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Review: Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 was launched in South Africa last month alongside the new iPhone 16 range. I ended up purchasing one with my Discovery Miles and got a discount, plus I sold my Series 6. It costs R9 899.

The new Series 10 model is now available in two finishes: Titanium and Aluminium; gone is the stainless steel option. Within the titanium finish, you can get it in slate, gold and natural finishes; and within the aluminium finish you can get it in jet black, rose gold and silver.

I’ve been using an Apple Watch since the original model came out. The one after that was subsequently called Series 1, so technically my OG was Series 0. I then upgraded to Series 6 when I could no longer update my original one with the new software update. And now, I am on Series 10. I believe an Apple Watch should last you at least between four to six years.

Despite the bands displayed above, I use my watch daily with the Apple original Milanese Loop strap. It is magnetic and can be adjusted to any wrist size. I bought it after I got the initial watch, so the band is lasting me for over 8 years now. And big ups to Apple for keeping the compatibility since the OG. Despite the face changing in size over the years, all straps are compatible with the Apple Watch models.

You can get knock-off straps in the style on Takealot but I’m glad I got the original one and it is still lasting. I clean it every now and then. It just matches everything for me.

Apple Watch Series 10 Quick Look

Apple Watch size and face

The Apple Watch Series 10 is bigger than my previous one in terms of watch face, coming from a 40mm to a 42mm. It is now 42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm. Despite that, the S10 is 0.5g lighter. So the watch face is 30g before adding a strap. I do have small wrists so the face takes up the height of mine, which makes it bigger than my S6. And if I’m honest, a little too big for my liking.

However, the larger face means the info you access is not going to feel squashed. I also noticed the brightness level; my upgrade took me from 1000nits to 2000nits peak brightness, and the display is now a wide-angle OLED. It also means it is 40% brighter when viewed at an angle. These may feel like small updates but they are noticeable and makes its an improved experience.

What’s new on Series 10

For reference, I will be comparing it to my Series 6 as that is what I came from.

It does the same things like ECG tests, high and low heart rate notifications, irregular heart rhythm notifications, low cardio fitness readings, blood oxygen sensor, sleep tracking but sleep apnoea is new, plus measuring your wrist temperature.

The temperature sensing can also tie in with cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates, but I do not use these features on any wearable. I am not comfortable giving a device that kind of data because who knows where it will end up “accidentally”.

Apart from the Emergency SOS, calling and fall detection, I now benefit from crash detection.

My previous watch was 50m water resistant and swim proof, but the addition is now a depth gauge up to 6m and a water temperature sensor. I’m definitely not going to be testing this. Even when I go into a pool, I remove my watch. It also supports Oceanic+ app for snorkelling.

I also get the double tap gesture (in the air), faster on-device Siri, and a favourite – precision finding for iPhone. I am always looking for my phone and it shows me directly on my watch face how far I am, where I need to turn etc, a feature I previously used on my iPhone.

Another main reason my upgrade was important to me, was battery life. Both say up to 18 hours, but the S10 adds up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, and another key feature; faster charging, which takes it from 0-80% in 30 minutes. As a traveller who is sometimes in transit for more than 24 hours, these features are highly beneficial and played an important part of upgrading.

Using the Apple Watch S10 daily

I wear my Apple Watch every single day. Never mind that I have a permanent hideous watch tan, but I don’t go anywhere without it. If I’m attending a wedding or need to dress up a bit, my watch is always on me regardless if it “matches”.

But my stainless steel Milanese Loop mesh watch band is timeless and I clean it when I notice it could do with one. It can easily adjust it if I am feeling uncomfortable or if it gets too hot or tight.

A new feature I am enjoying is the precision finding from Find My. I am alway beeping my phone from my watch to find it at home and now it will show me directions to where my device is and tell me if I am moving further away or closer to it. This was my phone but now on my watch.

Another reason I like the larger screen because when I go out with friends and we split the bill, I can access the calculator which is slightly bigger and it calculates a tip by percentage and how many people it is being split by.

Other uses is using it for the camera shutter button when in a group setting, we use it as a timer, nobody needs to tap a button and run back to join the group. I just use my wrist to control the shutter.

Apple Pay

An absolutely key feature for me is Apple Pay. I cannot live without it. It’s the main reason I had signed up to Discovery Bank all those years ago when it launched first on the bank. Now, FNB has it but all my cards are loaded onto it, virtually where possible.

A lot of people think it’s not safe but it uses a tokenisation system when you load it, which means it’s never your actual card numbers and no merchant will know your actual info.

Also key to using it is that you need a passcode. If the watch is locked, your cards are not accessible. Think about this layer of security, before entering your PIN, versus when your physical wallet gets stolen and someone can tap or swipe your cards immediately.

I also have a bunch of other cards loaded onto it that supportsApple Wallet, like hotel bookings, flights, loyalty cards, medical aid cards, movie tickets, etc.

Apple Watch Face

By now you can tell I am a creature of habit. I’ve been using the same watch face since it was launched, the Infograph. The reason for that, is that you can add eight complications.

That’s eight bits of info at a quick glance. My outer corners show battery life, start a workout, sunrise/sunset and temperature. The inside has blood oxygen monitoring, calendar, activity rings and favourite contact.

When I travel, the Workout complication is quickly toggled with World Clock as it is alphabetical and it’s one scroll away, for when I am in a different time zone. I make it Johannesburg while my watch itself will display where I am.

Another thing about the sunrise/sunset and temperature is that it is location based. So whenever I travel I can immediately see these crucial bits of info at a glance, which helps with what I’m going to wear etc.

Final Thoughts

If you have a Series 5 or 6 and older, the Apple Watch Series 10 is suited to you. This isn’t a wearable that you upgrade every couple of years and if you are coming from an older one, the upgrade will be significant and that’s the point of it.

If you have small or dainty wrists, the smaller 42mm will feel big on you. However, for size and if you’re not sure if you will use all the features, I recommend you take a look at the Apple Watch SE, which is slightly cheaper but it was released in September 2020.

I purchased the GPS model as I am on prepaid. If you are on contract, you can purchase the Cellular model, which costs more. I reached out to the networks about prepaid support, and this is what they said:

MTN: “MTN procures the e-sim enabled Apple watches which are offered as part of our postpaid packages. The Prepaid e-sim journey is still a work in progress and we will communicate to our customers once MTN is ready to offer the product to Prepaid customers.”

Vodacom: “We are looking at supporting prepaid”

Melon Mobile: No reply yet.

Another thing to note, most eSIMs require scanning of a QR Code and watches don’t have cameras. However, it has been years now so there should have been a way to do it from the paired phone.

8.5
Score

Pros

  • Improvement in battery life from S6
  • Bigger screen makes for a better experience
  • Apple Watch original straps still compatible
  • Fast charging is a win

Cons

  • Double Tap not an intuitive feature
  • May be too big for small wrists
Design
8
Features
9
Battery life
9
Value for Money
8

Final Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 10 is meant for upgrade cycles from Series 5-6 or older, which makes for a massive upgrade all around. Especially useful for those who want to track workouts, use it for swimming or snorkelling, use Apple Pay and want to track vitals and health.

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