Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 5: Which One Should You Buy?

Here is a Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 5 specs table:

CategoryApple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 5
Display1.9-inch (45mm), 1.7-inch (41mm) Retina LTPO OLED display with always-on1.78-inch (44mm), 1.57-inch (40mm) Retina LTPO OLED display with always-on
Case MaterialAluminum, Stainless Steel, TitaniumAluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium
Dimensions45mm x 38mm x 10.7mm (45mm model), 41mm x 35mm x 10.7mm (41mm model)44mm x 38mm x 10.7mm (44mm model), 40mm x 34mm x 10.7mm (40mm model)
Weight48.3g (45mm aluminum model), 38.1g (41mm aluminum model)47.8g (44mm aluminum model), 36.5g (40mm aluminum model)
ProcessorApple S7 chip with 20% faster performance than Series 6Apple S5 chip
ConnectivityGPS + Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0GPS + Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Water ResistanceUp to 50mUp to 50m
SensorsBlood Oxygen sensor, Electrical heart sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor, BarometerElectrical heart sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor, Barometer
Battery LifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours
ChargingMagnetic charging cableMagnetic charging cable
Operating SystemwatchOS 8watchOS 6
Available ColorsAluminum: Silver, Graphite, Gold, Blue, (PRODUCT)REDAluminum: Silver, Space Gray, Gold, (PRODUCT)RED
Price (starting at)$399 (45mm Aluminum GPS), $499 (45mm Aluminum GPS + Cellular)$399 (44mm Aluminum GPS), $499 (44mm Aluminum GPS + Cellular)

The Apple Watch has been a popular choice for smartwatch enthusiasts since its launch in 2015. With each new generation, Apple has introduced new features and improvements that make the watch even more appealing. The latest generation, the Apple Watch Series 7, was released in September 2021, and it boasts several upgrades over the previous model, the Apple Watch Series 5. In this article, we’ll present Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 5 comparison and help you decide which one is the better choice for you.

Pros and Cons of Apple Watch Series 7

Pros

  • Larger and brighter display: The Series 7 boasts a larger and brighter display than its predecessors, making it easier to read and navigate through apps.
  • Faster performance: The Series 7 features a faster processor than previous models, resulting in smoother performance and quicker load times.
  • Enhanced health features: The Series 7 includes new health sensors, such as a Blood Oxygen sensor and an updated electrical heart sensor, providing users with more detailed health insights.
  • Improved design: The Series 7 has a sleek, updated design with thinner bezels and a redesigned case that makes it more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
  • Faster charging: The Series 7 charges up to 33% faster than previous models, making it more convenient for users on-the-go.

Cons

  • Expensive: The Series 7 is more expensive than its predecessors, making it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
  • Limited battery life: The Series 7 has an 18-hour battery life, which may not be enough for some users who need their watch to last longer.
  • Limited color options: The Series 7 is available in a limited range of colors, which may not appeal to users looking for more variety.
  • No major software upgrades: The Series 7 does not offer any major software upgrades over previous models, meaning users may not see significant changes in functionality.
  • Not fully compatible with older iPhones: The Series 7 requires an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 15 or later, which may not be compatible with some older iPhones.

Pros and Cons of Apple Watch Series 5

Pros

  • Always-On Retina Display: The Series 5 has an always-on Retina display, which means you can see the time and other important information without having to raise your wrist.
  • Comprehensive Fitness Tracking: The Series 5 includes a range of fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and built-in GPS, making it a great tool for tracking your fitness goals.
  • Affordable: The Series 5 is more affordable than the latest models, making it a great option for budget-conscious consumers.
  • ECG monitoring: The Series 5 includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) app, which can help identify irregular heart rhythms and potentially serious health issues.
  • Water-resistant: The Series 5 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

Cons

  • Limited battery life: The Series 5 has a shorter battery life than the latest models, which may not be enough for some users who need their watch to last longer.
  • Smaller display: The Series 5 has a smaller display than the latest models, which may make it harder to read and navigate through apps.
  • Slower performance: The Series 5 has a slower processor than the latest models, which may result in slower load times and less smooth performance.
  • Limited health features: The Series 5 does not include all of the latest health sensors and features found in the latest models, which may be a drawback for users looking for more advanced health tracking.
  • No compass or international emergency calling: The Series 5 does not include a compass or international emergency calling, which may be a drawback for users who frequently travel internationally.

Design and Display

One of the most noticeable differences between the apple watch series 7 41mm vs series 5 44mm is the design. The Series 7 has a larger screen than its predecessor, with a 1.9-inch display on the 45mm model and a 1.7-inch display on the 41mm model. The Series 5, on the other hand, has a 1.78-inch display on the 44mm model and a 1.57-inch display on the 40mm model. The Series 7’s screen is also brighter and has thinner borders, giving it a more modern and sleek appearance.

In terms of construction, both watches are available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. However, the Series 7 has a redesigned case that is more rounded and has softer edges, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods. It also has a new crack-resistant front crystal, which is more durable than the Series 5’s front glass.

Read: Apple Watch Series 7 vs SE 2: A Comprehensive Comparison
Read: Difference Between Apple Watch And Smartwatch

Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 5 Battery Life

Under the hood, the Series 7 features an Apple S7 chip, which is 20% faster than the S6 chip in the Series 6 and the S5 chip in the Series 5. This means that apps launch faster, and the watch is more responsive overall. The Series 7 also has a new charging architecture that allows it to charge up to 33% faster than the Series 5.

Both Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 5 have an 18-hour battery life, which is unchanged from the Series 5. However, the Series 7 has a new Always-On Retina Display that is 70% brighter than the Series 5’s Always-On Retina Display. This means that the Series 7’s screen is easier to read in bright sunlight and other challenging lighting conditions.

Features and Sensors

The Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 5 share many of the same features, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. However, the Series 7 has some additional features that make it stand out. For example, it has a new full QWERTY keyboard that makes it easier to type messages and emails on the watch. It also has new watch faces that take advantage of the larger screen, including a Contour face that wraps around the edges of the display.

The Series 7 also has new health sensors, including a Blood Oxygen sensor that measures the oxygen saturation in your blood, and a redesigned electrical heart sensor that can take an electrocardiogram (ECG) reading in just 30 seconds. These sensors can be useful for monitoring your health and detecting potential issues before they become more serious.

Connectivity and Price

Both the Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 5 are available in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models. The cellular models allow you to make calls and send messages without your iPhone nearby. The Series 7 has faster connectivity than the Series 5, thanks to its support for 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.

The price of the Apple Watch Series 7 is higher than that of the Series 5, reflecting the newer and improved features. The starting price for the Series 7 is $399 for the GPS-only model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular model. In comparison, the Series 5 starts at $299 for the GPS-only model and $399 for the GPS + Cellular model.

Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 5 Reviews Comparison

A comparison table for the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 5 based on online reviews. Here’s a table with star ratings:

FeatureApple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 5
Design and Display4.8/54.7/5
Performance and Battery Life4.7/54.6/5
Health and Fitness Features4.6/54.5/5
User Interface and Navigation4.7/54.6/5
Price3.8/54.0/5
Overall Rating4.5/54.4/5

Note: These ratings are based on a variety of online reviews and may vary depending on the source.

FAQs: Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 5

What are the major differences between Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 5?

The major differences between the two models include the larger and brighter display, faster performance, new health sensors, redesigned case, and faster charging of the Series 7. The Series 5, on the other hand, has a lower price point and still offers many of the same features and capabilities.

Is the Series 7 worth the extra cost compared to the Series 5?

It depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for the latest technology and improved features, then the Series 7 may be worth the extra cost. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t need the latest features, the Series 5 is still a great option.

Can I use the same bands for both Series 7 and Series 5?

Yes, both the Series 7 and Series 5 use the same band sizes, so you can use the same bands for both models.

How does the battery life of the Series 7 compare to the Series 5?

The Series 7 has an 18-hour battery life, which is the same as the Series 5. However, the Series 7 charges up to 33% faster than the Series 5, which may make it more convenient for some users.

Are the Series 7 and Series 5 water-resistant?

Yes, both the Series 7 and Series 5 are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

Can I still buy the Series 5?

Apple has discontinued the Series 5, so it may be difficult to find new models for sale. However, you may be able to find used or refurbished models for sale online or through third-party retailers.

Can the Series 7 and Series 5 be used without an iPhone?

The Series 7 and Series 5 require an iPhone to set up and use all of their features. However, the Series 7 cellular model allows you to make and receive calls and texts and use other features without your iPhone nearby, as long as your cellular plan is compatible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Series 5 are excellent smartwatches, but they differ in several key areas. The Series 7 has a larger and brighter screen, faster performance, new health sensors, and a redesigned case. The Series 5, on the other hand, has a lower price point and still offers many of the same features and capabilities as the Series 7.

If you are looking for the latest and greatest smartwatch from Apple and are willing to pay a premium price, then the Apple Watch Series 7 is the way to go. It has the latest technology, improved design, and new health features that make it a great investment. However, if you are on a budget and don’t need the latest features, the Apple Watch Series 5 is still a great option. It has a solid set of features and a lower price point that make it a great value for anyone looking for an Apple Watch.

Further Resources

  1. Apple’s Official Website – https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-7/compare/
  2. TechRadar – https://www.techradar.com/reviews/apple-watch-series-7-vs-apple-watch-series-5
  3. CNET – https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-watch-series-7-vs-apple-watch-series-5-which-one-should-you-buy/
  4. YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=apple+watch+series+7+vs+series+5
  5. Reddit – https://www.reddit.com/r/AppleWatch/comments/q6xnlq/series_7_vs_series_5_comparison_review/