KEY POINTS

  • Apple recently released the new Apple Watch Series 6
  • Those who are looking to get it should also consider checking out the Apple Watch Series 5
  • The smartwatch models are similar in many aspects, but one offers more features that some might not need

Apple recently released the new Apple Watch Series 6, which brings a slew of improvements over the Series 5 models. The new enhancements make the new model a great choice for those who are looking for a smartwatch that's packed with features that are tested and proven.

The Apple Watch Series 5 is also a formidable device that offers a host of features that most users will consider “enough” for their needs. It is able to monitor a person's heart rate, keep track of their movements and so on. And now that it has been succeeded by a new model, fans can expect to get it for less.

That said, is it worth getting the pricier Apple Watch Series 6 to enjoy its features? Or will it be better to stick to the Apple Watch Series 5 since it offers many of the Series 6's features but currently at a lower price? Here's a quick comparison between the two:

Similar features

As mentioned, the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 6 have many similar features. These features include the following:

  • Size: 40mm or 44mm case
  • Display: Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, 1000 nits
  • Variations: GPS and GPS + Cellular models
  • Controls: Touchscreen, Digital Crown with haptic feedback
  • Heart sensors: Electrical heart sensor and second-gen optical heart sensor
  • Health features: Heart rate notifications, irregular heart rhythm notification, ECG app, noise monitoring
  • Emergency features: International emergency calling, Emergency SOS and fall detection
  • Durability: Water resistance up to 50 meters; "swimproof"
  • GPS: GPS/GNSS, compass and altimeter
  • Battery Life: 18 hours

Different features

Both devices have these features and some more. They differ, however, in some important aspects such as:

  • Series 6 offers 2.5 times brighter always-on display
  • Series 6 has a newer, faster S6 chip, while Series 5 has an older S5 chip used also in Apple Watch SE
  • Series 6 offers both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi; Series 5 only offers 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
  • Series 6 has an always-on altimeter; the Series 5 only has a barometric altimeter
  • Series 6 offers blood oxygen monitoring
  • Series 6 has a U1 chip
  • Series 6 doesn't have a white ceramic model but can come in Red or Blue colors

Pricing

Now comes the most important part: the cost. Apple sells the new Apple Watch Series 6 starting at $399 for the base model. It stopped selling the Series 5 models, but buyers can still get them for lower prices via other sellers, including Amazon. There's no fixed price, but buyers can expect to get them for less than $399.

Those who already own the Apple Watch Series 5 and do not have any need for the new features don't have to spend more getting the new Series 6 models as they both offer the same base health and emergency features. Those who own an older Apple Watch model, such as the Series 3 or 4, might want to upgrade, but the choice is ultimately up to their needs.

Those who don't need the health features that both the Series 5 and Series 6 models boast can opt to get the cheaper Apple Watch SE instead. It starts at $279 for the base model.

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The new Apple Watch Series 6 with Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop. Apple