Apple Watch 6 vs 5: Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
Are you in the market for a new smartwatch and torn between two excellent choices? The Apple Watch has consistently set the standard, and deciding between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Series 5 can be a tough call. Both offer a premium experience, but key differences might sway your decision.
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Apple Watch 6 versus the Apple Watch 5. We’ll explore everything from the display and health sensors to the processing power and battery life to help you make an informed choice. Understanding the distinctions will ensure you select the perfect smartwatch for your needs.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a tech-savvy individual, or simply someone looking to stay connected on the go, this guide will provide a clear understanding of what each Apple Watch offers. Get ready to discover which Apple Watch reigns supreme in this head-to-head battle!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch 6 | Apple Watch 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina Display (Brighter) | Always-On Retina Display |
| Processor | S6 SiP (System in Package) | S5 SiP |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | No |
| ECG App | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Case Materials | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Ceramic |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular Connectivity | Optional | Optional |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- Apple Watch 6: Features the S6 SiP (System in Package), a dual-core processor based on the A13 Bionic chip. This results in up to 20% faster performance compared to the previous generation, improving app launch times and overall responsiveness. The faster processor enhances the user experience, but it may not be noticeable in all day-to-day tasks.
- 5: Equipped with the S5 SiP, a dual-core processor. It offers smooth performance for most tasks, but it’s noticeably slower than the S6 in demanding operations. While still adequate for daily use, it can feel sluggish when multitasking or using more resource-intensive apps.
- Winner: 6
Display
- Apple Watch 6: Boasts an Always-On Retina display that’s up to 2.5 times brighter outdoors than the Series 5. This makes it much easier to see the display in direct sunlight. The brighter display significantly improves visibility, especially during workouts or outdoor activities.
- 5: Includes an Always-On Retina display, but it’s not as bright as the Series 6. Visibility can be a challenge in bright sunlight. The display still offers good clarity indoors and in shaded areas, but it lacks the improved outdoor brightness of the newer model.
- Winner: 6
Blood Oxygen Sensor
- Apple Watch 6: Includes a blood oxygen sensor and app, allowing users to measure the oxygen saturation level of their blood. This feature provides valuable health insights and can help detect potential health issues. The sensor offers a new dimension of health monitoring, but its accuracy and clinical utility are still developing.
- 5: Does not have a blood oxygen sensor. This means it lacks the ability to measure blood oxygen saturation levels, a feature found in the Series 6. Without this, users miss out on the potential health benefits and insights provided by the blood oxygen sensor.
- Winner: 6
ECG Functionality
- Apple Watch 6: Maintains the ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality, allowing users to take an ECG to check for signs of atrial fibrillation. This feature provides valuable heart health monitoring and can alert users to potential issues. The ECG feature continues to be a key health benefit.
- 5: Includes ECG functionality, enabling users to take an ECG to check for signs of atrial fibrillation. The ECG feature offers health benefits, enabling users to monitor their heart health.
- Winner: Tie
Case Materials & Colors
- Apple Watch 6: Offers new case materials like the more affordable aluminum, stainless steel, and a premium titanium option. It features a wider array of colors, including new options. The increased variety provides more aesthetic choices.
- 5: Comes in aluminum and stainless steel options, with a more limited color selection. The selection is less diverse.
- Winner: 6
Charging Speed
- Apple Watch 6: Charges faster than the Series 5, reaching a full charge in approximately 1.5 hours. This quicker charging time is more convenient for users. Faster charging minimizes downtime, making it more practical for daily use.
- 5: Takes longer to charge compared to the Series 6. The longer charging time can be an inconvenience.
- Winner: 6
U1 Chip (Ultra Wideband)
- Apple Watch 6: Incorporates the U1 chip, enabling Ultra Wideband technology for improved spatial awareness and future features like car key functionality. This feature is a forward-looking addition for future capabilities.
- 5: Does not have the U1 chip. This means it misses out on the benefits of Ultra Wideband technology.
- Winner: 6
Price
- Apple Watch 6: Generally launched with a higher starting price compared to the Series 5. The higher price is a trade-off for the additional features and performance.
- 5: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. The lower price makes it more accessible to a wider audience.
- Winner: 5
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | Apple Watch 6 |
| Health Features | Apple Watch 6 |
| Display | Apple Watch 6 |
| Value | Apple Watch 5 |
What They Have in Common
- Design: Both Apple Watch models share a similar iconic design with a rectangular display and rounded corners, offering a comfortable and familiar feel.
- Health Tracking: Both watches provide comprehensive health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and sleep analysis, helping users stay informed about their well-being.
- Notifications: Both models deliver notifications from your iPhone, allowing you to stay connected with calls, texts, and app alerts.
- Watchos: Both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 5 run on watchOS, ensuring a consistent user experience with access to the App Store and various watch faces.
- Water Resistance: Both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Apple Watch 6 Vs 5 Buying Guide
Design and Display
The Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch 5 share a similar overall design, featuring a rectangular watch face with rounded corners. However, the Apple Watch 6 introduces a brighter always-on display, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. This upgraded display offers up to 2.5 times more brightness outdoors compared to the Apple Watch 5. Both watches come in various case materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, offering a range of aesthetic choices to suit individual preferences. The Apple Watch 6 also includes new color options not available on the Series 5.
Performance and Processing Power
The Apple Watch 6 boasts a significant performance upgrade thanks to the S6 SiP (System in Package) compared to the S5 SiP in the Apple Watch 5. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and improved overall responsiveness. The S6 SiP offers up to 20% faster processing performance compared to its predecessor. This enhanced performance is particularly noticeable when running demanding apps or multitasking. The Apple Watch 5, while still capable, may experience slight delays compared to the more powerful Apple Watch 6.
Health and Fitness Features
Both watches offer a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and fall detection. However, the Apple Watch 6 introduces some notable advancements. The most prominent is the blood oxygen sensor (SpO2), which measures the oxygen saturation in your blood. This provides valuable insights into your respiratory health. The Apple Watch 6 also features an improved altimeter for more accurate elevation tracking. The Apple Watch 5 provides excellent fitness tracking but lacks the advanced SpO2 sensor.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch 5 are rated for up to 18 hours of battery life with typical use. However, the Apple Watch 6 offers faster charging. It can charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1.5 hours, compared to the slightly slower charging speed of the Apple Watch 5. This faster charging capability is a convenient feature, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed. Although the battery life is similar, the Apple Watch 6’s faster charging is a significant advantage.
Connectivity and Features
Both the Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch 5 offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity. Cellular models are available for both, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and stream music without your iPhone nearby. The Apple Watch 6 introduces the U1 chip for Ultra Wideband connectivity, which enables more precise location tracking and can be used for digital car keys. Both watches support Apple Pay for convenient contactless payments. The Apple Watch 6 provides a slight edge in future-proofing with its U1 chip.
Pricing and Value
When considering the purchase, the price difference between a new Apple Watch 6 and a used or refurbished Apple Watch 5 is a key factor. While the Apple Watch 6 offers several improvements, including a faster processor, brighter display, and blood oxygen sensor, the Apple Watch 5 remains a capable and feature-rich smartwatch. The value proposition depends on your budget and desired features. If you prioritize cutting-edge features and performance, the Apple Watch 6 is the better choice. However, the Apple Watch 5 offers excellent value, especially if you find it at a discounted price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Apple Watch 6 If…
- You want the latest features, including blood oxygen monitoring and a brighter display.
- You prioritize the fastest performance and newest processor.
- You want access to the latest health innovations and are interested in the future of the Apple Watch.
- You want the option of a titanium case.
Buy Apple Watch 5 If…
- You’re looking for a great Apple Watch experience at a more affordable price.
- You don’t need the latest health sensors and prefer to save money.
- You are satisfied with the performance and features of the Apple Watch 5.
- You are happy with the existing case materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch 5?
The Apple Watch 6 includes the S6 SiP, which provides faster processing, and a brighter always-on display. The Apple Watch 6 also features a blood oxygen sensor (SpO2) and an improved altimeter. These enhancements offer improved performance and additional health monitoring capabilities compared to the Apple Watch 5, which relies on the S5 SiP processor.
Does the Apple Watch 6 have a better display than the Apple Watch 5?
Yes, the Apple Watch 6 features a brighter always-on display. This display is significantly brighter than the Apple Watch 5, especially outdoors, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. This improvement enhances the overall user experience by providing better visibility in various lighting conditions for notifications and fitness metrics.
Is the blood oxygen sensor a significant upgrade?
The blood oxygen sensor (SpO2) is a notable upgrade, providing valuable insights into your respiratory health. It measures the oxygen saturation in your blood, which can help detect potential health issues. This feature is particularly useful for those concerned about their overall wellness, allowing for early detection of potential problems.
How does the performance of the Apple Watch 6 compare to the Apple Watch 5?
The Apple Watch 6 offers noticeably improved performance thanks to its S6 SiP. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and overall improved responsiveness. Users will experience quicker transitions between apps and a more fluid user interface, providing a more enjoyable experience.
Are the health and fitness features different?
While both watches offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking, the Apple Watch 6 has an edge. The Apple Watch 6 adds a blood oxygen sensor and an improved altimeter. Both watches track heart rate, activity, and offer fall detection. The Apple Watch 6 provides more advanced health monitoring capabilities.
What about battery life?
Both watches are rated for up to 18 hours of battery life with typical use. However, the Apple Watch 6 charges faster, which is a convenient feature. The battery life is similar, but the Apple Watch 6’s faster charging is a significant advantage when you need a quick recharge, ensuring you’re less likely to be caught with a dead watch.
Which Apple Watch is right for me?
The best choice depends on your needs and budget. The Apple Watch 6 offers more features and improved performance, making it the better choice for those who want the latest technology. However, the Apple Watch 5 is still a great smartwatch, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. Consider your priorities.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch 6 surpasses the Apple Watch 5 with a brighter display, faster processor, and the addition of a blood oxygen sensor, offering a more enhanced experience for health and performance. While the Series 5 remains a capable device, the improvements in the Series 6 make it the superior choice for users seeking the latest features and improved overall performance.
Winner: Apple Watch 6