The Apple Watch Series 5 is a standout in the smartwatch landscape, blending cutting-edge technology with Apple’s signature design. This iteration brings new features and refinements that cater to both the seasoned Apple Watch user and newcomers alike. Priced from $649 AUD, the Series 5 promises functionality and style, making it a compelling choice for those in the Apple ecosystem. Here’s a detailed look at what the Series 5 has to offer and how it performs in everyday Australian life.
Design and Build
The Series 5 retains the classic Apple Watch design but introduces a variety of finishes, including aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic. The 44mm and 40mm case sizes ensure there’s an option for all wrist sizes, and the space grey aluminium model is particularly sleek and durable.
Customisation is key, with an extensive range of bands and watch faces to suit every style. The ability to set any photo as a watch face or experiment with unique designs like the kaleidoscope effect adds a personal touch.
Always-On Display
The headline feature of the Series 5 is its always-on Retina display, powered by LTPO (low-temperature polysilicon and oxide) technology. This allows the screen to stay dimly lit at a 1Hz refresh rate when idle, preserving battery life while ensuring you can check the time or glance at notifications without a dramatic wrist gesture.
This is especially useful for social settings, driving, or typing, where subtlety is appreciated. However, battery life does take a hit—users may end the day with 20–30% battery remaining compared to the 50% or more typical of previous models.
Performance and Battery
The Series 5 runs smoothly thanks to its S5 dual-core processor. Apps load quickly, and the interface is fluid. Battery life remains sufficient for a day’s use, even with heavy notifications and workouts. For extended outdoor activities, turning off the always-on display can stretch usage, offering two-day battery life in some cases.
Fitness and Health Features
The Series 5 excels in fitness and health tracking, a cornerstone of the Apple Watch experience. Features include:
- Activity Rings: Track your movement, exercise, and standing hours with satisfying visual goals.
- Workout Modes: A variety of activities, from running to yoga, with precise tracking.
- Noise Monitoring: Alerts you when environmental sound levels are potentially harmful.
- Compass: A handy addition for outdoor adventures, particularly when navigating maps.
However, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring are missing, which might deter those seeking more advanced health insights.
Messages, Calls, and Siri
The Series 5 offers seamless connectivity with your iPhone, allowing you to:
- Reply to messages via scribble, dictation, or emojis.
- Answer and make calls directly from the watch, with surprisingly clear audio.
- Use Siri hands-free by simply lifting your wrist to speak commands, perfect for quick calculations or setting reminders.
Camera and Media Control
Controlling your iPhone’s camera from the watch is a standout feature. With the Series 5, you can:
- Preview your camera view directly on the watch.
- Zoom in or out using the Digital Crown.
- Toggle between front and rear cameras.
- Activate the flash or capture live photos.
This is ideal for group shots or creative photography setups.
Productivity Features
The Series 5 adds several small but useful tools:
- Voice Memos: Record notes on the go, which instantly sync with your iPhone.
- Find My Phone: Ping your iPhone, with the option to activate the flash for easy locating.
- Calculator: Includes a tip calculator and bill-splitting functionality, perfect for a night out.
Customisation and Ease of Use
Apple’s watchOS offers intuitive navigation, with the option to switch between a grid view or list view for app menus. Customising watch faces is straightforward, allowing you to adjust colours, styles, and complications to suit your needs.
However, the app blob interface remains divisive. Switching to list mode is recommended for a cleaner experience.
The Downsides
While the Series 5 is a polished product, there are areas for improvement:
- Battery Life: The always-on display, while convenient, shortens battery life compared to earlier models.
- Price: Starting at $649 AUD, it’s a premium investment. Older models like the Series 4 offer similar functionality at a lower cost.
- No ECG or SpO2: Advanced health metrics are reserved for newer models.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 5 is a versatile and stylish smartwatch that delivers on its promises. Its always-on display, fitness tracking, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem make it a strong contender in the smartwatch market. While it’s not a revolutionary upgrade over previous models, it refines the Apple Watch experience and adds meaningful features for everyday use.
If you’re already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem and value convenience, customisation, and fitness tracking, the Series 5 is an excellent choice. For those seeking a budget option, older models like the Series 4 or SE might provide better value.