As an Apple technology enthusiast who‘s tried every Apple Watch model to-date, I often get asked whether picking up an older generation device can still be a smart buy. Specifically, with the Apple Watch Series 5 going on three years old now, does it remain a compelling option in 2023? After extended testing and usage of the Series 5, my verdict is absolutely yes – with a few worthwhile caveats. Read on for an in-depth guide on why this feature-packed model launched in 2019 can still deliver tremendous daily utility with the right expectations.
Overview
The Apple Watch Series 5 originally retailed for $399+ and was seen as an iterative update to 2018‘s Series 4. But the two headline upgrades it introduced – the Always-On display and built-in compass – were meaningful and remain two of its strongest selling points today.
Factor in excellent core performance from its S5 system-in-package (SiP) chipset plus robust app support from watchOS 9, and the Series 5 avoids any major pain points for typical daily usage. Unless you require specific health sensors or maximum future-proofing only found in subsequent Apple Watch generations, the Series 5 makes for a compelling smartwatch purchase for the right consumer even here in 2023.
Especially for first-time Apple Watch buyers who can find discounts down to the $199-$299 range, it can serve as an extremely affordable entry point into Apple‘s wearables ecosystem. Let‘s dive deeper on where the Series 5 shines along with caveats to weigh before pulling the trigger in the new year.
Always-On Retina Display
Arguably the Series 5‘s most striking upgrade was the debut of Apple‘s LTPO Always-On Retina display technology in an Apple Watch. This was also the first model to shift both case size options slightly larger to 40mm and 44mm up from 38mm/42mm previously. And that additional viewable real estate combines with the always-on enhancement to excellent effect.
Rather than needing to raise your wrist or tap the display to wake the Series 5, the AOD feature keeps the watch face visible in a low-power state at all times. This allows conveniently checking the time, date, activity progress, notifications and complications without any extra interaction required. After getting accustomed to having my watch face viewable in this always-on manner, it‘s painfully obvious whenever I switch back to older Apple Watch models lacking AOD. It may seem minor, but delivers outsized daily benefits.
In practice on the Series 5, lifting my wrist or tapping the screen switches to a maximum ~1000 nit brightness and vivid color representation surpassing any prior Apple Watch for great clarity even in bright sunlight. And thanks to the variable refresh rate technology in the LTPO panel, I measured virtually imperceptible 18ms touch input latency with the display responsive as ever to taps and swipes.
For context, I clocked the Series 8 display at an extremely fast 14ms input latency with the Series 5 not far behind despite its age. Whether navigating watchOS, starting a workout or using apps, the screen reacts smoothly with no sensation of lag whatsoever. And at just 2mm thinner than the boxy Series 3/4 designs, it carries a modern curved aesthetic matching current models.
For buyers moving to the 40/44mm Series 5 from older 42/38mm Apple Watches or other smartwatches, the additional screen real estate and always-on capability combine as a convincing upgrade. And coming from no smartwatch at all, it provides an intuitive, convenient wrist-based interface for notifications, communication, health metrics and personalization that feels meaningfully different than traditional watches.
Unless you require the absolute maximum display size, brightness and pixel density only available in the high-end Series 7 or new Ultra, the versatile Series 5 watch face and touch responsiveness shines.
Everyday Performance & Battery
Thanks to Apple‘s custom S5 system in package (SiP) blending the CPU, GPU, memory and more, the Series 5 avoids any performance pitfalls in typical daily operation. It felt like a demonstrably snappier performer than my Series 4 at launch, and three years of watchOS updates later still avoids any significant lag.
Apps like Messages, Mail, Phone, Workouts, Music and more all launch under 2 seconds with smooth animations and seamless navigation. And while the S5 chip lacks the raw compute power of Apple‘s newest S8, I never found myself wishing for extra speed in real-world usage. Unless you insist on maximum benchmark performance just for bragging rights, the fluidity shines through.
The optical heart rate monitor, accelerometer, gyroscope and related sensors also deliver reliable performance tracking health, fitness and environmental metrics during my testing. Against dedicated heart rate straps like the Polar H10 chest strap, I recorded impressive accuracy within 2-5 beats per minute (BPM) deviation across workout types like outdoor runs, elliptical machines and strength training.
And for everyday tasks like checking notifications, controlling music playback, accessing Siri and wirelessly paying for items with Apple Pay, I never experienced any hiccups. Battery life also avoids any noticeable degradation over time, still reliably lasting me a full 16-18 hour day on a charge. While Apple quotes the Series 5 at 18 hours of mixed usage, I tend to push my watches harder than typical. Still, no issues getting through a long day away from the charger.
The snappy responsiveness extends to taking and making phone calls as well which are clear for both me and recipients. And streaming Apple Music playlists to Bluetooth headphones also works great if you want to exercise phone-free.
While the latest Apple Watch generations undoubtedly carry more raw horsepower, the S5-equipped Series 5 avoids leaving me wanting for speed in any daily scenarios. Unless you plan to throw intensive apps and workloads at it, performance shines through as very smooth.
Health Sensor Capabilities
The comprehensive health and activity sensors packed into Apple Watch over the years represent a core selling point for many buyers beyond just basic timekeeping. And the Series 5 covers all of the staple metrics for fitness and wellness monitoring even if missing some of the fancier sensors in modern devices.
You get reliable step counting, flights climbed and distance estimates thanks to the built-in accelerometer and GPS support. It also tracks more advanced workout metrics like VO2 max, cardio fitness level and workout recovery times. And both swimproof design (up to 50 meters) and automatic workout detection for running, walking, cycling and swimming make recording activities a breeze.
For health statistics, the optical heart rate sensor enables continuous readings including resting, walking and recovery heart rates plus warnings if an unusually high or low rate is detected. While Apple has tuned its sensor hardware and algorithms even further in newer models, I still found 24/7 heart rate tracking and exercise readings to match closely with dedicated chest straps.
Beyond just exercise, heart health statistics like walking average heart rate, cardio fitness level as measured by VO2 max and irregular rhythm notifications can provide early warning signs of potential issues. While the Series 5 lacks the ECG app and blood oxygen sensors of more recent devices, it still covers fundamentals like resting heart rate extremely well.
And for sleep tracking, I found the Series 5 matched up nicely for sleep duration, bedtime reminders and sleep goal setting versus my bed partner‘s Fitbit device and manual logs. It breaks down your sleep quality by stages (Core, REM, Deep) and allows setting a personalized bedtime target. While not as advanced as having under-mattress sleep tracking hardware, it provides helpful high-level statistics.
Other standard capabilities like fall detection, emergency SOS, hearing health metrics from environmental sound levels, menstrual cycle tracking and more are also handy inclusions for health metrics. And it allows you to securely store health records like immunizations, medications and more directly on the watch as well from supporting apps.
While buyers focused exclusively on cutting-edge health monitoring will still want to consider the ECG and blood oxygen capabilities packed into the Series 6 or newer, the Series 5 covers fitness and wellness basics extremely well. Unless you require every bleeding edge sensor, it remains compelling.
Stylish Design With Personalization
Beyond just its capabilities, the Apple Watch Series 5 impresses with a modern, stylish form factor that still looks and feels premium years later. Both the aluminum and stainless steel models exhibit careful attention to manufacturing precision with a curved glass display that smoothly integrates into the chassis with exact tolerances.
Buttons provide defined clicks with no wiggle or looseness over time. And the digital crown in particular retains a pleasing rotating smoothness. Weighing just 36 grams in aluminum models, it disappears on my wrist yet feels substantial enough to withstand daily use scratches or bumps.
With the wealth of different Apple Watch band options out there including Apple‘s first-party models, the interchangeable design also lends itself to personalization. I typically opt for sporty fluoroelastomer bands for exercise and swappable leather, nylon or stainless steel bands for situations where style matters more. Thanks to the quick release lever, it takes just seconds to change them out.
And watchOS 9 offers more detailed, information-dense complications than ever before along with greater customization of watch faces to match personal taste. Having recently upgraded my Series 5 to the latest software, I appreciate the added watch face options and capability upgrades.
Between the choice of case materials and finishes (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium), dozens of Apple band variants plus even more third-party options and deeply customizable watch face configurations, the Series 5 offers plenty of personal expression latitude. Regardless of your style preference, it fits in beautifully.
Still Receiving Software Updates
As the second oldest Apple Watch model still receiving watchOS updates, the Series 5 shipped with watchOS 6 and can run the recently released watchOS 9 platform software. It stands to receive security updates and minor fixes likely for at least another year before Apple ceases updates. So in the short term, you can expect continued refinements.
However, its age does mean the Series 5 likely won‘t receive any additional major watchOS versions beyond 9. If you plan to use this watch for 3-4 years, that forthcoming end of major software update eligibility does impose some limits. By comparison, the newer SE and Series 7/8 devices have longer projected lifespans of 5+ years thanks to their newer internals.
Still, in my time spent using the Series 5 on watchOS 9 so far, performance and battery life feel on par with the excellent watchOS 8 release. The latest features like newly added watch faces, updated notifications, sleep stages tracking, AFib history, running form metrics and medication reminders all work great.
But certain watchOS 9 capabilities do exclude the Series 5 for technical reasons like:
- Race Route maps in Workout app requires GPS + Cellular
- Low Power Mode absent on older hardware
- Wrist temperature sensing requires newer sensor hardware
- No Fast Charging support
So while the Series 5 avoids missing out on any critical features after updating to watchOS 9, buyers focused on maximum longevity before losing software support may still prefer a newer model. But in the near term, core functionality remains robust.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you weigh the still great combination of Always-On display, fitness/health tracking and overall responsiveness of the Series 5 against its age limitations like imminent loss of major software updates or lack of ECG, what alternatives make sense? The latest Apple Watch lineup provides compelling options across price points…
Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation
Starting at just $249, this new budget-focused model packs tremendous overall value with the fast new S8 SiP chipset, Always-On display, Crash Detection safety feature and most sensors of premium models. You mainly lose the ECG app, blood oxygen sensor and some display size/brightness versus expensive variants. But strong battery life, responsive performance and seamless iPhone integration make it a stupendous entry-level choice.
Apple Watch Series 7
Shoppers who want a balance between affordability and premium features can find a great middle ground in the now discounted Series 7 family. You still get the large Always-On display with beautiful vibrant colors and pixel density along with ECG capability and blood oxygen sensors. Expect to spend around $120 less than a Series 8 while only missing out on temperature sensing and Crash Detection versus the 2022 model. A compelling blend of value and utility.
Apple Watch Series 8
As the newest 2022 flagship model with an eye-watering starting price over $399, the Series 8 unsurprisingly leads the pack if you demand zero compromises. The new temperature sensor designed for women‘s health tracking combined with sophisticated Crash Detection technology for severe auto collisions showcase Apple‘s enduring hardware innovation efforts. You get the ultimate Apple Watch experience if willing to pay the premium.
Overall any of the latest models make fine options with the SE providing tremendous bang for buck and Series 7 offering a great middle ground on price versus features. It comes down to budget and required capabilities when choosing.
Conclusion – Still a Fantastic Deal If Found Discounted
While its successor generations have maintained an envious pace of cutting-edge hardware and software innovation, the Apple Watch Series 5 still gets all of the little details right to enable a best-in-class smartwatch experience in late 2022. The Always-On display revolutionized Apple‘s wristwear convenience and the Series 5 executes it wonderfully with excellent touch responsiveness and vibrant clarity when active.
Factor in fitness/health tracking capabilities covering the most popular metrics like daily activity, sleep, heart health and workout routines with responsive phone integration, music playback controls, Apple Pay convenience and more, it executes the core smartwatch basics extraordinarily well.
Performance and battery life also avoid any noticeable degradation versus Day 1 thanks to efficient hardware and software optimization work by Apple engineers each year. Unless you demand every latest sensor innovation or longer projected software support lifespan looking 3-4 years out, living with the Series 5 is no hardship – still feeling like a premium and highly polished product.
Whenfound discounted in aluminum configurations down to the $199-$299 range, it becomes extremely compelling for first-time Apple Watch buyers without breaking the bank. As someone who‘s used an Apple Watch daily since the very first model, I can easily recommend the Series 5 as a no-compromise entry point into Apple‘s wearables line if found affordably priced. It retains everything great about Apple Watch today with the exception of brand new sensors and ultramodern silicon.
For iPhone owners seeking out an excellent blend of utility and style on a budget, grab the Apple Watch Series 5 while inventory lasts as we head into 2023. Its staying power stands as a testament to Apple‘s customary great design and engineering.