Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Series 5 Aluminum: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 offers significant upgrades like a temperature sensor, improved health tracking, and faster charging. However, the Series 5 remains a capable smartwatch, especially for budget-conscious buyers. For those prioritizing the latest features and health insights, the Series 8 is the clear winner, but the Series 5 still holds value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 | 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 | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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 | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 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 | Sapphire crystal 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 | Graphite, Silver, Gold | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095, A2092, A2093 |
| Price | About 330 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
- Advanced health tracking (temperature sensor, ECG)
- Faster charging
- Improved performance with S8 chip
- Always-On Display is brighter
- Crash Detection
- Higher price point
- Battery life not dramatically improved over Series 5
Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum
- More affordable
- Still offers core Apple Watch features
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Always-On Display
- Good battery life for its age
- Older chipset, slightly slower performance
- Lacks advanced health features like temperature sensing
- Slower charging speed
- Older design
Display Comparison
The Series 8 boasts a slightly brighter display and always-on functionality, offering improved visibility in various lighting conditions. Both models feature vibrant OLED displays, but the Series 8's edge is subtle but noticeable. The Series 5's display is still excellent, but the Series 8's is marginally better.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This section is irrelevant for comparison.
Performance
While both watches share a dual-core processor, the S8 chip in the Series 8 provides a noticeable performance boost. Apps launch faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother. The Series 5 remains responsive for everyday tasks, but the Series 8's improved chipset is evident in more demanding applications.
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, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 8 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and those wanting the latest Apple Watch technology. The Series 5 Aluminum is a great choice for users on a tighter budget who still want a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch experience, particularly if advanced health features aren't a priority.