Apple has released a new iteration of their popular Apple Watch every year since its debut in 2015. Each version brings improvements to health tracking, durability, connectivity, and more. Two of the most popular models are the Apple Watch Series 5 from 2019 and the Apple Watch Series 7 from 2021. But what exactly sets these smartwatches apart? Read on for a detailed comparison of the Apple Watch 5 versus 7.
A Brief History of the Apple Watch
After years of speculation, Apple finally unveiled their take on the smartwatch in September 2014. The first generation Apple Watch was released on April 24, 2015 to much fanfare but mixed initial reviews.
Since then, Apple has steadfastly iterated year after year. The Series 2 brought GPS and waterproofing in 2016. The Series 3 debuted cellular connectivity in 2017. The Series 4 thoroughly redesigned the watch with a larger display, ECG, and fall detection in 2018.
The Series 5, launched in 2019, was the first to introduce the always-on retinal display. The Series 6 in 2020 added blood oxygen tracking and the S6 dual-core processor.
Most recently, the Series 7 increased durability, charged faster, and bumped up screen size. Through each generation, Apple has focused on expanding the watch‘s health and fitness capabilities.
Overview of the Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple Watch Series 5 was released on September 20, 2019. The 40mm GPS model originally retailed for $399 while the 44mm model was priced at $429.
Key features included:
- Always-on Retina display
- Compass and elevation change tracking
- International emergency calling
- 32GB storage
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
- Fall detection
- S5 dual-core processor
- W3 wireless chip
The Series 5 introduced an always-on display, allowing quick glances for the time without needing to raise your wrist. It also added a built-in compass and elevation tracking for outdoor activities.
You could choose between aluminum or stainless steel cases along with new titanium and ceramic casings. It was capable of international emergency calling over cellular. Apple also debuted the Apple Watch Studio to allow customizing watch bands at purchase.
Overview of the Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 launched on October 15, 2021. The 41mm GPS model started at $399 while the 45mm cellular model cost $529.
Key features included:
- Larger, more crack-resistant display
- 33% faster charging
- IP6X dust resistance
- Blood oxygen app
- ECG app
- Mindfulness app
- S7 dual-core processor
- W4 wireless chip
The Series 7 boasted Apple‘s largest, most advanced watch display yet at 41mm and 45mm up from 40mm and 44mm. It had a durable crystal cover and fast charging reaching 80% in 45 minutes.
New colors were introduced like Midnight, Starlight, and Product Red. The Series 7 added IP6X certification making it more dust resistant. Blood oxygen measurement became a standard feature along with all the previous heart health functions.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Now, let‘s take a closer look at how the key specs and features stack up across these two smartwatch models:
Release Date & Price
- Apple Watch Series 5: Released September 2019, starting at $399
- Apple Watch Series 7: Released October 2021, starting at $399
Dimensions & Battery
- Apple Watch Series 5
- 40mm or 44mm case options
- Up to 18 hours battery life
- Apple Watch Series 7
- 41mm or 45mm case options
- Up to 18 hours battery life
Display & WatchOS
- Apple Watch Series 5
- LTPO OLED always-on display
- 1000 nits brightness
- watchOS 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- LTPO OLED always-on display
- 1000 nits brightness
- 20% larger screen
- More crack resistant
- watchOS 8
Health Tracking & Other Features
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
- Electrical heart sensor (ECG app)
- Emergency SOS
- Compass and elevation change tracking
- Storage for music, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
- Electrical heart sensor (ECG app)
- Blood Oxygen app
- Mindfulness app
- Emergency SOS
- Dust resistance (IP6X)
- Keyboard with QuickPath
- Storage for music, podcasts, and audiobooks
Durability & Color Options
- Apple Watch Series 5 Colors
- Silver, Gold, Space Black
- Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium, and Ceramic cases
- Apple Watch Series 7 Colors
- Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue, and PRODUCT(Red)
- Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium cases
Pros and Cons Comparison
| Apple Watch Series 5 | Apple Watch Series 7 |
|---|---|
| Pros:\ | Pros:\ |
| – Always-on display\ | – Faster charging\ |
| – Compass, elevation tracking, and emergency international calling capabilities\ | – More crack-resistant screen\ |
| – More case material options like ceramic and titanium\ | – Slightly larger screen\ |
| – Introduced the Apple Watch Studio for customizing bands\ | – Added blood oxygen tracking and ECG standard\ |
| – Fall detection and noise monitoring apps | – More durable with IP6X rating \ |
| – New colors like Starlight and Green\ | |
| Cons:\ | Cons:\ |
| – Battery life still capped at 18 hours\ | – Basically the same 18 hour battery life as Series 5\ |
| – Limited to Apple ecosystem | – Overall very similar in functionality to Series 5 and 6 |
Which Apple Watch Model is Better?
When considering the Apple Watch Series 5 versus Series 7, the Series 7 does inch ahead as the better model overall.
The Apple Watch 7 retains everything already great about the Series 5, from heart health tracking to the always-on display and music storage. On top of that, you get faster charging, increased crack resistance, new colors, dust resistance, the addition of the blood oxygen app, and slightly more screen real estate.
The Apple Watch 7 builds incrementally but meaningfully upon the Series 5. Unless you find a fantastic discount on a Series 5, I‘d recommend going with a Series 7 if you‘re trying to decide between these two. You‘ll get better durability and newer features that should keep the watch feeling advanced for years to come.
Conclusion
In the battle between the Apple Watch Series 5 versus Series 7, both are impressive smartwatches in their own right. The Series 5 first introduced key capabilities like the always-on display which were retained in the Series 7.
However, the Series 7 edges out its predecessor with faster charging, increased screen size without a bigger body, new health sensors, and higher durability. While the changes may seem minor on paper, they add up to a markedly improved daily experience.
For most buyers, the Apple Watch Series 7 is worth the investment as your next smartwatch. But if you can find the Series 5 at a steep discount, it still holds up well too. Either way, you‘ll be getting a best-in-class wearable to keep you connected, active, and informed.
