Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Series 5 have some important differences, it’s all about balancing features with budget. The Series 9 is the newer, more advanced model with premium health sensors, a larger Always-On display, and faster performance. The Apple Watch Series 5 is a simpler, more affordable option that still delivers core Apple Watch functionality. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which model is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Apple Watch Series 9 has the all-new S9 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core CPU and improved neural engine for faster performance and better battery efficiency.
- Apple Watch Series 5 uses the older S5 chip, which is slower with modern apps and updates.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Display Size:- Apple Watch Series 9 features a larger 1.9-inch display with thinner bezels to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
- Apple Watch Series 5 has a 1.57-inch display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Always-On Retina LTPO OLED Display:- Apple Watch Series 9 features an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display with up to 2000 nits brightness to ensure better visibility in bright environments.
- Apple Watch Series 5 has Always-On display with only 1000 nits brightness.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Internal Storage:- Apple Watch Series 9 comes with 64GB of internal storage, which allows for extensive app installations, playlists, and offline data.
- Apple Watch Series 5 includes 32GB of storage.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Battery Life:- Apple Watch Series 9 provides up to 18 hours of battery life on a full charge.
- Apple Watch Series 5 lasts up to 18 hours on a full charge.
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Fast Charging:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports fast charging and reaches 80% in about 45 minutes.
- Apple Watch Series 5 lacks fast charging support.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Optical Heart Sensor:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes the third-generation optical heart sensor for ECG, high and low heart rate notifications, and irregular rhythm alerts.
- Apple Watch Series 5 features a 2nd-gen heart sensor with less precision.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Wi-Fi:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for faster wireless speeds and more stable connectivity for quicker data transfers and improved responsiveness especially in crowded areas.
- Apple Watch Series 5 supports only 2.4GHz.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Higher Resolution:- Apple Watch Series 9 delivers 484 x 396 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Apple Watch Series 5 has lower 324 x 394 resolution.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Blood Oxygen App:- Apple Watch Series 9 features a Blood Oxygen app for checking oxygen saturation levels, especially useful during exercise or at high altitude.
- Apple Watch Series 5 does not support blood oxygen monitoring.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Temperature Sensor:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes a skin temperature sensor for enhanced health tracking, including menstrual cycle insights and sleep data.
- Apple Watch Series 5 does not include temperature tracking.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Ultra Wideband Chip:- Apple Watch Series 9 features the second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for improving Precision Finding and device integration.
- Apple Watch Series 5 does not include a UWB chip.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Bluetooth:- Apple Watch Series 9 support Bluetooth 5.3 for better efficiency.
- Apple Watch Series 5 support Bluetooth 5.0.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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On-Device Siri:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports on-device Siri that allows to process commands and access health data directly on the watch without internet connection.
- Apple Watch Series 5 requires an internet connection for Siri processing.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Neural Engine:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes a 4-core Neural Engine to speed up AI and health computations.
- Apple Watch Series 5 does not have a neural engine.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Crash Detection:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes Crash Detection for emergency assistance.
- Apple Watch Series 5 does not have this safety feature.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Double Tap Gesture:- The Apple Watch Series 9 introduces the double tap gesture to control the watch with a quick finger movement for added convenience.
- Apple Watch Series 5 does not support the Double Tap feature.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Overall Performance Score
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 5
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Series 5 |
|---|
| Display | 1.9-inch Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | 1.57-inch LTPO OLED |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Processor | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine | S5 SiP dual-core |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Fast Charging | Supported | Not supported |
| Case Size | 45mm | 40mm |
| Ultra Wideband | UWB chip (2nd gen) | Not included |
| Temperature Sensor | Included | Not included |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Included | Not included |
| ECG App | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Heart Sensor | 3rd-generation | 2nd-generation |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Crash Detection | Supported | Not supported |
| On-device Siri | Supported | Not supported |
| Double Tap Gesture | Available | Not available |
| Water Resistance | WR50 | WR50 |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you:- Want advanced health features like ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature tracking.
- Need a brighter, always-on display for better readability in any light.
- Prefer faster performance, cellular connectivity, on-device Siri, and future-ready connectivity like Bluetooth 5.3 and UWB.
- Want fast charging for convenience on a tight schedule.
- Value gesture control like Double Tap for one-handed operation.
Check Apple Watch 9 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch Series 5 if you:- Are on a tight budget and only need core Apple Watch functionality.
- Prefer a smaller watch face for a more compact wrist profile.
- Don’t need SpO2, temperature, or UWB tracking features.
- Want access to ECG and Always-On Display at a lower cost.
- Are upgrading from an older Apple Watch and want an affordable improvement.
Check Apple Watch Series 5 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Display Size | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Always-On Display | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Brightness | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| RAM | Tie |
| Internal Storage | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Fast Charging | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Ultra Wideband Chip | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Optical Heart Sensor | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Wi-Fi | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Temperature Sensor | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Higher Resolution | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| ECG App | Tie |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| On-device Siri | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Double Tap Gesture | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Bluetooth | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Crash Detection | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Neural Engine | Apple Watch Series 9 |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 support cellular connectivity?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 comes in a GPS + Cellular model, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and stream music without needing your iPhone nearby.
Can the Apple Watch Series 5 still receive software updates?
The Apple Watch Series 5 is compatible with watchOS 10, but it may not receive future updates beyond that, depending on Apple’s support timeline.
Is there a difference in screen brightness between Series 9 and Series 5?
Yes, the Series 9 display reaches up to 2000 nits brightness, which is twice as bright as the 1000 nits maximum on the Series 5, making it easier to view in sunlight.
Do both models support ECG monitoring?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 5 support the ECG app, allowing users to check for irregular heart rhythms directly from the watch.
Does the Series 9 support fast charging?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 supports fast charging and can reach about 80% in 45 minutes, which the Series 5 does not offer.
Is the Double Tap gesture available on the Apple Watch Series 5?
No, the Double Tap gesture is exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9 and is not available on the Series 5.
What are the storage differences between Series 9 and Series 5?
The Series 9 includes 64GB of internal storage, while the Series 5 has 32GB, meaning the newer model can store more apps, music, and data.
Can I use Siri offline on both models?
Only the Apple Watch Series 9 supports on-device Siri, which allows certain commands and requests to be processed without an internet connection.
Do either of the watches include a temperature sensor?
Only the Apple Watch Series 9 includes a temperature sensor for overnight tracking and cycle insights. The Series 5 does not have this feature.
Are both watches water resistant?
Yes, both the Series 9 and Series 5 are water resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and everyday water exposure.