The Apple Watch Series 5 is the latest addition to the rich lineup of Apple smartwatches, and it replaces the now discontinued Watch 4. The Watch 5 is available in two sizes; 44mm and 40mm and each of these two are available in two models; Cellular and GPS only. This comparison compares the Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm) Cellular vs GPS specs and features – What’s the difference.
For the fact, the new Watch 5 is a more durable device than its predecessor, it’s built with ceramic and sapphire crystal back case, the always-on display is now present, as well as the addition of international emergency calling that allows you call emergency contacts of respective emergency bodies anywhere in the world. Menstrual cycle tracking is also present – a feature that allows women to log their period and can be helpful in detecting changes, storage has been boosted to 32GB and you can now access your favorite apps on the store directly from the Watch 5.
With that said, let’s take a look at the difference between the Cellular and GPS models of the Watch 5.
Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm) Cellular vs GPS Specs Compared
| Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm) (Cellular) | Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm) (GPS) | |
|---|---|---|
 | | |
ABOUT DEVICE | ||
| Device name | Apple Watch Series 5 (discontinued) | Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm) (GPS) (disconitnued) |
| Device type | Sport/Fitness smartwatch | Sport/Fitness smartwatch |
| Predessesor | Apple Watch Series 4 | Apple Watch Series 4 |
| Successor | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Released date | September, 2019 | September, 2019 |
| Ideal for | Unisex | Unisex |
DISPLAY | ||
| Display type | LTPO OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Display size | 1.78 inches (44mm) | 1.78 inches (44mm) |
| Display resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (44mm) | 448 x 368 pixels (44mm) |
| Pixel density | -- | -- |
| Input type | Touchscreen 1 button plus Digital Crown with haptic feedback | Touchscreen 1 button plus Digital Crown with haptic feedback |
| Always-on | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable watch face | Yes | Yes |
BODY | ||
| Shape | Rectangular/curved | Rectangular/curved |
| Dimension | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (44mm) 40 x 38 x 10.7 mm (40mm) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (44mm) 40 x 38 x 10.7 mm (40mm) |
| Weight | 47.8g (LTE) | 36.1 g (Non-LTE) |
| Casing material | Stainless steel Aluminum Titanium Ceramics | Aluminum |
| Strap/band material | Elastomer | Elastomer |
| Bezel Material | Ceramics | Ceramics |
| Strap size | 125 - 210mm | 125 - 210mm |
| Interchangeable band | Yes | Yes |
| Screen protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Water resistant/Protection | Yes, IP68, 5ATM | Yes, IP68, 5ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color(s) | Black Silver Gold (Aluminum & Stainless steel) Black Silver (Titanium) White (Ceramics) | Black Silver Gold |
MEMORY | ||
| RAM | 0.768GB | 0.768GB |
| Internal storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.0 | Bluetooth v5.0 |
| Bluetooth calling | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Payment system | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
| GPS | A-GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO/QZSS | A-GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO/QZSS |
CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY | ||
| Technology | 2G/3G/4G | No |
| SIM | e-SIM | No |
| Band | __ | __ |
NOTIFICATIONS | ||
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps | Yes | Yes |
| Text response | Yes | Yes |
FITNESS TRACKING | ||
| Sleep apnea | No | No |
| Sleep tracking | Yes (Third-party app) | Yes (Third-party app) |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | No | No |
| Blood pressure | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Under-water heart rate tracking | No | No |
| Preloaded maps | Yes | Yes |
| On-screen workout modes | No | No |
| Triathlon mode | Yes | Yes |
| ECG Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety tracking | Yes | Yes |
MEDIA | ||
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Music streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes |
| Radio | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | No |
SENSORS | ||
PLATFORM | ||
| Operating system (OS) | WatchOS 6.0 | WatchOS 6.0 |
| Chipset | Apple S5, 64bit | Apple S5, 64bit |
| CPU | Dual core | Dual core |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
BATTERY | ||
| Type of battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | -- | -- |
| Battery life | Standby:2 days+ Mixed usage: 18 hrs+ | Standby:2 days+ Mixed usage: 18 hrs+ |
| Charging type | Magnetic charging | Magnetic charging |
| Charging time | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
| Battery saver mode | Yes | Yes |
| Solar power | No | No |
| Rapid charging | _ | _ |
CLOCK FEATURES | ||
| Time/Date | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS | ||
| Control camera | Yes | Yes |
| Music control | Yes | Yes |
| Find phone | Yes | Yes |
MISC | ||
| Compatibility | iPhone 5s+ iOS 12+ | iPhone 5s+ iOS 12+ |
| Companion app | Apple watch APP | Apple watch APP |
| Voice command | Yes | Yes |
BOX CONTENTS | ||
| Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm) | Apple Watch Series 5 (44mm) (GPS) | |
| Straps | Straps | |
| Magnetic charging cable + USB adapter | Magnetic charging cable + USB adapter | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
| NOTE: We can't guarantee that all the information on this table are 100% correct. Read full disclaimer. Please, report an error. | ||
| Official Site | Official Site | |
What’s the Difference?
SUMMARY – The difference between the Cellular and GPS models of the Watch 5 is that the Cellular model ships with e-SIM enabling cellular connectivity which the GPS model lacks, it also weighs a little more, and as well is available in stainless steel, aluminum, ceramics and titanium materials unlike the GPS model which is only available in aluminum material.
- Design
- Cellular Connectivity
- Battery Life
There’s no difference in the design of these two watches, its same appearance, same 1.78 inch infographic display, same digital crown button with haptic feedback mechanism that offers a click-like feel as you scroll.
The only difference between these two is the different material that houses the respective models. While the Cellular model is available in aluminum and more durable materials like stainless steel, and even more premium materials like ceramics and titanium, the GPS model is only available in aluminum material. Although, the more durable and premium materials also adds to the higher price of the Cellular model.
Moreover, the Cellular model being more equipped sees it weighing 11.7 grams more compared to the GPS model. It’s then pertinent to say that the GPS model is lightweight and of course a more comfortable wear all day long which makes it better wear for sports activities.
The Cellular connectivity features of the Cellular model is the main difference between these two. With inbuilt e-SIM, it’s a standalone smartwatch that allow you make and receive calls directly from this device independent of your phone. A feature the GPS model lacks.
Although the GPS model with a microphone and loudspeaker will allow you to make and receive calls directly from the watch via Bluetooth calling, the watch must be connected to the phone Bluetooth.
It’s expected that with cellular features in use on the Cellular model, it will certainly have a slightly shorter battery life compared to the GPS model. This puts more dent to the already abysmal short battery life of the Watch 5. Personally, I don’t see any significant benefit for a watch with about 18hrs battery life to have standalone features.
Which is Better?
Clearly, the Cellular model being more equipped and available in more durable and premium materials is a better smartwatch.
However, the GPS model weighing less and being cheaper is also a great choice.
Our Pick
We go with the GPS model – Its cheaper, lightweight, has Bluetooth calling which compensates to a great extent the absence of standalone features and as well would last a little longer.
Hi! I’m Jude, the chief editor at Smartwatchseries.com
I’m a graduate of biochemistry, a 3D artist and a passionate fitness enthusiast. On here, I and other smartwatch fans work hard to help you find the right smartwatch for you with our guides, reviews, and comparisons.
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how are they both in regards to the map app? are there certain apps that won’t work with the GPS model compared to the cellular watch?
The map feature is the same for both GPS and Cellular models, and compatible apps work the same on both models.
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