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Used Series 5 vs SE

estockme

estockme

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Mar 3, 2011
251
7
Looking on Ebay the going price for a used SE vs Series 5 is almost identical at ~230$ US (yes I realize that these watches come in all sorts of conditions). Taking this into account I'm wondering if there is any better bang for the buck than a used 5. I purchased my first, a 3, used, and the one scratch it came with only removed any hint of worry about that second scratch. It continued running fine until the end but I got tired of wiping it to clear storage for every OS update.
 
To be honest, I wouldn’t buy a used 5 or SE.
Having the SE since launch, my battery health is dropped to 94%, and since it has a small battery, I notice already that it’s getting “harder” to get the same use time like I had in October 2020.

especially if the 5 is used since the launch, I wouldn’t be happy with the state of the battery.
 
Between the two, I'd go with the 5. You get the AOD and EKG features. The SE is a de-contented Series 5. As far as battery life is concerned, I had a refurbished Series 5 and the battery health went from 99-90 over the course of 14 months. It still more than got me through the day.
 
For me personally, a used S5 mainly because of the AOD. However, in addition to the battery life concern, warranty may also come in to play. All SEs right now will have some sort of warranty still left, but S5 may not. So that may be a consideration as well. I have two S5s with similar age (1.5 years) and one has 95% battery life while the other is 89%.
 
Novius89 said:
To be honest, I wouldn’t buy a used 5 or SE.
Having the SE since launch, my battery health is dropped to 94%, and since it has a small battery, I notice already that it’s getting “harder” to get the same use time like I had in October 2020.

especially if the 5 is used since the launch, I wouldn’t be happy with the state of the battery.
Click to expand...
Apple will replace the battery for $79. Not a big deal.
 
estockme said:
Looking on Ebay the going price for a used SE vs Series 5 is almost identical at ~230$ US (yes I realize that these watches come in all sorts of conditions). Taking this into account I'm wondering if there is any better bang for the buck than a used 5. I purchased my first, a 3, used, and the one scratch it came with only removed any hint of worry about that second scratch. It continued running fine until the end but I got tired of wiping it to clear storage for every OS update.
Click to expand...
If you want AoD, go with the series 5. If that doesn't really matter to you, get the SE. No since in spending money on features you wouldn't use.
 
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I tried an SE, but having the display turn off was really annoying. You can't just glance down to see the time, but need to move your wrist up. I ended up buying a 6 to get the AOD, but having tried the SE, the AOD on the series 5 would be my choice.
 
If they are the same price, the 5. It has ECG and AOD. The SE and the 5 have the same chip.
 
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I got an SE a couple of weeks ago and love it. But unit then I had been wearing an S1 for the past 4 years, so that's no surprise really.
 
bricktop_at said:
My S5 is about a year old and at 96% - not too bad IMO
Click to expand...

Do you wear yours everyday and charge over night?

I bought my S5 40mm Nike in October 2019 but the one I am wearing now was replaced in March 2020 because the speaker sounded awful on my first one. So in effect this watch is 15 months old and my battery is showing this:

455bfb8c12a3e83928e3cdd9c06ef628.jpg
 
The-Real-Deal82 said:
Do you wear yours everyday and charge over night?
Click to expand...
I wear it in rotation with my S6 and S4.
- The S6 most of the day and for sleep
- The S5 a bit less, mostly for sports and when the S6 is charging
- The S4 gets worn only occasionally.

I never charge my watches overnight. I put them on the charger around 20-30% and let them charge until they're full, then take them off and store them until I need them.
 
bricktop_at said:
I wear it in rotation with my S6 and S4.
- The S6 most of the day and for sleep
- The S5 a bit less, mostly for sports and when the S6 is charging
- The S4 gets worn only occasionally.

I never charge my watches overnight. I put them on the charger around 20-30% and let them charge until they're full, then take them off and store them until I need them.
Click to expand...

Fair enough. I only charge mine overnight as it’s the only time I don’t wear it. Then again I don’t think charging overnight is a particular issue as you can’t over charge modern batteries. Not entirely sure how accurate the battery health setting is either lol. I’ve noticed my battery life has gotten worse in recent weeks but that’s a software issue apparently.
 
The-Real-Deal82 said:
Fair enough. I only charge mine overnight as it’s the only time I don’t wear it. Then again I don’t think charging overnight is a particular issue as you can’t over charge modern batteries. Not entirely sure how accurate the battery health setting is either lol. I’ve noticed my battery life has gotten worse in recent weeks but that’s a software issue apparently.
Click to expand...
No idea what I might be doing right or wrong... it is like it is 😇
 
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The-Real-Deal82 said:
Do you wear yours everyday and charge over night?

I bought my S5 40mm Nike in October 2019 but the one I am wearing now was replaced in March 2020 because the speaker sounded awful on my first one. So in effect this watch is 15 months old and my battery is showing this:

455bfb8c12a3e83928e3cdd9c06ef628.jpg
Click to expand...

That’s a lot of health to lose in such a short period of time. My series 5 is about the same age and is at 91%. I think that’s bad, too. My series 4 still is at 94%! Of course, Apple just told me that it’s normal unless it hits 80%.
 
PaladinGuy said:
That’s a lot of health to lose in such a short period of time. My series 5 is about the same age and is at 91%. I think that’s bad, too. My series 4 still is at 94%! Of course, Apple just told me that it’s normal unless it hits 80%.
Click to expand...

I think if mine drops to 80% before the 2 years is up, I will be asking for a battery replacement. These watches should not be designed with batteries that are effectively failing in functionality in just 2 years IMO. For me that is a component not fit for purpose and present at the time of purchase, obviously. I didn’t have this issue with the Series 2 that I wore for 3 years!

Apple recommend 1000 charges before 80% is reached and I’m on way less than that.
 
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