Yesterday, the first test reports from major media houses regarding the new iPhone 11 generation Now numerous reviews of the Apple Watch Series 5 have been published – we summarize.
Here are a few key facts about the new smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 5 introduces a function that many fans have been wanting for years - the always-on display. This means that the screen of the new Apple Watch remains permanently switched on if desired. The display is dimmed until the user raises their arm or taps the screen. This is made possible by a particularly efficient energy-saving mode - while the time is displayed, the activated watch face is of course also visible. Are you wondering whether the battery will suffer as a result? No - according to Apple, the watch should still offer around 18 hours of battery life. According to the first test reports, Apple has not exaggerated.
The battery life & the display
The Verge editor Dieter Bohn writes: "I love the Series 5's always-on screen. Apple's implementation is better than other smartwatches I've used for two reasons: It legitimately doesn't hurt battery life that much, and Apple keeps a little color visible in ambient mode." Of course, Bohn also has something to say about battery life - he writes in his review: "But the big question is battery life: Apple claims 18 hours of standard use is still possible and that's what I got. So, box checked - except that the Series 4 usually exceeded that estimate.
I won't go so far as to say that the Series 5 has significantly worse battery life than the Series 4, but at best it's on par. You'll be charging it every day." John Gruber from Daring Fireball was also blown away by the display of the new Apple Watch Series 5 - the blogger writes: "For me, the always-on display is the Retina display of the Apple Watch - once you've seen it, you can't go back." TechCrunch editor Brian Heater was not disappointed either. He too is said to have gotten through the day with one battery charge without any worries - despite the new always-on display.
The New Compass
Another feature is the compass - the Apple Watch Series 5 is the first smartwatch from Apple to have a built-in compass. Mobile Syrup editor Patrick O'Rourke describes the function as follows: "Interestingly, Apple has also added a compass to the Series 5. The app shows the wearer's inclination, altitude, latitude and longitude. It's worth noting that the compass can also be added as a complication to certain watch faces. The compass also makes the watch's Apple Maps app more useful, as it now shows exactly which direction you are going."
The emergency call function
The LTE models of the Apple Watch Series 5 also have an international emergency call function. This means that users of such a smartwatch can call the local emergency number in over 150 countries. The feature can be used regardless of where the watch was purchased - an iPhone is not required - Apple emphasized this at the launch. The function itself remained untested, however, as a trip abroad would have been necessary - but it can be assumed that this also works as described by Apple.
Titanium & Ceramic
In addition to the well-known aluminum and stainless steel case, the Apple Watch Series 5 can be purchased in a titanium or ceramic version. While the ceramic version is only available in white, the titanium version can be selected in a dark or optionally light version. The models were generally well received by the testers - but the question of whether such a version of the watch is necessary could not be answered. The reason for this is - as many can imagine - that this is a personal decision. Do you want plain aluminum or stainless steel? If the user is willing to pay more, he can of course choose the luxury version - in the end everyone has the same watch with the same functions, only the "packaging" (case) is different.
Conclusion
If you look at all the reviews, you quickly see the common denominator - the always-on display. The new function was well received by all of the testers. While for some it is even a reason to upgrade, others see it as a nice bonus. The battery life does not suffer as a result. Quote from Mobile Syrup: "It finally feels like a normal watch." The Apple Watch Series 5 is available from 449 euros from Apple or alternatively from Amazon
