The Apple Watch has evolved dramatically since its debut. This comparison pits the original 42mm Apple Watch against the more modern Series 5 Aluminum, exploring how far the technology has come and which device offers the best value today. We'll break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum is the clear winner. While the 1st gen offers a nostalgic glimpse into wearable tech history, the Series 5 boasts a significantly faster processor, brighter display, always-on functionality, ECG, and improved battery life, making it a far more capable and modern smartwatch.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, September. Released 2015, April | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 42 x 35.9 x 10.5 mm (1.65 x 1.41 x 0.41 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 50 g body (2.82 oz) | 36.7 g (1.31 oz) |
| | IPX7 water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes | 50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.65 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | 3D Touch display | 3D Touch display
Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 520 MHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S1 (28 nm) | Apple S5 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 1.0, upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2 | watchOS 6.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 512MB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass |
| | Natural language commands and dictation | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh (0.94 Wh), non-removable | Li-Po 296 mAh (1.13 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stainless Steel/Red, White, Brown/Black/Blue/Marine Blue Buckle, Blue/Stone/White/Storm Gray Leather Loop, Silver/Space Black Milanese Loop, Link Bracelet, Space Black Stainless Steel/Black, Black Link Bracelet, Pearl Woven Nylon | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A1554 | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095, A2092, A2093 |
| Price | About 700 EUR | About 450 EUR |
Apple Watch 42mm (1st gen)
- Classic design
- Affordable (used)
- Slow performance
- Short battery life
- Limited features
- Outdated software support
Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum
- Fast performance
- Longer battery life
- Always-on display
- Advanced health features (ECG, fall detection)
- Modern design
- Regular software updates
- Higher price (new)
- Can still be expensive used
Display Comparison
The Series 5 features a significantly brighter and more vibrant display with a peak brightness of 1000 nits compared to the 1st gen's lower brightness. The Series 5 also introduces the always-on display, allowing you to see the time and complications without raising your wrist. This is a major usability improvement.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a built-in camera. This feature was never implemented in Apple Watch models.
Performance
The Series 5's dual-core S5 chip provides a substantial performance boost over the 1st gen's single-core S1. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is noticeably improved. The 1st gen can feel sluggish by today's standards.
Battery Life
The Series 5 offers improved battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours, while the 1st gen struggles to reach a full day with moderate use. The Series 5 also supports fast charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch 42mm (1st gen)? Primarily collectors or those seeking a very basic smartwatch experience on a tight budget. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum? Anyone looking for a modern, feature-rich smartwatch with excellent performance, health tracking capabilities, and a vibrant display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the original Apple Watch still usable?
Yes, but its limited features and slow performance make it less appealing compared to newer models. Software support is also limited.
❓ Does the Series 5 have cellular connectivity?
Yes, a cellular version of the Series 5 is available, allowing you to make calls and use data without your iPhone nearby.
❓ What are the key health features of the Series 5?
The Series 5 includes ECG (electrocardiogram) for heart health monitoring, fall detection, and high and low heart rate notifications.
