Why the Apple Watch Series 10 is a Smart Buy This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are looking to upgrade their smartwatches. Apple has recently introduced several new models, including the Series 11, the budget-friendly SE 3, and the premium Ultra 3. While these devices boast impressive features like Hypertension Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, extended battery life, and Sleep Scores, there’s still a compelling case for considering older models—namely, the Apple Watch Series 10, which can now be found at a significant discount.

New Features Across the Board

When Apple released WatchOS 26, it extended many premium features to older models as well. Users of the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, as well as Ultra 2 and beyond, now enjoy a richer software experience that closely mirrors the capabilities of the latest devices. This means that if you’re considering a smartwatch this Black Friday, you don’t necessarily have to opt for the latest model at the top of the price range.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Series 11

Same Design, Similar Performance

One of the key factors to note is that the Series 11 and Series 10 share the same design and form factor. Apple confirmed that the new Series 11 maintains the same thin and light build as its predecessor. With both models powered by the identical S10 chip, the real difference lies in the battery life. The Series 11 offers an additional six hours of usage compared to the Series 10, thanks to optimizations made by Apple engineers.

When Battery Life Matters

For many users, the battery life difference may not be a dealbreaker. If you don’t habitually use your smartwatch 24/7 or if you are diligent about charging, the Series 10 remains an excellent choice. Its features, underlined by the latest software updates, still make it a strong contender in the smartwatch market.

Comparing Health Features

When discussing health-tracking features, the Apple Watch Series 10 certainly holds an advantage over the SE 3. Although the SE 3 includes the S10 chip, it lacks some crucial health functionalities such as Hypertension Detection, blood oxygen monitoring, and ECG capability. In contrast, the Series 10 comes equipped with an impressive health-tracking suite, making it a better choice for health-conscious individuals.

Price Promotions to Consider

Currently, the Apple Watch Series 10 can be found for around $280, down from its original price of $400. This discount—not including sales at other retailers like Walmart, where it might be listed for $299—makes the Series 10 a compelling choice compared to other models. In contrast, the SE 3 is available for about $200. While it is an attractive option due to its affordability, it falls short in health-tracking features compared to the Series 10.

Your Best Fit: Series 10 or SE 3?

If you’re primarily interested in health tracking, particularly if you are part of an older demographic, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a prudent investment due to its comprehensive health features. The SE 3 might work as a casual smartwatch for less intensive users but would not suit those who depend on health metrics.

Where to Find the Best Deals

As stock levels of the older models dwindle, now may be the perfect time to purchase the Apple Watch Series 10, especially with its current pricing being hard to beat. According to ZDNET‘s experts, this deal rates a full 5 out of 5, so make sure you don’t miss out.

Conclusion

As you navigate the holiday shopping season, consider the benefits of the Apple Watch Series 10 amidst the newer offerings. With exceptional health features, a significant discount, and updates that keep it relevant, the Series 10 stands out as a smart and economical choice.

For more insights on smart wearable technology, check out our guide on choosing the best smartwatch.

Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/one-of-the-best-apple-watches-you-can-buy-isnt-apples-newest-but-its-30-off/