Apple Watch Series 5 vs 10 – Which Should You Buy?
As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Imagine checking your messages, tracking your workouts, and managing your day without even picking up your phone. That is the promise of a great smartwatch. The Series 5 was a major milestone when it launched. It introduced the Always-On display that many users still love today. The Series 10 brings a wave of modern upgrades, including faster performance, better health tracking, and a brighter display. Is it worth upgrading from the Series 5 to the Series 10, or should you stick with what you have? This article will help you find out.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Series 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Brighter Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 3000 nits | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 1000 nits |
| Case Size Options | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Material Options | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
| Processor | S10 SiP with Neural Engine | S5 SiP |
| RAM | 2GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours, optimized efficiency | Up to 18 hours |
| Health Features | Blood Oxygen, ECG, Temperature Sensor, Heart Rate, Fall Detection, Crash Detection | ECG, Heart Rate, Fall Detection |
| Advanced Sensors | Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, improved GPS, Ambient Light Sensor | Original Ultra Wideband absent, basic GPS, Ambient Light Sensor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, Cellular models available | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, Cellular models available |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Series 10 refines the familiar design of the Series 5 but makes it a little more modern. It offers slightly larger case options with thinner bezels, giving you more screen without making the watch bulky. Materials are similar, but the finish is sleeker on the newer model.
Display Quality
Display technology has seen a big leap. The Series 5 debuted the Always-On Retina feature, which was revolutionary then. The Series 10 takes it further with a much brighter screen. It reaches up to 3000 nits compared to the Series 5’s 1000 nits. This means better visibility outdoors and smoother transitions indoors.
Processor and Performance
Performance is one of the biggest reasons to consider an upgrade. The S10 SiP processor in the Series 10 is dramatically faster than the S5 in the Series 5. Apps launch quicker, animations feel smoother, and tasks like navigating maps or tracking workouts are noticeably more responsive.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Series 10 expands its health features significantly. It adds Blood Oxygen monitoring, a Temperature Sensor, and Crash Detection. The Series 5 focused mainly on heart rate and ECG. If health tracking is important to you, the Series 10 offers a major advantage.
Battery Life and Charging
While both watches promise up to 18 hours of battery life, the Series 10 manages power better thanks to a more efficient chip. It also charges faster, allowing you to top off quickly during busy days.
Connectivity and Smart Features
The Series 10 includes updated connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6. This improves speed and reliability, especially when syncing music or receiving notifications. The newer Ultra Wideband chip also enables precise device finding and better interactions with other Apple devices.
Storage Capacity
If you like to store music, apps, or audiobooks, you will appreciate the jump from 32GB on the Series 5 to 64GB on the Series 10. This allows for much more offline content without worrying about space.
Durability and Water Resistance
Both models are swim-proof and durable. However, the Series 10 adds slightly better dust and crack resistance. This makes it more suitable for people with active lifestyles who expose their watch to tougher environments.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 much faster than the Series 5?
Yes, the Series 10 has the S10 SiP processor which is significantly faster and more efficient than the S5 chip in the Series 5. You will notice quicker app launches and smoother performance.
Does the Apple Watch Series 10 have better battery life than the Series 5?
Both watches are rated for up to 18 hours but the Series 10 manages power better. It also charges faster which makes a real-world difference during busy days.
Can the Apple Watch Series 5 measure blood oxygen levels?
No, the Series 5 does not have a Blood Oxygen sensor. This feature was introduced in later models like the Series 6 and is present in the Series 10.
Is the display brightness very different between Series 5 and Series 10?
Yes, the Series 10 can reach up to 3000 nits which is three times brighter than the Series 5’s 1000 nits. This improvement makes the screen much easier to read outdoors.
Are both watches compatible with the latest watchOS?
The Series 10 runs the latest watchOS out of the box. The Series 5 is compatible but may not support every new feature due to hardware limitations.
Does the Series 10 offer more storage than the Series 5?
Yes, the Series 10 offers 64GB of storage compared to 32GB on the Series 5. This extra space is helpful for apps, music, and offline content.
Is there a difference in build quality between the two?
Both offer high-end materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. However, the Series 10’s refinements make it feel slightly more premium and durable.
Do both models have an Always-On display?
Yes, but the Series 10 improves the Always-On experience with better brightness, smoother refresh rates, and lower power consumption.
Does the Apple Watch Series 10 have better GPS accuracy?
Yes, the Series 10 uses an updated GPS system and second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for more accurate location tracking compared to the Series 5.
Is upgrading from the Series 5 to the Series 10 worth it?
If you value faster performance, better health tracking, brighter display, and improved smart features, then upgrading to the Series 10 is definitely worth considering.