Apple Watch Series 11 Review: Can a Better Battery Life Justify Upgrading?

Product Overview - Apple Watch Series 11 faces competition within its own product line, specifically from the Ultra 3 and SE3 [1][2] - The Series 11 is positioned as a middle-ground option in terms of features and price [2] - Key features include improved battery life, enhanced scratch resistance (especially on the aluminum version, which is claimed to be two times more scratch resistant than the Series 10), and 5G connectivity [3][4][5] Health Features - The Series 11 introduces FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, which can potentially help diagnose 1 million people unaware of their condition in the first year [5][6] - The hypertension notification feature requires 30 days of data and is not a diagnostic tool, requiring cross-reference with a traditional blood pressure cuff and a doctor's assessment [6][7] - Sleep score feature grades sleep from 0 to 100, providing insights into sleep duration, bedtime, and interruptions [8] Battery and Charging - The Series 11 offers approximately 27 hours of battery life in testing, exceeding Apple's claim of 24 hours, while previous models and the SE3 offer up to 18 hours [3] - The watch supports quick charging, providing 8 hours of battery life with a 15-minute charge and reaching 0-80% in 30 minutes [10][11] Software and Design - The Series 11 features Watch OS 26, introducing a liquid glass UI with transparency and a redesigned workout app [12][13] - The design is similar to the Series 10, with a slimmer design, edge-to-edge display, and a higher refresh rate [11][12] - Watch OS 26 includes new features like the notes app and a workout buddy that provides real-time feedback [13][14] Recommendation - The upgrade is not recommended for users with Series 9 or above, but it is a significant step up for those with older models due to improved battery life and faster charging [16]