Back in September, Apple made headlines once again when it announced its latest generation of smartwatches, unveiling three distinct models designed to appeal to a wide range of users. The lineup included the newly introduced Apple Watch Series 11 as the flagship model, the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3 for cost-conscious consumers, and the premium, adventure-oriented Apple Watch Ultra 3 aimed at users seeking a more durable, rugged companion. Each of these devices brought its own set of improvements and refinements. The Series 11 and the Ultra 3, in particular, captured attention with new capabilities such as FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection, enhanced Emergency SOS functionality that connects via satellite for remote rescue scenarios, longer battery life, and a refined sleep tracking experience featuring Sleep Scores that give meaningful insight into nightly rest quality. Interestingly, Apple’s software update, WatchOS 26, extended many of these new features to slightly older models as well. Owners of the Apple Watch Series 9 or later, along with the Ultra 2 and newer versions, received the same system update, effectively breathing new life into existing hardware.
This development carries important implications for prospective buyers, especially as seasonal sales roll in. As Black Friday approaches and early deals begin to surface, it’s worth noting that owning a feature-rich Apple smartwatch doesn’t necessarily require spending top dollar on the very latest release. For example, the previous-generation Apple Watch Series 10 remains not just relevant but impressively competitive. It offers performance nearly identical to that of the Series 11 but at a fraction of the cost. Currently retailing for around $250 — an impressive $250 off its original price — the Series 10 represents a strategic, value-oriented purchase that appeals both to technology enthusiasts and practical buyers who prioritize efficiency over novelty.
To understand why this older model is still such a compelling option, consider the similarities between the Series 10 and Series 11. Both share the exact same external design — the same slim, lightweight case and dimensions. Apple itself confirms that the physical build of the Series 11 was modeled directly after the Series 10, meaning users will find no differences in comfort, aesthetics, or durability. Under the hood, the story is similar: both watches are powered by Apple’s S10 chip, ensuring equivalent speed, app performance, and system responsiveness. The only notable hardware variation lies in the battery configuration. The Series 11 delivers roughly six additional hours of use per charge, thanks to internal optimizations in how the battery modules are arranged. While this improvement will undoubtedly attract users who value extended longevity — particularly those who wear their device around the clock or forget to charge it frequently — many individuals will find the Series 10’s battery perfectly sufficient, especially if they habitually charge their watch overnight or between workouts. In essence, aside from this enhancement, the Series 11 does not bring any groundbreaking hardware evolution beyond what the Series 10 already delivers.
The Series 10 also benefits from the same modernized software experience as Apple’s newest lineup. Through the WatchOS 26 update, Series 10 owners gain access to features that dramatically elevate usability and health monitoring. These include the aforementioned Hypertension Detection (a capability notably absent from the lower-cost SE 3), Sleep Scores that quantify nightly rest quality, an intuitive Wrist Flick Gesture that allows users to reject calls or dismiss notifications without touching the screen, and the new Workout Buddy mode that helps users stay motivated during exercise via the Fitness app. These additions expand the device’s role beyond mere smartwatch functionality into a more holistic health and wellness toolkit.
The SE 3, while refreshingly affordable — currently listed at around $200 — offers a more limited suite of features. It shares the same S10 processor and Sleep Scores functionality, ensuring smooth performance and basic health insights, but its 18-hour battery life and omission of certain medical-grade sensors place it a step below its pricier siblings. Specifically, the SE 3 lacks Hypertension Detection, blood oxygen monitoring, and the ECG feature, all of which remain integral to the Series 10 and Series 11. For that reason, consumers seeking comprehensive health tracking — particularly older adults or those with specific wellness concerns — should seriously consider choosing the Series 10. It strikes an ideal balance between affordability and capability, providing nearly all of the flagship benefits without the luxury price tag.
From a deal perspective, the current discount on the Apple Watch Series 10 is especially noteworthy. At half its initial retail price, it’s not merely a good bargain—it’s an exceptional one, earning a full 5/5 rating from ZDNET’s editorial team. Stock is beginning to dwindle, reinforcing the urgency for those considering the purchase to act quickly before availability declines further. ZDNET’s review experts continuously monitor the market to ensure that every listed promotion remains valid and accessible, updating recommendations whenever circumstances change.
Over more than three decades, ZDNET has remained committed to empowering consumers to make strategic and well-informed purchasing decisions. With a team of 30 seasoned product reviewers operating out of a 10,000-square-foot testing facility, the platform provides rigorously tested insights into emerging technology and real-time deal analysis. In 2025, the company refined its approach even further by implementing a measurable deal-rating system informed by factors such as discount percentage, brand reputation, frequency of promotions, and product availability. This methodology gives readers a transparent and reliable snapshot of which offers genuinely represent meaningful savings. The Series 10’s current pricing and category leadership make it a textbook example of ZDNET’s philosophy in action: that smart shopping is less about chasing novelty and more about recognizing lasting value. In sum, for those evaluating Apple’s wearable lineup this year, the Series 10 stands out as the most balanced, cost-effective, and intelligently chosen option available.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/one-of-the-best-apple-watches-you-can-buy-isnt-apples-newest-but-its-50-off/
