Is the Apple Watch Series 12 worth it?

If you have an iPhone and want the most advanced health tracking in a smartwatch, the Series 12 is worth it. It offers accurate heart rate sensing, hypertension notifications, and a readiness score that rivals don't match. However, if you already own a Series 10 or 11, the upgrades may not justify the switch.

How does the Series 12 compare to the Series 11?

The Series 12 adds high-frequency HRV readings, hypertension notifications, and a readiness score. The design and battery life are largely unchanged. It's a modest upgrade unless those health features matter to you.

What is the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 12?

Battery life is similar to previous models, lasting about 18 hours of normal use. You'll need to charge it daily, especially if you use GPS or sleep tracking.

Does the Apple Watch Series 12 work with Android?

No, the Apple Watch requires an iPhone (iPhone Xs or later) and is not compatible with Android devices.

What's included in the box with the Apple Watch Series 12?

The box includes the Apple Watch Series 12, a magnetic fast-charge USB-C cable, and documentation. A power adapter is not included.

Is the hypertension notification feature available everywhere?

No, hypertension notifications are not available in all countries and regions. Check Apple's feature availability page for your location.

Where is the Apple Watch Series 12 - Aluminum cheapest?

At Small Dog Electronics, for $399.99, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Apple Watch Series 12 - Aluminum?

3 stores we checked sell it, including Small Dog Electronics, Mike's Tech Shop, MTS Pro Services.

Apple Watch Series 12 - Aluminum

Best price now

$399.99at Small Dog ElectronicsChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Small Dog Electronics

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

What reviewers say

Reviewers and owners praise the Series 12 for its comprehensive health tracking, accurate sensors, and smooth performance. Many appreciate the new readiness score and hypertension notifications, though battery life remains a common complaint. Overall, it's considered the best smartwatch for iPhone users, but some feel the upgrades are incremental.

What people mention

Battery lifeCriticisedOwners frequently complain that the watch needs to be charged every day, especially with heavy use.
Health trackingPraisedReviewers highlight the accuracy of heart rate and HRV readings, and find the readiness score helpful for training.
DisplayPraisedThe always-on display is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight.
ComfortPraisedThe aluminum case is lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear and sleep tracking.
Upgrade valueMixedSome reviewers feel the improvements over the previous generation are minor, making it less compelling for upgraders.

About the Apple Watch Series 12 - Aluminum

Apple Watch Series 12 is a smartwatch for health and fitness tracking. It measures heart rate in the background every five seconds and takes HRV readings as often as every five minutes, for insights on stress and recovery. Health features include hypertension notifications, cycle tracking, a daily sleep score, overnight metrics in the Vitals app, and blood oxygen readings.

For fitness, it offers a readiness experience that analyzes recent activity, vitals, and sleep. Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, and advanced workout metrics support activities from running to hiking to strength training. Workout Buddy is powered by Apple Intelligence from a nearby iPhone. Fall detection and crash detection can connect you with emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.

The aluminum case has Ceramic Shield 2 glass. The GPS model works with your iPhone or Wi-Fi to send texts, take calls, play music, use Siri, and show notifications. Siri AI supports voice conversations, and Audio Intelligence adds Live Rewind and Siri Recap.

Case

Aluminum with Ceramic Shield 2 glass

Connectivity

GPS model; works with iPhone or Wi-Fi

Battery life

Up to 24 hours of normal use

Fast charging

15 minutes gives up to 12 hours of normal use

Heart sensing

Background heart rate every 5 seconds; HRV as often as every 5 minutes

Health features

Hypertension notifications, cycle tracking, sleep score, Vitals app, Blood Oxygen app