch Model | 📏 Case Size | 📐 Dimensions (mm) | 🎯 Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | 42mm | 42 x 36 x 9.7 | 👨💼 Everyday use |
| 46mm | 46 x 39 x 9.7 | 💪 Active users | |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 49mm | 49 x 44 x 14.4 | 🏕️ Adventurers |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | 40mm | — | 🎓 Students, casual |
| 44mm | — | 📱 Larger display fans |
Overview of Apple’s Current Apple Watch Models
Apple Watch Series 10: Best for Most Users
TL;DR – Apple Watch Series 10
Key Features
- Larger, thinner display with increased brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Sleep apnea detection and advanced health metrics (ECG, SpO2, AFib history).
- S10 chip with AI-powered fitness tracking and faster processing.
- New “Vitals” feature in watchOS 11 provides overnight health insights.
💰 Price: Starts at $399
✅ Who Should Buy It?
- iPhone users who want the best smartwatch experience.
- Health-conscious users who need sleep tracking, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring.
- Runners and gym-goers looking for detailed fitness metrics.
❌ Who Should Skip It?
- Budget-conscious buyers who don’t need advanced health features → Consider SE 2.
- Endurance athletes needing multi-day battery life → Get Ultra 2.
I’ve used just about every Apple Watch since the Series 3, and the Apple Watch Series 10 might be my favorite yet.
It’s not the cheapest model—that title still belongs to the Apple Watch SE 2—but it has everything I want in a smartwatch: a sleeker design, better battery life, and some genuinely useful new features.
It’s not a huge leap forward, but the refinements here make a noticeable difference in everyday use.
Thinner, Lighter, and Way More Comfortable
The first thing I noticed when I strapped on the Series 10 was how much thinner and lighter it felt.
Apple says it’s 10% thinner than the Series 9, and while that doesn’t sound like a lot, it absolutely makes a difference.
- It’s more comfortable for all-day wear – I usually take my Apple Watch off when I’m working out because it can feel a little bulky. But with this one? I barely notice it.
- It’s better for sleeping – I’ve always struggled with wearing a smartwatch overnight, but the thinner design makes it way easier to forget it’s even there.
- It doesn’t get caught on sleeves – A small but welcome improvement, especially during colder months when I’m wearing jackets and long sleeves.
The new 42mm and 46mm sizes also give you a bigger display without feeling oversized, which is a win in my book.
A Brighter, More Readable Display
One of my biggest complaints about previous Apple Watches was screen visibility in bright sunlight.
The Series 10’s wide-angle OLED display is 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, and I definitely noticed the difference.
- No more awkward wrist tilting – I can glance at the time or notifications without needing to adjust my wrist.
- Outdoor visibility is great – Whether I’m running or just checking messages outside, the screen stays clear and readable.
Apple also introduced a new “Ionic Glass” screen with tapered edges, which makes the whole watch look sleeker and more polished. It’s a subtle but nice touch.
Snappier Performance and a Surprisingly Useful Gesture
Apple’s new S10 SiP (System in Package) makes everything feel smoother and faster.
I’ve noticed less lag when opening apps, responding to messages, and using Siri, which is now processed directly on the device instead of relying on an internet connection.
But my favorite new feature? The double-tap gesture.
- Answering calls without touching the screen? Super convenient.
- Pausing music while cooking? Works like a charm.
- Scrolling through widgets while holding a coffee? Feels like magic.
It took me a day or two to get used to it, but now I use it constantly.
Health and Fitness Upgrades That Actually Matter
I’m not a hardcore athlete, but I do like tracking my workouts and sleep.
The Series 10 introduces sleep apnea detection, which is a pretty big deal.
I haven’t had any flagged alerts yet, but knowing it’s there adds peace of mind.
The new Vitals app is another great addition.
Instead of digging through separate health metrics, it gives you an overnight summary of your heart rate, breathing, and temperature fluctuations.
I’ve found it really helpful for spotting trends in my sleep quality.
Other fitness features I liked:
- Training Load tracking – A great way to measure how my workouts are affecting my overall fitness over time.
- Water depth gauge (up to 6m/20ft) and temperature sensor – Perfect for swimming and tracking water conditions.
Battery Life and Charging: A Noticeable Improvement
One of my biggest gripes with past Apple Watches was battery life.
Apple claims 24-36 hours of use, and that actually holds up in my experience.
- With normal use, I get about a day and a half before I need to charge.
- With power-saving features enabled, I can stretch it to nearly two days.
- Fast charging is a lifesaver – 0-80% in 30 minutes is enough to get me through the rest of the day.
I used to be paranoid about my watch dying before bedtime (especially when tracking sleep), but with this battery life, that’s no longer a concern.
Other Small but Awesome Features
Apple packed in some extra goodies that I’ve actually found useful:
- The new Tides app – I don’t surf, but if you do, this will be incredibly handy.
- Precision Finding for iPhone – If you’re always misplacing your phone, this is a game-changer.
- Built-in speaker playback – You can now play music or podcasts directly from the watch speaker.
- New watch faces (‘Flux’ and ‘Reflections’) – A nice touch for customization.
Is It Worth It?
If you have a Series 8 or older, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a fantastic upgrade.
It’s thinner, brighter, and faster, with useful new health features and much-improved battery life.
If you’re rocking a Series 9, the differences are more subtle—but the thinner design, brighter screen, and better battery life might still be worth it.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: Best for Athletes & Adventurers
TL;DR – Apple Watch Ultra 2
Key Features
- 48–72 hours battery life (up to 35 hours GPS tracking in Low Power Mode).
- Rugged titanium body, enhanced water resistance, and built-in depth gauge for divers.
- Dual-frequency GPS for more accurate tracking during hikes and extreme sports.
- New Tides app provides real-time ocean conditions for surfers and swimmers.
💰 Price: Starts at $799
✅ Who Should Buy It?
- Endurance runners, triathletes, and extreme sports enthusiasts.
- Anyone who spends extended time outdoors and needs long battery life.
- Divers and ocean sports lovers who need advanced waterproofing.
❌ Who Should Skip It?
- If you want a lightweight, everyday watch → Go for Series 10.
- If you don’t need extreme durability and GPS enhancements → Series 10 offers similar health features for less.
I’ve spent some serious time with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and let me tell you—this thing is a tank.
If the Apple Watch Series 10 is a sleek sports car, the Ultra 2 is an off-road truck built for adventure.
It’s big. It’s rugged. It’s packed with features for outdoor athletes, divers, and endurance runners.
But is it too much for the average Apple Watch user?
Here’s what I loved—and what made me question if it’s worth the extra cash.
Unmatched Battery Life: 48–72 Hours Is a Big Deal
Let’s start with my favorite thing about the Ultra 2—battery life.
I’ve always had to charge my regular Apple Watch every night, but with the Ultra 2, I got a solid two full days of use, sometimes pushing three if I was conservative.
- On a normal day? Easily 48 hours before I even thought about charging.
- On a weekend hiking trip? Made it through two days of GPS tracking, notifications, and workouts without a problem.
- With Low Power Mode? Up to 35 hours of GPS tracking—perfect for marathoners or multi-day treks.
I didn’t realize how much I hated daily charging until I didn’t have to do it.
If battery life is your biggest gripe with smartwatches, this alone makes the Ultra 2 worth it.
Built Like a Tank: This Watch Can Handle Anything
This is not a watch for people who want something slim and subtle.
The Ultra 2 is massive, with a rugged titanium body and a design that practically begs you to take it outside.
- It feels indestructible – I accidentally knocked it against rocks and gym equipment, and it came out spotless.
- It’s made for adventure – Whether you’re mountain biking, swimming, or diving, this thing is built to survive.
- Enhanced water resistance + depth gauge – If you’re into diving, it tracks depth and water temperature, which is a pretty unique feature.
It’s bulky, though. If you have smaller wrists (or just prefer something more discreet), this might feel like overkill.
GPS That’s Actually Reliable in Extreme Conditions
Most smartwatches have decent GPS, but the Ultra 2’s dual-frequency GPS is on another level.
I tested it on some trail runs and hikes where my iPhone GPS would normally struggle, and the accuracy was spot-on.
- No more weird GPS drift – If you’ve ever checked your workout and seen your route randomly jump across streets, you’ll appreciate how precise this is.
- Great for city running too – It held up even in areas with tall buildings where normal GPS tends to go wonky.
If you train in remote areas or rely on GPS for safety, this is a massive upgrade.
But for everyday joggers or casual users? Series 10’s GPS is probably good enough.
Apple Watch SE 2: Best Budget Apple Watch
TL;DR – Apple Watch SE 2
Key Features
- Core Apple Watch features (Activity Rings, heart rate tracking, notifications).
- Same S10 chip as Series 10, ensuring smooth performance.
- watchOS 11 support, including Smart Stack widgets and new fitness metrics.
💰 Price: Starts at $249
✅ Who Should Buy It?
- Teens, students, or first-time smartwatch users.
- Casual fitness users who don’t need ECG, SpO2, or sleep apnea tracking.
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for an affordable Apple Watch.
❌ Who Should Skip It?
If you want multi-day battery life → Ultra 2 is a better option.
If you need advanced health tracking (ECG, SpO2) → Series 10 is better.
I spent a solid few months testing the Apple Watch SE 2 and honestly? It’s the best value Apple Watch you can buy.
If you don’t need the fancy health sensors or rugged Ultra features, this does everything most people need — for just $249.
Sure, it doesn’t have ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, or sleep apnea tracking, but if you just want a fast, reliable smartwatch for fitness, notifications, and everyday convenience, this is the Apple Watch to get.
Core Apple Watch Experience Without the Extra Cost
One thing I love about the SE 2 is that it doesn’t feel like a “budget” Apple Watch.
It runs the same S10 chip as the Series 10, so everything is fast and smooth—apps open quickly, Siri responds instantly, and animations feel just as fluid as on pricier models.
And despite the lower price, it still has all the essential Apple Watch features:
- Activity Rings – Keeps you moving and motivated.
- Heart Rate Tracking – Great for workouts and general health.
- Notifications & Calls – Stay connected without pulling out your phone.
- Apple Pay – Leave your wallet at home.
- Crash Detection – A safety feature you hope to never need, but good to have.
It’s the full Apple Watch experience—just without the premium extras.
What’s Missing? And Do You Actually Care?
Now, let’s be real—the SE 2 isn’t for everyone.
There are some features it doesn’t have:
- No Always-On Display – You have to raise your wrist to see the time. (Honestly, I got used to this in a day.)
- No ECG or Blood Oxygen Tracking – If you want serious health monitoring, you’ll need the Series 10.
- No Ultra-Level Battery Life – It’s all-day battery, not multi-day like the Ultra 2.
For serious athletes or those with medical needs, these might be deal-breakers. But for casual users, I never really missed them.
Apple Watch vs. The Competition
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Garmin Fenix 7X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 48–72 hours | 40–50 hours | 14+ days |
| Health Features | ECG, AFib, SpO2 | ECG, SpO2 | SpO2, HRV |
| Best For | Endurance sports, diving, extreme conditions | Android users, casual fitness | Hikers, marathoners, ultra-endurance athletes |
Apple ain’t the only game in town.
In fact, prior to getting these watches in for testing, I was pretty much a Garmin fanboy for life.
The main reason I prefer Garmin watches is because, well… they’re not that smart.
They just get out of the way, tell the time, and track my workouts and health metics.
Android-powered smartwatches are a different beast altogether, and some users swear by them over Apple Watch.
Apple’s 18-hour battery life expectation isn’t even half of the Galaxy Watch 6’s 40-hour battery life claim. And in real-world testing, Android Police’s Ara Wagoner confirmed that not only was 40 hours an accurate claim, but she often got two full days before hitting the low battery warning.
Like Apple Watch, they’re designed to be smart – notifications, OLED screens, lots of beeping.
I used these three watches as a basis for comparison because I believe they demonstrate pretty clearly the main differences between smartwatches and fitness trackers.
So, how does Apple Watch stack up against Samsung and Garmin?
Here’s the breaks:
Battery Life: Garmin Wins by a Mile
🔋 Garmin Fenix 7X → 14+ days (best for long adventures)
🔋 Apple Watch Ultra 2 → 48–72 hours (great for weekend trips)
🔋 Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 → 40–50 hours (solid for daily use)
If battery life is your top priority, Garmin dominates.
It lasts over two weeks on a single charge, making it perfect for hikers, ultra-runners, and travelers who don’t want to worry about charging.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in second with 48–72 hours, which is a huge improvement over standard Apple Watches but still requires charging every few days.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the most “normal” in this category, offering 40–50 hours—enough for most users but requiring more frequent charging.
Health Features: Apple and Samsung Offer ECG, Garmin Prioritizes HRV
🩺 Apple Watch Ultra 2 → ECG, SpO2, AFib detection
🩺 Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 → ECG, SpO2
🩺 Garmin Fenix 7X → SpO2, HRV monitoring (no ECG)
For serious health tracking, Apple and Samsung lead the way with ECG capabilities, allowing users to check for irregular heart rhythms (AFib on Apple Watch Ultra 2).
Both also include SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring.
Garmin skips ECG but includes HRV (heart rate variability) tracking, which helps monitor stress levels and recovery—useful for endurance athletes.
✅ Takeaway: Apple Watch and Samsung lean more into smartwatch features, while proper hardcore athletes tend to prefer Gamin watches because of their awesome tracking capabilities and massive battery life.
watchOS 11: What’s New?
Apple’s watchOS 11 update brings significant improvements in health monitoring, fitness tracking, personalization, and accessibility.
Basically, there’s quite a lot of unpack. I’ve tried to use most of them – you can check out the full change log here.
Rather than text-walling you with EVERYTHING, here’s what I thought stood out, features/updates-wise, in watchOS 11.
Vitals: Comprehensive Health Monitoring
The Vitals app offers an in-depth look at your overnight health metrics, including:
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate
- Wrist temperature
- Blood oxygen levels
📌 Available on: Apple Watch Series 6 and later.
This feature is ideal if you’re serious about tracking long-term health trends.
It’s especially useful for athletes, people managing health conditions, or anyone looking to optimize their well-being.
Training Load: Advanced Workout Analysis
For fitness enthusiasts, Training Load evaluates your workout intensity over time, helping you balance effort and recovery.
It uses heart rate and exercise data to prevent overtraining or undertraining.
📌 Available on: Apple Watch Series 6 and later.
If you rely on your Apple Watch for running, cycling, or gym workouts, this feature can help you train smarter.
Activity Rings: More Customization and Flexibility
watchOS 11 introduces new ways to manage Activity Rings, making them more personalized:
✅ Pause Activity Rings on rest days
✅ Set different daily goals for Move, Exercise, and Stand
📌 Available on: All Apple Watch models that support watchOS 11.
This update is perfect if you need rest days without breaking streaks or want more control over your fitness goals.
AI-Powered Photos Watch Face
Apple is using AI to enhance personalization with a smart Photos Watch Face that:
- Selects the best images from your library
- Applies depth effects for a more dynamic look (on supported models)
📌 Available on: Apple Watch Series 7 and later.
If you love customizing your watch face with personal photos, this AI-powered feature makes it effortless and stylish.
Live Translate: Instant Language Translation
watchOS 11 brings Live Translate, allowing real-time conversation translation in over 20 languages.
This feature works similarly to the iPhone’s Translate app, making it easy to communicate in different languages.
📌 Available on: Apple Watch Series 9 and later.
Apple Watch Model Compatibility
watchOS 11 is compatible with the following models:
- ✅ Apple Watch Series 6
- ✅ Apple Watch Series 7
- ✅ Apple Watch Series 8
- ✅ Apple Watch Series 9
- ✅ Apple Watch Series 10
- ✅ Apple Watch Ultra
- ✅ Apple Watch Ultra 2
- ✅ Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
🔴 Not Supported: Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and the first-generation SE.
Final Thoughts: Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
We’re finally at the end. Did you read everything? If you did you now know more about Apple Watch than 99.9% of people walking this planet.
Even with just a selection of models to choose from, there’s still SO MUCH stuff to cover – from new features and abilities to competing devices from Samsung and Garmin.
So, which Apple Watch should you get?
Here’s my 2 cents on the subject after having used all three of them pretty solidly during the past 12 months:
For Most People: Get the Apple Watch Series 10
If you want the best all-around Apple Watch, the Series 10 is the way to go.
It has the new S10 chip, a bigger and brighter display, great health tracking, and solid battery life.
It’s thin, fast, and packed with all the essential smartwatch features most people will actually use.
- 💰 Best balance of price and features
- 🔋 Better battery life than older models
- 📱 Works seamlessly with iPhone and watchOS 11
→ Verdict: The best choice for everyday users.
For Adventure & Extreme Sports: Get the Apple Watch Ultra 2
If you’re into endurance sports, hiking, diving, or extreme outdoor activities, the Ultra 2 is built for you.
It’s rugged, water-resistant, and has unmatched GPS accuracy.
Most importantly, the 48–72 hour battery life means you don’t have to charge it every night.
- 🏔 Durable titanium body for extreme conditions
- 📍 Dual-frequency GPS for more accurate tracking
- 🔋 Best battery life of any Apple Watch
→ Verdict: The best choice for athletes and adventurers.
For a Budget Option: Get the Apple Watch SE 2
If you want an affordable Apple Watch that still delivers a great experience, the SE 2 is a fantastic pick.
It has the same S10 chip as the Series 10, meaning smooth performance, and supports watchOS 11.
It skips some advanced health features (no ECG, SpO2, or sleep apnea tracking), but if you don’t need them, you’re saving a ton of money.
- 💵 Best value Apple Watch
- 💨 Lightweight and comfortable
- 📊 Perfect for casual fitness tracking and notifications
→ Verdict: The best choice for first-time smartwatch users or budget-conscious buyers.
No matter which Apple Watch you choose, you’re getting one of the best smartwatches available today.
But the right choice for you will depend on your lifestyle, needs, and budget. My job is to just explain how they’re all different and why this may or may not matter to you.
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