Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Series 5: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 offers significant improvements in health tracking (temperature sensing, crash detection), display brightness, and charging speed. However, the Series 5 remains a capable smartwatch, especially for those on a budget. The Series 8 is the clear winner for feature-rich users, while the Series 5 provides excellent value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 5 |
| 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 |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| 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 | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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 | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) | 47.8 g (1.69 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 | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal 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 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| Video | - | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| 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 |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 400 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 16 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 308 mAh | Li-Po 296 mAh (1.13 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Gold | Space Black, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 750 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
- Advanced health tracking (temperature sensing, crash detection)
- Brighter display
- Faster charging
- Improved performance
- Always-On Display
- Higher price
- Battery life not dramatically improved over Series 5
Apple Watch Series 5
- More affordable
- Still a capable smartwatch
- Excellent Always-On Display
- Good battery life (18 hours)
- Older processor
- Lacks advanced health features (temperature sensing, crash detection)
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
The Series 8 boasts a slightly brighter display (up to 1000 nits vs. 1000 nits on the Series 5) and thinner borders, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. Both feature excellent Always-On display functionality, but the Series 8's implementation feels more refined.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This remains consistent across both models.
Performance
While both watches use dual-core processors, the S8 chip in the Series 8 offers a noticeable performance boost, leading to smoother animations and faster app loading times. The Series 5 is still responsive, but the Series 8 feels more fluid overall.
Battery Life
The Series 8 offers slightly improved battery life compared to the Series 5, though both typically last around 18 hours with moderate use. The Series 8's faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) is a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 8 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and those who want the latest features like temperature sensing and crash detection. The Series 5 is a great choice for budget-minded buyers who still want a premium smartwatch experience and don't need the newest health tracking capabilities.