For someone whose Apple Watch dies during a run and can’t comfortably be charged overnight, replacing the watch before upgrading an iPhone can be the practical choice. That was the case Chris Smith made in a BGR opinion piece published August 30, 2024: his Apple Watch SE 2 battery was reportedly at about 80% health, and it died near the end of a 10K. His iPhone 14 Pro, by contrast, was still usable.
Apple’s launch schedule made the priority possible: Series 10 preorders opened September 9, 2024, four days before iPhone 16 preorders. But the watch-first argument is personal, not universal. It makes sense when the watch is disrupting daily workouts or sleep tracking; if the phone is the failing device, the iPhone should come first.
Why the watch felt more urgent than the phone
Smith’s reasoning was about dependence, not which product was more exciting. Marathon and half-marathon training put his SE 2 through regular workouts, while wearing it overnight for sleep tracking left fewer convenient charging windows. A watch that runs out of power during a 10K undermines the fitness routine it is supposed to support. His iPhone 14 Pro had not reached that point.
The reported 80% battery-health figure was Smith’s own assessment, not an independently verified measurement. More useful than the percentage alone is whether a watch reliably finishes the routine its owner asks of it: a GPS workout, a full day, or overnight tracking. Workout, GPS and cellular use can make a degraded battery feel more limiting than passive daytime use.
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416RQ0rtsUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
What Series 10 actually delivered
When the original opinion ran, Apple had not confirmed the next watch’s design, charging changes or health features. Apple announced Series 10 on September 9, 2024, with a thinner design, a larger display and faster charging. It came in 42mm and 46mm case sizes—not the hoped-for “41mm equivalent.” Apple said the display offered up to 30% more screen area than earlier models and that its wide-angle OLED was up to 40% brighter at an angle than Series 9. Those are Apple’s launch comparisons, not a promise that every wearer will perceive the same improvement.
- Charging: Apple said Series 10 could charge to about 80% in 30 minutes. Its launch materials also described about eight hours of normal use from a 15-minute charge, or about eight hours of sleep tracking from an eight-minute charge. The sleep-tracking figure is especially relevant to people who wear a watch overnight and need a short charging window before bed.
- Health and water: Series 10 added sleep-apnea notifications, plus water-depth and water-temperature sensing. Sleep-apnea notifications can flag signs that may merit medical follow-up; they are not a diagnosis or a substitute for clinical testing. Availability depends on regulatory clearance and region.
- Hardware and everyday use: The watch uses Apple’s S10 SiP, and its redesigned speaker supports music and other audio playback. Apple also offered Jet Black aluminum and titanium finishes.
One hoped-for feature did not arrive: Series 10 did not include blood-pressure monitoring. Nor did Apple announce an SE 3 at the September event; it announced Series 10 and a black titanium version of Ultra 2 instead. Apple’s Series 10 announcement has the launch specifications and feature qualifications.
Rank #2
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31caPPnRysL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
The preorder came first—but that doesn’t settle what to buy
In the United States and the launch markets covered by Apple’s announcements, Series 10 preorders began September 9, 2024. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro preorders began September 13 at 5 a.m. PDT, and both product families became available September 20. So the watch really could be ordered first; its earlier date did not make it the better purchase for every buyer.
Series 10 launched in the U.S. from $399, while Apple Watch SE started at $249. These are historical launch prices, not a statement of current pricing. Apple stated that older 41mm and 45mm bands were compatible with Series 10’s new 42mm and 46mm sizes, and that new 42mm and 46mm bands fit older models. Check fit in person if possible: “smaller” than Ultra does not mean small, especially for a wearer with a narrow wrist.
Rank #3
![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Cud2WnszL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 — Bigger display with up to 30 percent more screen area.* A thinner, lighter, and more comfortable design.* Advanced health and fitness features provide invaluable insights.* Safety features connect you to help when you need it.* Faster charging gives you 80 percent battery in about 30 minutes.*
- ADVANCED HEALTH INSIGHTS — Take an ECG anytime.* Get notifications if you have high or low heart rate or an irregular heart rhythm.* Understand your menstrual cycle and get retrospective ovulation estimates.* See overnight health metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, and more with the Vitals app.* Track sleep and get notifications if Apple Watch detects signs of sleep apnea.*
- A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — Measure all the ways you move with Activity Rings, which are customizable to match your lifestyle. Get advanced metrics for a range of workouts with the Workout app. Track the intensity of your workouts with training load. Use depth and water temperature sensors for your aquatic adventures. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.*
- STAY CONNECTED — Send a text, take a call, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri, and get notifications on the go. Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS) works with your iPhone or Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
- INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Fall Detection and Crash Detection can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button.* Check In automatically notifies a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.*
When Series 10 is a better first upgrade
- Your watch no longer lasts through the workouts or day you depend on it for.
- You wear it to track sleep and need a quick top-up rather than a long overnight charge.
- You want a more readable display and a thinner, lighter everyday watch rather than Ultra’s larger case.
- You value sleep-apnea notifications or depth and water-temperature sensing, and those features are available for you.
- Your iPhone is still reliable, supported and adequate for your camera, storage and performance needs.
Cellular is a separate decision. A cellular Series 10 costs more and requires carrier activation or an eligible plan. It may suit a runner who wants connectivity without carrying an iPhone; if the phone is always with you, GPS may be enough. Factor recurring service into the real cost rather than comparing only device prices.
When the iPhone 16 deserves priority
The phone is the better first replacement if its battery, screen, storage or reliability is now the daily problem, or if you need capabilities the watch cannot provide. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus introduced the A18 chip, Camera Control, an Action button and a 48MP Fusion camera system. The 16 Pro and Pro Max used A18 Pro, larger displays, Camera Control and upgraded pro-camera capabilities. Apple positioned the lineup around Apple Intelligence, but access depended on software version, supported device, language, region and rollout timing.
Rank #4
![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS, 46mm] - Silver Aluminum Case with Denim Sport Band, S/M (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QK6T8A0yL._SL160_.jpg)
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
At U.S. launch, the starting prices were $799 for iPhone 16, $899 for iPhone 16 Plus, $999 for iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for iPhone 16 Pro Max. Actual purchase economics can differ with trade-in eligibility, carrier financing or promotions; Apple’s September 2024 announcement described launch-period offers, not current quotes. Compare the total cost, including any cellular watch service, AppleCare+, and accessories you need, rather than treating a carrier credit as a universal discount. Apple’s launch pages cover the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Series 10, SE or Ultra 2?
| Option | Best fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 10 | People who want fast charging, a larger display in a thinner standard-watch design, or its newer health and water features. U.S. launch price: from $399. | Costs more than SE; it solves charging friction, not multi-day endurance. |
| Apple Watch SE | Budget-conscious buyers who mainly want core notifications, workouts, activity tracking and safety features. U.S. launch price: from $249. | Not the premium display and newer sensors of Series 10; less compelling if charging or advanced health sensing is the problem. |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Outdoor users and endurance athletes who prioritize battery headroom and rugged, outdoor-oriented use. | Larger, heavier and more expensive; less discreet for small wrists or overnight wear. Apple’s launch claim was up to 36 hours of regular use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. |
These options solve different problems. Series 10’s faster charging helps someone fit charging into a short gap; Ultra 2’s larger battery is aimed at longer stretches between charges. If comfort during sleep is the reason to avoid Ultra, that is a valid preference—but it comes with less endurance headroom.
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- STAY CLOSER TO YOUR HEART HEALTH—The most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable,* Series 12 now measures HRV as often as every five minutes for insights on stress and recovery, and takes background heart rate readings every five seconds.
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Better understand your body with invaluable health insights. View your overnight health metrics with the Vitals app and get a daily sleep score,* track your menstrual cycle,5 and take readings of your blood oxygen.*
- CHECK YOUR READINESS FOR THE DAY—Know when to rest or put yourself to the test. The readiness experience can help you determine your capacity to take on the day by analyzing your recent activity, vitals, and sleep.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone8—Series 12 helps you stay active, from running to hiking to strength training.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 12 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.*
Check compatibility and the cost of keeping your setup
Series 10 requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18 for watchOS 11; watchOS 11 became available September 16, 2024, for Apple Watch Series 6 and later. Confirm that your phone meets the requirement before buying a watch. A Series 10 purchase could otherwise force a phone upgrade you were trying to defer.
- Include a cellular plan if you choose a cellular watch, and compare it with GPS-only use if you usually carry your phone.
- Account for trade-in value only after confirming eligibility and the actual offer for your device. September 2024 carrier and trade-in figures are not current quotes.
- Consider whether your existing bands fit and whether you need new accessories or AppleCare+; those costs vary with selection and coverage.
- If battery degradation is the watch’s only serious issue, compare replacement with Apple battery service before buying a new watch. Service pricing and eligibility are region- and time-dependent.
A practical way to choose
- Identify the device that fails first. If the watch misses workouts or sleep tracking, prioritize it; if the phone is unreliable or blocks work you need it to do, prioritize the phone.
- Match the watch to your routine. Choose Series 10 for a lighter standard watch, quick top-ups and its newer display or health features; consider Ultra 2 if multi-day endurance and outdoor use outweigh bulk; choose SE if core functions and lower launch cost matter more than premium features.
- Verify compatibility and total cost. Check iPhone and watchOS requirements, GPS versus cellular, service charges, trade-in terms and accessories before comparing headline prices.
- Wait if neither device is limiting you. A launch event is not a reason by itself to replace a watch or phone that still performs the tasks you need.
How the original prediction held up
The central timing call was right: Series 10 could be preordered before iPhone 16. But the pre-launch expectations were not all borne out. Apple did not announce blood-pressure monitoring or an SE 3 at the event, and the smallest Series 10 case was 42mm. The confirmed product did deliver thinner construction, a larger display and faster charging, which directly addressed the comfort and charging concerns behind the watch-first argument.
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