Apple unveiled its most recent iteration of its immensely successful Apple Watch at the Time Flies event. Blood oxygen sensors, new color options, and a more powerful processor are all featured in Apple Watch 6 lineup.
The two Apple watches, the 5 and 6, are more similar, but they offer different features on the table. When the Apple Watch 5 was first introduced, people were amazed at its features like fall detection, always-on display, and integrated compass. The Apple Watch 6 now provides all those capabilities and even more. It monitors SpO2 levels, has a brighter display, and has a new S6 chip that enables speedier performance.
Let’s compare the two watch generations and take an in-depth look at their differences.
Apple Watch 5 vs. 6: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Apple Watch 5 | Apple Watch 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 2019 | 2020 |
| Release Date | September 2019 | September 2020 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz only | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | No | Yes |
| Weight | 40 mm (39.8 grams), 44 mm (47.8 grams) | 40 mm (30.5 grams), 44 mm (36.5 grams) |
| Chip | S5 chip | S6 chip |
5 Must-Know Facts About Apple Watch 5 and 6
- The Apple Watch 5 and 6 were launched in the same month but in different years. The Apple Watch 5 was born in September 2019, and Apple Watch 6 came later in September 2020.
- The Apple Watch 5 and 6 use Wi-Fi, but the Apple Watch 5 can feature 2.4GHz only while Apple Watch 6 features 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
- You can get details about your blood circulation and breathe through a feature called a blood-oxygen oximeter present in the Apple Watch 6. Unfortunately, this feature is not available in the Apple Watch 5.
- Even if you don’t have an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity, you can still listen to music on the go with your Apple Watch and AirPods. You can achieve that by manually adding music to your Apple Watch.
- The S4 chip that powered the Series 4 is nearly identical to the S5 chip that runs the Apple Watch 5. The chip is less potent than S6, which powers the Apple Watch 6.
Apple Watch 5 vs. 6: What’s the Difference?
A few significant differences exist between the Apple Watch 5 and 6. Keep reading for the full breakdown.
Weight
The Apple Watch 6 is noticeably lighter than its predecessor, with 30.5 grams for the 40mm model and 36.5 grams for the 44mm version. In comparison, the Apple Watch 5 weighs 39.8 grams for the 40mm model and 47.8 grams for the 44mm edition. Both sizes are available.
It may not seem like a big deal, but when you consider how much time it will spend on your wrist, you’ll realize that the difference is substantial.
Blood-Oxygen Oximeter
Apple’s Watch now has a blood-oxygen oximeter, marking another step forward for the company in the field of health technology. This pattern is carried on by the Apple Watch 6 as well. The most recent iteration of the Apple Watch includes a sensor known as an oximeter, which can determine the amount of oxygen in your blood.
The findings can help to improve your understanding of how well your blood is circulated and oxygenated and will also indicate if there are any potential abnormalities in your respiratory or heart function. The Apple Watch 5 does not come equipped with this particular function.
Design
In terms of their respective designs, both models match. They are compatible with Apple’s Watch bands and come in sizes 40mm and 44mm, with slender bezels, rounded corners, and a choice between two different bezel widths.
Despite maintaining the same overall design, the Apple Watch 6 is an upgrade in terms of colors to the Apple Watch 5. Regarding the materials, the Apple Watch 5 is available in aluminum, titanium, ceramic, and stainless steel. However, the Apple Watch 6 is only available in titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel
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Processor
When it comes to processors, the Apple Watch 5 and 6 comparison is interesting because the Apple Watch 6 is equipped with a 64-bit dual-core S6. In contrast, the Apple Watch 5 was powered by a 32-bit single-core S5.
According to the company, the Apple Watch S6 is up to 20% faster than the previous model. This implies that apps and activities shown onscreen are more responsive than in the previous model.
Faster Battery Charging
Although the battery life of the Apple Watch 6 remains unchanged from that of the Apple Watch 5, it charges much more quickly, in around 40% less time.
This feature is excellent for those who often forget to charge their watch overnight, as they can now do so in a shorter time frame. So, the Apple Watch 6 is an excellent choice for those who want a faster-charging smartwatch.
Display
An always-on Retina display is available on the Apple Watch 5 and 6. However, the display on the Apple Watch 6 is two and a half times brighter than the Apple Watch 5. You will have an easier time viewing your Apple Watch 6 screen outside, particularly when the sun is shining brightly.
| Pros of Apple Watch 5 | Cons of Apple Watch 5 |
|---|---|
| Has a compass that helps the user navigate directions | DIt doesn’t work with android phones |
| Always-on display improves usability | Apple Watch 5 has a shorter battery life of 18 hours |
| Has a brighter screen for quality visibility | No sleeping track features |
| Comes in different designs to fit your style | |
| Wi-Fi capabilities make it extremely easy to use | |
| Sends emergency notifications when sensing a hard fall |
| Pros of Apple Watch 6 | Cons of Apple Watch 6 |
|---|---|
| Its blood-oxygen oximeter feature helps to measure blood oxygen saturation | The price is relatively high, starting from $399 |
| Can help you to track your sleep patterns and get a better understanding of your sleep quality | Doesn’t work with android phones |
| The charging speed is extremely quick, 40% faster than the Apple Watch 5 | Its battery doesn’t have a longer lifespan |
| Apple Watch 6 is waterproof for enhanced durability | |
| Enables you to make calls, text, and listen to music |
Apple Watch 5 vs. 6: Which is Better?
The Apple Watch 6 will be the ideal watch to pick in Apple Watch 5 vs. 6 debate. This is because it integrates with the iPhone more effectively and is faster, smoother, and more responsive. It will continue to receive significant software and feature updates for years to come and is very comfortable to wear. Its support for third-party apps is surprisingly good.
It is also the best of its kind for general health-tracking features. Most of them are easy to use and understand. One innovative feature is the sensor and software that measures your blood oxygen levels. Blood oxygen levels indicate your overall well-being, making this a vital feature that Apple Watch 5 won’t offer.
The apps and the activities on the Apple Watch 6 screen are more responsive than on Apple Watch 5 because it is powered by a 64-bit dual-core S6 processor, an improvement over Apple Watch 5. Apple claims the Watch S6 is up to twenty percent faster than the Watch S5, making the Apple Watch 6 the winning option.
Up Next…
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