ConsFirst / Smartwatches & fitness trackers / Compare
Apple Watch Series 12 vs Apple Watch Series 11
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Apple Watch Series 11 ranks higher (#5 vs #7 of 12) and scores better on durability. Apple Watch Series 12 wins on fitness tracking.
The biggest complaint about the Apple Watch Series 11 is discontinued, and missing the series 12's new tools; for the Apple Watch Series 12 it's headline features not ready yet. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Good for: iPhone owners who want ECG and hypertension alerts without paying for a Series 12
Its catch: discontinued, and missing the Series 12's new tools
Check price on AmazonGood for: iPhone owners who want ECG, hypertension alerts and recovery scores
Its catch: headline features not ready yet
Check price on AmazonPaid links. We don't list prices — they change daily. Neither one feels right?
Side by side
| Apple Watch Series 12 | Apple Watch Series 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smartwatches & fitness trackers | #7 | #5 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Smartwatch | Smartwatch |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 3% | 5% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Battery life | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Fitness tracking | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Smart features | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Comfort | — | 3.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–350 · $$$ over $350. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Apple Watch Series 12
- Headline features not ready yet
Wirecutter says the Live Rewind and Siri Recap Audio Intelligence features, and parts of the new health tools, weren't available to test. It says the watch isn't worth buying for those features yet. Tom's Guide couldn't try them either and says they have already been controversial despite Apple's privacy emphasis.
- Little change from the Series 11
Tom's Guide lists the same design and display as a con, and Wirecutter says it will be a disappointing upgrade for owners of a recent Apple Watch.
- Health data is scattered and confusing
Wirecutter says Readiness, Vitals, Heart Rate and the iPhone Health and Fitness apps all analyze your data in different places, which can be confusing and a lot to keep track of.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide)
Apple Watch Series 11
- Discontinued, and missing the Series 12's new tools
Wirecutter says Apple no longer sells it. Compared with the Series 12, you give up longer battery life, all-day continuous heart-rate monitoring, the Readiness score and the Audio Intelligence features.
Source: Wirecutter (Apple Watch guide) - Little change from the Series 10
Tom's Guide says it's so close to the Series 10 that it makes you wonder why Apple released it. Its review notes the same design and the same display brightness, and says Series 9 or 10 owners may not find enough to justify switching.
- Still a daily charge, and limited AI
It's rated for 24 hours (38 in Low Power Mode). Tom's Guide lists limited AI features as a con and says watchOS 26 brings no meaningful Siri upgrades. Amazon's review summary, by contrast, is entirely positive, and only about 5% of ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
Who should pick which
Pick the Apple Watch Series 12 if
iPhone owners who want ECG, hypertension alerts and recovery scores
Going more than a day between charges
Upgrading from an Apple Watch that's several years old
Skip it if: You use an Android phone; You already own a Series 11 or 10; You're buying it for Live Rewind or Siri Recap
Pick the Apple Watch Series 11 if
iPhone owners who want ECG and hypertension alerts without paying for a Series 12
Buying leftover stock on sale
Upgrading from an Apple Watch older than the Series 9
Skip it if: You use an Android phone; You already own a Series 9 or 10; You want the Readiness score or all-day continuous heart-rate tracking
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.
Neither one feels right?
If both catches are deal-breakers, start here.
Tom's Guide's best smartwatch for Android, with a bright display, dual-band GPS and about two days per charge on the 45 mm model. Wirecutter has moved to the Pixel Watch 5 but says the 4 has the same hardware. About 1 in 9 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, and owners disagree on battery and heart-rate accuracy.
Its catch: battery and value split ownersA third option · #3Apple Watch Ultra 4The longest-lasting Apple Watch, with multi-day battery life, dual-frequency GPS, a dive depth sensor and satellite messaging in a rugged titanium case. At $799 and 49 mm, Wirecutter calls it too much watch for most people and only a minor upgrade over the Ultra 3.
Its catch: huge and uncomfortable for smaller wristsAll 12 comparedSee every smartwatch, rankedEach one's biggest complaint at a glance, with the full ranking.
Browse smartwatches & fitness trackers →