Comparison Between Apple Watch Series 5, Watch Series 4, and Watch Series 3
"what are the other differences between these three series of Apple's smartwatches? Let's take a look at the explanation together below."
Simultaneously with the launch of the iPhone 11, Apple also took the opportunity to introduce the Apple Watch Series 5 as their latest wearable device to replace the Watch Series 4. The newest feature highlighted when the Apple Watch Series 5 was introduced is its "always on" screen.
In the two previous series, users had to lift or move their hands towards their eyes in order for the screen display to turn on automatically. So what are the other differences between these three series of Apple's smartwatches? Let's take a look at the explanation together below.
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| Image: Trusted Reviews |
New Models and Materials
When it was first introduced, the Apple Watch used three different materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and a special material like gold that came in two sizes (38mm and 42mm).
In Series 3, they experimented with releasing a ceramic model, but the use of this material was discontinued in Series 4. The ceramic model is back in use in Series 5 along with the option of titanium material.
For size dimensions, Series 5 is identical to Series 4, which is why Apple decided to discontinue the Series 4 model. Series 3 only has two size variations, 38mm and 42mm, while Series 5 has more variations with the presence of 40mm and 44mm sizes.
Variations of cases and straps are also present in Series 5. Previously, Series 3 had a Space Grey aluminum Nike+ case with an Anthracite and Black Nike Sport Band strap.
In Series 5, in addition to the standard model, Apple also presents three aluminum color options and nine Sport Band options. There are also options for stainless steel cases (three color options) and straps ranging from Sport Loop, Milanese Loop, and Leather Loop.
Series 5 also still collaborates with Nike+ with an aluminum case. In addition to Nike+, the Watch Series also collaborates with Hermes on a stainless steel model in two color variations.
New Design and Screen
The Apple Watch Series 3 has a thickness of about 11.4mm with a solid square body. Its physical buttons are a Digital Crown and other buttons on the right side, as well as a speaker and microphone on the left side.
The difference between the GPS and Cellular models is the red accent on the Digital Crown. The heart rate monitor is located on the bottom of the body along with the button to release the strap.
Its screen uses the second generation OLED Retina which is brighter than Series 1. Meanwhile, the Watch Series 4 and 5 have a similar configuration.
The screen uses LTPO OLED with a more rounded body angle. A larger screen ratio makes Series 4 and 5 look different from Series 3, although in terms of design they are more or less the same.
The Digital Crown on Series 4 and 5 has an electric heart rate sensor inside it, which is an addition to the optical heart rate sensor on the bottom of the body.
Another addition in the Watch Series 5 that is not available in Series 3 and 4 is the Always-On Retina feature. Users don't have to lift their arm to turn on the screen because the screen can still be seen. The motion sensor only affects the brightness level of the screen.
More Modern Specifications
These three series use different processor chips. Series 3 uses a dual-core processor called W2, while Series 4 and 5 use a W3 processor. Apple claims that the W3 processor is two times faster than the W2.
In addition, these three series generally use similar hardware, such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, as well as a barometric altimeter and an optical heart rate sensor.
The difference lies in the addition of an electrical heart rate sensor on Series 4 and 5, which is an addition to the optical heart rate sensor.
Software and Features
All three series use the same software, which is watchOS. The difference is in the version of watchOS used. Series 3 uses watchOS 4, while Series 4 and 5 use watchOS 5 and above.
Series 4 and 5 have a larger screen size and more advanced sensors, making them capable of displaying more complex features such as a Fall Detection feature that can detect when the user falls and send an emergency notification if needed