Apple Watch Series 10 & Apple Watch Series 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 10 rather than the Apple Watch Series 4.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 10?
- The Apple Watch Series 10 features a brighter LTPO OLED display with up to 3000 nits for significantly better outdoor visibility and easier reading in direct sunlight, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 uses a dimmer LTPO OLED display with around 1000 nits.
- Apple Watch Series 10 has the S10 SiP for faster app loading, smoother animations, and better long-term performance, while the Apple Watch Series 4 uses the older S4 SiP.
- It includes a blood oxygen sensor for monitoring oxygen saturation trends that can help identify breathing and altitude-related issues, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 has no blood oxygen sensor.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 includes wrist temperature sensing to support cycle tracking and early illness detection trends, while the Apple Watch Series 4 lacks temperature sensing.
- Apple Watch Series 10 supports fast charging to quickly regain power during short breaks before workouts or sleep tracking, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 charges slower.
- It features Crash Detection to automatically contact emergency services during severe car accidents when the you cannot respond, while the Apple Watch Series 4 does not support Crash Detection.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 includes Ultra-Wideband Gen 2 to precisely locate compatible devices like iPhone in crowded spaces or at home, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 has no Ultra-Wideband support.
- Apple Watch Series 10 features a thinner and more refined chassis for improved comfort during sleep and workouts, while the Apple Watch Series 4 uses a slightly thicker design.
Maybe the Apple Watch Series 4 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 10. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Series 4 |
| Display Brightness | Up to 3000 nits | Up to ~1000 nits |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No |
| Chipset | S10 SiP | S4 SiP |
| Neural Engine | Advanced Gen | First Gen |
| Storage Capacity | 64GB | 16GB |
| Battery System | Newer power management | Older system |
| Fast Charging | Supported | Not supported |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | No |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No |
| Double Tap Gesture | Yes | Not supported |
| Ultra-Wideband | UWB Gen 2 | No UWB |
| Bluetooth | Newer version | Older version |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Updated Wi-Fi | Older Wi-Fi |
| Case Thickness | Thinner | Thicker |
| Display Size Coverage | Larger edge-to-edge | Smaller with bezels |
| Watch Case Durability | Improved materials | Standard durability |
| Band System | New attachment + adapters | Original attachment |
| On-Device Siri | Yes | No |
| Speaker System | Enhanced | Older |
| Microphone System | Enhanced | Older |
| Optical Heart Sensor | Newer gen | Earlier gen |
| Wireless Charging | Enhanced support | Standard support |
| Software Support Lifespan | Longer ahead | Near end of support |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 10 Price | Check Apple Watch 4 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Retina Display: Both watches feature a Retina-quality display that provides sharp text and icons, making interface elements clear and easy to read. This ensures both casual and fitness usage remains visually comfortable throughout the day.
- LTPO OLED Screen: Each model uses LTPO OLED technology, allowing for efficient power consumption while delivering deep blacks and vivid colors. This boosts visual appeal for watch faces and apps.
- Digital Crown with Haptics: Both include the Digital Crown with haptic feedback, enabling precise navigation without covering the screen with your finger. This provides a familiar and tactile experience for using apps and scrolling.
- GPS Tracking: Both watches support built-in GPS for tracking routes during workouts. This lets users exercise outdoors without carrying an iPhone.
- GPS + Cellular Options: Each model has LTE variants, enabling calls, messaging, and streaming while away from the phone. This improves independence and personal safety.
- Optical Heart Rate Sensor: Both track heart rate throughout the day for monitoring wellness, performance, and notifications for abnormal patterns. It is a core health function shared across generations.
- ECG App Support: Each supports ECG readings, helping detect irregular heart rhythms like AFib. This gives users meaningful heart health insights from the wrist.
- Fall Detection: Both models can sense hard falls and prompt emergency assistance. This adds safety for older adults and active users.
- Emergency SOS: Each device can contact emergency services directly from the wrist. This is crucial in situations where the phone is not accessible.
- Water Resistance (50m): Both are swimproof and suitable for pool workouts and shallow-water activities. Users do not need to remove the watch when around water.
- Swimproof Design: Both models are designed to handle strokes and water-tracking features during swim workouts. Athletes benefit from performance metrics in the pool.
- Speaker and Microphone: Both include audio input and output, allowing users to take calls, interact with Siri, and receive audible alerts. This makes the watch more than just a silent tracker.
- Accelerometer: Both include an accelerometer to measure motion and enable smart features like fall detection and activity tracking. This enhances fitness and safety capabilities.
- Gyroscope: Each model uses a gyroscope to measure rotational movement for accurate gesture input and workout detection. It also improves screen orientation responsiveness.
- Altimeter: Both can measure elevation for hike and climb tracking. Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from accurate ascent and descent data.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both connect to Wi-Fi when the paired iPhone is not nearby. This ensures apps remain updated and notifications can still arrive.
- Bluetooth Support: Each supports Bluetooth for pairing with the iPhone and accessories like headphones. It is essential for seamless wireless operation.
- WatchOS Compatibility: Both run watchOS and support major updates (with differences in future support). This ensures a consistent Apple Watch experience.
- Apple Pay Support: Both watches allow secure contactless payments directly from the wrist. This reduces the need to carry a wallet or phone for simple transactions.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Series 4 |
| Retina Display | Yes | Yes |
| LTPO OLED Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Crown with Haptics | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| GPS + Cellular Options | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| ECG App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 50m | 50m |
| Swimproof Design | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker and Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Support | Yes | Yes |
| WatchOS Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay Support | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 10 Price | Check Apple Watch 4 Price |
FAQ
Is Apple Watch Series 10 significantly better than Apple Watch Series 4 for health tracking? Can both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 4 detect falls and call for help? Do both models support cellular connectivity? Is the Apple Watch Series 4 still supported with software updates? Are the displays on both watches OLED Retina screens? Can both watches be used for swimming and water workouts? Do both models support ECG? Can I use Apple Pay on both watches? Do both Apple Watch models include GPS for outdoor tracking? Are both watches compatible with iPhone? Can both models measure daily activity like steps, calories, and workouts? Do both watches include speakers and microphones for calls? Can both track sleep? Do both watches use the Digital Crown with haptic feedback? Can both watches display notifications from the iPhone? |