Apple Watch Series 5 vs Series 6 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Series 6 & Apple Watch Series 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 6 rather than the Apple Watch Series 5.

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 6?

  • The Apple Watch Series 6 has the S6 SiP for smoother performance and faster loading during daily use, while the Apple Watch Series 5 uses the slower S5 SiP.
  • Apple Watch Series 6 features a Blood Oxygen sensor to help monitor oxygen saturation during workouts and sleep, whereas the Apple Watch Series 5 has no SpO2 measurement.
  • It includes an always-on altimeter for continuous elevation tracking during hiking or climbing, while the Apple Watch Series 5 uses a standard altimeter that updates less frequently.
  • The Apple Watch Series 6 supports a brighter Always-On Display for easier visibility outdoors in sunlight, whereas the Apple Watch Series 5 uses a dimmer Always-On Display.
  • Apple Watch Series 6 comes with the U1 Ultra Wideband chip for improved device-to-device precision like future digital car keys, while the Apple Watch Series 5 has no U1 chip.
  • It features faster charging to reduce downtime between workouts and overnight tracking, while the Apple Watch Series 5 comes with slower charging speeds.
  • The Apple Watch Series 6 includes updated heart-rate sensing technology for more accurate readings during high-intensity training, while the Apple Watch Series 5 uses the older-generation optical sensor.
  • Apple Watch Series 6 supports additional aluminum case colors like Blue and RED to match personal style preferences, while the Apple Watch Series 5 lacks these newer color options.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 5 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 6. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Series 6Apple Watch Series 5
ProcessorS6 SiPS5 SiP
GPUUpdated GPUPrevious-gen GPU
Blood Oxygen SensorYesNo
Optical Heart Sensor3rd-gen2nd-gen
Always-On AltimeterYesNo
Display Brightness (Always-On)Up to 2.5× brighterStandard brightness
UWB SupportU1 chipNone
Wi-Fi2.4GHz + 5GHz2.4GHz
Charging SpeedFaster chargingStandard charging
Battery PerformanceImproved efficiencyStandard efficiency
Case ColorsBlue / RED optionsNo Blue / no RED
WeightSlightly lighterSlightly heavier
Environmental SensorsUpdatedPrevious-gen
Max Brightness OutdoorsHigher brightnessLower brightness
WatchOS Features SupportIncludes SpO2-related featuresNo SpO2 features
Band SizingSupports Solo/Braided Loop sizingNo Solo/Braided Loop sizing system optimization
Audio FeedbackSlightly enhancedStandard
Bluetooth UtilizationMore power-efficientLess power-efficient
PriceCheck Apple Watch 6 PriceCheck Apple Watch 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Type: Both Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 5 use OLED Retina screens, which provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. This ensures that text and complications remain easy to read in all lighting conditions.
  • Always-On Display: Each model includes an always-on screen, allowing users to see their watch face without raising their wrist. This maintains convenience during workouts, meetings, or casual use.
  • Digital Crown with Haptics: Both watches include the Digital Crown with haptic feedback, making navigation smooth and precise. The tactile response enhances interaction with menus and scrolling.
  • ECG: Electrocardiogram capability is available on both watches, enabling users to take heart rhythm measurements anytime. This is particularly helpful in identifying irregularities like atrial fibrillation.
  • Fall Detection: Each model can detect hard falls and contact emergency services if the user becomes unresponsive. This provides peace of mind, especially for older users or during outdoor activities.
  • Emergency SOS: Both can quickly contact emergency services and share location when triggered. It adds an essential layer of safety during accidents or dangerous situations.
  • GPS: Built-in GPS allows for accurate tracking of outdoor activities without requiring an iPhone. Runners and cyclists can see distance, pace, and route mapping.
  • LTPO Technology: Low-temperature polycrystalline oxide displays help conserve power on both watches. This results in improved efficiency for the always-on functionality.
  • Speaker + Microphone: Both include high-quality speakers and microphones for calls, dictation, and Siri. Communication feels natural even without an iPhone nearby.
  • Swimproof 50m: Each watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, allowing for swimming in pools or open water. It supports tracking swimming workouts with stroke recognition.
  • Compass: Both include a built-in compass for directional awareness. This helps in navigation apps and hiking scenarios.
  • Cellular Models Available: Each lineup offers GPS-only and GPS + Cellular versions. Cellular models allow calling, messaging, streaming, and notifications away from the phone.
  • Apple Pay: Both models support contactless payments directly on the wrist. It provides fast and secure checkout without needing your iPhone or wallet.
  • Music Streaming Support: Both let users store or stream music and podcasts for offline workouts. This is useful for runs or gym sessions without carrying a phone.
  • App Store Access on Watch: Apps can be downloaded directly from the watch on both models. This enables customization and functionality expansion from your wrist.
  • Siri Support: Both support hands-free Siri voice commands. Users can set reminders, control smart home devices, or run shortcuts easily.
  • GPS + GLONASS: Each model uses multiple satellite systems for better route accuracy. This improves tracking precision in urban and dense environments.
  • Wireless Charging: Both use the same wireless charging puck and magnetic attachment. It maintains compatibility with existing charging accessories.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Series 6Apple Watch Series 5
Display TypeOLED RetinaOLED Retina
Always-On DisplayYesYes
Digital Crown with HapticsYesYes
ECGYesYes
Fall DetectionYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
GPSYesYes
LTPO TechnologyYesYes
Speaker + MicrophoneYesYes
Swimproof 50mYesYes
CompassYesYes
Cellular Models AvailableYesYes
Apple PayYesYes
Music Streaming SupportYesYes
App Store Access on WatchYesYes
Siri SupportYesYes
GPS + GLONASSYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Price Check Apple Watch 6 Price
Check Apple Watch 5 Price

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 6 faster than the Series 5?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 uses the S6 SiP, which performs better and is more power-efficient than the S5 chip in the Series 5, resulting in smoother interactions and faster app loading.

Do both Apple Watch models support ECG?
Yes, both devices can perform on-wrist ECG readings to help detect irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.

Is the Apple Watch Series 6 better for fitness tracking?
The Series 6 adds a Blood Oxygen (SpO2) sensor and always-on altimeter, making it more advanced for tracking performance and elevation compared to the Series 5.

Do both watches support an Always-On Display?
Yes, both models have an Always-On Display, but the one on the Series 6 is brighter outdoors for improved readability in sunlight.

Can I swim with both the Series 6 and Series 5?
Yes, both watches are swimproof up to 50 meters, making them suitable for pool and open-water swimming with full workout tracking.

Do both models support cellular connectivity?
Yes, both offer GPS-only and GPS + Cellular configurations, allowing calls, messaging, and streaming without an iPhone nearby on the cellular versions.

Will my current Apple Watch bands fit both watches?
Yes, both use the same interchangeable band system, so any band compatible with one will work with the other.

Is battery life similar on both watches?
Both are rated for up to 18 hours of mixed usage, though the Series 6 charges faster and has slightly better efficiency.

Do both Apple Watches support Apple Pay?
Yes, both models support secure contactless payments via Apple Pay directly from the wrist.

Can both watches track sleep?
Yes, both support sleep tracking through watchOS, although the Series 6 may gather more detailed oxygen and altitude-related data.

Do both support Bluetooth headphones and AirPods?
Yes, both include Bluetooth for connecting wireless audio devices during workouts or media playback.

Can both models run the latest watchOS?
Yes, both support newer watchOS versions, including most features focused on health, notifications, and app improvements.

Do both watches have a built-in compass?
Yes, each includes a digital compass, supporting map navigation and directional accuracy during outdoor activities.

Can I stream music on both devices?
Yes, both watches allow music and podcast streaming or offline storage for workouts without your iPhone.

Do both include fall detection and Emergency SOS?
Yes, both watches can alert emergency services in case of severe falls or manual activation of SOS for added safety and peace of mind.

Quick Deal Access