Chip, sensors and battery life are identical. The small extra is for a bigger screen.
Short answer
Series 11 46 mm - a 416×496 screen for a larger wrist. Series 11 42 mm - lighter (30.3 vs 37.8 g) and a bit cheaper.
Key differences
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 11 42mm GPS | Apple Watch Series 11 46mm GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Display | OLED, 374×446 | OLED, 416×496 |
| Chip | Apple S10 | Apple S10 |
| Memory | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Battery life | up to 24 h | up to 24 h |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou (L1) | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou (L1) |
| NFC | yes | yes |
| Sensors | heart rate, SpO2, barometer, compass, gyroscope, temperature | heart rate, SpO2, barometer, compass, gyroscope, temperature |
| Protection | 50 m / IP6X | 50 m / IP6X |
| OS | watchOS 26 | watchOS 26 |
| Compatibility | iPhone 11 / iPhone SE 2 / iOS 26 | iPhone 11 / iPhone SE 2 / iOS 26 |
| Dimensions, weight | 42×36×9.7 mm, 30.3 g | 46×39×9.7 mm, 37.8 g |
| Price | current prices | current prices |
Specs come from the device pages on Smartphone.ua.
What's the same
Apple S10, 64 GB, up to 24 h, GPS, NFC, SpO2, temperature, 50 m and IP6X, 9.7 mm.
Display and case
42×36 mm and 374×446 vs 46×39 mm and 416×496.
How to choose
The price difference is small, so choose by wrist size. I'd try both on.
Verdict: who should buy which
- Bigger screen - Series 11 46 mm.
- Compactness - Series 11 42 mm.
FAQ
Is battery life the same?
Yes, up to 24 h.
Is there SpO2?
Yes, on both.
Which is cheaper?
The 42 mm.