Discover the complete difference between Apple Watch 4 and 5 in this detailed comparison guide. Learn about display, performance, battery life, always-on feature, design, and more. A helpful buying guide with FAQs.
Difference Between Apple Watch 4 and 5 – Which One Should You Buy?
The Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 are two of Apple’s most popular smartwatch generations. While both look similar, there are some important differences that make the Apple Watch 5 slightly more advanced. If you are planning to buy an Apple Watch or upgrade from Series 4, this guide will explain all the major changes between the two models.
Below is a complete comparison of Apple Watch 4 vs Apple Watch 5 covering display, performance, storage, features, battery life, pricing, and overall user experience.
Key Differences Between Apple Watch 4 and 5
Although the Apple Watch 5 looks nearly identical to the Series 4, the internal upgrades make the Series 5 a more powerful and convenient device. Let’s explore the main differences.
Always-On Display (Biggest Upgrade)
The biggest and most noticeable difference is the Always-On Retina Display in the Apple Watch 5.
- Apple Watch 4: No Always-On feature
- Apple Watch 5: Always-On Display stays visible without raising your wrist
This feature allows users to check time, notifications, and workout data instantly. It makes the Apple Watch feel more like a traditional watch while still offering full smartwatch functionality.
Built-in Compass
Another important upgrade in the Apple Watch Series 5 is the built-in compass.
- Helps with navigation in apps like Maps
- Useful for hiking, traveling, and outdoor activities
- More accurate direction tracking than Series 4
Apple Watch 4 lacks this hardware feature, making the Series 5 better for navigation-based tasks.
Storage Capacity
The Apple Watch 5 comes with 32GB of internal storage, while the Series 4 offers only 16GB.
- More space for music
- More apps
- Better offline usage
This is a major advantage for users who like to store songs, podcasts, and third-party apps on their watch.
Display Technology Improvements
Both watches feature a Retina LTPO display, but the Series 5 includes updated LTPO technology that reduces power consumption even with the Always-On function enabled.
- Improved power efficiency
- Smoother transitions
- Better outdoor visibility
Performance & Speed
Both models use the S5 chip architecture, but Apple optimized the Series 5 for faster real-world performance.
- Slightly improved app loading time
- More stable background processing
- Better battery management
However, in everyday tasks, the difference is minor.
Materials & Color Options
Apple Watch 5 introduced new material options, including titanium, which was not available in Series 4.
Available in Series 5:
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
- Ceramic (limited edition)
Series 4:
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
If you prefer premium materials, the Series 5 offers more choices.
Battery Life
Both Apple Watch 4 and 5 offer up to 18 hours of battery life, according to Apple.
However:
- Series 5 battery drains slightly faster when Always-On Display is enabled
- You can turn off Always-On to match Series 4 battery performance
Price Comparison
Since Apple Watch 4 is discontinued, you can find it at cheaper prices in the used or refurbished market.
- Apple Watch 4: Budget-friendly (used market)
- Apple Watch 5: Slightly higher price but more premium features
If you want the Always-On Display and extra storage, the Series 5 is worth the extra cost
For more Apple-related guides, check out:
iPhone Model in Order – Complete List From 2007 to 2025 (Updated Guide)
To learn more details officially, visit the Apple website:
apple.com
Final Thoughts – Which One Is Better?
Both the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 are excellent smartwatches, but the Series 5 clearly offers more convenience with its Always-On Display, double storage, improved display technology, and built-in compass.
Choose Apple Watch 4 if:
- You want a cheaper option
- You don’t need the Always-On Display
- You only use basic smartwatch features
Choose Apple Watch 5 if:
- You want the latest, smoother experience
- You prefer the Always-On Display
- You need more storage
- You want better navigation with a built-in compass
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 5 is a more advanced and future-proof choice.
FAQs
1. Is the Apple Watch 5 worth upgrading from Apple Watch 4?
Yes, especially if you want the Always-On Display, more storage, and the built-in compass.
2. Does Apple Watch 5 have better battery life than Apple Watch 4?
Both offer similar battery life, but the Always-On Display may slightly reduce battery on Series 5.
3. Can both watches run the latest watchOS?
Yes, both Series 4 and Series 5 support the latest watchOS versions.
4. Is the Always-On Display available on Apple Watch 4?
No, this feature is exclusive to Series 5 and later models.
5. Which one is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer excellent fitness tracking, but Series 5 provides slightly improved accuracy with the compass.