Apple Watch Series 5: complete technical sheet, price and reviews

In 2015, Apple followed the movement initiated by the first smartwatches running Android Wear and democratized the concept by launching its own alternative: welcome to the Apple Watch. Since then, the device has been available in several editions, including the latest, calledSeries 5, is to this day the best-selling watch in the entire world, all models combined... Including taking into account the classic tocantes with needles which have existed for hundreds of years!

The Apple Watch Series 5 is what we call awearable: it is worn on the wrist like any other more classic piece of jewelry, with the difference that it is equipped with numerous sensors capable of measuring the physical activity of its user. But if this is its main asset - in addition to itswaterproofing(up to fifty meters deep) - this gadget also has some disadvantages which are not necessarily noticed at first glance. To give you an informed opinion on the Apple Watch Series 5, the best thing is to look at its technical sheet and its software details: let's go there.

Devices compatible with Apple Watch Series 5

Above all, the question to ask when buying an Apple Watch Series 5 is which smartphones are compatible with it. And in the end, the list is relatively short:

• iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone 7 et iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 8 et iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XS et iPhone XS Max.
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro et iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2020)

We therefore notice that the Apple Watch Series 5 is therefore - at least officially -not compatible with Android devices, nor with iPhones running versions of iOS prior to iOS 12. Please note, however, that there are some alternatives, but they are long and costly to set up, the most judicious being to equip yourself with an eligible laptop.

Design and screen

Apple is renowned for its historic design expertise. As an example,the iMac Pro desktop computer is particularly successful in its dark color with an air of luxury. For the Apple Watch Series 5, it's different. Thus, this watch stands out from its competitors mainly by itsscreen… Rectangular. Certainly with rounded corners, it is recognizable among thousands and looks more like a real connected object than a simple watch unlike other manufacturers. A criterion to take into account if you prefer to remain discreet, which will therefore be complicated here like the AirPods and their “tail”.

Despite everything, it must be said, the choices ofpersonalizationoffered by the Apple Watch Series 5 are simply… Endless. Thus, as can be done with Mac components, customers are invited here when purchasing to select the exterior appearance of their watch based on several elements. The first is the size of the case, with two possible choices: 40 mm or 44 mm. However, it is difficult to know why Apple has opted for two very similar dimensions here instead of a larger gap. The second criterion is the material used: the Apple Watch Series 5 is delivered here in aluminum in its cheapest version, or in stainless steel. Added to this are ceramic and titanium, for a much higher price.

Finally, and this is where the major difference between most of the Apple Watch Series 5 that you will find around you will come into play, thebracelet. Surrounding your wrist, it is responsible for keeping the case in place even during relatively hectic sports sessions in its brightly colored fluoroelastomer version. Finally, there are also woven nylon buckles, leather and metal, not to mention the special editions in partnership with brands like Hermès or Nike which bring the number of options offered to… 350!

Apple Watch Series 5 sensors

Inside the Apple Watch Series 5, we find numerous sensors. Among them, oneGPS, allowing you to find the device if you have lost it (from the Locate application on your iPhone or Mac) or to geolocate yourself in order to find your way. This is, for example, very practical when cycling, to avoid taking your cell phone out of your pocket, which is much more dangerous. Added to this are a compass and a barometric altimeter.

On the human body side, the Apple Watch Series 5 can measure the pulse (also called heart rate) using aheart rate monitorintegrated. It also has an accelerometer which captures hand movements, for example to detect when you wash them, but also to recognize falls: there are countless accident stories where the Apple Watch then automatically called the relief thanks to this component. Finally, the Series 5 is also equipped with an ambient light sensor: it is responsible for adjusting the brightness of the screen accordingly.

watchOS 7 : aspect logiciel

As we have just seen, the Apple Watch Series 5 is a very compact product. The majority of its assets are therefore on the virtual side. The latest version of the operating system that runs the beast is watchOS 7 (but Series 1 and Series 2 are not supported: so be aware that these watches do not last long). The version was presented to the general public during the Worldwide Developer Conference 2020 and has been available in beta since July of the same year.

Health

The Apple Watch Series 5 is a great ally for measuring your health: it can recognize many behaviors and then better inform you on the steps to take to stay in shape. Since watchOS 7, the watch can even track yoursleep: it analyzes your different cycles when you sleep, to then provide you with detailed statistics on your night and set intelligent alarm clocks accordingly.

Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 5's heart rate sensor is also capable of recognizing signs ofatrial fibrillation, a serious form of cardiac arrhythmia. Several doctors have already praised the performance of the watch in this area, which has brought them concerned patients allowing rapid treatment. Finally, and audiophiles will appreciate, the Apple Watch Series 5 warns you when noises that are too loud surround you: in this way, say goodbye to the damage linked to too high decibels.

Play sports with Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch Series 5 is also an ideal connected object for sports. The application dedicated to it is called Fitness, and can recognize many different activities: dance, yoga,cycling, swimming, boxing, running, hiking, step… The results collected by the watch are then displayed in the form of circular graphs, calledringsby Apple, separated into three distinct categories:To move,Train myselfetMe lever. The latter, as its name suggests, helps us not to sit or lie down too often: at a time when we spend a lot of time in front of the TV or on our computers, this has become essential.

“Connected watch”

The Apple Watch Series 5, as a connected watch, is above all your first interface for interacting with the internet: this oneis thus stolen from the iPhoneand allows you to check all your notifications at a glance on your wrist, without needing to take the potential phablet out of your pocket. Very practical on a day-to-day basis, especially since there are many publishers offering compatible applications: you just need to take a look at the App Store page of an application to find out if it can also work on your Apple Watch Series 5.

Of course, the basic functionalities of iOS 14 are also found in watchOS 7: the Apple Watch Series 5 can thus meet thecalls(thanks to the speaker and the integrated microphone) or messages, and this without you even needing to take the iPhone which is associated with you thanks to a 4G chip. Thanks to the voice assistantSiri, you can also ask orally for the day's weather or find out the latest news in just a few seconds. In addition, different streaming applications like Apple Podcasts or Apple Music allow you to listen to all your favorite content from the Watch: Inspector Gadget and James Bond will be jealous.

The Apple Watch Series 5 also allows you to settle a transaction quickly with just one click: this is very practical on a daily basis if you use, for example, Transport Express to take tickets.public transport. With this, the Apple Watch Series 5 can also translate a foreign language, which quickly becomes essential when traveling, or even share the best news from your friends published on the social networks Facebook or Twitter. Thanks to the App Store, we can even say that the possibilities are simply endless: third-party developers are constantly releasing new services dedicated to the watch.

Performances

What is the Apple Watch Series 5 worth in terms of power? With1 GB of RAMcoupled with an Apple S5 processor and a PowerVR graphics chip, it's simple: the daily experience is fluid and without slowdown, particularly because these parts have been specifically manufactured for this particular watch. Note also that the storage offered is generally quite sufficient, with here32 Go, which leaves space for many applications and even some audio content.

Finally, let's talk about the non-removable Li-Po battery: on the Apple Watch Series 5, we are entitled to a capacity of296 mAh, which charges wirelessly using a Qi-certified induction power base. According to Apple, the proposed autonomy is then eighteen hours: and this is precisely the biggest weak point of this Apple Watch Series 5. Indeed, as long as you use the GPS or make a few calls , you will have to recharge the watch during the day. At best, with non-intensive use, you will only have to plug it in the evening before going to bed... Which then makes sleep tracking unusable.

Our opinion on the Apple Watch Series 5 (price and availability)

Soldfrom 449 euros, the Apple Watch is therefore a premium accessory. Its price can even climb to more than 1,500 euros depending on the bracelets and the design of the case you choose, the Series 5 can even be considered as a luxury attribute. But it is not useless:if you have an iPhone, this is THE ideal watchto follow your sports sessions or stay up to date with all your notifications, the number of available apps growing day by day. The synchronization with iOS is excellent, and it's the easiest way to put together a winning trio with an extra pair of AirPods Pro.

Despite everything, it is true that the unique design of the Apple Watch Series 5, particularly striking, as well as itsautonomytoo limited will put off many potential customers. Not to mention the amount to pay to afford it, obviously, which should also leave out many students. Reductions are, however, regularly applied to the Apple Watch Series 5: here is our comparative table of the best prices offered by the different resellers in France.