I have thought about a 6 aluminum vs a 5 SS on the BB deal. $510 vs $450. I've decided to stay with the 6. Screen brightness, more pronounced haptics, and BO mainly. Besides the 6 Cellular I picked up Monday; I have a 2 year old 4 SSSB to compare.
From what have read, the 5 and 6 have the same screen, which is a version of the 4, modified to have a slower refresh rate to help reduce power needs from the AOD. I can say without question my 4 is noticeably brighter at full power vs the 6.
IOS 7 allows for the screen brightness to be adjusted. I increased the full and AOD settings on the 6. Still, not quite as bright as the 4, but closer that the default setting. The 4 default is NOT all the way either.
Many reviewers comment the 6 is noticeably brighter than the 5; however, many others say "marginally", and some say no difference at all. However, with the option to adjust brightness in IOS7, I'm not sure if these are true "apples to apples" comparisons. That said, IMHO, the 6 is bright enough, close to the 4 with the setting on max, and AOD is good too.
Here's something I noticed: the display on my 6 auto adjusts to lighting conditions. Probably a setting. Moving into a very dark setting, the 6 seems actually literally dim a little, while the 4 looks like a torch by comparison. Move into very bright light, and the 6 seems to noticeably brighten, while the 4 looks more pedestrian. This makes sense: a real watch has a lume intended to make it most visible after our eyes have adjusted to the dark. A good dive watch will glow like torch for 10 - 15 minutes, then fade a bit as well, like a non-diver watch. Many real watch wearers do not want a lume that draws attention or is distracting. The AW seems to have this in mind on the 6 anyway. Maybe the 5 as well.
I really like having AOD vs the 4.
Also found that the 6 has a newer haptic module, improving sensory notifications. I have poor hearing, and that was a big feature of the AW 4 for me. I did not know about the module before getting the 6, and noticed the more robust notifications on my 6 BEFORE reading about the new module. The 5 and 4 have the same module. it's a winner for me.
I like the BO feature. While many have stated it is not all that accurate, I have also found quite a few who have found it is. The most interesting are a few detailed reviews by first responders (an PA and EMT), who say it is accurate, as long as you use it correctly, and understand what situations it is not going to be all that reliable. Apple makes no claims abiut it because it is not an FDA approved device. However, I did not know this, an FDA approved BO meter can cost several hundred dollars or more, and are not easy for the general public to buy without an Rx. The cheap ones can get at a drug store or Amazon are not FDA approved, even though some insinuate they are.
Been wearing all day, each day since Monday. Put on around 7:00 am. Has about 50% power at bed time: 10:30 - 11:00 PM usually. My 4 had around 35% typically.
Last, probably small setting things, but on the 6, it starts activities without me have to start. Like "Are you on a walk?". My 4 never did that. Also bring in BP reading from my Omron, which has BT and an app on my phone. Never set that up. Overall, feels more integrated.
