Apple Watch Series 5 Edition vs. Series 8: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 is the clear winner. While the Series 5 Edition still offers a premium experience, the Series 8’s faster processor, improved battery charging, advanced health features (like temperature sensing), and brighter display make it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Edition Series 5 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| 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 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| 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, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frameGlass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, ceramic frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 47.8 g (1.69 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| 3D Touch display Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S5 | Apple S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 6.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Po 296 mAh (1.13 Wh), non-removable | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Titanium frame: Space Black, TitaniumCeramic frame: White | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 850 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Edition Series 5
- Premium Design & Materials
- Still a capable smartwatch
- Potentially lower price
- Older Processor
- Shorter Battery Life
- Lacks advanced health features
Apple Watch Series 8
- Faster Processor (S8 Chip)
- Faster Charging
- Advanced Health Features (Temp Sensing, ECG)
- Brighter Display
- Higher Price
- Battery life still requires daily charging for heavy users
Display Comparison
Both watches feature beautiful OLED displays, but the Series 8 boasts a significantly brighter display (up to 1000 nits vs. 750 nits on the Series 5). This makes the Series 8 easier to read in direct sunlight. Both have excellent color accuracy and sharpness.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This remains a consistent feature across Apple Watch models.
Performance
The S8 chip in the Series 8 provides a noticeable performance boost over the S5. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is improved. While the Series 5 is still capable, the Series 8 feels more modern and fluid.
Battery Life
The Series 8 offers faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) and generally provides slightly better battery life than the Series 5, especially with always-on display enabled. Expect around 18 hours of typical use on the Series 8 and potentially slightly less on the Series 5.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 5 Edition is a good option for those seeking a premium, slightly older Apple Watch at a potentially lower price, and who don't need the latest health tracking features. The Apple Watch Series 8 is ideal for anyone wanting the best performance, longest battery life, and the most advanced health and safety features Apple currently offers.