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Apple Watch Series 6 review: Should you upgrade from your previous models?

Apple Watch Series 6 in Aluminum Blue Case close-up. (PHOTO: Apple)
Apple Watch Series 6 in Aluminum Blue Case close-up. (PHOTO: Apple)

Christmas is coming, and you’ll want to list this on your wishlist. Apple Watch Series 6 and SE are now available worldwide, starting at S$599 (RM1,749) and S$419 (RM1,199) respectively.

I’ve been wearing the Series 5 last year after making a switch from Fitbit, and I’m still addicted to it till today. Despite launching just one year in between them, you must be wondering if you should purchase the Series 5 or upgrade to the 6 – let me break down the differences for you.

The Apple Watch Series 6 featuring a new Blood Oxygen sensor and app.
The Apple Watch Series 6 featuring a new Blood Oxygen sensor and app.

New features

While the Series 5 has the Always-on display, the Series 6 has up to 2.5 times brighter Always-on display, which makes it easier on your eyes when you’re outside jogging under the scorching sun.

Not only that, the Series 6 has been upgraded to the S6 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor with a U1 ultra-wideband chip. Series 6 also takes 1.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100% compared to Series 5, which takes 2.5 hours. A pretty major difference, especially when you forgot to charge it the night before, and you want to rush out after a shower.

But let’s talk about the new features on the Series 6. The new marquee feature of the Apple Watch 6 is its ability to measure electrocardiograms or ECG, blood oxygen levels and heart rate levels. The Blood Oxygen Sensor and App conveniently measures the oxygen saturation of the user’s blood. Behind the Watch 6, you’ll notice LEDs, along with photodiodes on the back crystal of Apple Watch Series 6 that measure light reflected from your blood.

Using Siri, I launched the ECG app and placed my index finger on the crown dial. By relaxing my hand, and after 30 seconds, the Watch will deliver a heart rhythm classification. It can list if your heart is beating normally or whether there are signs of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a heart condition. Your data is then stored in the ECG app, which you can show it to your doctor in your next consultation.

Both models have the optical heart sensor to monitor heart rate, can perform emergency SOS, Fall Detection and noise monitoring.

I guess the Blood Oxygen Sensor is the Series 6’s latest draw. If you think you need blood oxygen monitoring, by all means, consider the Series 6. However, if the advanced health monitoring factors aren’t your primary focus, then Series 5 works perfectly fine, plus it carries the ECG capability.

If you’re looking at Series 5 as your next buy, you may also want to consider the SE. The SE is priced affordably at S$419 if you’re on a budget and aren’t health-conscious. The Apple Watch SE packs the same features as the Series 5, such as the S5 chip and the same Always-on Altimeter as the Series 6.

Colour-wise, the new Series 6 carry two additional colours: blue and Product (RED).

A snug fit with its leather magnetic strap band. (PHOTO: Reta Lee/Yahoo Lifestyle SEA)
A snug fit with its leather magnetic strap band. (PHOTO: Reta Lee/Yahoo Lifestyle SEA)

Final thoughts

For users of Watch Series 4 or older, the upgrade to Series 6 will come as a delight, as you’ll enjoy its many new features.

If you already own the Series 5, the upgrade to Series 6 is worth it if you’re a health freak and need the new blood oxygen monitoring feature.

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