Apple Watch Series 5 Test – a titan for athletes and adventurers?

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The display always on, a reliable compass, an abundance of new combination options for cases and bracelets and variants in noble and, above all, robust titanium and ceramic: with the Apple Watch Series 5 seems to be the manufacturer Apple To have really thought of outdoor fans and adventurers - and of course we listen carefully. How is it doing Apple Smartwatch of the fifth generation? We will in our detailed Apple Watch Series 5 test checking the smartwatch from back to front. 

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The different versions of the Apple Watch have accompanied me on all my trips since the first model was introduced four years ago. With the smartwatch, it became clear relatively quickly that the wearable is much more than just a nice toy that you wear on your wrist.

While the first generation was a gadget with a few teething problems - and all of its parts fell off my arm in the middle of my vacation after swimming in Thailand, this one was Apple Watch Series 2 is so high quality - and practically indestructible, so my watch still works perfectly today. With the Apple Watch 3 then the telephone functions were added. And the real turning point came with that Apple Watch Series 4, which not only received a major redesign for the first time since 2015, but was also overwhelmed with health features.

Everything indicates that the new Apple Watch Series 5 is a smaller evolution of the 4th generation of the multifunctional sports watch. It is very similar to the previous model, although there are some notable innovations that can be particularly exciting for athletes, active vacationers and adventurers. Does this make the 5th generation of the smartwatch a titan for athletes and adventurers? We check in ours Apple Watch Series 5 test the sports watch in detail.

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Apple Watch Series 5 Test – My first impression of the new generation

My first impression of the Apple Watch Series 5 tends to be quite positive. In terms of innovation, however, it is rather mixed. The new always-on display, which is always on, has something of its own. Anyone who is familiar with previous models knows that the display is usually black as long as the wrist is moved or the arm is raised. In one out of four cases you have to repeat the process because the Apple Watch Screen did not respond to the movement.

Especially when doing sporting activities or hiking on vacation, it is very pleasant if the smartwatch display is always on and you can simply take a quick look at the screen. What immediately surprised me, however, is the fact that the dials with a white background change to black after a few seconds. Of course, we can assume that this is done to save energy and extend battery life.

Apple Watch Series 5 in the test: What does the smartwatch do for vacationers, active people and adventurers? Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Apple Watch Series 5 in the test: What does the smartwatch do for vacationers, active people and adventurers? Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

On the other hand, it would of course be nicer if the dial was completely white and the display was in white the entire time. A display that is always on is quite a remarkable innovation. However, numerous users confirm my impression that the always-on display has a negative impact on battery life. That must Apple Definitely touch up again.

The second big change compared to the Apple Watch Series 4 is the built-in magnetic compass. Sure, there are certain situations, especially for adventurers and discoverers, in which a compass can be useful. The big innovation doesn't seem to be this feature.

Apart from these two new functions, the... Apple Watch Series 5 is surprisingly similar to the previous model. The integrated processor has a new name, but according to various tests it offers the same performance as the previous model. I had the Series 4 and 5 in direct comparison for a while and couldn't find any real innovations apart from the compass and the new display behavior.

The magnetic compass is one of the most important innovations in the Apple Watch Series 5. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
The magnetic compass is one of the most important innovations in the Apple Watch Series 5. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

That's what it does Apple Watch Series 5, however, is not worse: With heart rate measurement on the wrist, EKG function, activity recording of numerous different activities as well as navigation, telephony and reception of messages, the smartwatch offers the already of the Apple Watch Series 4 familiar comprehensive functional area.

What draws the Apple Watch as a sports watch for exercisers, adventurers and active vacationers?

  • can Apple Watch is one of the best-selling and most advanced smartwatches in the world
  • can Apple Watch Series 5 now has a display that is always on
  • In addition, the fifth generation of the smartwatch has a magnetic and reliable compass
  • Central feature of the watch: the heart rate measurement directly on the wrist and the creation of a single-channel ECG
  • With the Wearable, active vacationers, adventure holidays and athletes on trips - and of course in everyday life - can record their athletic workouts and navigate their travels
  • can Apple Watch Series 5 is a comprehensive health gadget that can be used to monitor the wearer's vital signs
  • the smartwatch offers many smart features like telephony (in the cellular version) and the reception of messages
  • Big disadvantage: the electronic clock can only be used in combination with an iPhone
Hello, I'm Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg - and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.
About the author

I'm just a curious beach kid in the world

Hello, I am Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg – and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.

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The always-on display of the Apple Watch Series 5 switches to dark after a few seconds if the dials are light - to save energy. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
The always-on display of the Apple Watch Series 5 switches to dark after a few seconds if the dials are light - to save energy. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

The main properties and functions of the Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch has taken the world of wearables by storm since its launch. With each new generation Apple raised the bar, and the Series 5 is no exception. This smart watch is not only an expression of elegance and style, but also a true technological masterpiece.

It combines fitness tracking, health monitoring, communication and entertainment in one slim device. In this overview, we dive deeper into the outstanding features and functions of the Apple Watch Series 5 to discover what makes it a must-have for tech enthusiasts and health-conscious people alike.

Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm version)

Propertyfeature
MaterialCeramic, titanium, stainless steel or aluminum - case back: ceramic and sapphire crystal
ColorsAluminum - silver, space gray, gold; Stainless Steel - Silver, Space Black, Gold; Titanium - Titanium, Space Black; Ceramic - white
DisplayAlways-on OLED display with Force Touch (1.000 nits brightness)
ProcessorApple S5 64-bit dual-core processor and W3 wireless chip
ConnectionsWLAN 802.11b / g / n 2,4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 (all models) - LTE and UMTS (GPS + cellular model)
Weight46,7 g (ceramic), 41,7 g (titanium), 47,8 g (stainless steel) or 36,5 g (aluminum)
Dimensions (H x W x D)44 mm x 38 mm x 10,7 mm
Display368 x 448 pixels with 977 mm² display area
Battery lifeto 18 hours
water resistanceto 50 meters water depth waterproof 
KroneDigital crown "Digital Crown" with haptic feedback
NavigateGPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS
Main featuresEKG measurement, heart rate measurement, fall detection, emergency call SOS
SensorsBarometric altimeter, electric heart sensor (for EKG), optical heart sensor of the second generation (for pulse measurement), improved acceleration sensor, improved gyro sensor, ambient light sensor, compass
Payment functionApple Pay
Storage32 GB memory
SoftwarewatchOS 6, watchOS 7
All statements are without guarantee.

Apple Watch Series 5 (40mm version)

Propertyfeature
MaterialCeramic, titanium, stainless steel or aluminum - case back: ceramic and sapphire crystal
ColorsAluminum - silver, space gray, gold; Stainless Steel - Silver, Space Black, Gold; Titanium - Titanium, Space Black; Ceramic - white
DisplayAlways-on OLED display with Force Touch (1.000 nits brightness)
ProcessorApple S5 64-bit dual-core processor and W3 wireless chip
ConnectionsWLAN 802.11b / g / n 2,4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 (all models) - LTE and UMTS (GPS + cellular model)
Weight39,7g (ceramic), 35,1g (titanium), 40,6g (stainless steel) or 30,8g (aluminum)
Dimensions (H x W x D)40 mm x 34 mm x 10,7 mm
Display324 x 394 pixels with 759 mm² display area
Battery lifeto 18 hours
water resistanceto 50 meters water depth waterproof 
KroneDigital crown "Digital Crown" with haptic feedback
NavigateGPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS
Main featuresEKG measurement, heart rate measurement, fall detection, emergency call SOS
SensorsBarometric altimeter, electric heart sensor (for EKG), optical heart sensor of the second generation (for pulse measurement), improved acceleration sensor, improved gyro sensor, ambient light sensor, compass
Payment functionApple Pay
Storage32 GB memory
SoftwarewatchOS 6, watchOS 7
All statements are without guarantee.
Optical is that Apple Watch Series 5 - at least in aluminum and stainless steel - almost identical to its predecessor. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Optical is that Apple Watch Series 5 - at least in aluminum and stainless steel - almost identical to its predecessor. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Apple Watch Series 5 Test – Tried and tested now even better?

Our detailed Apple Watch Series 5 test has confirmed the initial assessment. The 5 series of the Apple Watch You always have to look at it from two perspectives: either you take the watch on its own or compare it with the previous models Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch Series 3. On its own, the smartwatch is a sophisticated product with many valuable features that are particularly aimed at athletes, active people and travelers who like to do sports and exercise. The focus is particularly on the ability to record heart rate.

Everything works reliably

It works at the Apple Watch Series 5 reliable and can be recorded directly on your wrist. The 5th generation smartwatch also offers the option of creating an ECG. Anyone who wants to orientate themselves while hiking, on city trips or doing sports on vacation is extremely well advised with the numerous recording functions and the reliable navigation option. In individual cases, the compass function can certainly be very useful and advantageous.

Overall, I have with mine Apple Watch Series 5 test, however, gives the impression that the major innovations compared to the Apple Watch fail and it is the 5 Apple Watch is only a slightly improved version of the previous model.

Improved WatchOS runs smoothly on the watch

Very exciting is again the improved software watchOS 6. It offers many new features such as ambient noise control. The smartwatch recently warns when the environment is permanently too loud. This function does not only refer to the five-series, but is also available in the predecessor model. Tension for all athletes and active vacationers is the extension of the fitness functionalities and their evaluation with watchOS 6. In addition, the new operating system gets its own App Store, which can be accessed directly on the wearable.

Power

  • Heart rate measurement directly on the wrist
  • A-lead ECG
  • reliable records of all trainings and activities
  • numerous activities are available
  • Sturzerkennung
  • Always-on display
  • available in aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and ceramic 
  • wide selection of watch straps 

weaknesses

  • The battery is only mediocre
  • the watch is comparatively expensive 
  • The housing is (at least in stainless steel) relatively prone to scratches 

Rating: Apple Watch Series 5

Processing, materials and optics

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Display and operation

Rating: 10 out of 10.

Features

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Precision of the measurement results

Rating: 10 out of 10.

Versatility of application areas

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Value for money

Rating: 8 out of 10.

overall impression

Rating: 9 out of 10.

The evaluation is purely subjective and only reflects my own views of the smartwatch.

Smartwatch, outdoor watch or fitness watch: How can you Apple Watch Classify Series 5?

The Apple Watch Series 5 is considered a smartwatch. Various subcategories have now emerged, such as sports watches, outdoor watches and fitness watches. With its range of functions that focus particularly on health, the Apple Watch Series 5 is a multifunctional sports watch that is particularly useful in the health sector.

As a watch for traveling or a watch for adventurers, the high-quality sports watch is ideal for everyone who is active both in everyday life and when traveling. The Apple Watch Series 5 is a very versatile watch. We have already tested the current model and especially the previous models in many situations such as swimming in sea water, surfing and stand-up paddling, horse riding, traveling, jogging and even in the sauna. In all of these situations the... Apple Watch established as a useful companion.

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  Apple Watch Series 5 while snorkeling: The outdoor smartwatch can easily withstand salt water, sun, heat and the like. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Apple Watch Series 5 while snorkeling: The outdoor smartwatch can easily withstand salt water, sun, heat and the like. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Older smartwatch models as an alternative?

For everyone for whom the new price is a Apple Watch Series 5 is just too high, are the direct predecessors Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch Series 3 is definitely worth a look. The Apple Watch Series 4 is no longer offered directly by the manufacturer. Remaining stocks from various providers should, however, still be able to be acquired at a very reasonable price. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 3, which is now available at a fairly affordable price.

If you can do without the current design and at the same time are looking for a very sophisticated and highly developed smartwatch, you can also choose the third generation Apple Watch To fall back on. Of course, everyone else has the option of checking for remaining stocks Apple Watch To look for Series 4 and possibly save some acquisition costs. First time one Apple Watch want to buy, but that is the Apple Watch Series 5 recommended. The model is highly developed, sophisticated and should be at your side at all times during sports, in everyday life and when traveling.

In combination with the new Apple Watch Sport Loops is the one Apple Watch Series 5 a neat sports watch - which can be individually put together with different cases and bracelets. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Apple Watch Series 5 in the test – small improvements with a big impact?

My conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 5 is a sophisticated and successful smartwatch. The wearable is definitely one of the best products of its kind currently on the market. In comparison to Apple Watch Series 3, this watch is a giant leap forward. It has a new design, significantly more power and many new functions such as the ECG.

The always-on display is definitely an interesting feature that is particularly interesting for athletes and active people in everyday life and when traveling. The same applies to the compass, which should be particularly interesting for hikers and outdoor fans. Who currently has one Apple Watch Series 4, but switching is not recommended. In direct comparison, the two models are incredibly similar. If you look at them Apple Watch Series 5 on its own, without comparing it with the previous models, it is for all adventurers and explorers who are interested in their products anyway Apple-Move Cosmos, first choice.

The smartwatch is also becoming more and more detached from the iPhone and will soon be able to be used without being connected to the smartphone. Especially people who spend a lot of time outdoors and in foreign countries value independence from smartphones when it comes to their wearables. They should Apple Watch soon be very accommodating.

Do you already own a smartwatch or are you considering the Apple Watch Series 5? Share your experiences in the comments.

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Comment

  1. Which housing is best in everyday life? Cover glass made of hardened Ion ‑ X glass (aluminum model) or sapphire glass stainless steel model,

    Reply

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