{"id":504,"date":"2024-12-02T02:55:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T02:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/?p=504"},"modified":"2024-12-02T02:55:10","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T02:55:10","slug":"apple-watch-42mm-vs-46mm-which-apple-watch-size-should-you-get","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2024\/12\/02\/apple-watch-42mm-vs-46mm-which-apple-watch-size-should-you-get\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Watch 42mm vs 46mm: Which Apple Watch size should you get?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Don&#8217;t choose wrong when it comes to your Apple Watch size<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMmdaHXBdWovVb46xUBYCZ-320-80.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch Series 10\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple Watch Series 10 42mm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Smaller, cheaper<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 42mm Apple Watch Series 10 is lighter, cheaper, and less bulky than its larger counterpart. But you&#8217;ll miss out on a more expansive display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Smaller<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lighter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheaper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Against<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Display size<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harder to type on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JMmdaHXBdWovVb46xUBYCZ-320-80.jpg\" alt=\"Apple Watch Series 10\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple Watch Series 10 46mm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Bigger. Better?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The larger 46mm option is more expensive than the 42mm, but you&#8217;ll get a much larger display that&#8217;s easier to read and easier to type on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Much bigger display<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easier to read<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easier to type on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Against<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heavier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bulkier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More expensive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re eyeing up Apple\u2019s new Apple Watch Series 10, then one of the most important choices you\u2019ll make when buying it is choosing between its 42mm and 46mm case sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple\u2019s mainstream flagship wearable for 2024 comes in two distinct sizes, both larger than in previous years. While the difference in shape and size might sound obvious, picking between the sizes does impact your purchase more than you might think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A larger Apple Watch is going to offer more battery life and a larger display but at the cost of more weight and cash. A larger watch size will also be easier to type on thanks to its larger keyboard, but a smaller one will be less intrusive and is less likely to get scratched or bumped. As you can see, there\u2019s more to this choice than you might think, so here\u2019s everything you need to know before you hit \u201cbuy\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Apple-1745745-A2552\">A2552 Battery for Apple Watch Series 7 45MM<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-apple-watch-series-10-vs-ultra-2-price-and-availability\">Apple Watch Series 10 vs Ultra 2: Price and availability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EETYAc6kaxgMjjprmLxeGX-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Apple Watch Series 10 was released in September 2024. Prices start at $399 for the 42mm or $429 for the larger 46mm model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also cellular options and the more expensive titanium finish. With each option, picking the larger size adds around $30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Price<\/td><td>Series 10 42mm<\/td><td>Series 10 46mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aluminum GPS<\/td><td>$399<\/td><td>$429<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aluminum GPS + Cellular<\/td><td>$499<\/td><td>$529<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Titanium GPS + Cellular<\/td><td>$699<\/td><td>$749<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Apple-1745744-A2663\">A2663 Battery for Apple Watch Series 7 41MM<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Apple Watch 42mm vs 46mm at a glance: Specs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mm size of an Apple Watch refers to the vertical height of the watch case, which means you need a few more stats to compare the overall dimensions of the watch and the size of the display case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Specs<\/td><td>42mm<\/td><td>46mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Price<\/td><td>From $399<\/td><td>$429<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Height<\/td><td>42mm<\/td><td>46mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Width<\/td><td>39mm<\/td><td>39mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Depth<\/td><td>9.7mm<\/td><td>9.7mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pixels<\/td><td>374 x 446<\/td><td>416 x 496<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sq mm display<\/td><td>989<\/td><td>1220<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight<\/td><td>30<\/td><td>36.4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight + Cellular<\/td><td>29.3<\/td><td>35.3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight titanium<\/td><td>34.4<\/td><td>41.6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Battery life<\/td><td>18 hours (36 hours low power)<\/td><td>18 hours (36 hours low power)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Evidently, 4mm on paper quickly translates to a significantly larger display size: that\u2019s a whopping 23% larger on the 46mm compared to the 42mm. While neither Watch is huge, these models mark a significant increase over the sizes of previous models, some 30% larger than the Series 6 design, and 9% larger than last year\u2019s Apple Watch Series 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference in display is sizeable, and worthy of consideration before you make your pick. Both Watch models offer a Retina OLED display, so pixels won\u2019t be distinguishable to the naked eye, but the larger 46mm version offers much more display real estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-apple-watch-42mm-vs-46mm-thickness-and-weight\">Apple Watch 42mm vs 46mm: Thickness and weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4KgL5xDL3CT6m7or9tEnPX-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>(Image credit: Future)<br>There is no difference between either model when it comes to thickness, both measure 9.7mm in depth, significantly less than Apple Watch models in previous years. As you might expect, the larger Watch does come with some extra weight, roughly 6 grams across every model, but that\u2019s hardly enough to write home about. If you must have the lightest Watch possible, the smaller one is best, but the trade-off in display size probably isn\u2019t worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-apple-watch-42mm-vs-46mm-wrist-sizes\">Apple Watch 42mm vs 46mm: Wrist sizes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AygncgNnKWKLk87EUZTNt9-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple has always been quick to dispel the notion that its smaller and larger Apple Watch models are a simple \u2018his and hers\u2019 division. Instead, Apple focuses on wrist size. The 46mm Watch is posed as a watch for 140-245mm wrists (circumference, presumably), while the 42mm version fits 130-200mm wrists. No doubt, the larger Watch will feel obtrusive and uncomfortable on a more slender wrist, and it might not even fit properly depending on the type of band you have. Conversely, a 42mm Watch will fit on any wrist, but it could end up looking comically small for those with bigger arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-apple-watch-42mm-vs-46mm-battle-of-the-bands\">Apple Watch 42mm vs 46mm: Battle of the bands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QRnxo3ovkN5Dxex3Nm4tJV-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to band selection, it doesn\u2019t really matter which Apple Watch size you choose. Pretty much every band made by Apple and third-party retailers comes in both sizes, either 42mm or 46mm, so picking one size or the other won\u2019t limit you here. However, if you already own an Apple Watch or any Apple Watch bands, it\u2019s important to get this selection right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 42mm Apple Watch is this year\u2019s new \u201csmall\u201d Apple Watch. That means that bands made for the 38mm, 40mm, or the 41mm Watch will work with this year\u2019s new model. 46mm is the new \u201clarge\u201d model and will work with bands made for the 44mm, 45mm, and even the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra series. Every band in our best Apple Watch band selection will work: just make sure you get the right size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-apple-watch-42mm-vs-46mm-battery-life\">Apple Watch 42mm vs 46mm: Battery life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might assume that a bigger Apple Watch will have more battery life, because the battery is larger. However, it has to power a larger display. As such, Apple doesn\u2019t list any variance in battery life between the two sizes. Both are rated for up to 18 hours of regular use, or 36 hours inwatchOS 11\u2019s Low Power Mode. Both also feature the same 0-80% in 30 minutes fast charging, too. There might be a tiny advantage to a larger watch in terms of battery life, but the gains are so marginal you shouldn\u2019t let it influence your decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-apple-watch-42mm-vs-46mm-which-should-you-buy\">Apple Watch 42mm vs 46mm: Which should you buy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yYu6KYmNprVk58BHUYV7yi-970-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, the difference between the 42mm and 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 is fairly slim. There aren\u2019t any specific technical or feature differences between the two, so it\u2019s all about taste, aesthetics, and the amount of bulk you want to carry around on your wrist. If you want a larger display that\u2019s easier to read and type on and don\u2019t mind the extra bulk or the more expensive price tag, pick the 46mm. If you want a smaller, less obtrusive Apple Watch, or you\u2019re trying to save money, the 42mm is probably for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t choose wrong when it comes to your Apple Watch size Apple Watch Series 10 42mm Smaller, cheaper The 42mm Apple Watch Series 10 is lighter, cheaper, and less bulky than its larger counterpart. But you&#8217;ll miss out on a more expansive display. For Against Apple Watch Series 10 46mm Bigger. Better? The larger 46mm &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2024\/12\/02\/apple-watch-42mm-vs-46mm-which-apple-watch-size-should-you-get\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Apple Watch 42mm vs 46mm: Which Apple Watch size should you get?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=504"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":505,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504\/revisions\/505"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}