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 Series 10 42mm Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£400Screen size:?Battery life:0.75 daysDisplay type:OLED

Apple Watch Series 10 42mm Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.3

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.2

Technical score

30%

8.6

Review score ( 8 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.6 · based on 20 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. 16 more reviews are not scored yet.
★Better than 92% of smartwatches
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

7.9

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

4.5

Battery

14%

10

Smart features

12%

9.0

Connectivity

9%

8.3

Display & Design

4%

7.8

Hardware

★Better than 91% of smartwatches
8.6

Review score

Review score
8.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (20)
8 reviews: 6 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.
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
3
≈ estimated
1
Video reviews 2
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 94% of smartwatches
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Apple Watch Series 10 42mm

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

7.9

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

4.5

Battery

14%

10

Smart features

12%

9.0

Connectivity

9%

8.3

Display & Design

4%

7.8

Hardware

8.2
Review score
Review score
8.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (20)
8 reviews: 6 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.
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
3
≈ estimated
1
Video reviews 2
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
8.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Apple Watch Series 10 42mm has a popularity of 8.8 points, which is higher than 81.5% of smartwatches.
8.8
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

8.3

Overall score

40%

8.4

Price

8.4
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
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
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
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
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
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
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
0.75 days
Battery life
0.75 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 0.75 days which is shorter than that of 98% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2% of smartwatches.
Converted from the reported 18-hour battery life.
Battery life in training mode
6 h
Battery life in training mode
6 h
This smartwatch lasts 6 h in training mode which is shorter than 83.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.1% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
7 h
Battery life with GPS on
7 h
This smartwatch lasts 7 h with GPS on which is shorter than 81.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
Battery power
327 mAh
Battery power
327 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 327 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 59.2% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.3% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
60 min
Charge time
60 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.
Approximate value from reported charging range: 60 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
watchOS
Operating system
watchOS
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 (11).
Software update frequency
regular
Software update frequency
regular
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
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
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
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
Resolution
374x 446
Resolution
374x 446
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 374x446 which is higher than that of 60.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
326 ppi
Pixel density
326 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
2000 nits
Display brightness
2000 nits
This smartwatch reaches 2000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 88.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 5.9% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
Apple S10
Processor model
Apple S10
This smartwatch uses the Apple S10 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
RAM
1 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
64 GB
Internal storage
64 GB
This smartwatch uses 64 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 98.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.7% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Apple Watch Series 10 42mm vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    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
    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
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (11).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • 60 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    60 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (60 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 60 minutes.
    60 min vs 120 min
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • 11.2% better value for money
    Apple Watch Series 10 42mm has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.36 vs 7.5).
    8.36 vs 7.52
  • 44% more popular
    Apple Watch Series 10 42mm has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (8.81 vs 6.1).
    8.81 vs 6.12
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    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
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
    HRV may be estimated from sleep/stress methods and not medical-grade.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    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
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    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
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Supports on-watch route guidance via Apple Maps.
  • 20 more exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    100
    This smartwatch supports more exercise modes than the average smartwatch (100 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Available in the Workout app on watchOS 9 or later.
    100 vs 80
  • 60 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    60 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (60 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 60 minutes.
    60 min vs 120 min
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    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
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.3
    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
  • UWB chip
    UWB chip
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a UWB chip, while the average smartwatch does not. 2.3% of smartwatches include UWB.
    Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.
  • 1,400 nits higher display brightness
    Display brightness
    2000 nits
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (2000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    2,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • Better case material
    Case material
    aluminum, titanium
    This smartwatch uses aluminum, titanium for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aluminum, titanium vs polycarbonate
  • 15 g lighter weight
    Weight
    30.0 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (30 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    30.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • Better band material
    Band material
    silicone, leather, nylon, fabric, stainless steel, titanium
    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
  • 1.9 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    9.70 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (9.7 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    9.70 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Ion-X
    This smartwatch uses Ion-X display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Ion-X vs mineral glass
  • 6 mm narrower watch width
    Width
    36.0 mm
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (36 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    36.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    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
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (11).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 60 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    64 GB
    This smartwatch offers more internal storage than the average smartwatch (64 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    64 GB vs 4 GB
  • 3 year/s newer release date
    Release date
    2024
    This smartwatch has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2024 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2024
    2024 vs 2021
  • More advanced processor model
    Processor model
    Apple S10
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S10 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S10 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • 6.25 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.75 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.8 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from the reported 18-hour battery life.
    0.75 days vs 7 days
  • 13 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    7 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (7 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    7 h vs 20 h
  • 13.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    6 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (6 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    6 h vs 19.25 h
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP6X
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP6X vs IP68).
    Also reported with 50M water-resistance rating.
    IP6X vs IP68
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    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
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 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
  • 3.08x more expensive
    Apple Watch Series 10 42mm is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£400 vs £130).
    £400 vs £130
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 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
  • 6.25 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.75 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.8 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from the reported 18-hour battery life.
    0.75 days vs 7 days
  • 13 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    7 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (7 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    7 h vs 20 h
  • 13.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    6 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (6 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    6 h vs 19.25 h
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP6X
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP6X vs IP68).
    Also reported with 50M water-resistance rating.
    IP6X vs IP68
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    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
    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
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.

Video reviews

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

8.5
AbbyBReviewing
✓ explicit
19/06/2025
Hands-on review · daily use, battery and app tests
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 10 42mm is a strong pick for iPhone users, held back by battery life and a finicky charger.
8.5
AbbyBReviewing
✓ explicit
19/06/2025
Hands-on review · daily use, battery and app tests
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 10 42mm is a strong pick for iPhone users, held back by battery life and a finicky charger.
9.0
Dion Schuddeboom
≈ estimated
30/09/2024
First look · unboxing and buying advice
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 10 42mm looks like a fairly big upgrade over the Series 9, with more features and a bigger screen.
9.0
Dion Schuddeboom
≈ estimated
30/09/2024
First look · unboxing and buying advice
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 10 42mm looks like a fairly big upgrade over the Series 9, with more features and a bigger screen.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers praise the comfortable, light fit and sharp screen, but battery life disappoints and it's barely an upgrade over older models.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
05/12/2024
Month-long test · Everyday smartwatch
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 is the most balanced choice in Apple's range, with a bigger, easier-to-read screen and slimmer body, but battery life has not improved.
9.0
me.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
14/08/2025
Hands-on review · Thinner, bigger screen
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 is a slimmer step up from Series 9 with a bigger screen, though the Ultra 2 lasts much longer on a charge.
9.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
21/11/2024
Review · Slimmer, same look
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 is slimmer and easier to read than earlier models, but it looks almost identical to recent ones.
10
heise.de
✓ explicit
13/11/2024
Hands-on test · Health features
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 suits iPhone users who want accurate health tracking and an easy-to-read screen, though its battery lasts only about a day.
9.0
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
12/01/2026
Buying advice · Upgrade check
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 is only worth buying as an upgrade from a Series 7 or older, since Series 9 owners get the same health features and software.
chip.de
06/11/2024
Not graded yet
7.0
phonandroid.com
≈ estimated
24/11/2024
Hands-on test · Screen and sensors
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 gets a bigger, easier-to-read screen and water sensors, though battery gains were still being tested when this review was written.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Apple Watch Series 10 42mm

  • Slimmer and lighter design (9.7mm thick) significantly improves daily wearing comfort
  • New wide-angle OLED display is 40% brighter when viewed off-angle
  • Faster charging reaches 80% battery in approximately 30 minutes
  • Larger active screen area (9% increase over 41mm models) allows for more text and easier interaction
  • New health and utility features including sleep apnoea detection and a water temperature sensor
  • Improved speaker quality now supports direct media playback and better voice isolation for calls

What we don't like about Apple Watch Series 10 42mm

  • Battery life remains limited to approximately 18–24 hours, requiring daily charging
  • Blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking remains disabled on new units in the United States due to legal disputes
  • Incremental performance gains over Series 9, making it a questionable upgrade for recent model owners
  • Standard Ion-X glass on aluminium models is more prone to scratching than the sapphire crystal on titanium models
  • Glossy Jet Black finish can act as a 'fingerprint magnet' and may show smudges easily
  • The 42mm size is now the smallest option, which may still feel too large for some users with very small wrists

Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 10 42mm features a 9.7mm thin case and a wide-angle LTPO3 OLED Retina display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness and 374x446 resolution. Powered by the S10 SiP with a 4-core Neural Engine, it offers advanced health tracking including ECG, sleep apnoea notifications, and a water temperature sensor, alongside 50m water resistance and a new depth gauge for shallow diving. Main pros include its lightweight design (30g for aluminium), 40% improved off-axis display brightness, and the fastest charging to date, reaching 80% in approximately 30 minutes. However, it maintains an 18-hour 'all-day' battery life that lags behind the Ultra models, and the blood oxygen monitoring feature remains unavailable for users in the United States.

Compare Apple Watch Series 10 42mm with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Apple Watch Series 10 42mm and other Smartwatches

No results found