All Apple Watches share the same core DNA: a square screen with rounded edges, a rotating crown, interchangeable straps and Apple’s WatchOS with Siri integration.
The differences lie in the details with factors like advanced health sensors, durability, battery life and screen size. Oh, and price.
Budget: If you’re on a budget and want the best deal, it might be worth waiting for major discount days like Black Friday when most retailers, including Apple, offer sales or gift-card cash-back incentives. Another way to cut costs is by purchasing a refurbished Apple Watch directly from Apple. They come with the same one-year warranty as new models, eligibility for AppleCare and a 14-day return window.
Design: There are a lot of ways to customize your Apple Watch, including different finishes and watch bands. But dressing up your Apple Watch doesn’t always come cheap and some of the more premium design options like the titanium finish and stainless steel band can increase the base price by $600. You can also customize the size of your screen; older models or the SE 3 will have the smallest option (40mm) while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the largest (49mm) display.
Battery: Battery life continues to be a major pain point for Apple Watch users, with no model going past the three-day mark like some Android models. And while Apple has made strides in this category, it’s best to taper your expectations by accepting that you’ll probably get about 24-30 hours of use on a single charge (with the always on display) on most models. If that’s a deal breaker, you’ll need to splurge on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is the only model that lasts up to 48 hours (or 72 hours on battery saving mode).
Wi-Fi Only vs. Cellular: Most users will find the Wi-Fi version sufficient. It tracks workouts and makes mobile payments independently from the phone but needs to be in range of your iPhone to access some of the smart features like notifications, messaging and calls. Cellular and Wi-Fi models are only worth the splurge (an additional $100) if you plan to ditch your iPhone on a regular basis and need the watch to be a standalone device and have access to all the features. And it’s your only option if you’re buying the Ultra 2 as it doesn’t offer a Wi-Fi only option.
