Apple Watch Series 5 vs. 4: is it Worth the Change?

You have an Apple Watch Series 4, and you are so delighted with it that you are already considering whether to exchange it for an Apple Watch Series 5 or if you should wait for the next smart watch with which Apple wants to surprise us this 2020. We understand you perfectly, and we have the response to your concerns. Perhaps at first glance they appear identical equipment, but in the following comparison between the Apple Watch Series 5 vs. Apple Watch Series 4 will understand exactly how they differ.

Apple Watch Series 5 vs. 4

Specs

Apple Watch Series 5 Apple Watch Series 4
Screen size 1.57 inches / 1.78 inches 1.57 inches / 1.78 inches
Dial size 40mm: 40 x 34 x 10.7mm 40mm: 40 x 34 x 10.7mm
Resolution 324 x 394 pixels / 368 x 448 pixels 324 x 394 pixels / 368 x 448 pixels
Touch screen 40mm: 1.57-inch Retina OLED LTPO display with Force Touch.
44mm: 1.78-inch Retina OLED LTPO display with Force Touch
40mm: 1.57-inch Retina OLED LTPO display with Force Touch.
44mm: 1.78-inch Retina OLED LTPO display with Force Touch
Storage 32GB 16 GB
Wireless interface Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, NFC, LTE Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, NFC, LTE
Depth / Width 10.7 mm 10.7 mm
Accelerometer Yes Yes
Gyroscope Yes Yes
Ambient light sensor Yes Yes
Heart rate sensor Yes Yes
Barometer Yes Yes
GPS Yes Yes
Compass Yes Not
Waterproof Yes Yes
Battery duration Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours
Price From $ 400 dollars From $ 400 dollars
Availability

Design

Apple Watch Series 5 vs. 4
Apple kept the measurements and design of the Apple Watch Series 5 unchanged. That is, the new watch looks exactly the same as the previous version, and is available with the same screen size and dimensions. The biggest novelty is that the new version has a screen that is always on, so you can see the time constantly, as if it were a normal watch, without having to touch it or turn your wrist as before. You can also control notifications or what you want to include on Apple Watch.

The body of the Apple Watch Series 5 is apparently similar, but it is now 100% recycled aluminum. Plus, it comes with a new titanium option, if you really want durability (and aren’t afraid to pay for it) and the attractive ceramic body is back.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 5

Fitness and health monitoring functions

Whichever Apple Watch you choose, you’ll have an excellent monitoring alternative for your fitness and health. Apple Watch automatically recognizes many exercises, has workout plans for everything from yoga to hiking, and all data is presented in the Health app on your iPhone.

Both models of Apple Watch offer activity reminders, either to encourage you to exercise if you’ve been sedentary or take a minute if you’re stressed. It also has a heart rate monitor and the option to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG).

The WatchOS 6 operating system, which will be available in both versions, will include apps to measure the noise levels of the environment or an app aimed at women, so they can track their menstrual periods, as well as an app store to find the best ones. accessories for your watch.

Although it was speculated that the Apple Watch Series 5 would introduce sleep tracking, it ultimately has not.

Winner: tie

Battery duration

According to Apple, the battery of the Apple Watch Series 5 can last up to 18 hours, the same as the Apple Watch Series 4.

But how is that possible if you did not increase the size and the screen of the new model is always on? Well, the screen simply changes the refresh rate from 60Hz to 1Hz, so it needs less power. We also assume that the new S5 processor is more efficient.

Winner: tie

Special features

In addition to the always-on display, the Apple Watch Series 5 has other attributes that set it apart. The new device has an internal compass, which allows you much more precise positioning and helps you navigate. While you can press and hold the power button on the Apple Watch Series 4 to communicate with emergency services in the United States, the Watch Series 5 expands it worldwide, allowing you to call the phones of the place where you are.

Another relevant aspect is that Apple doubled the storage capacity in the Apple Watch Series 5 vs Apple Watch Series 4: from 16 GB to 32 GB.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 5

Price and availability

The Apple Watch Series 5 starts at $ 399 for the aluminum model with GPS and goes up to $ 499 if you want to add cellular connectivity. The titanium version starts at $ 799, while the ceramic version starts at $ 1,299. Apple discontinued the Apple Watch Series 4, but you can probably find it at various retail stores, so it would be worth looking for deals.

Overall winner

Naturally, the Apple Watch Series 5 is better than the Apple Watch Series 4, but this is a minor update. The always-on display, more storage space, the compass and a couple of additional options – very expensive – are its biggest (and only) new features.

So if you already have an Apple Watch Series 4, then you really don’t need to change it. But if you are buying your first smart watch or want to upgrade your previous model, the Apple Watch Series 5 is the alternative you should get. We recommend it.