Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium

Quick Facts

Item	Details
Launch Year	2019
Case Material	Aluminium
Available Sizes	40mm, 44mm
Display	Always-On LTPO OLED Retina Display (324 × 394 / 368 × 448)
Processor	Apple S5 SiP
Connectivity	GPS or GPS + Cellular
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours
Water Resistance	50m (WR50)
Health Features	Heart Rate, ECG, Fall Detection, Compass
Glass	Ion-X Strengthened Glass
Storage	32GB
Weight	30.8g (40mm), 36.5g (44mm)
Compatibility	iPhone only

Overview

The Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium is an excellent choice for iPhone users who want premium smartwatch features without paying for the latest model. It builds on the popular Series 4 by introducing an Always-On Retina display, more storage and a built-in compass, making everyday use even more convenient.

Powered by the Apple S5 SiP, it features ECG, Fall Detection, heart rate monitoring, built-in GPS, optional GPS + Cellular connectivity, up to 18 hours of battery life and 50m water resistance. When buying a used Apple Watch, check the battery condition, Activation Lock status and overall physical condition before making your purchase.

Key Highlights

1. Always-On Retina Display

The Always-On Retina display lets you view the time and important information without raising your wrist.

Why it matters

Check the time instantly
Easier to view workout metrics
More convenient for daily use

2. Advanced Health & Fitness Features

Apple Watch Series 5 includes ECG, Fall Detection and comprehensive activity tracking to help you stay active and informed.

Why it matters

ECG supports heart rhythm monitoring
Fall Detection enhances personal safety
Tracks workouts and daily activity

3. Built-in GPS with Optional Cellular

Track outdoor workouts accurately with built-in GPS, while GPS + Cellular models let you stay connected without your iPhone.

Why it matters

Tracks pace and distance
Great for outdoor workouts
Cellular models offer greater freedom

Key Features Explained

Feature	Specification	Why It Matters
Display	Always-On LTPO OLED Retina Display	View the time and notifications without waking the display
Processor	Apple S5 SiP	Fast and smooth everyday performance
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours	Suitable for a full day’s typical use
Charging	Magnetic Charging Cable	Convenient magnetic charging
Water Resistance	50m (WR50)	Suitable for swimming but not diving
GPS	Built-in GPS	Tracks outdoor activities accurately
Cellular	GPS or GPS + Cellular	Cellular models work without your iPhone nearby (supported carrier required)
Health Features	Heart Rate, ECG, Fall Detection, Compass	Helps monitor your health and supports outdoor navigation
Glass	Ion-X Strengthened Glass	Durable for everyday wear
Compatibility	iPhone only	Apple Watch is not compatible with Android phones

GPS vs GPS + Cellular

Feature	GPS	GPS + Cellular
Built-in GPS	✓	✓
Make calls without iPhone	✗	✓
Send messages	✗	✓
Mobile data	✗	✓
Requires mobile plan	No	Yes
Best For	Users who carry their iPhone	Users who want to stay connected without their iPhone

Which should you choose?

Choose the GPS model if your iPhone is usually with you. Choose the GPS + Cellular model if you want to make calls, send messages and access mobile data directly from your watch with a supported carrier and mobile plan.

Compare the Related Models

Feature	Apple Watch Series 4 Aluminium	Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium	Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminium	Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) Aluminium
Launch Year	2018	2019	2020	2022
Display	LTPO OLED Retina	Always-On LTPO OLED Retina	Always-On LTPO OLED Retina	Retina OLED
Processor	Apple S4	Apple S5	Apple S6	Apple S8
Health Features	Heart Rate, ECG, Fall Detection	Heart Rate, ECG, Fall Detection, Compass	Heart Rate, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Fall Detection	Heart Rate, Fall Detection, Crash Detection
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours
Storage	16GB	32GB	32GB	32GB
Water Resistance	50m	50m	50m	50m
Connectivity	GPS / GPS + Cellular	GPS / GPS + Cellular	GPS / GPS + Cellular	GPS / GPS + Cellular
Glass	Ion-X	Ion-X	Ion-X	Ion-X
Weight	30.1g / 36.7g	30.8g / 36.5g	30.5g / 36.5g	26.4g / 32.9g

Which Apple Watch Should You Choose?

Model	Recommended For
Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium	Buyers who want an Always-On Display and excellent value.
Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminium	Buyers who want Blood Oxygen monitoring and a faster processor.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) Aluminium	Buyers who want newer hardware with Crash Detection at a lower price.
Apple Watch Series 4 Aluminium	Buyers looking for a more affordable Apple Watch with ECG and Fall Detection.

Alternatives to Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium

If you’re comparing before buying, you may also want to check these related SellUp Marketplace pages:

Common Questions

Is the Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium still worth buying?

Yes. The Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium remains one of the best-value Apple Watches thanks to its Always-On Display, ECG, Fall Detection and comprehensive fitness tracking. When buying used, check the battery condition and ensure Activation Lock has been removed.

What is the difference between the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 4?

The Series 5 adds an Always-On Retina Display, a built-in compass and doubles the storage from 16GB to 32GB. Both models offer similar battery life, ECG and Fall Detection.

Is the Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium waterproof?

The Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium has a 50m (WR50) water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming. It is not intended for diving or high-pressure water sports. Water resistance may also decrease over time on used devices.

Is the Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium better than the Apple Watch Series 6?

The Apple Watch Series 6 adds Blood Oxygen monitoring, a faster Apple S6 processor and faster charging. If you want the best value, the Series 5 is still an excellent choice. If you want additional health features and improved performance, consider the Series 6.

Why Buy the Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium?

The Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium remains one of the most recommended Apple Watches thanks to its Always-On Retina Display, ECG, Fall Detection and reliable fitness tracking. It offers an excellent balance of features and value for iPhone users. Compare Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminium listings on SellUp Marketplace to find the condition, case size, connectivity option (GPS or GPS + Cellular) and price that best suit your budget.