I’m a first time AW buyer but I’ using other Apple devices since 15 years… the phone since the 3s. I’d like to share my personal opinion of the AW 5 - I want to like it although I have a few issues that make me like it much less.
The always-on screen is definitely worth it - it’s beautiful, legible in bright light, watch faces a plenty and easy to adapt to one’s taste.
The AW is very light and comfortable to wear with a sport loop.
I thought battery would be an issue but it’s not at all for me. I got the AW a few days ago, adjusted a few non-essential settings (for me) and finish my day with 50% but indeed it won’t last 2 days when used a bit more intensely.
However: I expected some things to work (differently):
1) Activity rings - why on earth are adjustments limited to the move goal?
In other words, why can’t one adjust the exercise and stand goals?
30 min exercise per day is a goal?
Standing up 12 times in 12 hours?
Seriously?
The non-adjustable activity rings are a joke. I’m completing the exercise goal by 7:00 am….
2) Music without an iPhone - I expected a seamless (!) integration / data transfer between phone and watch so that I can enjoy music without my phone in the pocket while walking or cycling (I mean that’s the whole point right??)
Music file transfer is a nightmare. The official method doesn’t work at all. Transferring a single mp3 takes forever. De-activating Bluetooth on the phone and forcing a wifi connection works a bit better, In can transfer a playlist or an album in a few minutes.
The sound is nice but would it be that difficult to add an equalizer option to make some limited sound adjustments?
With an official EU price of 479€ (540 USD), I’d have expected a bit more for my money.
3) Podcasts - why can’t I just transfer the latest episode or a specific episode of a podcast to the watch…. it’s the last 3 or as many non-read as available. What’s the point? Just give me the option to transfer the podcast I want.
So, I think, despite the fact that I love the design of the silver aluminium watch with a khaki sport loop, I am going to return it and wait for the next generation of watches because this watch doesn’t fulfill some basic needs despite being an extremely cool gadget.