Apple Watch Series 5: Edition vs. Aluminum – Which Should You Choose?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 5 Edition boasts a premium titanium build and refined aesthetics, justifying its higher price for luxury seekers. However, the Aluminum Series 5 offers excellent value with comparable performance and features, making it the smarter choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Edition Series 5 | Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frameGlass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, ceramic frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 47.8 g (1.69 oz) | 36.7 g (1.31 oz) |
| 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| 3D Touch display Always-on display | 3D Touch display Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S5 | Apple S5 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 6.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 | watchOS 6.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | 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, barometer, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 296 mAh (1.13 Wh), non-removable | Li-Po 296 mAh (1.13 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Titanium frame: Space Black, TitaniumCeramic frame: White | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095 | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095, A2092, A2093 |
| Price | About 850 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Edition Series 5
- Premium Titanium Build
- Enhanced Durability (Scratch-Resistant)
- More Refined Aesthetics
- Higher Resale Value
- Significantly Higher Price
- Limited Availability (Discontinued)
Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum
- More Affordable
- Wide Availability
- Lightweight Aluminum Build
- Excellent Value for Money
- Less Premium Feel
- More Susceptible to Scratches Compared to Titanium
Display Comparison
Both the Edition and Aluminum Series 5 feature a stunning 1.78-inch Retina display with always-on functionality. The display quality is identical, offering excellent brightness and clarity. The difference lies in how the display *looks* within the different case materials – the titanium frame of the Edition can subtly alter the perceived color temperature.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Edition nor the Aluminum Series 5 has a built-in camera. This feature was never included in the Apple Watch Series 5.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both models are powered by the Apple S5 chip and dual-core processor, ensuring smooth navigation, app loading, and responsiveness. You won't notice any performance difference between the two.
Battery Life
Battery life is consistent across both models, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. Heavy usage (GPS tracking, frequent app use) will drain the battery faster on both devices.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 5 Edition is ideal for those prioritizing a luxurious feel, durability (titanium is scratch-resistant), and a statement piece. The Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum is perfect for everyday use, fitness tracking, and those seeking a balance of features and affordability.