Display Comparison - 5 v 5S, Sapphire v Glass

I actually thought the sapphire looked like it still had a screen protector on (not a "proper" one, just the type you have to peel off when you unbox it), but both watches are "naked". The sapphire display is definitely darker than the glass, but this may actually be because it's more reflective so you get more glare off the sapphire screen.

In terms of simple visibility, the glass screen certainly looks clearer to me, I think it comes down to greater apparent contrast as the black is deeper whereas the black on the sapphire appears lighter due to reflected light. I personally prefer the glass screen here.

In terms of resolution, I'm at that stage in life where I've started to need reading glasses, so jagged images caused by the lower resolution aren't really an issue, certainly not looking at these two watches next to each other and for practical usage. YMMV.

As for which I'm going to settle for, I'm really undecided right now - I prefer the more rugged look and wider strap of the f5 and don't much like the design of the f5 bezel (specifically the teeth). However, I prefer the display of the 5S (though would miss wifi syncing) and it's a better fit for my slim wrist, though I think I can just about pull off with the f5 size-wise. If I do stick with the f5, I would still consider exchanging this one for the glass version though, just need to decide if I can live without that wifi syncing and the nice extra yellow strap.

Thanks for that side by side.
My original thought was to go with the 5s silver but recently started leaning toward the 5. This however has put me solidly back in the 5s camp.

Here we go again....

There is little to no difference whatsoever in real world use...

I agree that in bright outdoor conditions, the differences are much less evident. I've added a couple of extra photos, here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dfmc1sntnl2nyod/IMG_1820.JPG?dl=0 (in direct sunlight) and here https://www.dropbox.com/s/ppgoaivs7thu7i0/IMG_1821.JPG?dl=0 (indoors by a window in bright sunlight).

However, the difference becomes more relevant and noticeable in lower light conditions, so it might be a point of consideration if you're planning on using the f5 as your everyday watch, or are planning on using it where weather conditions aren't great, or indoors (such as an indoor trainer in a garage).

I'm not suggesting anyone's going to find the sapphire unusable, just for me personally the glass appears to give better contrast under a wider range of conditions.

It may even be that the 5S glass is different from the 5 glass, though I doubt it.

Another thing I'd add for people trying to decide 5 or 5S size based on photos on people's wrists - you don't really get a good idea as due to perspective, the watch close up is always going to look a lot bigger than it really is relative to the wrist. Even the 5S looks like it overhangs my wrist in those photos; it doesn't. Take a close up photo of your existing watch on your wrist and see how massive it looks compared to looking at yourself wearing it in a mirror.

I actually thought the sapphire looked like it still had a screen protector on (not a "proper" one, just the type you have to peel off when you unbox it), but both watches are "naked". The sapphire display is definitely darker than the glass, but this may actually be because it's more reflective so you get more glare off the sapphire screen.

This argument comes up all the time and in my opinion it's bogus as you can see in the photos I posted above, the non sapphire screen actually looks worse (to my eye at least).... I mainly cycle in very bright desert sunlight and I've never noticed any discernable difference in outdoor / real world use..

Edit to add:

I agree that in bright outdoor conditions, the differences are much less evident.

However, the difference becomes more relevant and noticeable in lower light conditions, so it might be a point of consideration if you're planning on using the f5 as your everyday watch, or are planning on using it where weather conditions aren't great, or indoors (such as an indoor trainer in a garage).

I'm not suggesting anyone's going to find the sapphire unusable, just for me personally the glass appears to give better contrast under a wider range of conditions.

Agree... If backlight is used indoors however there will not be any difference that I can tell at least..

It does look like the 5S has deeper blacks, reminded me of OLED screen on my phone.

Another photo show the 5 contrast is not that bad. What I dont want is black color that look like deep grey.

The pixelation is something to watch for. From one inch away you sure can tell the difference.

I am getting my 5 delivered today by 10:30 am. I will see and let you know.

From one inch away you sure can tell the difference.

Not with my eyes (getting on a bit :))

I agree that in bright outdoor conditions, the differences are much less evident. I've added a couple of extra photos, here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dfmc1sntnl2nyod/IMG_1820.JPG?dl=0 (in direct sunlight) and here https://www.dropbox.com/s/ppgoaivs7thu7i0/IMG_1821.JPG?dl=0 (indoors by a window in bright sunlight).

However, the difference becomes more relevant and noticeable in lower light conditions, so it might be a point of consideration if you're planning on using the f5 as your everyday watch, or are planning on using it where weather conditions aren't great, or indoors (such as an indoor trainer in a garage).

I'm not suggesting anyone's going to find the sapphire unusable, just for me personally the glass appears to give better contrast under a wider range of conditions.

It may even be that the 5S glass is different from the 5 glass, though I doubt it.

Another thing I'd add for people trying to decide 5 or 5S size based on photos on people's wrists - you don't really get a good idea as due to perspective, the watch close up is always going to look a lot bigger than it really is relative to the wrist. Even the 5S looks like it overhangs my wrist in those photos; it doesn't. Take a close up photo of your existing watch on your wrist and see how massive it looks compared to looking at yourself wearing it in a mirror.

Okay - out in the sun, it seems the opposite as inside. The colors are slightly more vibrant on the sapphire version.

Damn this is difficult ;)

Looking at this makes me very glad I didn't go for the sapphire!

Guys, there is no real difference. That's the light and angle (even side-by-side) that might make it look somewhat different, but it is not.