Which size Apple Watch should you get?

Whether you're getting aluminum or steel, Nike+, or Hermès — Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch Series 5 models come in two sizes. Some might find picking their size easy to do, whether it's based on wrist size, gender, style, or some other factor. Others, not so much. If you're wondering whether you should buy the Apple Watch 40mm vs 44mm, here's our best advice.

Apple Watch 44mm

Bigger better?

from $309 at Apple

Pros

  • More real estate
  • Larger battery, longer battery life

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Too big for some

The 44mm Apple Watch is the largest Apple Watch versions to date, replacing the 42mm versions on the Apple Watch Series 1 through Apple Watch Series 3. This model is the one with more official bands available.

Apple Watch 40mm

Petite size

from $279 at Apple

Pros

  • Less expensive
  • Only size you can get the modern buckle for

Cons

  • Smaller display
  • Slightly less battery life

The 40mm Apple Watch has a screen size that's slightly bigger than the 38mm Apple Watch Series 3, but that's mainly because the display is so much larger. Smaller wrists will love this model as will your pocketbook.

Make no mistake, both versions of the Apple Watch, 40mm and 44mm, are identical except for the display size. Features remain the same.

Time to compare

Unlike traditional watches, which measure case size horizontally, Apple measures the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and Apple Watch Series 6 vertically. The smaller of the two Apple Watch sizes has a height of 40mm; the larger, 44mm. When it comes to width, the smaller Apple Watch is 34mm wide; the larger, 38mm. When comparing Apple Watch 40mm vs 44mm, below are the details of the dimensions.

44mm 40mm
Display area 977 sq mm 759 sq mm
Display size 448x368 pixels 394x324 pixels
Official Apple band exclusives 3 3
Entry-level GPS $399 $429
Entry-level Cellular $429 $529

The size differences of the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and Apple Watch Series 6 models might not sound like very much — 3-4mm here or there — but 4mm out of 40mm is one tenth of the Apple Watch's dimensions.

The rounded rectangular shape of the Apple Watch makes it hard to compare directly with your average round watch, but in the traditional watch world, neither of the Apple Watches would be considered overly wide or high. Big watches are typically closer to 45mm wide.

Even if you think you want to go small, you can still consider both sizes — neither is enormous — though those with smaller wrists may find the 40mm fits more comfortably on the wrist.

The Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and Apple Watch Series 6 two case sizes also translate to two different display sizes. Both are Retina-quality, which means the pixels are invisible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance. The bigger Apple Watch simply has more of those pixels:

  • The 40mm Apple Watch has a display size of 394x324 pixels
  • The 44mm Apple Watch has a display size of 448x368 pixels

When it comes to picking pixel density with Apple Watch 40mm vs 44mm, watchOS will fill whatever size display you choose, and for many people, it won't make any difference. That said, if you want more pixels, which translates into bigger text and images, it's worth considering.

Depth perception

Unlike the Watch's two height options and two display densities, there's no difference when it comes to the thickness (or thinness) of the Apple Watch 40mm vs 44mm.

That's because, unlike traditional mechanical or digital watches, the Apple Watch case has to hold a Retina display, the system-in-a-package (chipset), battery, and sensors. If you're trying to figure out which Apple Watch will best fit under the tight cuffs of your shirt, they're both about the same.

Hers and his

Because there are two sizes, and because some of Apple's bands are unique to one size or another, some have tried to simplify the size discussion down to "hers" and "his."

People come in all shapes and sizes, though, and so do tastes. Some women will want the bigger Apple Watch, and some men, the smaller. Some people with small wrists will want the bigger watch, and vice versa.

All this to say — get the size you prefer. Try both on, and see which one better fits your wrist, style, and personality. That's why Apple has sizes, after all, and why both sizes come with identical features.

Band Bias

Since Apple only offers some bands in some sizes, if you have your heart set on a certain band, you may have to be willing to go with the size that matches it. That said, you can get 3rd-party knockoffs for everything in every size and then some, so it doesn't truly matter if you're looking for the best Apple Watch bands.

40mm-specific bands:

  • Modern Buckle
  • Hermès Single Tour (certain colors)
  • Hermès Double Tour

44mm-specific bands:

  • Leather Loop
  • Hermès Single Tour (certain colors)
  • Hermès Single Tour Deployment Buckle

Battery life

The 44mm Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and Apple Watch Series 6 have a slightly bigger battery than the 40mm watch due to more room in the casing. If battery life is most important to you, this is something to take into consideration.

Apple Watch 44mm

Big brother

from $309 at Apple

Look at that!

If you have vision requirements that benefit from bigger graphics, you want a longer-lasting battery, or if you like bigger watches in general, get this one..

Apple Watch 40mm

Small fry

Smaller, yet powerful

from $279 at Apple

If you have a small wrist and want the Apple Watch to look comfortable on it, you should consider this Apple Watch.

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