The Apple Watch Series 5’s defining upgrade was an always-on display: instead of going blank when your wrist is down, its screen dims and returns to full brightness when you raise or tap it. That made the watch easier to glance at, but launch-era reviews described the rest of the change from Series 4 as incremental. The claim that it was “the world’s best watch” was opinion, not a measured ranking—and it says nothing about where the Series 5 stands in 2026.
What changed with the Apple Watch Series 5?
Apple introduced Series 5 on September 10, 2019, with the always-on Retina display as its headline feature. The screen dims while your wrist is down, keeping the time and selected information visible; raising your wrist or tapping the screen brings it back to full brightness. Apple said the display uses LTPO OLED technology and is rated for up to 1,000 nits. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements. Apple’s launch announcement described the new screen as a way to see the watch face without raising your wrist.
Apple also announced a built-in compass, international emergency calling on cellular models, new case material options, and watchOS 6 features. The archived Series 5 technical specifications list a 64-bit dual-core S5 processor, Bluetooth 5.0, and a magnetic charging cable.
Is the always-on display worth upgrading for?
For a Series 4 owner, the practical decision is whether being able to glance at a visible watch face is valuable enough to justify changing watches. In its September 2019 roundup, TechSpot characterized the display as the main attraction and described the changes otherwise as limited. That makes the upgrade case strongest for someone who regularly checks the time or complications without wanting to raise their wrist—not for someone expecting a broad overhaul. TechSpot’s launch-era review roundup reported that reviewers generally welcomed always-on while treating the update as incremental.
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#1 Best Overall
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS + Cellular LTE Model lets you call, text, and get directions without your phone present. It offers multiple connectivity options, including: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and 4G LTE to suit your needs, whatever they might be.
- ALWAYS-ON RETINA DISPLAY: You no longer need to raise your wrist or touch the screen to see the time or other information on your watch face, because the display never sleeps. All you need to do is glance to find the time or your workout metrics right there where you want them.
- ECG ON YOUR WRIST: With the ECG app, Apple Watch Series 6 is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. It’s a momentous achievement for a wearable device that can provide data for doctors and peace of mind for you wherever may be during the day.
- WORKOUTS THAT DON'T QUIT: Cycling, yoga, swimming, high-intensity interval training.the list goes on. You me it, Apple Watch measures it. Set workout-specific goals, see full summaries when you’re done, and track how you’re trending over time in the Activity app on your iPhone.
- GET LOST IN YOUR MUSIC: With Apple Music on your wrist, you’ve got 60 million tracks of musical motivation to take you places. You can also catch up on the latest podcasts or listen to an audiobook if that's your thing. Stream everything you need right from your watch, even without your phone.
Apple Watch Series 5 specifications
| Specification | Apple’s listed detail |
|---|---|
| Display | Always-on LTPO OLED with Force Touch; up to 1,000 nits |
| Case sizes | 40 mm and 44 mm |
| Processor | S5 64-bit dual-core |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0; Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n at 2.4 GHz |
| Cellular | GPS + Cellular versions support LTE and UMTS |
| Battery rating | Up to 18 hours, according to Apple’s 2019 rating; actual life varies by use |
| Charging | Magnetic charging cable |
These are Apple’s published specifications, not independently tested results. Apple offered GPS and GPS + Cellular versions, with aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium cases across configurations and markets; not every combination was available everywhere. The launch announcement listed US starting prices of $399 for GPS and $499 for GPS + Cellular, with retail availability beginning September 20, 2019. Those are historical launch prices, not current prices.
How did battery life perform?
Apple rated Series 5 for up to 18 hours of battery life in 2019 and noted that actual results vary with use. A used watch’s battery condition is a separate issue: the original rating does not establish how long a particular unit will last today.
Rank #2
- Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Built-in sensor measures blood oxygen levels to provide additional health and wellness insights.
Battery reports from launch were not uniform. TechSpot’s roundup included one reviewer who reported early drain on an initial cellular sample and better performance from a replacement. That is an individual launch-era account, not proof of a general defect or a prediction for every Series 5.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does “the world’s best watch” mean here?
The phrase in the original headline reflects a reviewer’s opinion, relayed in TechSpot’s 2019 roundup and associated with The Verge review coverage. It is not a measured result or evidence of an industry-wide consensus. The available specifications and launch reviews establish what the Series 5 offered in 2019; they do not establish that it is the best smartwatch in 2026 or how it compares with current models.
Rank #3
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS + Cellular LTE Model lets you call, text, and get directions without your phone present. It offers multiple connectivity options, including: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and 4G LTE to suit your needs, whatever they might be.
- ALWAYS-ON RETINA DISPLAY: You no longer need to raise your wrist or touch the screen to see the time or other information on your watch face, because the display never sleeps. All you need to do is glance to find the time or your workout metrics right there where you want them.
- ECG ON YOUR WRIST: With the ECG app, Apple Watch Series 6 is capable of generating an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. It’s a momentous achievement for a wearable device that can provide data for doctors and peace of mind for you wherever may be during the day.
- WORKOUTS THAT DON'T QUIT: Cycling, yoga, swimming, high-intensity interval training.the list goes on. You me it, Apple Watch measures it. Set workout-specific goals, see full summaries when you’re done, and track how you’re trending over time in the Activity app on your iPhone.
- GET LOST IN YOUR MUSIC: With Apple Music on your wrist, you’ve got 60 million tracks of musical motivation to take you places. You can also catch up on the latest podcasts or listen to an audiobook if that's your thing. Stream everything you need right from your watch, even without your phone.
What to check before buying a Series 5 now
Series 5 is a 2019 model, so a present-day buying decision depends heavily on the individual watch and the seller’s terms. Current prices, stock, battery condition, and software support are not established by its original specifications or launch coverage.
Quick Recap
- Confirm whether the watch is GPS or GPS + Cellular, and check that the configuration suits your needs and location.
- For a used or refurbished unit, assess the specific watch’s condition and battery health rather than relying on Apple’s original up-to-18-hour rating.
- Compare its current asking price and condition with other watches you are considering; the 2019 launch prices are not a useful substitute for today’s market price.
- If you own a Series 4, decide whether the always-on face matters in your daily use. The display is the clearest reason to favor Series 5 based on the launch-era comparisons.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
