Is the Series 5 Apple Watch worth it?

This Series 5 Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches you can buy. Let’s look at all the good things it offers.

Design

The Series 5 is an upgraded Series 4, with a couple of added features. Its price tag of $429 for the basic model is about the same and will buy you an aluminum body, with a 40mm screen, in Apple’s usual Gold, Silver or Space Grey colors.

The next step up sees a stainless steel finish for an additional cost which you can pick from Gold, Space Black, or Silver (“Stainless Steel” to Apple). New to the Series 5 is a titanium option. This comes in Space Black. Finally, there’s a ceramic option that comes in pure white that costs even more.

Straps are changeable, and Apple teamed up with both Nike and Hermes for special edition sports and leather straps.

There isn’t a lot of difference between the 4 and 5, mainly because there was so much evolution from Series 3 into the 4. You get the classic iPhone look with curved edges and an almost edge-to-edge display. It has one simple side button that handles a multitude of functions.

The biggest design advancement is the introduction of the titanium option, which is lighter but more durable.

Features

The newest feature is the always-on display, a response to previous user complaints of having to move one’s wrist to wake up the display. It’s reactive, meaning it’s brighter when it’s needed, and dims when it isn’t. Some argue the always-on feature is a pain at night when you want to sleep.

The newer features on the Series 5 aren’t about wowing users with new concepts, they’re more concerned with efficiency and performance. Some argue the always-on feature drains the battery: Apple argues it’s there to preserve it.

It comes with improved navigation performance thanks to a built-in compass. The side button allows you to make international emergency calls, regardless of where you purchased or registered your phone. Paired with the fall detection function, this is potentially very useful!

The Series 4 was already a fast performer, so any speed differences may be hard to spot. However, you get everything you’ve come to know and love with an Apple Watch – sleep tracking, breathing monitoring, heart rate monitoring and GPS.

Assistance features

Fall detection technology employs the Apple Watch’s accelerometer and gyroscope. Together, they are capable of measuring up to 32 g-forces. Meaning, if a loved one falls, the fall detection system can detect it and contact assistance instantly. Apple Watch Series 7 fall detection technology can now detect when the user falls while exercising. This allows users to summon emergency services directly from the watch. There are many reports worldwide of this feature genuinely saving lives.

Fall detection is only available to people aged 18 and up. Fall Detection will not work automatically once connected to cellular or wi-fi. In some countries, such as China, you must configure your Apple Watch to contact police, fire department, or ambulance before it may be used for Fall Detection.

Accessibility

Apple has made a point of emphasising how accessible its technology is to everyone, including capabilities for a variety of accessibility requirements across its products. If your eyesight is compromised, for example, features like VoiceOver may provide auditory direction to help you navigate your device. These efforts, though, aren’t limited to your iPhone or Mac.

You can use your iPhone or Apple Watch to access the Accessibility menu. If you already have accessibility features set up on your phone, you may find it simpler to set up accessibility on your iPhone than your watch at first.

The Accessibility menu may be found in Settings > Accessibility on your Apple Watch. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to Accessibility.

It’s also worth mentioning that many of these features may be tweaked via Siri. If you’re blind or have limited vision, for example, you may want to ask Siri to switch on VoiceOver so you can explore the accessibility menu without help.

Battery Life

Apple suggests you’ll get 18 hours out of the Series 5; essentially a day and evening and then you’ll need to put it on charge overnight. This mirrors Series 4 and assumes moderate use.

Software

The update to watchOS (6) has added a few more features. Health and fitness tracking has improved, women can now monitor and track menstrual cycles accurately and there are added activity tracking options.

There are also new noise level alerts that tell you if your surroundings are too loud and may damage your hearing. The new features include the ability to change watch faces and Siri capabilities that allow you to ask what song is currently playing or search the internet.

Advantages

36GB of storage
Stylish design in solid titanium
Top-notch health and fitness features

Disadvantages

Always on is too bright at night for some (plus it reduces the battery significantly)
Not much change from Series 4 (even 3)
Still no compatibility for Android users (see others that are )

Summary

So should upgrade your Series 3 or 4? Yes.

With the Apple Watch Series 5 you’ll benefit from a slick new design that sits more comfortably on the wrist, in new materials (if you can afford them), a bigger display with the new always-on feature, and improved health and fitness tech monitoring.

The Series 3 or 4 are still worth buying though, especially as the 3 still has the best battery life. But if you’re upgrading from an earlier version, you’ll fall instantly in love.

Finally, should you get the new Series 6? Yes… That is if you’re willing to pay more and get the more in-depth health motoring and that extra bit of features. See our full review of the Apple Watch 6 here. Also you may consider getting the brand new Apple Watch 7.

If you’re not sure which Apple Watch is best for you then we have created an easy comparison of all Apple offerings from the first generation to the Series 6 and SE. Check it out here.

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Last Updated on January 5, 2022

Maygen( Editor )

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