The Apple Watch Series 5 introduced the Always-On Retina display alongside comprehensive health tracking and safety features for users who want constant visibility of their watch face. Choosing a refurbished smartwatch gives you access to this breakthrough display technology while making an environmentally conscious decision. Find the watch that keeps your information visible at all times without sacrificing battery life.
What are the key features of the Apple Watch Series 5?
- Always-On Retina display: first Apple Watch with a screen that remains visible even when your wrist is down
- Built-in compass: real-time orientation and heading information for navigation and outdoor activities
- S5 dual-core processor: 64-bit system handles apps and notifications smoothly for daily tasks
- Advanced health sensors: ECG capability, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and continuous heart rate monitoring
- Fall detection and Emergency SOS: automatically calls emergency services if you fall hard and don't respond
- International emergency calling: call for help in over 150 countries, even without cellular service nearby
- Built-in GPS: accurate outdoor tracking for running, cycling, and hiking without your phone
- Water resistant to 50 meters: swim-proof design for pool and open water activities
- Available in 40mm and 44mm: larger display sizes compared to Series 3 and earlier models
- iPhone compatibility: works with iPhone 6s or later running iOS 13 or higher
What are the differences between a refurbished and a used Apple Watch Series 5?
A used Apple Watch Series 5 is resold without professional verification or warranty coverage. The Always-On Display technology, while innovative, can show burn-in or uneven brightness on heavily used units. Water resistance seals may be compromised from years of swimming and showering. A refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 from Back Market has been thoroughly tested by trusted refurbishers following our Quality Charter.
Each watch undergoes comprehensive inspection of Always-On Display functionality, screen uniformity, ECG capability, heart rate sensor accuracy, compass calibration, GPS performance, fall detection sensors, battery health, water resistance seals, and charging capability. Every device comes with a minimum 1-year warranty and 30-day returns. You get the Always-On Display experience and advanced health tracking without the premium new price, while keeping quality electronics in circulation.
Who is the Apple Watch Series 5 best for?
The Apple Watch Series 5 serves several types of users particularly well:
- People wanting Always-On Display: see the time and complications without raising your wrist, matching traditional watch behavior
- Outdoor enthusiasts and hikers: built-in compass provides real-time heading and elevation information for navigation
- Health-conscious users: ECG capability, fall detection, and irregular heart rhythm notifications support wellness monitoring
- International travelers: emergency calling works in over 150 countries for safety abroad
- Users upgrading from Series 3 or earlier: significantly larger display, Always-On technology, and compass offer meaningful improvements
- People seeking value in refurbished market: Series 5 offers advanced features at mid-range refurbished prices between budget and premium models
Apple Watch Series 5 vs Series 6: which should you choose?
The Apple Watch Series 6 brings faster performance with the S6 chip (up to 20% faster than S5), blood oxygen monitoring, and faster charging. The Series 6 also includes an always-on altimeter that continuously tracks elevation changes, while the Series 5 requires GPS activation for altitude readings. Display brightness increases slightly on the Series 6 when outdoors.
Both watches share the same Always-On Display technology, ECG capability, fall detection, compass, case sizes (40mm and 44mm), and water resistance. The design is nearly identical—you can't easily tell them apart visually. Battery life remains similar at roughly 18 hours for typical use.
The main differentiator is blood oxygen monitoring on the Series 6, which measures SpO2 levels for respiratory and overall wellness tracking. This feature can help identify potential breathing issues during sleep or changes in oxygen levels at altitude. The faster processor is noticeable but not dramatically different for daily tasks.
Choose the Series 5 if you want Always-On Display and ECG at the best refurbished value and don't need blood oxygen monitoring. Choose the Series 6 if SpO2 tracking matters for your health monitoring or you want slightly faster performance. The price difference in the refurbished market often makes the Series 5 an excellent value proposition.
Buy a refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 at the best price on Back Market
Back Market offers refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 models at competitive prices with the groundbreaking Always-On Display technology. Each watch is:
- Tested by trusted refurbishers: Always-On Display, ECG, compass, GPS, and all health sensors verified working properly
- Backed by warranty: minimum 1-year coverage protects your investment
- Returnable for 30 days: test it through daily wear to experience the Always-On Display and ensure it meets your needs
- Better for the environment: choosing refurbished reduces e-waste and extends product lifecycles
Browse different cosmetic grades from Premium (like-new condition) to Fair (fully functional with visible wear). Choose between 40mm and 44mm sizes, GPS or GPS + Cellular connectivity, and various case materials including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic. The Series 5 represents an excellent balance of features and refurbished pricing.
How does Always-On Display work on the Apple Watch Series 5?
The Always-On Display uses LTPO (Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) display technology that can dynamically adjust refresh rate from 60Hz down to 1Hz. When you lower your wrist, the watch face dims and reduces refresh rate to save power while remaining visible. Complications and time stay readable at a glance without needing to raise your wrist or tap the screen. When you raise your wrist or tap the display, it brightens to full intensity and returns to 60Hz. This technology balances constant visibility with battery efficiency—the Series 5 maintains similar 18-hour battery life despite the always-on screen.
Does the Apple Watch Series 5 have blood oxygen monitoring?
No, the Series 5 doesn't include blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. This feature was introduced with the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. The Series 5 monitors heart rate continuously and includes ECG capability, but it can't measure oxygen saturation levels in your blood. If blood oxygen monitoring matters for altitude training, sleep tracking, or respiratory health monitoring, consider the Series 6 or newer models that include this sensor.
What's the compass feature on the Apple Watch Series 5?
The built-in compass provides real-time heading, elevation, incline, latitude, and longitude information. You can add a compass complication to your watch face for quick orientation checks. The Compass app shows your current direction, coordinates, and can mark waypoints called "Backtrack" to help you retrace your steps. This is useful for hiking, trail running, or navigating unfamiliar areas. The compass integrates with Maps for better navigation and works with third-party hiking and outdoor apps. It's a practical addition that improves the watch's utility for outdoor activities.
What's the battery life on the Apple Watch Series 5?
Expect up to 18 hours of typical use including Always-On Display, notifications, occasional workouts, and heart rate monitoring. This matches the battery life of Series 4 despite adding the Always-On feature—Apple engineered the LTPO display to be power-efficient. During continuous GPS tracking for running or cycling, expect roughly 5-6 hours before needing to recharge. You can disable Always-On Display in settings to extend battery life slightly if needed, though this removes one of the Series 5's signature features. Most users charge nightly and get through a full day comfortably.
Can I take an ECG with the Apple Watch Series 5?
Yes, the Series 5 includes the ECG app that takes an electrocardiogram reading in about 30 seconds. Place your finger on the digital crown while wearing the watch, and the electrical sensors measure your heart's electrical signals. The app classifies the reading as sinus rhythm (normal), AFib (atrial fibrillation), low or high heart rate, or inconclusive. Results save to the Health app and can be exported as a PDF to share with your doctor. The ECG feature is FDA-cleared but isn't a diagnostic medical device—it helps identify potential heart rhythm irregularities worth medical consultation.
Does the Apple Watch Series 5 have fall detection?
Yes, the Series 5 includes fall detection that uses motion sensors and algorithms to identify when you've taken a hard fall. If the watch detects a fall, it taps your wrist, sounds an alarm, and displays an alert. If you're moving, it assumes you're okay. If you remain motionless for about one minute, it automatically calls emergency services and sends a message to your emergency contacts with your location. You can enable fall detection for all ages or just ages 65 and older in the Apple Watch settings. It provides valuable safety backup during activities and daily life.
Can I track swimming with the Apple Watch Series 5?
Yes, the Series 5 is water-resistant to 50 meters and includes swim tracking for both pool and open water swimming. Pool swim mode tracks laps, distance, sets, and pace based on your set pool length. Open water mode uses GPS to track distance and route in lakes or oceans. The watch monitors heart rate during swimming and calculates calories burned. After swimming, turn the digital crown to activate the water lock eject feature, which plays a tone to push water out of the speaker. The Series 5 handles recreational swimming well for fitness tracking.
Is the Apple Watch Series 5 still worth buying in 2026?
The Series 5 remains a solid choice for users wanting Always-On Display and ECG capability at mid-range refurbished prices. It's now a generation behind current models, meaning it lacks features like blood oxygen monitoring (Series 6+), crash detection (Series 8+), temperature sensing (Series 8+), and double tap gesture (Series 9+). However, it handles core Apple Watch functions well: fitness tracking, notifications, Apple Pay, ECG, fall detection, and GPS. Software support may be limited going forward—it likely won't receive watchOS updates for many more years. Choose the Series 5 if you want the Always-On Display experience affordably and don't need the latest health sensors. Consider newer models if you want longer software support and cutting-edge features.