My Apple Watch Series 5: The Pros and Cons After Six Years of Use

I’ve been rocking my Apple Watch Series 5 since it first came out back in September 2019. I wore it daily for about three years before upgrading to the Series 8, but I still keep the Series 5 around for testing apps and occasional bike rides.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what makes this watch great – and where it falls short.

Pros of the Apple Watch Series 5

1. Longevity and Performance Stability

One of the biggest surprises with the Series 5 is how well it has held up performance-wise. Unlike some older Apple products that slow down after a few years, this watch has stayed just as fast as the day I got it. Even after six years and multiple software updates, I haven’t noticed any lag or sluggishness. That’s impressive, especially considering how many apps and features have been added over time.

2. Slim and Comfortable Design

The Series 5 is surprisingly thin and lightweight, which makes it super comfortable to wear all day long. I have pretty thin wrists, and even with the larger 44mm model, it never felt bulky or intrusive. It sits low on the wrist and doesn’t snag on clothes or gear, unlike some bulkier sports watches I’ve tried. For me, this made it easy to forget I was even wearing it.

3. Durability and Build Quality

I’m pretty hard on my gadgets, especially since I use my watch for mountain biking and other outdoor activities. This watch has survived countless sweaty rides, bumps, and scrapes without a single scratch or dent. I have the aluminum base model, which is the cheapest version of the Series 5, but it still looks flawless after years of use. The back of the watch is pristine too, despite 24/7 wear and occasional knocks against walls.

4. Water Resistance

I’ve swam with this watch multiple times, and it’s never had any issues with water getting inside. No moisture problems, no fogging, no need to dry it out. The buttons, including the digital crown and side button, still work perfectly after all these years, and the microphone remains clear. This watch can definitely handle sweaty workouts without any hiccups.

5. Bright and Vibrant Display

When you crank the brightness all the way up, the Series 5’s screen is easy to see outdoors – even in direct sunlight. This is a huge plus for anyone who spends time outside or uses the watch for fitness tracking. The display is sharp and colorful, making it enjoyable to use for notifications, apps, and workout stats.

6. Always-On Display

The Series 5 introduced the always-on display, which was a game changer when it launched. It means you don’t have to raise your wrist or tap the screen to see the time or your activity rings. This feature makes the watch feel more like a traditional watch and less like a gadget you have to “activate” all the time.

7. Great for Fitness and Testing Apps

Even though I replaced with the Series 8, I still use the Series 5 occasionally for testing different fitness apps. It’s reliable and responsive, so I can try out new software without worrying about the watch lagging or crashing. For anyone who likes experimenting with health and fitness apps, this watch is still a solid option.

Cons of the Apple Watch Series 5

1. Screen Visibility When Dimmed

One of the biggest downsides is how hard it is to see the screen when it’s dimmed. The always-on display dims when your wrist is down, but in lower light or overcast conditions, the screen becomes tough to read. You often have to raise your wrist or adjust the angle to see the time or notifications clearly, which can be annoying.

2. Glare and Reflectiveness

The screen is very glossy, which means it reflects a lot of light and surroundings like the sky and trees. This glare can make it tricky to read the watch face outdoors, especially when the screen is dimmed. I wish Apple offered a non-glossy or “nano-texture” glass option for the Series 5 to cut down on reflections, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

3. Band Durability

While the watch itself has held up great, the original band didn’t last as well. After years of sweat, dirt, and washing, it got pretty nasty and had to be replaced. If you’re someone who wears your watch constantly, you might want to budget for replacing bands over time.

4. No Blood Oxygen Sensor

Unlike my Apple Watch Series 8, the Series 5 lacks some of the latest health sensors – most notably the blood oxygen sensor. If you’re looking for the most advanced health tracking features, this watch won’t offer everything the latest models do.

5. Software and App Compatibility Will Decline

The Series 5 is losing support for the newest software updates and apps. While it still works great today, that won’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll find some apps or features won’t work on this watch, which could be frustrating if you want to keep it long term.