Apple Watch Series 5: What’s Different?

The Apple Watch Series 5 is the fifth-generation smartwatch from Apple, and its main difference from earlier models is the introduction of an always-on Retina display, so you can see the time and your watch face without raising your wrist or tapping the screen. It also adds a built-in compass and an international emergency calling feature. This article explains how the Series 5 compares to its predecessors and successors, what its key features actually do, and what to consider if you’re thinking about buying one today.

Formula

This calculator works out your average pace and speed for a run, ride, or walk. The formulas are:

• Pace (min/km) = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where:

• t = finish time in minutes
• d = distance in kilometers

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (50 minutes for 10 km):

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So a 50-minute 10 km run gives an average pace of 5:00 per kilometer and an average speed of 12 km/h.

Background: The Apple Watch Lineup

The Apple Watch launched in 2015 as a health and fitness wearable tightly integrated with the iPhone. Each year Apple has released a new numbered model, with the Series 5 arriving in September 2019. It replaced the Series 4 and was itself replaced by the Series 6 in 2020. The Series 5 is often remembered as the model that made the always-on display a standard feature, a change that many users had requested since the first generation.

Key Differences from the Series 4

If you’re comparing the Series 5 to the Series 4, the differences are relatively small but meaningful:

• Always-on Retina display – the screen dims to a low-power state but never goes fully black, so you can glance at the time without raising your wrist.
• Built-in compass – the Series 5 includes a magnetometer that works with the Maps app and third-party navigation apps to show your heading.
• International emergency calling – on the cellular models, you can call emergency services in many countries even if your carrier plan doesn’t include roaming (availability varies by region).
• 32 GB storage – double the 16 GB found in the Series 4, useful for storing music and podcasts offline.
• New watch faces – the Series 5 introduced faces like the “Meridian” and “Solar Dial” that take advantage of the always-on display.

Otherwise, the Series 5 shares the same design, processor (S4 chip), and most sensors with the Series 4. The ECG app, fall detection, and optical heart sensor are identical.

How the Always-On Display Works

The always-on display is the headline feature of the Series 5. It uses a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) display that can refresh its refresh rate from 60 Hz down to 1 Hz. When your wrist is down, the screen shows a simplified version of your watch face – usually just the time and a few complications – at a low brightness. The moment you raise your wrist or tap the screen, it switches to the full, bright face. This is achieved without a significant hit to battery life because the display only updates once per second when idle, rather than continuously.

Battery Life and Charging

The Series 5 has a rated battery life of 18 hours, same as the Series 4. In real-world use, the always-on display does consume a bit more power, but most users still get through a full day. Charging uses the same magnetic puck as previous models. If you use the always-on display with a bright watch face and heavy GPS tracking, you may need to charge before bedtime. The Series 5 does not support fast charging – that came with the Series 7.

Comparing to the Series 6 and Later

The Series 6 (2020) added a blood oxygen sensor, a faster S6 chip, and an always-on altimeter. The Series 7 (2021) brought a larger display, faster charging, and a more durable design. The Series 8 (2022) added a temperature sensor for cycle tracking and crash detection. The Series 9 (2023) introduced a brighter display and a new double-tap gesture. The Series 5 lacks these newer features, but it still runs watchOS 10 (as of 2024), so it gets most of the software updates, including the new Smart Stack and redesigned apps.

How to Choose: Is a Series 5 Worth It in 2024?

If you’re considering buying a used Series 5, here are some factors to weigh:

• Price – used Series 5 models are significantly cheaper than newer models, often under $150 depending on condition and cellular capability.
• Health features – the Series 5 has an ECG and fall detection, but lacks blood oxygen, temperature sensing, and crash detection.
• Battery health – a used watch may have degraded battery capacity, so check the battery health in settings (Settings → Battery → Battery Health).
• Compatibility – the Series 5 requires an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13 or newer, so it works with most modern iPhones.
• Software support – Apple typically supports watches for about 5-6 years, so the Series 5 may not get watchOS 11 (expected 2024). If you want the latest features, a newer model is safer.

Common Problems and Limitations

Owners of the Series 5 have reported a few issues over the years:

• Battery drain – some users see faster-than-expected drain, especially after updating to a new watchOS. Resetting or unpairing/pairing often helps.
• Screen burn-in – the always-on display can, in rare cases, cause image retention on the OLED screen. This is more likely if you use a very bright face with static elements.
• Compass calibration – the compass may require calibration by moving the watch in a figure-eight pattern, similar to a phone.
• No always-on altimeter – the Series 5 only records elevation changes during workouts, not continuously like the Series 6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple Watch Series 5 work with any iPhone?

No, it requires an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 13 or newer. If you have an older iPhone, you won’t be able to pair it.

Can I use the Series 5 for swimming?

Yes, the Series 5 is water resistant to 50 meters, so you can wear it for swimming in a pool or open water. It tracks swim workouts and automatically detects strokes.

How long does the battery last on the Series 5?

Apple rates it for 18 hours of mixed use. With the always-on display enabled and moderate use, you’ll likely get a full day, but heavy GPS workouts can drain it faster.

Does the Series 5 have an ECG app?

Yes, it has the same ECG app as the Series 4, which can record a single-lead electrocardiogram to detect atrial fibrillation. It’s available in many countries.

Is the Series 5 still supported by watchOS?

As of 2024, the Series 5 runs watchOS 10, but it may not receive future major updates. Apple typically supports watches for about 5-6 years.

Can I use the Series 5 without an iPhone?

You need an iPhone to set it up, but once paired, you can use it for many things without the phone nearby, especially the GPS model. The cellular model can make calls and stream music if your carrier supports it.

Related

• Sound Frequency to Wavelength Calculator
• How to Turn On Frequency on Canon Calculator
• Calculate Wavelength from Frequency

in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2