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Apple Watch Series 4 vs Series 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Series 5 & Apple Watch Series 4 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 5 rather than the Apple Watch Series 4.

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 5?

  • The Apple Watch Series 5 features an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display for checking the time and key information without raising the wrist or tapping the screen, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 uses a display that turns off when not active.
  • Apple Watch Series 5 has a built-in compass for accurate heading and improved navigation in Maps and outdoor apps, while the Apple Watch Series 4 does not include a compass.
  • It includes 32GB internal storage for storing more music, podcasts, and apps directly on the watch, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 includes 16GB storage.
  • The Apple Watch Series 5 supports international emergency calling for safety and assistance when traveling globally, while the Apple Watch Series 4 supports only regional emergency calling.
  • Apple Watch Series 5 features additional case options such as titanium and ceramic for more durable and premium style choices, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 is limited to aluminum and stainless steel cases.
  • It includes a refined power management system to maintain all-day battery life even with the Always-On display active, while the Apple Watch Series 4 uses a previous-generation power controller.
  • The Apple Watch Series 5 features updated ambient light responsiveness to keep essential information readable at a glance in various lighting conditions, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 fully darkens the display when idle.
  • Apple Watch Series 5 has improved navigation compatibility with apps that rely on directional data such as hiking or star-tracking tools for more precise situational awareness, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 lacks directional hardware.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 4 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 5. 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 5Apple Watch Series 4
Display TypeAlways-On Retina LTPO OLEDRetina LTPO OLED
LTPO Refresh ManagementDynamic refresh down to 1HzStandard refresh, no 1Hz mode
Storage32GB16GB
CompassYesNo
International Emergency CallingYesNo
Ambient Light BehaviorDimmed visible screenScreen off when idle
Case Material OptionsAluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium, CeramicAluminum, Stainless Steel
Battery Optimization ModeExtra Always-On tuningStandard power optimization
Display ControllerNew low-power driverPrevious generation driver
App Launch DefaultsNoise, Cycle Tracking preloadedAdded later via software
Weight (Material Variants)More material choices affect weightFewer material options
Screen Visibility at RestAlways visible watch faceDisplay only on raise/tap
Compass-Based AppsSupportedNot supported
Marketed Hardware UpdateInternal power module revisionPrevious hardware
Battery ExpectationsSame rating with Always-OnSame rating without Always-On
PriceCheck Apple Watch 5 PriceCheck Apple Watch 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Retina Display: Both smartwatches use high-resolution Retina screens to provide clear visuals for readability in daily use. The color and brightness levels are well-balanced for indoor and outdoor viewing.
  • LTPO OLED Panel: Both models use LTPO OLED technology to allow variable refresh rates that improve power efficiency. This is important for balancing smooth animations with battery life.
  • Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback: Both feature the Digital Crown with subtle vibrations during scrolling. This helps with precise navigation through menus without covering the screen with your finger.
  • ECG App Support: Both support electrocardiogram readings for heart rhythm analysis directly from the wrist. This helps detect irregular heart activity such as atrial fibrillation.
  • Electrical Heart Sensor: Both include an electrical sensor that works with the ECG app for accurate heart rhythm measurements. It enhances health insights beyond standard heart rate tracking.
  • Optical Heart Sensor: Both continuously track heart rate during workouts and throughout the day. This supports calorie estimates and alerts for unusually high or low heart rates.
  • Fall Detection: Both can detect hard falls and prompt emergency services if needed. This is valuable for users with safety concerns or medical risks.
  • Emergency SOS: Both allow emergency calling and notifications when urgent situations occur. This provides added security when away from a phone.
  • GPS + Cellular Options: Both come in GPS-only or GPS + Cellular versions. Cellular connectivity lets users make calls and stream music without carrying an iPhone.
  • Swimproof 50m Water Resistance: Both watches can be used for pool or open-water swimming. The water resistance rating supports full workout tracking while submerged.
  • Bluetooth 5.0: Both use Bluetooth 5.0 for improved wireless performance and power efficiency. This ensures stronger connections with iPhones and accessories.
  • Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz: Both connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks for app data syncing and system updates. This maintains connectivity when Bluetooth range is exceeded.
  • Speaker and Microphone: Both include built-in audio hardware for phone calls, Siri, and alerts. This keeps communication hands-free and convenient.
  • 40mm / 44mm Sizes: Both are available in two case sizes to fit a wider range of wrist sizes. Users can choose a size that matches comfort and readability preferences.
  • WatchOS Compatibility: Both support the same WatchOS platform for consistent app access and features. Both models continue to receive updates for functionality improvements.
  • Apple Pay: Both enable secure contactless payment with NFC. This allows users to leave their wallet behind in many shopping situations.
  • 64-bit Dual-Core S-Series Chip: Both use powerful processors that ensure responsive app performance. This keeps interactions smooth even with new software versions.
  • Always-On Altimeter: Both track elevation changes during workouts and outdoor activities. This provides more accurate workout metrics and environmental context.
  • Same Battery Life Rating: Both are rated for around 18 hours of battery life per charge under standard usage. The endurance expectation is similar for day-long comfort.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Series 5Apple Watch Series 4
Retina DisplayYesYes
LTPO OLED PanelYesYes
Digital Crown with Haptic FeedbackYesYes
ECG App SupportYesYes
Electrical Heart SensorYesYes
Optical Heart SensorYesYes
Fall DetectionYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
GPS + Cellular OptionsYesYes
Swimproof 50m Water ResistanceYesYes
Bluetooth 5.0YesYes
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHzYesYes
Speaker and MicrophoneYesYes
40mm / 44mm SizesYesYes
WatchOS CompatibilityYesYes
Apple PayYesYes
64-bit Dual-Core S-Series ChipS5S4
Always-On AltimeterYesYes
Same Battery Life Rating~18 hours~18 hours
Price Check Apple Watch 5 Price
Check Apple Watch 4 Price

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 5 significantly faster than the Apple Watch Series 4?
Both models feel very similar in performance for everyday apps and navigation, as the S5 chip is only a modest update from the S4 chip. You should not expect a noticeable speed difference in regular use.

Do both watches support ECG heart monitoring?
Yes, both watches include ECG functionality, allowing you to take heart rhythm readings directly on the wrist for health tracking and atrial fibrillation detection.

Can the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 both receive the latest watchOS updates?
Both can run modern versions of watchOS, although future support may eventually continue longer on the Series 5 since it is one year newer.

Is battery life better on the Series 5 compared to the Series 4?
Battery life is rated the same at about 18 hours, though the Always-On display on the Series 5 may use more power depending on your settings and usage style.

Do both watches have fall detection and emergency safety features?
Yes, both include fall detection and Emergency SOS, enabling automatic alerts and the ability to call for help in urgent situations.

Are both watches suitable for swimming and water workouts?
Yes, both are swimproof with a 50-meter water resistance rating, making them suitable for pool and open-water swimming sessions.

Can I use Apple Pay on both the Series 4 and Series 5?
Both support secure, contactless Apple Pay payments through NFC, allowing purchases without a wallet or iPhone present.

Do both watches support GPS and optional cellular connectivity?
Yes, you can choose between GPS-only models or GPS + Cellular models on both Series 4 and Series 5 depending on your connectivity needs.

Are the display sizes the same on both models?
Yes, both are available in 40mm and 44mm sizes and share a similar display resolution and screen area.

Do both watches use the same style of bands and straps?
Yes, bands designed for one model will fit the other, making accessories fully interchangeable between the Series 4 and Series 5.

Can I install the same apps on both models?
Both support the same App Store applications designed for watchOS and provide a very similar software experience.

Do both models have the same speaker and microphone features?
Yes, both include an upgraded speaker for louder audio and a microphone that enables calling, Siri interaction, and voice recording.

Is the Always-On display unique to the Series 5?
Yes, the Always-On display is exclusive to the Series 5, while the Series 4 screen turns off completely when not in use.

Is storage capacity the same on both watches?
No, the Series 5 includes 32GB of storage while the Series 4 includes 16GB, which affects how much music and apps you can store offline.

Do both support heart rate notifications and activity tracking?
Yes, both track activity metrics like workouts, calories, and heart rate, and provide alerts for unusually high or low heart rate conditions.