The smartwatch market is increasingly segmented, with Apple dominating the premium space and brands like vivo offering compelling alternatives. This comparison pits the vivo Watch 5 against the Apple Watch Series 8, examining how hardware and software choices impact the user experience, particularly considering the differing ecosystem approaches.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 8 remains the superior choice due to its seamless integration and powerful S8 chip. However, for Android users or those seeking a more affordable option, the vivo Watch 5 presents a viable alternative, assuming its feature set aligns with their needs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | LTE - cellular model only | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 21 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 29 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum alloy frame or Stainless steel frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 45 x 11.4 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.45 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM - cellular model only | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g or 35 g (1.13 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | - | IP6X certified
50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 1500 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S8 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Blue OS 2 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| | - | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | 505 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Stainless steel silver | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | - | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 100 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) |
vivo Watch 5
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Likely broader Android compatibility
- May offer longer battery life (speculation)
- Unknown chipset performance
- Limited ecosystem integration
- Missing detailed specifications
Apple Watch Series 8
- Powerful Apple S8 chip for smooth performance
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking features
- Higher price point
- Limited compatibility with Android devices
- Battery life may be shorter than some competitors
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display data for the vivo Watch 5, we can infer it likely utilizes an AMOLED panel, common in its price bracket. The Apple Watch Series 8 boasts a bright, always-on Retina display. While the exact nit brightness isn't specified, Apple's displays are known for excellent outdoor visibility. The Series 8’s LTPO technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate, conserving battery life, a feature likely absent in the vivo Watch 5. Bezels are expected to be thinner on the Apple Watch, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily focused on camera capabilities. Smartwatches generally lack high-resolution cameras. The Apple Watch Series 8 does not feature a camera. The vivo Watch 5’s camera specifications are unknown, and its inclusion would likely be for limited functionality like video calls, if present at all. This section is less critical for these devices compared to smartphones.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 8 is powered by the Apple S8 dual-core chipset, offering a significant performance advantage over what is expected in the vivo Watch 5. While the vivo Watch 5’s processor details are unavailable, it’s reasonable to assume it utilizes a less powerful chipset optimized for efficiency rather than raw speed. The S8’s architecture allows for faster app loading, smoother animations, and more responsive interactions. The Apple Watch’s optimized software further enhances performance, a key differentiator. The Series 8’s dual-core CPU will handle complex tasks like Siri requests and background health monitoring more efficiently.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers up to 18 hours of battery life with typical use and supports wireless charging, reaching 80% charge in 45 minutes. The vivo Watch 5’s battery capacity and charging speed are currently unknown. However, given its likely focus on affordability, it may prioritize battery life over rapid charging. The Apple Watch’s optimized power management, driven by the S8 chip and LTPO display, contributes to its efficiency. Users prioritizing multi-day battery life may find the vivo Watch 5 more appealing, assuming it offers a larger capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Watch 5 if you prioritize affordability, prefer a more open ecosystem compatible with Android, and are less reliant on advanced health tracking features exclusive to Apple. Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you are an iPhone user, value tight integration with Apple services, require the most comprehensive health monitoring capabilities, and are willing to pay a premium for the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much does ecosystem lock-in matter when choosing between these two smartwatches?
Ecosystem lock-in is significant. The Apple Watch Series 8 is designed to work seamlessly with iPhones, offering features like iMessage notifications and Apple Pay integration. The vivo Watch 5, while likely compatible with both Android and iOS, won't provide the same level of integration with Apple services.
❓ What health features are likely exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 8?
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers advanced health features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and fall detection, all tightly integrated with the Apple Health app. While the vivo Watch 5 likely offers basic fitness tracking, it may lack these more sophisticated medical-grade capabilities.
❓ If I'm primarily interested in fitness tracking, is the Apple Watch Series 8 worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious athlete or require detailed fitness metrics, the Apple Watch Series 8's advanced sensors and workout tracking modes are beneficial. However, for casual fitness tracking, the vivo Watch 5 may suffice, especially if budget is a concern.
