The Apple Watch Series continued its legacy of innovation with the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 5. Announced in September 2019, the Series 5 built upon the transformative design of its predecessor, the Series 4, but brought a feature that users had long requested—an always-on display. This change significantly improved usability without compromising style or battery life. More than just a minor update, the Series 5 was a strategic enhancement that aimed to balance performance, aesthetics, and functionality in daily life.
What Is the Apple Watch Series 5？
Always-On Retina Display: Subtle but Significant
The standout feature of the Series 5 was its always-on Retina LTPO OLED display. Unlike earlier models that required users to lift their wrist or tap the screen to check the time, the Series 5 allowed users to glance at their watch, just like a traditional timepiece. The display intelligently dimmed in idle mode and brightened with wrist movement. This seemingly small feature had a large impact on user experience. It preserved the core identity of a watch—constant visibility of time—while maintaining battery efficiency through advanced power management.
LTPO Technology and Dynamic Refresh Rate
The new display used LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, which enabled a dynamic refresh rate from 60Hz down to 1Hz. This allowed the screen to refresh just once per second when not in active use, conserving energy while still showing essential information. This innovation made the always-on display practical without reducing battery life to an unacceptable level.
Design and Build: Familiar, Yet Refined
Externally, the Apple Watch Series 5 looked almost identical to the Series 4. It retained the same edge-to-edge screen, rounded corners, and case sizes—40mm and 44mm. However, Apple expanded the material options. For the first time, a titanium case was available, offering durability with less weight. The Series 5 also marked the return of a ceramic case option, a premium material loved for its scratch resistance and elegance.
Digital Crown and Haptic Feedback
The Digital Crown remained a core navigation tool. It included haptic feedback, which gave users a tactile sense of control when scrolling or adjusting settings. This subtle refinement added to the watch’s premium feel and precision during interactions.
Performance Under the Hood
The Apple Watch Series 5 was powered by the S5 system-in-package (SiP). While the performance gain over the S4 chip was minimal, the S5 enabled new features like the built-in compass and international emergency calling. The watch also included 32GB of internal storage—double that of the Series 4. This meant more room for music, apps, and photos, offering a more independent user experience.
Compass and Location Services
One of the functional upgrades in Series 5 was the addition of a magnetometer, which enabled a built-in compass. This was especially useful for navigation apps and outdoor workouts. Paired with updated maps and elevation data, the compass provided users with accurate orientation. It helped hikers, runners, and travelers stay informed about their direction in real time.
watchOS Integration and Software Features
The Series 5 launched with watchOS 6, which brought a range of new apps and features. Users gained access to the App Store directly from the watch. This allowed for standalone downloads, reducing reliance on the iPhone. New apps included Noise, which alerted users to potentially harmful sound levels, and Cycle Tracking for menstrual health monitoring.
Activity Trends and Siri Improvements
Activity Trends allowed users to monitor long-term progress in key fitness metrics. Siri became faster and could recognize spoken commands more reliably. It could also provide web search results directly on the watch face, enhancing its utility in daily tasks.
Health and Safety Features
While the health tracking features were mostly carried over from Series 4, they remained a major strength. Users could still take ECG readings using the electrical heart sensor, track irregular heart rhythms, and monitor their heart rate throughout the day. Fall detection and Emergency SOS also remained, continuing Apple’s push into health-focused wearable technology.
Noise App and Hearing Health
The Noise app was a new health feature that monitored ambient sound levels and notified users when volume could damage hearing. It ran passively in the background and helped users become more aware of their environment, making health monitoring more holistic.
Battery Life and Charging
Despite the always-on display, the Apple Watch Series 5 maintained the same 18-hour battery life as previous models. Apple achieved this by optimizing the display refresh rate and background processes. Charging remained fast and simple using the standard magnetic charging puck. The device could be fully charged in under two hours, making overnight top-ups convenient.
Customization: Materials and Bands
Users had more customization options than ever. The Series 5 came in aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic finishes. Color choices included silver, space gray, gold, and space black. Bands from previous Apple Watch models were still compatible, giving users flexibility and personalization. Limited edition collaborations, such as the Hermès series, added a layer of luxury appeal.
Global Emergency Calling
For the first time, the Series 5 could make emergency calls in over 150 countries, even without a paired iPhone. This feature made it particularly valuable for travelers. Combined with fall detection, it positioned the Apple Watch not just as a convenience, but as a tool that could potentially save lives.
Comparing Series 5 to Other Models
The Series 5 offered a modest performance boost over the Series 4 but introduced key usability upgrades. Its always-on display made it significantly more practical, while the new compass and storage options expanded its functionality. When compared to newer models like the Apple Watch Ultra, the Series 5 holds its own in terms of design and essential features, though newer models have greater durability and battery life.
Apple Watch Series 5 vs Series 4
Many users faced a difficult decision when the Series 5 launched: upgrade from Series 4 or wait. While performance was similar, the always-on display alone was a compelling reason for many to switch. The added compass and emergency calling also gave it a slight edge in functionality.
Apple Watch Series 5 vs Series 6
The Series 6, which introduced blood oxygen monitoring and a brighter always-on display, was a bigger leap forward. However, for users who didn’t need the latest health sensors, the Series 5 remained a reliable and capable option.
Is the Apple Watch Series 5 Still Worth It?
Years after its release, the Apple Watch Series 5 remains a strong choice for users who want core smartwatch functions in a sleek package. It’s ideal for those who value health features, always-on convenience, and smooth integration with the Apple ecosystem. With its broad compatibility and advanced capabilities, the Series 5 has aged gracefully.
Price and Market Value
At launch, the Series 5 started at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular variant. Today, prices vary depending on condition and band options.Its durability and timeless design still make it a smart buy in the refurbished or secondhand market.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 5 may not have drastically changed its exterior from the Series 4, but it brought meaningful advancements. The always-on display, improved emergency calling, and enhanced customization turned it into more than just an upgrade—it became a daily companion designed with user experience in mind. For users who want a balance of innovation, style, and utility, the Series 5 remains a standout model in the Apple Watch lineup. It proves that sometimes, the best improvements are the ones you notice every day without thinking about them.
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