Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch Series 10
Picking between the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 10 means picking between two of Apple’s own lines rather than between brands. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Apple Watch Series 10 takes 2 of 4 areas against the Apple Watch Series 8, starting with display.
At a glance
- Display Apple Watch Series 10 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors Tie
- Battery Life Tie
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch Series 10 wins
- Price Tie
- Display5.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors7.1
- Battery Life0.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity8.2
- Display7.5
- Health & Fitness Sensors7.1
- Battery Life0.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Apple Watch Series 10 has 100% higher peak brightness
It’s a lopsided result (2,000 nits for the Apple Watch Series 10, 1,000 nits for the Apple Watch Series 8) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Indoors, both may be bright enough; the difference shows up in direct sunlight.
-
The Apple Watch Series 10 has 32 GB more storage
The spread here is large: 64 GB on the Apple Watch Series 10 versus 32 GB on the Apple Watch Series 8. Expect to notice it. If you run or train without your phone, the Apple Watch Series 10’s extra storage is useful.
-
The Apple Watch Series 10 has a 0.08 oz lighter case
The Apple Watch Series 10 wins this narrowly, 1.28 oz against 1.37 oz, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The Apple Watch Series 10 puts less weight on your wrist, which you’ll appreciate if you wear it around the clock.
-
The Apple Watch Series 10 has a 0.04 in slimmer case
The Apple Watch Series 10 has a modest edge on thickness: 0.38 in against 0.42 in for the Apple Watch Series 8. Thickness often houses sensors or a larger battery, so the Apple Watch Series 8’s extra depth may be doing something useful.
Design & Size
- Apple Watch Series 8 45 mm × 0.42 in
- Apple Watch Series 10 46 mm × 0.38 in
By the manufacturer’s measurements, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the more compact watch, and the Apple Watch Series 10 the larger one. The Apple Watch Series 10 undercuts the Apple Watch Series 8 by 0.08 oz on weight. A thickness gap of 0.04 in separates them, with the Apple Watch Series 10 on the thin side.
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 45 mm | 46 mm |
| Available sizes | 41 mm, 45 mm | 42 mm, 46 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum, stainless steel | Aluminum, titanium |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | 0.38 in (winner) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.37 oz | 1.28 oz (winner) |
Display
Apple Watch Series 10 leads
The display numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Apple Watch Series 10. The Apple Watch Series 10 gives you 100% higher peak brightness. The Apple Watch Series 10’s higher peak brightness is a real help for outdoor workouts. If this section decides it for you, choose the Apple Watch Series 10.
Peak brightness
Apple Watch Series 8: 1,000 nits Apple Watch Series 10: 2,000 nits A brighter screen stays readable on a sunny run, at the beach or on a ski slope.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Too close to call
The health & fitness sensors specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Treat health & fitness sensors as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Battery Life
Too close to call
In the battery life category, the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 10 land in almost the same place. Net result on battery life: level.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 10 leads
The smart features & connectivity numbers lean toward the Apple Watch Series 10, not dramatically but consistently. The Apple Watch Series 10 scores with 32 GB more storage. More storage leaves room for offline music, podcasts and maps on your wrist. The smart features & connectivity verdict goes to the Apple Watch Series 10.
Storage
Apple Watch Series 8: 32 GB Apple Watch Series 10: 64 GB For notifications and fitness tracking alone, storage rarely matters.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On wide-angle LTPO3 OLED |
| Resolution (largest) | 396 x 484 | 416 x 496 |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 2,000 nits (winner) |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 18 h |
| Rated life in low-power modeManufacturer rating | 36 h | 36 h |
| Charging | USB-C magnetic fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min | Fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 30 min |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S8 | S10 |
| Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB (winner) |
| Cellular option | Yes | Yes |
| Contactless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone only | iPhone only |
| Software | watchOS | watchOS |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 45 mm | 46 mm |
| Available sizes | 41 mm, 45 mm | 42 mm, 46 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum, stainless steel | Aluminum, titanium |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | 0.38 in (winner) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.37 oz | 1.28 oz (winner) |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $399 | $399 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 10 launched at the same price, so this comes down to the specs.
Based on US launch pricing as of September 2024. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- you don’t need what the newer model adds
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
Choose the Apple Watch Series 10 if…
- you want the brighter screen (2,000 nits vs 1,000 nits)
- you want more on-watch storage (64 GB vs 32 GB)
- you wear your watch to sleep and barely want to feel it (1.28 oz vs 1.37 oz)
- you want the slimmer watch (0.38 in vs 0.42 in)
- you want the changes the Apple Watch Series 10 brings over its predecessor
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch Series 10?
On the specs compared here, the Apple Watch Series 10 makes more sense for most buyers; the Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 worth it over the Apple Watch Series 8?
For most owners, it’s a meaningful step. The Apple Watch Series 10 brings 100% higher peak brightness, 32 GB more storage and a 0.08 oz lighter case over the Apple Watch Series 8.
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch Series 10?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 10 are too close to call.
Is the Apple Watch Series 8 bigger than the Apple Watch Series 10?
It’s the Apple Watch Series 10 that is larger: 0.38 in, versus 0.42 in for the Apple Watch Series 8.
Is the Apple Watch Series 8’s display better than the Apple Watch Series 10’s?
The Apple Watch Series 10 has the stronger display on paper, with 100% higher peak brightness.
Which weighs less, the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch Series 10?
On the scale, the Apple Watch Series 10 comes out ahead at 0.08 oz lighter than the Apple Watch Series 8.
Executive Summary
Choosing between siblings is my favorite kind of puzzle. The Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 10 share a lot, so the details decide. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Apple Watch Series 10 has 100% higher peak brightness. Stack 32 GB more storage on top of that, and the Apple Watch Series 10’s lead grows.
The Apple Watch Series 8 makes sense for anyone who values the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the Apple Watch Series 10 for anyone who values display.
My pick: the Apple Watch Series 10.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.