OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Apple Watch Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£200Screen size:?Battery life:1 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Apple Watch Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 14 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

7.9

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Technical score

30%

7.9

Review score ( 2 · 12)

Review score 30% · 7.9 · based on 14 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 34 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 82% of smartwatches
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

24%

7.9

Health

21%

9.2

Fitness

16%

4.5

Battery

14%

9.2

Smart features

12%

8.9

Connectivity

9%

8.0

Display & Design

4%

5.6

Hardware

â–²Better than 83% of smartwatches
7.9

Review score

Review score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Grades by review (14)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 1

7.1%

8.0

Keltie O'Connor

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 59% of smartwatches
  • apple-watch
apple-watch

Best prices

    N/A~ £200

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Apple Watch

Technical score
Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components:

24%

7.9

Health

21%

9.2

Fitness

16%

4.5

Battery

14%

9.2

Smart features

12%

8.9

Connectivity

9%

8.0

Display & Design

4%

5.6

Hardware

7.9
Review score
Review score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Grades by review (14)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 1

7.1%

8.0

Keltie O'Connor

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Apple Watch has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 70.7% of smartwatches.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components:

60%

7.9

Overall score

40%

9.5

Price

8.3
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
â–² Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
Availability may vary by region or model.
ECG
yes
ECG
yes
â–² Better than 84% of models
This smartwatch supports ECG. 83.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Availability may vary by region or model version.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
â–² Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Barometer availability may vary by model generation.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
1 day
Battery life
1 days
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 1 days which is shorter than that of 87.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.6% of smartwatches.
Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
Battery life in training mode
8 h
Battery life in training mode
8 h
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 8 h in training mode which is shorter than 73.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.9% of smartwatches.
8 (with full gps and heart rate readings), 35 (in low power.
Battery life with GPS on
8 h
Battery life with GPS on
8 h
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 8 h with GPS on which is shorter than 78.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.6% of smartwatches.
Battery power
205 mAh
Battery power
205 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 205 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 86.2% of smartwatches and equal to those in 1.5% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
60 min
Charge time
60 min
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 60 min which is faster than 82.6% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 12.1% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
watchOS
Operating system
watchOS
★ Better than 96% of models
This smartwatch runs watchOS which is more advanced than the operating system in 95.7% of smartwatches and the same as that in 4.3% of smartwatches.
OS detail: watchOS (26.2).
Software update frequency
regular
Software update frequency
regular
★ Better than 94% of models
This smartwatch has regular software update support which is more active than that of 94% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6% of smartwatches.
Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
â–² Better than 82% of models
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
â–² Better than 2% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
Screen size
?
Display type
AMOLED
Display type
AMOLED
â–² Better than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a AMOLED display type which is more advanced than that of 49.9% of smartwatches and the same as that of 50.1% of smartwatches.
LTPO panel wording.
Resolution
?
Pixel density
326 ppi
Pixel density
326 ppi
â–² Better than 46% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi which is higher than that of 46.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.1% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
450 nits
Display brightness
450 nits
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 450 nits of display brightness, which is lower than that of 86.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.5% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1 GHz
CPU speed
1 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 40% of models
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1 GHz which is faster than that in 29.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 31.2% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Apple S1
Processor model
Apple S1
â–² Better than 88% of models
This smartwatch uses the Apple S1 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
RAM
1 GB
â–² Better than 31% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM which is larger than the RAM in 31.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 45.8% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
8 GB
Internal storage
8 GB
â–² Better than 68% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 8 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 67.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 12.1% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Apple Watch vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Availability may vary by region or model version.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (26.2).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • 60 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    60 min
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (60 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    60 min vs 120 min
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Availability may vary by model or region. Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • 10.9% better value for money
    Apple Watch has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.34 vs 7.5).
    8.34 vs 7.52
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Availability may vary by region or model version.
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Availability may vary by model or region. Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync. Some models rely on third-party integrations.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Supports external monitors over Bluetooth/BLE.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
    Barometer availability may vary by model generation.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • 60 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    60 min
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (60 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    60 min vs 120 min
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
    Wireless charging supported via proprietary charger (not standard Qi).
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.3
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (5.3 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • 15.7 g lighter weight
    Weight
    29.3 g
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (29.3 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    29.3 g vs 45.0 g
  • Better band material
    Band material
    silicone, leather, nylon, fabric, stainless steel, titanium
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather, nylon, fabric, stainless steel, titanium for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather, nylon, fabric, stainless steel, titanium vs silicone
  • Better case material
    Case material
    aluminum, stainless steel
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This smartwatch uses aluminum, stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aluminum, stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 1.1 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    10.50 mm
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10.5 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    10.50 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 2 mm narrower band
    Width of band
    20.0 mm
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    20.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • 8.7 mm narrower watch width
    Width
    33.3 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (33.3 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    33.3 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 6.4 mm shorter watch height
    Height
    38.6 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is shorter than the average smartwatch (38.6 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    38.6 mm vs 45 mm
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (26.2).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More advanced processor model
    Processor model
    Apple S1
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S1 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S1 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 6 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    1 days
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 1 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IPX7
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 12 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    8 h
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (8 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    8 h vs 20 h
  • 11.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    8 h
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (8 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    8 (with full gps and heart rate readings), 35 (in low power.
    8 h vs 19.25 h
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 6.12x less popular
    Apple Watch has a lower popularity than the average smartwatch (1 vs 6.1).
    1 vs 6.12
  • 53.9% more expensive
    Apple Watch is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£200 vs £130).
    £200 vs £130
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 m
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 6 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    1 days
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 1 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • 12 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    8 h
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (8 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    8 h vs 20 h
  • 11.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    8 h
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (8 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    8 (with full gps and heart rate readings), 35 (in low power.
    8 h vs 19.25 h
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 95 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    205 mAh days
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (205 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    205 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IPX7
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 150 nits lower display brightness
    Display brightness
    450 nits
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has lower display brightness than the average smartwatch (450 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    450 nits vs 600 nits
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    35.0 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 6 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2015
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2015 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    April 2015
    2015 vs 2021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Keltie O'Connor
≈ estimated
16/09/2025
Hands-on review · new Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3 at launch event
Verdict
Apple Watch SE suits most people, Series 11 suits longer workouts, and Ultra suits endurance athletes.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 2 · 10

Reviewers praise the sleep tracking, display, comfortable size and charging, but battery life disappoints and it's barely an upgrade on the last model.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

uk.pcmag.com
14/08/2025
Not graded yet
theguardian.com
21/11/2024
Not graded yet
trustedreviews.com
25/10/2024
Not graded yet
stuff.tv
05/10/2023
Not graded yet
cnet.com
16/05/2020
Not graded yet
cnet.com
03/05/2016
Not graded yet
tame-geek.co.uk
11/05/2015
Not graded yet
wired.com
14/05/2015
Not graded yet
theverge.com
08/04/2015
Not graded yet
independent.co.uk
08/04/2015
Not graded yet
whatsthebest.co.uk
16/01/2025
Not graded yet
expertreviews.co.uk
03/10/2024
Not graded yet
stuff.tv
01/01/2025
Not graded yet
cyclingweekly.com
27/06/2024
Not graded yet
frandroid.com
09/10/2024
Not graded yet
test-achats.be
20/09/2024
Not graded yet
journaldugeek.com
07/11/2024
Not graded yet
iphonesoft.fr
26/01/2025
Not graded yet
capital.fr
20/01/2025
Not graded yet
global.techradar.com
18/09/2024
Not graded yet
7.0
igen.fr
≈ estimated
30/04/2015
Design review · First-generation smartwatch
Verdict
The Apple Watch is compact and well made, but its steel case marks easily and charging needs careful placement.
7.0
iculture.nl
≈ estimated
04/05/2015
Two-week test · First-generation smartwatch
Verdict
The Apple Watch is well built with a beautiful OLED screen that responds to touch surprisingly well, but its controls are not always logical and third-party apps lag.
iphoned.nl
07/03/2025
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What we like about Apple Watch

  • Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and iPhone
  • Comprehensive health tracking features, including ECG, blood oxygen, and new hypertension alerts
  • Vibrant and bright always-on OLED displays that are easy to read outdoors
  • Extensive third-party app library and polished watchOS experience
  • Advanced safety features like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS via satellite (Ultra models)
  • Fast charging capabilities that provide significant battery life in a short time
  • Highly accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring for fitness activities

What we don't like about Apple Watch

  • Battery life remains limited compared to competitors like Garmin, typically requiring daily or every-other-day charging
  • Exclusively compatible with iPhone, making it unusable for Android users
  • High price point, especially for titanium and Ultra models
  • Incremental annual updates often result in minor differences between successive generations
  • Ultra models are considered bulky and may not suit users with smaller wrists
  • Lack of support for third-party watch faces

Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a flagship smartwatch featuring a 42mm or 46mm case with a 9.7mm ultra-thin profile and a vibrant Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display reaching 2,000 nits brightness. Powered by the S10 SiP with a 4-core Neural Engine and 64GB storage, it introduces 5G connectivity and FDA-approved hypertension notifications alongside existing health sensors for ECG, blood oxygen, and sleep apnoea. Its main pros include advanced fitness tracking with watchOS 26, a durable design with IP6X dust resistance and 50m water resistance, and fast-charging that provides 80% battery in 30 minutes. However, it still lacks multi-day battery life, typically offering up to 24 hours of normal use, and remains compatible only with iPhone XS or later.

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