Apple Watch 5 Vs 6 Is Upgrading Really Worth It Or Is It Just Hype

The Apple Watch has evolved quickly since its debut, and with each new model, the question arises: is the upgrade actually worthwhile? For owners of the Apple Watch Series 5, the arrival of the Series 6 brought a fresh wave of marketing excitement—new colors, faster performance, and advanced health tracking. But beneath the surface, how much has truly changed? This comparison cuts through the noise to answer whether upgrading from the Series 5 to the Series 6 delivers meaningful improvements or if it's largely driven by hype.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Not Revolution

At first glance, the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 6 look nearly identical. Both share the same aluminum or stainless steel case options, Digital Crown placement, and overall form factor. The screen remains an always-on Retina display with similar brightness levels (up to 1,000 nits), so visibility in sunlight hasn’t improved significantly.

The most noticeable design change is the addition of new color options on the Series 6—especially the blue and red (PRODUCT)RED finishes. While aesthetically appealing, these don’t impact functionality. More importantly, both watches use the same S5 chip, meaning processing power and interface responsiveness are virtually indistinguishable in daily use.

Tip: If you're satisfied with your current watch band and case finish, the visual changes in Series 6 won't justify the upgrade.

Performance and Processor: Same Engine, New Label?

One common misconception is that the Series 6 runs on a newer processor. In fact, both the Series 5 and Series 6 utilize Apple’s S5 dual-core chip. This means app launch times, navigation speed, and general system fluidity remain consistent across both models.

While Apple claimed “1.5x faster” performance for the Series 6, this was primarily referring to the new blood oxygen sensor’s data processing—not overall system speed. Independent benchmarks confirm minimal real-world differences in responsiveness between the two devices.

“From a user experience standpoint, the Series 5 and Series 6 feel identical in day-to-day tasks.” — David Kim, Wearable Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Health and Fitness Features: Where the Real Differences Lie

If there’s one area where the Series 6 pulls ahead, it’s in health monitoring. The most significant addition is the **blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor**, which measures the level of oxygen saturation in your bloodstream. This feature can help detect early signs of respiratory issues, sleep apnea, or general wellness trends over time.

The SpO2 sensor works passively in the background or on-demand via the Blood Oxygen app. However, it’s important to note that readings are not medical-grade and should be used for informational purposes only. Still, for users interested in holistic health tracking, this adds a valuable data point.

Additionally, the Series 6 introduced a redesigned ambient light sensor, improving accuracy in low-light conditions. The heart rate sensor also received minor calibration updates, though results remain comparable to the Series 5.

Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Practical Use Case

Consider Sarah, a 38-year-old teacher with mild asthma. After upgrading to the Series 6, she began tracking her SpO2 levels during seasonal allergies. She noticed dips below 94% during high-pollen days, prompting her to adjust medication earlier than usual. While not diagnostic, the data helped her proactively manage symptoms.

This kind of insight isn’t available on the Series 5—making the upgrade potentially worthwhile for users focused on preventive health.

Display and Usability: Brightness Claims vs Reality

Apple advertised the Series 6 display as being “20% brighter” than previous models when the screen is dimmed (i.e., in always-on mode). This refers specifically to low-light environments, not full-screen brightness. In practical terms, the difference is subtle and often imperceptible unless directly compared side-by-side.

Both watches support the same watch faces, haptics, and gesture controls. Siri response time, workout auto-start, and fall detection functions operate identically. Battery life also remains unchanged—at approximately 18 hours under normal usage.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Apple Watch Series 5	Apple Watch Series 6
Processor	S5 chip	S5 chip
Always-On Display	Yes	Yes
Blood Oxygen Sensor	No	Yes
ECG App	Yes	Yes
Water Resistance	50m (swim-proof)	50m (swim-proof)
Battery Life	~18 hours	~18 hours
New Colors	Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Aluminum; Stainless Steel	Blue, (PRODUCT)RED, Silver, Graphite, Gold + more
Faster Charging Claim	No	Up to 20% faster (requires USB-C adapter)

Note: The faster charging claim on the Series 6 requires using a USB-C cable and 20W+ adapter—neither included in the box. Without them, charge times are nearly identical to the Series 5.

Is Upgrading Worth It? A Decision Checklist

Before spending $399+ on a new watch, ask yourself the following questions. Check off what applies:

• ☐ Do I want to monitor my blood oxygen levels regularly?
• ☐ Am I experiencing performance lag or crashes on my Series 5?
• ☐ Is my current battery life insufficient for my daily routine?
• ☐ Do I value having access to the latest health insights, even if they’re non-medical?
• ☐ Am I due for a carrier plan upgrade or eligible for trade-in discounts?

If you checked only one or two boxes—and especially if performance and battery aren’t concerns—the upgrade may not deliver enough value. However, if blood oxygen tracking aligns with your wellness goals, the Series 6 offers a legitimate enhancement.

When to Wait (or Skip) the Upgrade

For many Series 5 owners, holding onto their current device makes financial and functional sense. The Series 5 continues to receive all the latest watchOS updates, including watchOS 9 and beyond. Core features like heart rate alerts, ECG, sleep tracking, and emergency SOS remain fully supported.

Moreover, resale value for the Series 5 remains strong, especially in good condition. Selling yours can offset the cost of a future upgrade—perhaps to the Series 7, 8, or Ultra line, which offer more substantial improvements in durability, battery, and fitness capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Apple Watch Series 5 measure blood oxygen levels?

No, the Series 5 lacks the necessary hardware (second-generation optical sensor and infrared LED) required for SpO2 measurements. Only Series 6 and later models include this feature.

Does the Series 6 last longer on battery than the Series 5?

No. Both models offer approximately 18 hours of battery life under typical usage. Apple did not increase battery capacity or efficiency in the Series 6.

Will my Series 5 stop working soon?

No. Apple typically supports watches with software updates for 5–6 years after release. The Series 5 (released 2019) will likely continue receiving updates through at least 2025, ensuring compatibility with new apps and security patches.

Final Verdict: Hype or Meaningful Upgrade?

The Apple Watch Series 6 is not a revolutionary leap over the Series 5. For most users, the differences are incremental rather than transformative. The addition of blood oxygen monitoring is the standout feature—but unless you actively use or benefit from that data, it’s hard to justify the cost.

If you're a fitness enthusiast, someone managing respiratory conditions, or simply enjoy having the latest tech, the Series 6 brings tangible value. But for the average user who checks notifications, tracks workouts, and uses heart rate monitoring, the Series 5 remains a powerful, capable device.

In short: the upgrade is worth it only if you prioritize the new health sensor. Otherwise, it’s more hype than substance.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Assess your actual needs—not the marketing. If you're on the fence, keep your Series 5 and save for a bigger leap down the road.