Apple Watch Series 5 vs. Series 4 | The Difference that Matters

With an identical look, some notable changes, and a few upgrades – Apple launched its Apple Watch Series 5 replacing its predecessor Apple Watch Series 4 as one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now, but is it enough? While Apple still selling its Series 3 and Series 4 smartwatches, the Apple Watch 5 came out to be a far more interesting upgrade with an Always-On Retina display, a built-in compass, and new material options.

However, the question of what difference will it make to influence the upgrade remains unanswered and tricky for most buyers to identify what core change Apple’s made to differentiate the next-gen Series 5 smartwatch from its predecessor.

To explain what has changed, here in this article we’ve identified and brought down the difference that matters while comparing Apple Watch Series 5 with its previous-gen Series 4 smartwatch.

Display and Design

With a small bezel 324 x 394 pixels for 40mm and 368 x 448 pixels for 44mm OLED display, the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 4 are almost identical and unchanged in terms of design and measurements.

However, one of the biggest notable changes and often-most requested feature by many watch users over the past few years which makes Apple Watch Series 5 a more attractive timepiece is – Always-On Retina Display. This headline feature along with never sleeping display allows users to see the time constantly, like a normal watch, with you no longer requiring to tap the screen or raise your wrist to see the time.

Thanks to the new low-temperature, ultra-low power ambient light sensor which makes the viewing area stretched deep into the rounded corners and refrain the display to drain out all the power. Thus, enabling you to keep an eye on the information that’s most important to you even when the screen is dimmed and the wrist isn’t up.

The always-on display applies to the workout app on Apple Series 5 to easily track your time, heart rate, and calories on the go. The integration of using 100% recycled aluminum and titanium for durability has notably enhanced the experience of using smartwatches.

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1. Health and Fitness Tracking

There’s no match for Apple Watch when it comes to tracking health and fitness. It can automatically recognize exercises, recommends workout plans, and with the help of Watch OS 6 built-in heart rate tracking app, you can conduct an ECG on the go.

One feature that sets apart Apple Watch Series 5 from the Series 4 is – A Built-In Compass. Unlike the Series 4 and its predecessors, Series 5 is the first to feature a built-in magnetic compass with its new application designed just for Series 5. The biggest benefit it gives to the users is that one does not need to download third-party applications for the compass. This feature not only brings improvements to watch faces and Apple Maps but with the help of satellite mapping support it will also show you incline, elevation, longitude and, latitude, thus enhancing the overall experience of navigating and moving around.

The Apple Watch Series 4 does not feature a dedicated Compass application, therefore missing out a lot on the updates and mapping features especially to those who like hiking and other outdoor activities.

2. Built-In Storage

One may not be able to notice the difference physically, but if you are someone who loves to download apps and listen to music, here’s a piece of good news for Apple Watch users – the two-fold increase in on-device storage in Apple Watch Series 5 to 32 GB from its predecessor’s 16 GB storage space.

Now with both GPS and GPS + Cellular version will offer 32 GB storage space on Apple Watch Series 5, you’ll be able to download more apps directly from App Store on your watch.

2. Battery Life

Despite the addition of always-on retina display, more built-in storage, and compass application it is disappointing to see the same 18-hours battery life on Apple Watch Series 5 that Series 4 was able to manage 18-24 hours without any of the listed features.

However, with an always-on display, it requires more power and processor running all the time. You must be wondering how Apple has achieved this in Series 5 Smartwatch. The answer to the question is – the screen automatically dims with the help of low-power light sensors and switching the refresh rate from 60 Hz to 1 Hz thus, saving more power and providing more efficiency at the same time.

Some of the Apple Watch Series 5 users were seen struggling to get 12-hour battery life throughout the day, unlike Series 4 which was able to extend to a day based on usage. Apple is managing to bring a display and battery improvement in upcoming Watch OS 6 updates, but the battery life differences are worth noting when you are deciding for an upgrade.

4. Price and Other Features

Picking up the next-gen Apple Watch Series 5 still costs the same. Apple has resisted its urge to increase the price on Series 5 with starting price the same as Series 4 was previously – $399 for 40mm aluminum GPS model, $429 for 44mm model, and $499 for GPS + Cellular model. It’s newly added Titanium model will cost as much as $799 and $1299 for the Ceramic model.

Apple has been careful in making sure all of its watch accessories available to continue with the next generations of Apple Watch. All Apple Watch Series 4 straps will continue to work with Watch Series 5. Improved international emergency calling can be seen with new Series 5, unlike series 4 that only let you call emergency services in the country you purchased in.

FINAL VERDICT AND COMPARISON

The bottom line – Is it worth it? Or should you upgrade? For most, the answer to that question is “No” However, the Apple Watch Series 5 is a major upgrade to Series 4 with key features like always-on retina display, more built-in storage space, compass app, and new material options. With that being said, Apple Series 4 Watch is still excellent in terms of battery life-extending to a day and more identical in terms of design and measurement. If things like these don’t matter, then picking Series 4 and saving some money will be the right option for you.

To summarize, here’s a brief comparison between Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 4:-

[Source – Apple.com]