Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum vs. Series 5 Aluminum: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 Aluminum offers significant upgrades over the Series 5, including a brighter display, temperature sensing, car crash detection, and faster charging. While the Series 5 remains a capable smartwatch, the Series 8's advanced features and performance improvements make it the clear winner for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum | 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) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 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, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 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 | 2022, September 07 | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 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 | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 36.7 g (1.31 oz) |
| IP6X certified 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 | Ion-X strengthened glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Always-on display | 3D Touch display Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S5 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 6.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass |
| Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 308 mAh | Li-Po 296 mAh (1.13 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095, A2092, A2093 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 450 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 Series 8 Aluminum
- Brighter Display
- Faster Charging (45 min to 80%)
- Temperature Sensing (Cycle Tracking)
- Car Crash Detection
- S8 Chip - Improved Performance
- Always-On Display Improvement
- Higher Price
- Limited Improvement for Basic Users
Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum
- Lower Price
- Still a Capable Smartwatch
- Reliable Performance for Basic Tasks
- Always-On Display
- Slower Charging
- Older Processor
- Lacks Advanced Features (Temperature Sensing, Car Crash Detection)
- Dimmer Display
Display Comparison
The Series 8 boasts a noticeably brighter display than the Series 5, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. Both feature an always-on display, but the Series 8's is more responsive and visually appealing. The Series 8 also has thinner borders, maximizing screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 8 nor the Series 5 have a dedicated camera. They rely on the iPhone for taking photos and videos.
Performance
The S8 chip in the Series 8 provides a performance boost over the S5, resulting in smoother animations and faster app loading times. While both watches handle everyday tasks well, the Series 8 feels more responsive and future-proofed.
Battery Life
Both watches offer all-day battery life, but the Series 8 charges significantly faster, reaching 80% in just 45 minutes compared to the Series 5's longer charging time. The Series 8 also has slightly improved battery optimization.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum? Users seeking the latest features like temperature sensing for cycle tracking, car crash detection, and a brighter, always-on display. Those prioritizing performance and future-proofing should also opt for the Series 8. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum? Budget-conscious buyers who still want a reliable Apple Watch experience and don't need the newest features. It's a solid choice for basic fitness tracking and notifications.