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There is a new processor, the tech specs “64-bit dual-core S5 processorUp to 2x faster than S3 processor”. The series 4 tech specs had “S4 with 64-bit dual-core processor Up to 2x faster processor”.

So S5 isn’t faster than S4 processor (both are 2x S3), so maybe only a change for the compass sensor and/or the new display?
 
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Why would someone with such new hardware upgrade so soon? If you just have to always have the latest and don't care about cost, you can do it, but most people are better off upgrading in 2-3 year cycles so they waste less money on depreciation for incremental improvements.
This is a fair point. I am someone who enjoys the latest and greatest and I upgrade every year or two years as I pass on my old phones to partner/parents/friends. I think it’s more about the disappointing lack of innovation. As smart phones have become more and more commoditized over the years, it does become increasingly difficult to be innovative with all the competition, but it seems like an exceptionally low level of innovation this time.
 
Those of you thinking of upgrading your watch who are on S3/S4 - realize you're paying 500+ dollars for an always on display - that might burn in on an OLED watch.

You shouldn’t lump s3 and s4 together. For me, with an s3, I get everything announced last year plus the always on display. I agree that it’s a small upgrade from the s4.

Very unimpressed with this year’s releases. Very few reasons for anyone with iPhone X/iPhone XS or watch series 4 to upgrade.

It’s been many years since the new models were a substantial upgrade from the prior year’s models. People who upgrade every year tend to do so because they either have lots of money and don’t care or just love having the newest tech (or both). It’s almost never a good idea from a value perspective.
 
No... same chipset as S4, just... new display!
The chip is called the S5 on their webiste (vs. the S4 in the Series 4) so the chipset appears to have been upgraded, but more than likely a minor change from the S4 (it's possible that it is even the same CPU/GPU with a newer wireless chip or something like that) so it wasn't really worth mentioning.
 
You shouldn’t lump s3 and s4 together. For me, with an s3, I get everything announced last year plus the always on display. I agree that it’s a small upgrade from the s4.



It’s been many years since the new models were a substantial upgrade from the prior year’s models. People who upgrade every year tend to do so because they either have lots of money and don’t care or just love having the newest tech (or both). It’s almost never a good idea from a value perspective.

Yeah I wanted to upgrade to s4 but just waited for this one instead. Same price. Least I save 13% with vet discount.
 
It calls it an S5 on their website, so it likely is a new chip, but I doubt it will be a noticeable difference in every day use from the S4. Big new feature is just the always on display, plus new finishes at the high end. This one is mostly for folks with S3 or older, unless you have an S4 and really want an AOD.
If it was faster they certainly would have said so. My guess is they added the compass so it’s a “new” chip. Honestly if you have a s4 there’s no reason to buy this other than wanting titanium or ceramic. Always on display is nice but I’m waiting for more than that for me to upgrade.
 
So they've made Series 4 obsolete but they are still selling Series 3? :confused:
Who says the Series 4 is obsolete? It will still receive WatchOS updated for several more years. They just discontinued them because the Series 5 is a pretty minor update to the Series 4, whereas the Series 3 continues on as their "budget" model. I don't think anyone would consider the XS obsolete and it was discontinued today too.
 
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This is the one thing I like about series 5, but it’s not enough for me to upgrade from my series 4. And honestly, it’s a bit of a slap in the face because a simple software change could enable this on my series 4. I don’t think battery life would be that greatly affected.

Yea, it absolutely could be implemented on the S4.
 
$100 trade in for a year old 44MM Series 4, that wipes out my desire to upgrade. I was expecting at least $200 (similar to last year) to make this so-so upgrade more appetizing :(
 
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Those of you thinking of upgrading your watch who are on S3/S4 - realize you're paying 500+ dollars for an always on display - that might burn in on an OLED watch.
Remember it is dimmed so burn in is not a worry.
 
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Great Watch 5 upgrade. I am glad I didnt buy watch 4. EKG was useless (to me) Built in compass and always on face is huge upgrade over watch 4.
 
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Glad I waited to upgrade from my S0 for the 5 rather than the 4, I know the 4 was a huge upgrade and won't be worth it for people to go from 4 to 5. But for me that Always On Display is gonna be amazing!

Edit: @cenetti "Snap!"
 
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Take my money please! The always on feature sold me and yes it has an s5 SOC. Titanium case is only $100 bucks more but Ceramic is over $1300 so Titanium for me. Not sure of the advantage of the black DLC would be on titanium though.
 
Did Apple increase the stainless steel strap width for 44mm? I have the series 0 I want to keep the strap and I know it will fit but if Apple made the new one larger I'll order.
 
Iphone 8 + user here...and I still see no need to "upgrade"...Someone wake me when they have touchID under the screen....because faceID is slower than touchID....Every....Single....Time
They both have their uses. Yes with Touch ID you can have the phone unlocked before you even take the phone out of your pocket, so faster in that sense, but we’re talking a second because Face ID can activate as you lift the phone to your face. I’m looking forward to when you can use both and the Touch ID under the screen is rumored for next year. Some people have issues with Touch ID for a variety of reason, like dry/cracked skin, dirty hands while cooking, chalk on hands while at the gym, wearing gloves etc.
 
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