Apple Watch Series 4 vs Series 10 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureApple Watch Series 10Apple Watch Series 4
Display BrightnessUp to 3000 nitsUp to ~1000 nits
Always-On DisplayYesNo
ChipsetS10 SiPS4 SiP
Neural EngineAdvanced GenFirst Gen
Storage Capacity64GB16GB
Battery SystemNewer power managementOlder system
Fast ChargingSupportedNot supported
Blood Oxygen SensorYesNo
Temperature SensorYesNo
Crash DetectionYesNo
Double Tap GestureYesNot supported
Ultra-WidebandUWB Gen 2No UWB
BluetoothNewer versionOlder version
Wi-Fi StandardUpdated Wi-FiOlder Wi-Fi
Case ThicknessThinnerThicker
Display Size CoverageLarger edge-to-edgeSmaller with bezels
Watch Case DurabilityImproved materialsStandard durability
Band SystemNew attachment + adaptersOriginal attachment
On-Device SiriYesNo
Speaker SystemEnhancedOlder
Microphone SystemEnhancedOlder
Optical Heart SensorNewer genEarlier gen
Wireless ChargingEnhanced supportStandard support
Software Support LifespanLonger aheadNear end of support
PriceCheck Apple Watch 10 PriceCheck 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

FeatureApple Watch Series 10Apple Watch Series 4
Retina DisplayYesYes
LTPO OLED ScreenYesYes
Digital Crown with HapticsYesYes
GPS TrackingYesYes
GPS + Cellular OptionsYesYes
Optical Heart Rate SensorYesYes
ECG App SupportYesYes
Fall DetectionYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
Water Resistance50m50m
Swimproof DesignYesYes
Speaker and MicrophoneYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
AltimeterYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Bluetooth SupportYesYes
WatchOS CompatibilityYesYes
Apple Pay SupportYesYes
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?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 10 includes advanced sensors such as blood oxygen monitoring, wrist temperature sensing, and improved heart health metrics, while Apple Watch Series 4 only includes the earlier heart and ECG capabilities.

Can both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 4 detect falls and call for help?
Yes, both offer Fall Detection and Emergency SOS, allowing users to contact emergency services directly from their wrist in hazardous situations.

Do both models support cellular connectivity?
Yes, both are available in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular configurations, letting users stay connected without their phone if they choose a cellular variant.

Is the Apple Watch Series 4 still supported with software updates?
Apple Watch Series 4 is nearing the end of its update lifecycle, while Series 10 will continue receiving watchOS updates for several more years.

Are the displays on both watches OLED Retina screens?
Yes, both use LTPO OLED Retina screens, but Series 10 has a much brighter and more edge-to-edge display.

Can both watches be used for swimming and water workouts?
Yes, both are rated for 50 meters water resistance, making them suitable for swimming and exposure to splashes or rain.

Do both models support ECG?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 4 was the first to introduce ECG, and Series 10 continues to support it with improved processing.

Can I use Apple Pay on both watches?
Yes, Apple Pay works on both models, allowing for secure contactless payments from the wrist.

Do both Apple Watch models include GPS for outdoor tracking?
Yes, both have built-in GPS enabling accurate distance and route tracking during outdoor activities like running or cycling.

Are both watches compatible with iPhone?
Yes, both require an iPhone to set up and operate, but Series 10 will remain compatible with newer iPhone models longer than Series 4.

Can both models measure daily activity like steps, calories, and workouts?
Yes, both include full Activity Rings and comprehensive workout tracking features.

Do both watches include speakers and microphones for calls?
Yes, both can be used for phone calls, Siri interactions, and audio notifications.

Can both track sleep?
Yes, both support sleep tracking through watchOS features, though Series 10 provides more accurate insights with newer sensors.

Do both watches use the Digital Crown with haptic feedback?
Yes, both incorporate the Digital Crown for scrolling and control with subtle haptic feedback for precision.

Can both watches display notifications from the iPhone?
Yes, both models mirror iPhone notifications, allowing messages, calls, and alerts to be handled directly on the wrist.

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