Debating upgrading form Series 5 to a Series 6? here is my opinion

[krazyleb]

For those on the fence, I've had every apple watch version since release and this is by far the most insignificant update we've seen. My thoughts:

- Brighter screen is barely noticeable, although in certain lighting conditions is more noticeable than others. Definitely wouldn't upgrade form 5 to 6 for this.
- Oxygen sensor is soooo sensitive. I mean its nice to have that piece of information, especially if you have health issues. But it doesn't take much to throw the reading off completely. Perhaps software updates can fix this, but not sure.
- Something I do like is the haptic feedback changes. Definitely more prominent which I like a lot. Again for sure not worth the upgrade from 5 to 6.
- Altimeter, again I can see some people needing this. But not me...

All in all, unless you have cash to burn I wouldnt upgrade from a series 5. Series 4 and lower I think you can make the argument easily but not from a series 5.

My two cents. Hope this helps someone who is on the fence.

 

[fiddlestyx]

For those on the fence, I've had every apple watch version since release and this is by far the most insignificant update we've seen. My thoughts:

- Brighter screen is barely noticeable, although in certain lighting conditions is more noticeable than others. Definitely wouldn't upgrade form 5 to 6 for this.
- Oxygen sensor is soooo sensitive. I mean its nice to have that piece of information, especially if you have health issues. But it doesn't take much to throw the reading off completely. Perhaps software updates can fix this, but not sure.
- Something I do like is the haptic feedback changes. Definitely more prominent which I like a lot. Again for sure not worth the upgrade from 5 to 6.
- Altimeter, again I can see some people needing this. But not me...

All in all, unless you have cash to burn I wouldnt upgrade from a series 5. Series 4 and lower I think you can make the argument easily but not from a series 5.

My two cents. Hope this helps someone who is on the fence.

What about someone that doesn't have an apple watch? Is a discounted series 5 or SE a better place to start?

 

[deeddawg]

- Brighter screen is barely noticeable, although in certain lighting conditions is more noticeable than others. Definitely wouldn't upgrade form 5 to 6 for this.

Screen brightness is unchanged from Series5 to Series6. Both are rated at 1000nits.

If you're referring to the Always On Display, it isn't intended to be brighter under normal conditions. The S6 AOD has a wider range and can continue to become brighter after the S5 AOD has maxed out. Best place to see this is in direct sunlight.

You didn't mention:
U1 wideband chip
5Ghz wifi
~1/3mm thinner
various other things captured in other threads

The point that it's an incremental upgrade is valid though, some S5 owners may feel it's worthwhile to upgrade, others may feel it isn't worth it.

 

[krazyleb]

What about someone that doesn't have an apple watch? Is a discounted series 5 or SE a better place to start?

IMO, if you have the money go with the 6. If you want to save a few bucks than a 5 isn't a bad option.

 

[deeddawg]

What about someone that doesn't have an apple watch? Is a discounted series 5 or SE a better place to start?

IMHO, I wouldn't go back to not having always-on-display. So if I were making the decision I'd go with the S5, ideally one from the Apple Refurb store. Use refurb.me to watch for / alert you to a specific color/size if not in stock.

There's also usually some good values on Swappa.com

Refurbished Apple Watch Deals - Apple

All refurbished Apple Watch models are Apple-certified, including a 1-year warranty. Shop now to save up to 15% with free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

 

[krazyleb]

Screen brightness is unchanged from Series5 to Series6. Both are rated at 1000nits.

If you're referring to the Always On Display, it isn't intended to be brighter under normal conditions. The S6 AOD has a wider range and can continue to become brighter after the S5 AOD has maxed out. Best place to see this is in direct sunlight.

You didn't mention:
U1 wideband chip
5Ghz wifi
~1/3mm thinner
various other things captured in other threads

The point that it's an incremental upgrade is valid though, some S5 owners may feel it's worthwhile to upgrade, others may feel it isn't worth it.

We have yet to see anything done with the U1 wideband chip, so I cant comment on that. 5ghz wifi sure I guess thats a nice extra feature. 1/3 mm thinner?? I cant see that small haha but also a nice extra.

I still think its not a major upgrade. Again just having experienced every other upgrade, I dont feel like we got anything special this time around.

 

[jettie1767]

The oximeter was a big plus for me since I run and also do spin cycles. And what I did was give my S5 to my husband and I traded in his S4 so I can get my S6.

 

[deeddawg]

We have yet to see anything done with the U1 wideband chip, so I cant comment on that. 5ghz wifi sure I guess thats a nice extra feature. 1/3 mm thinner?? I cant see that small haha but also a nice extra.

My point is only to try to give folks all the info so they can decide what's important to them. Supposedly the airtags will make use of the U1 directionality, so that could be an interesting watch implementation. Though while I don't give any value to not-yet-released product possibilities in my decisionmaking, others might.

I still think its not a major upgrade

I agree. I'm not sure I've seen anyone suggest it was a major upgrade from the S5.

 

[xxBlack]

I switched and I’m happy. I have asthma so it’s interesting for me to see the trend of my Spo2 over night
- AoD is much brighter which is nice for my outdoor workouts like hiking etc
- Altimeter is nice for hiking too
- battery is much better as on S5
- DC Rains means improved heart monitor

and because I use it more as a daily driver for work and workout I switched back from SS to Aluminium