The Apple Watch, released in 2015, has evolved significantly between series 1 and series 5. There have been many improvements in features and performance. But something that has remained throughout all these years is that Apple launches the Apple Watch in 2 different sizes. After all, what's the difference between the 5mm and 40mm Apple Watch Series 44?
Both Series 5 models are available in both GPS and GPS+ Cellular editions, and both look the same, except for the difference that is meant to give Apple Watch fans options to choose their preferred size.
In this comparison, we're going to look at the Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm) vs (40mm) specs and features, so you know the differences and which one is right for you.
When buying an Apple Watch, there are other factors to consider besides size - different styles for the strap and materials. But this guide is only meant to help you choose the right next-gen Apple Watch size.
What are the differences between the Apple Watch Series 5 models?
The 44mm model has a larger case and a wider screen, which allows you to see more than the 40mm model with a 1,57-inch screen. The thickness size is the same at 10,7mm which is one of the thinnest smartwatches on the market.
While each of the two models has a lightweight design, the 40mm weighs 36g (aluminium), while the 44mm model weighs 42g.
Aside from the different sizes and weights, all other features are the same. The same LTPO AMOLED technology powers both devices, delivering a rich display. Touchscreen is supported and a digital crown button with liver feedback on the side to aid navigation.
Apple Watch 5 activity tracking features
- Proactive heart rate monitoring, which tracks your heart rate to give you detailed information about your heart's activity.
- Comprehensive sleep tracking.
- Stress management Watch 5 can help you get back to calm after a stressful day by simply doing a breathing session.
- The Watch 5 tries to learn about your daily activities and is able to tell you when it's right to move, sit or exercise via the activity ring.
- GPS is built into the Watch 5 with altimeter and compass, making it a great choice for tracking outdoor activities.
- Added cycling tracking app.
- There is a very useful feature for women as it can help you detect changes that might go unnoticed, which is menstrual cycle recording.
- Watch 5 features hearing tracking, which lets you know when the sound is too loud and unhealthy. The new app detects when crowd noise or machinery noise reaches a level that could pose a risk.
- The Watch 5 features a compass feature that can be accessed directly from the watch face. It gives you more insightful coordinate details about your location.
- The watch 5 can detect when a fall has occurred, and will send an alert to a predefined emergency contact. You can skip this action, but if you don't answer after 60 seconds, a call will be made automatically. It is one of the best security features.
- The Watch 5 allows you to take an instant ECG test by simply placing your thumb on the digital crown for 30 seconds. This feature can help you detect atrial fibrillation - a form of irregular heart rhythm that can be fatal if left untreated.
- Older Apple watch models were capable of emergency contact, but now Apple has added international emergency calling that allows the Watch 5 to contact its emergency contacts almost anywhere in the world.
Now that you know a little more about the Apple Watch Series 5, let's check out the difference between the sizes of the devices.
Will it fit comfortably on my wrist?
Buying an Apple Watch isn't like buying a phone, it's more like buying a pair of shoes. Choosing the larger size just because of the larger screen can mean wearing something that turns out to be uncomfortable.
Your Apple Watch is something you'll wear all day, so comfort is key. If you have a wrist circumference of 15 cm or less, you will almost certainly feel better with the 40 mm model.
If you have a wrist size between 15 cm and 16,5 cm, then you are probably in the zone where you can comfortably choose any of the models. However, for those with a wrist larger than 16,5cm in circumference, the larger 44mm version is quite comfortable, but has the advantage of offering a larger screen display area.
Another factor here is how would you prefer the watch to sit on your wrist? Some people may prefer the look of a larger or smaller watch. If you are one of those, you should definitely try each one before you buy, to be sure which one is best for you in terms of comfort and appearance.
bracelet length
Wrist size is a big factor. Size not only affects comfort levels, it also affects the length of Apple Watch bands. If you need to buy a replacement band, or simply want to outfit your Apple Watch with some new bands, you need to understand that the length of most bands available is related to the size of the watch.
Although not impossible, it is more difficult to find large bracelets for 40mm or small bracelets for the 44mm version. For example, if you have a wrist circumference of 20 cm, and you buy the 40 mm Apple Watch, the number of Apple Watch bands that you will find that fit on your wrist would be very limited.
Likewise, if you have a wrist circumference of 13cm and choose the 44mm Apple Watch, you will find yourself in a sticky situation.
Battery life
If your wrist size is in the zone where both options are viable, and you haven't made up your mind yet, know that the 44mm Apple Watch has a 20% larger battery than the 40mm model.
Does that mean it will last 20% longer? Not. The 44mm also has 29% more pixels on the screen, which makes up for the larger battery. Apple reports that both watch sizes have up to 18 hours of battery life, and it doesn't specify a longer battery life for either model.
screen display area
The 44mm model is obviously larger, with a display area of 977mm² versus 759mm² for the 40mm model. That means the text is slightly larger on the 44mm Apple Watch, and it can fit a little more information on the screen.
Price
The difference in values between the models is not only due to the size of 40 or 44 mm, but also to the possibility of inserting a SIM chip or not (GPS or Cellular + GPS). Below you can see the table with the updated values of the Apple Store Spain.
| . | . | |
|---|---|---|
| exhibition area | 759 square mm | 977 mm² |
| Screen size | 394 × 324 pixels | 448 × 368 pixels |
| basic gps | R$ 3.399,00 | R$ 4.249,00 |
| Cellular + GPS | R$ 4.193,10 | R$ 5.149,00 |
Conclusion
If even with all of the above, you're still not sure, there's nothing left to do but go into a store and try on every size of Apple Watch. Most stores that sell Apple Watches allow you to try them on first.
If you can't do that, you need to choose one that fits comfortably on your wrist, but also matches your style and personality!
