I’ve been wearing the Apple Watch Series 5 for a couple of weeks already. I thought I’d share my quick observations about it today. Since there are many online sources for reviews and analysis, I’ll just focus on my thoughts about it.
This is my fourth Apple Watch. I’ve always had chronographs that were waterproof and rugged. Except for the original LED watch from the 1970’s and because of that experience with the fragility of that watch I wasn’t ready to go electronic that wasn’t LCD.
The Series 2 of the Apple Watch – because it was waterproof – made me rethink my position and I took a chance on it. As soon as the Series 2 came out, I upgraded to it. Likewise, the Series 3. The same with the Series 4. I then upgraded to the Series 5. Overall, I’m happy with the Series 5. I’ve been happy with all the Apple Watches I’ve had.
When I write that I’m overall happy with the Series 5, it is because there is really no difference between the Series 4, at least noticeable ones, and the new one. However, in my case, the battery life is worse.
In both the Series 3 and 4, I could wear the watch two days in a row without charging them. That is not true for the Series 5.
I now must charge it every night for it to last the next day.
It’s not a big deal. It likely has to do with the watch face remaining readable all day without having to poke it or raising up your hand. That it remains visible is cool, but not that different for my use.
Knowing this the question becomes, was it worth upgrading?
Not really because the Series 4, from my point of view, offered almost everything the new one does. Sure, there is the cool new face with weather information and compass along with the decibel meter, but those are just interesting things.
Do I regret the upgrade? No.
The reason is that I can always pass on my existing watch down to Landon who gets to enjoy it. Not too many 13-year-olds are sporting Apple Watch Series 4’s on their wrists.
But the fact remains that if you already have a Series 4, the Series 5 doesn’t offer enough to make the upgrade worth it.
