I used the Apple Watch Sequence 10 for six months — here is why it is nonetheless the very best smartwatch

The one smartwatch I used with any quantity of consistency during the last 4 years is the Apple Watch, and there is a easy cause for that — it is really good. Whereas I initially favored Put on OS smartwatches, Google’s ham-fisted technique means the platform nonetheless does not get the eye it deserved, and it suffers consequently.

Fortunately, this is not an issue with Apple; the model has a constant imaginative and prescient round its {hardware} ecosystem, and it did an excellent job constructing on that over the course of the final decade. And though there hasn’t been a lot variance with the Apple Watch within the final two years, that is modified with the Sequence 10.

The Apple Watch Sequence 10 does not have groundbreaking options or a brand-new design; as an alternative, it’s thinner and lighter, has a barely larger panel, and a number of other quality-of-life enhancements that make an enormous distinction for those who’re a long-term consumer. Better of all, it is now on sale, coming in at $329 — a $100 low cost over its retail value. The Sequence 10 is out there in 42mm and 46mm sizes, and with aluminum or titanium circumstances, and it begins at $329 (a limited-time deal) and goes as much as $1,049 based mostly on case variants and equipment.

The 42mm aluminum mannequin normally begins at $399/£399/€499/₹46,900, with the 46mm variant going as much as $429/£429/€479/₹49,900. It is out there in Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black — the mannequin I am utilizing. The titanium variant begins at $699/£699/€799/₹79,900 for the 42mm model, and $749/£749/€849/₹84,900 for those who select 46mm, and it’s out there in Pure, Gold, and Slate colours.

You are taking a look at an extra $100 if you need mobile connectivity, and whereas rubber and textile bands do not have an extra premium, metal bands add $50 to the price of the smartwatch. The variant I am testing is ₹59,900 ($709) in India, and it’s out there at $529 within the U.S.

The thinnest Apple Watch but

Whereas the Sequence 10 retains an identical design as its predecessor, the largest distinction is the sizing. It’s a millimeter thinner than final 12 months, and is in actual fact the thinnest Apple smartwatch but. I instantly observed the distinction after switching over from the Sequence 9; it’s also a smidgen lighter, and these items matter on a tool that is meant to be worn 24/7.

The chassis has rounded corners and is usually sleeker, and you will see a pronounced distinction for those who’re switching from an older mannequin. The aluminum mannequin is nice in its personal proper; it makes use of an anodized design and a extremely polished coating that makes it shine.

The jet black variant specifically is excellent, and it stands out fairly a bit. I used to be anxious concerning the shiny coat carrying skinny, however after six months of standard use, the smartwatch nonetheless appears to be like pristine. This has by no means been a difficulty prior to now both, and the Sequence 10 has the identical dependable sturdiness — even with out utilizing a case.

Should you want one thing to match your iPhone 16 Professional Max, the smartwatch is out there in titanium. You may be shelling out no less than $699 to get the titanium chassis mannequin, however it appears to be like gorgeous. An enormous a part of the attract of the Apple Watch is the in depth customizability; the smartwatch has extra band choices than any rival, and you’ll tailor it to your preferences.

I picked up just a few leather-based and stainless-steel bands over time, however I predominantly used the Textile Sport Loop; it is a good pairing with the Sequence 10 as it’s lighter than all the opposite bands. The thinner design and rounded edges distinguish the Sequence 10 a good quantity, and it is a worthy improve for those who’re coming from an older mannequin.

A much bigger OLED panel with higher viewing angles

It’s good to have a thinner and lighter watch, however the largest differentiator with the Sequence 10 is the panel; it now comes with a 1.96-inch OLED on the 46mm model, and the marginally larger dimension means you possibly can see extra textual content. What I like the very best is that the viewing angles are higher this era, so you possibly can simply make out the contents on the display even at an angle — this makes all of the distinction in each day use.

The panel additionally will get brighter when outdoor, and once more, the distinction is noticeable in opposition to the Sequence 9. The larger panel together with thinner bezels makes the Sequence 10 look that rather more elegant, and I like the extra actual property; in common use, that interprets to an extra line of textual content when viewing notifications.

One other cool characteristic is that it makes use of LTPO tech, so the smartwatch cycles all the way down to 1Hz refresh, permitting a seconds hand. The brand new Flux watch face does a fantastic job demonstrating this, and that is the one I used more often than not. Whereas the remainder of the modifications on the smartwatch are iterative, the design mixed with the larger panel make a good distinction in usability, so for those who’re on an older mannequin and mulling a change, the Sequence 10 is the way in which to go.

An exhaustive feature-set

The one new characteristic I like quite a bit is you could play music regionally on the watch; there is a tiny speaker situated on the left. That is one thing I have been ready for fairly some time, so it is good to see the Sequence 10 get the characteristic.

It does real-time translations as effectively, and you’ll obtain language packs onto the smartwatch and use the built-in translation utility when your telephone is not round. I do not take many calls on the watch, however it has improved noise isolation, so background noise is not as audible.

The on-device options are facilitated by the S10 SiP, which has higher vitality effectivity and is designed to ship AI duties. Apple all the time does an excellent job with well being and exercise monitoring, and the Sequence 10 continues that heritage. It has the identical slate of sensors because the Sequence 9, and picks up the water depth gauge and water temperature sensor this time. It does a terrific job monitoring well being and exercise information all through the day, and I did not see any points on this space.

I just like the modifications to the exercise modes in watchOS 11; you get extra detailed insights, and coaching load is an effective strategy to measure for those who’re straining your physique. The interface itself hasn’t modified a lot, and I nonetheless just like the double faucet gesture fairly a bit; I am ready to see how third-party apps put it to use now that it is out there to everybody.

The one factor that is underwhelming concerning the Sequence 10 is the battery life; I believed it might lastly handle to final two days, however that hasn’t been the case. I acquired a day and a half on common, and whereas I used to be capable of lengthen that to 2 days by disabling always-on mode, however it runs counter to the thought of getting a smartwatch, so I did not hassle doing that more often than not.

The Sequence 10 remains to be my go-to suggestion

As a lot as I just like the thinner design and larger panel, I would not counsel switching to the Sequence 10 for those who’re utilizing its predecessor. However for those who’re on the Sequence 7 or older, there are sufficient upgrades to simply warrant a transfer. The tweaks to the design make it that rather more snug to put on, and the OLED panel is larger, brighter, and has rounded edges.

The basics are nonetheless the identical, and I just like the consistency — that is one thing Google wants to handle by itself units. Greater than the rest, it is because of this I proceed to make use of the smartwatch. The one annoyance is how recurrently I have to cost it; that is why I loved utilizing Withings’ ScanWatch Nova during the last month; the hybrid smartwatch solely must be charged bi-weekly, however it does not fairly have the identical smarts. Should you want a full-fledged smartwatch with all of the extras, the Sequence 10 continues to be my go-to alternative.