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Apple Watch Series 4 vs Series 5 – Which Should You Buy?

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Apple Watch Series 5 & Series 4 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 5 is a more advanced model with newer sensors, more advanced display, additional health sensors, more internal storage and better connectivity. The Series 4 is more affordable and still provides core fitness tracking. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Processor:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 features the S5 64-bit dual-core processor that improves app performance and system responsiveness.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 uses the older S4 dual-core processor, which is slower with modern apps.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Display:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 features an always-on Retina display that shows the time and complications continuously for improved glanceability without raising wrist.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 has the same type of display but lacks always-on functionality.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Display Size:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 includes an 1.78 inch display to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 has a standard 1.6 inch display.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Brightness:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness that improves visibility in direct sunlight.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 reaches up to 1000 nits.
Winner:

Tie

 

Weight:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 has an aluminum case that results in a lighter build, making it more comfortable for all-day wear.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 uses stainless steel, which adds more weight and may feel heavier during extended use.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Health Features:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 includes ECG, high/low heart rate and emergency SOS to support advanced fitness tracking.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 features the same health and fitness sensors.
Winner:

Tie

 

Speaker & Microphone:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 includes enhanced microphone and speaker that improve call and Siri clarity.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 has a basic mic and speaker configuration.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Internal Storage:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 has 32GB of storage that allows space for more music, photos, and apps.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 comes with 16GB of storage.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Battery Life:
  • The Apple Watch Series 5 offers 18-hour battery life that supports all-day use with advanced features enabled.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 comes with up to 16 hours of battery life.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5
Check Apple Watch Series 5 Best Price
Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price

Specs at a Glance

Feature Apple Watch Series 5 Apple Watch Series 4
Display Always-On Retina LTPO OLED Retina LTPO OLED
Display Size 44mm 44mm
Resolution 368 x 448 368 x 448
Processor S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core S4 SiP with 64-bit dual-core
RAM 1GB 1GB
Storage 32GB 16GB
Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 16 hours
WiFi 2.4GHz 2.4GHz
Bluetooth 5.0 5.0
LTE Connectivity Yes Yes
Always-On Display Yes No
Compass Yes No
Build Material Aluminum Stainless Steel

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Apple Watch Series 5 if you:

  • Want an always-on display that makes checking the time and widgets more convenient.
  • Need more storage space for music, apps, and podcasts.
  • Prefer a lighter watch with a sportier aluminum build.
  • Value slightly improved mic performance for calls and Siri.
  • Are upgrading from an older Apple Watch and want modern features at a reasonable price.

Check Apple Watch Series 5 Best Price

Buy the Apple Watch Series 4 if you:

  • Prefer a premium stainless steel case and Milanese Loop for a dressier look.
  • Do not care about always-on display and can wake the screen manually.
  • Want a watch that still runs the latest watchOS but costs less on resale markets.
  • Value the same health and fitness tracking without paying extra for newer features.
  • Like the look and feel of stainless steel more than aluminum.
  • Let me know if you’d like Google Ads copy or a comparison table graphic for this article.

Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Processor Apple Watch Series 5
Display Apple Watch Series 5
Display Size Apple Watch Series 5
Internal Storage Apple Watch Series 5
Health & Fitness Features Apple Watch Series 5
On-Device Siri Apple Watch Series 5
Microphone Apple Watch Series 5
Design Apple Watch Series 5

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 5 significantly faster than the Series 4?
The Apple Watch Series 5 uses the S5 chip, which has similar performance to the S4 chip in Series 4, but adds a power management controller to support the always-on display more efficiently.

Does the Apple Watch Series 5 support always-on display?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 includes an always-on Retina LTPO OLED display that shows the time and complications even when your wrist is down.

Can both watches run the latest watchOS?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 4 currently support up to watchOS 10, but future updates may stop sooner for Series 4.

Is the Apple Watch Series 4 display the same as the Series 5?
The Apple Watch Series 4 has the same size, resolution, and brightness as the Series 5, but it does not support always-on display.

What is the difference in storage between Series 5 and Series 4?
The Apple Watch Series 5 includes 32GB of internal storage, while the Series 4 comes with 16GB.

Which model is better for durability and scratch resistance?
The Apple Watch Series 4 has a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal display, making it more resistant to scratches than the aluminum and Ion-X glass used in the Series 5.

Do both models support ECG and fall detection?
Yes, both Series 5 and Series 4 support the ECG app and include fall detection as part of their health features.

Is there any difference in battery life between the two?
No, both models are rated for up to 18 hours of battery life under normal usage conditions.

Does the Series 5 have any additional sensors not found in the Series 4?
Yes, the Series 5 includes a built-in compass, which the Series 4 does not have.

Are both watches compatible with the same bands and accessories?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 4 share the same 44mm case size, so their bands and most accessories are interchangeable.

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