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Are we crazy upgrading Series 5 to Series 6?
- Thread starter NJRonbo
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I have upgraded very year since the original Apple Watch. I had no hesitation in deciding not to go from my S5 to S6. The new functionalities just doesn't justify the further cost. The last major upgrade was the S4 and i think that next year we will see significant changes. Processor upgrades aside, with the Series 3 we got LTE. Series 4 gave us larger screens.Series 5 gave AOD. Very little on the series 6 to be honest. If you were on a Series 1, 2 or 3 then the upgrade is huge but S5 to S6...nope.
I always start from a position that I’m not going to upgrade and if there is a feature that will greatly benefit me, then I do.
The Always On Display was that feature last year and this year I will appreciate the benefits of the Blood Oxygen Sensor.
Without a direct benefit to me I will not upgrade.
All that said, however, I do know that the chances are I will upgrade again next year as the key feature, you would think, would be enhanced battery life. Battery capacity has remained relatively unchanged since Series 4 which has caused a dip of course due to the Always On Display of 5 and 6.
The Always On Display was that feature last year and this year I will appreciate the benefits of the Blood Oxygen Sensor.
Without a direct benefit to me I will not upgrade.
All that said, however, I do know that the chances are I will upgrade again next year as the key feature, you would think, would be enhanced battery life. Battery capacity has remained relatively unchanged since Series 4 which has caused a dip of course due to the Always On Display of 5 and 6.
I do the same thing, but I stopped buying the more expensive models and just go for the Aluminum. The trade in is not that much less ($190 for my 40mm silver), and I like the lighter weight compared to the SS.
I will say, I did hesitate before upgrading this year since the oxygen sensor was the only upgrade really. I wanted better battery life, especially with the sleep tracking.
I will say, I did hesitate before upgrading this year since the oxygen sensor was the only upgrade really. I wanted better battery life, especially with the sleep tracking.
I'll take the next upgrade since I'm happy with my S5.
You forgot to include the brighter AOD mode in the S6 in your list of considerations though.
You forgot to include the brighter AOD mode in the S6 in your list of considerations though.
Looks like I may be staying after all. Though the blood o2 is a nice touch for my sleep apnea and sleep tracking.
I also have been considering the Cellular model since i swim a lot and would enjoy not being tethered to my phone at pool side.
Hmmmmmm, $180 for a trade in of my S5 as well. I shall see.
Thanks for letting me know.
The O2 tracking isn't a constant thing, it only does that if you start up the app.
If you need constant O2 monitoring during sleep then you need a more specialist medical device.
If you need constant O2 monitoring during sleep then you need a more specialist medical device.
I don’t think that’s the case (I’m fairly confident, but there’s a chance I could be wrong).
From what I have heard and read it takes intermittent readings in the background 24 hours a day in the same way as the heart rate sensor does and that information is available in the Health app.
These intermittent readings are what become more useful for the customer voluntary health studies that Apple has signed up to as well as for people with sleep or cardiac disorders etc.
You can also run an on demand manual reading too in the same way as you can for heart rate.
It’s not only about battery capacity, but also tech advancements in the Sx chip: If AOD is of lesser importance to you than battery life, you could switch AOD off and have better battery life with S6/S5, compared to S4.
I agree with you completely.
I purchased the Series 5 as an upgrade from the Series 4 specifically for the benefit of AOD
I went into that with the expectation that battery life would dip and it did.
I’m ok with that.
As many of the internal components of the Watch become smaller / slimmer every year, I’m anticipating more available space for a larger battery in future models (unless Apple decides to slim down the Watch case design instead).
Still on S4 LTE stainless here.
I've tried to justify a S6 ten different ways. If they had blue/red with a sapphire crystal, I might have pulled the trigger. The titanium would be nice, but the AC+ cost increase seems excessive. AOD is probably nice along with blood oxygen, but we're still talking several hundred dollars upgrade cost from a S4 LTE stainless. Also, I live in Texas, so an altimeter doesn't do anything for me
Tech is my hobby, and I get a new iPhone/iPad every year. Maybe it's easier to justify those because the resale value is higher and/or I can repurpose those devices easier via family/friends vs. a watch.
I've tried to justify a S6 ten different ways. If they had blue/red with a sapphire crystal, I might have pulled the trigger. The titanium would be nice, but the AC+ cost increase seems excessive. AOD is probably nice along with blood oxygen, but we're still talking several hundred dollars upgrade cost from a S4 LTE stainless. Also, I live in Texas, so an altimeter doesn't do anything for me
Tech is my hobby, and I get a new iPhone/iPad every year. Maybe it's easier to justify those because the resale value is higher and/or I can repurpose those devices easier via family/friends vs. a watch.
Right, your post is absolutely accurate. Series 5 owners are not the target market for the S6, and even the Series 4 owners is probably still not the market for the Series 6. It’s Apple Watch owners Series 3 and below for the Series 6 would likely appeal to, especially with the new entry-level price, that’s what Apple wants. Marketshare is their main priority. Now, what Apple wants you to do, (and most of us who have the latest models), that’s upgrade to the S7, which will be a major change 2021.
It also monitors in the background at certain intervals.
I was really hoping for improved battery life but alas I think I will take the plunge to switch to the brighter outdoor display and the gold SS. I’ve had the silver SS since series 0 and I’m ready got a change.
FYI - S6 is supposed to have the same display brightness as S5 model when the watch is awake.
Never had a problem with the S5 display in full sunlight.
The dimmer always-on-display could sometimes be a little difficult to see in full sunlight depending on reflected glare on the screen. (note - never a problem indoors though)
With the S6 though, they've improved the AOD brightness range, allowing it to go up to 2.5x brighter than the S5 when conditions merit. The display brightness in any event is dependent on ambient lighting conditions -- the watch is much dimmer in a darkened room than it is outdoors on a sunny day.
Edit - this may be what you meant, but I wanted to clarify for others even if so.
Yeah it’s hard to see the always on display in the sunlight. I try to take my dogs out to play ball in between conference calls so they sleep and not bark while on the phone so I’m out in the yard and it’s hard to see without touching the screen so I can keep up with when I have to come back inside for the next call. That and I’m ready for a change - switching to gold is why I’m looking. I’m going to wait for ATT to offer them on their site. That’s not happening until Friday
AOD almost swayed me last year but held off and I’m glad I did so I can get the brighter AOD this year and the faster charging. Also the s4 doesn’t work with BMW digital key but that’s not that important to me but if next year has upgrades that I want then I’ll get it. S5 was too much of a minor upgrade.