Featured in this comparison chart are 3 generations of GPS smartwatches from Garmin; the Garmin Fenix 5 vs 5 Plus vs 6 Pro – three outstanding smartwatches. With each release, witnessed the addition of newer features. Today, we’re comparing the differences between three generations to find out what has changed over the years.
Note that just like the Fenix 6 series, the Fenix 5 and 5 Plus series are available in three different sizes which are listed below.
Fenix 6: Fenix 6s, Fenix 6 and Fenix 6x.
Fenix 5 Plus: Fenix 5s Plus, Fenix 5 Plus and Fenix 5x Plus.
Fenix 5: Fenix 5s, Fenix 5 and Fenix 5x.
The Fenix 6 is available in four models; Fenix 6, Fenix 6 Pro, Fenix 6 Pro Sapphire, and Fenix 6 Pro Solar. The difference between the different models is that the Fenix 6 lacks music storage, maps, PacePro, and onscreen-animated workouts which are all available in the other three. Meanwhile, the Sapphire edition has a sapphire glass and diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated bezel, while the Solar edition has a power glass that enables solar charging and a titanium bezel. The solar edition is the most expensive.
The Fenix 5 Plus comes in two models; a Standard edition with domed chemically strengthened glass and stainless steel bezel, and a Sapphire edition that comes with sapphire glass and DLC titanium bezel. Both editions have 16GB storage capacity, wifi, and preloaded TOPO U.S. mapping and routable cycling maps.
Meanwhile, Fenix 5 also comes in two models; Fenix 5 Standard and Sapphire editions. The difference between these two is that the Sapphire edition has a sapphire screen and wifi connectivity, while the Standard edition has a chemically strengthened glass.
Garmin Fenix 5 vs 5 Plus vs 6 Pro: Specifications Compared
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Garmin Fenix 5 vs 5 Plus vs 6 Pro: Fitness Tracking Features
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Garmin Fenix 5 vs 5 Plus vs 6 Pro: Battery Life
| Fenix 5 | Fenix 5 Plus | Fenix 6 Pro |
|
Smartwatch mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS/HR mode: Up to 24 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 60 hours without wrist heart rate |
Smartwatch: Up to 12 days GPS: Up to 18 hours GPS and Music: Up to 8 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 42 hours |
Smartwatch: Up to 21 days GPS: Up to 60 hours GPS and Music: Up to 15 hours Max Battery GPS Mode: 120 hours Expedition GPS Activity: 46 days Battery Saver Watch Mode: 80 days |
Garmin Fenix 5 vs 5 Plus vs 6 Pro: The Differences?
Although slightly more expensive, the Fenix 6 Pro is the best choice, and for the following reasons;
- The Fenix 6 and 6 Pro weigh slightly less than the 5 Plus and 5 which makes it a slightly more comfortable wear smartwatch.
- The Fenix 6 and 6 Pro also have a slightly wider display than the 5 Plus and 5, yet the same case sizes. This allows you to see more at a glance. Moreover, it’s a slimmer, sleeker, and finer smartwatch thanks to the slimmer bezel.
- The 6 Pro with 32GB onboard storage capacity is twice that of the 5 Plus and far more than the 5 which lacks onboard storage. This allows for music and maps. The Fenix 6 lacks music and map storage capability.
- As a result of the onboard storage, the Fenix 5 Plus and 6 Pro are preloaded with TOPO U.S. mapping and routable cycling maps with trendline popularity routing.
- The Fenix 6 Pro is also preloaded with road and trail maps and ski resort maps.
- Both Fenix 6 and 6 Pro feature blood oxygen measurement not available in Fenix 5 and 5 Plus.
- Incidental fall detection is present in Fenix 5 Plus, Fenix 6 and 6 Pro but not in Fenix 5.
- The Fenix 6 and 6 Pro have the most gym, run, and recreational profiles. The Fenix 6 also has more golfing features than Fenix 5 and 5 Plus.
- The Fenix 6 and 6 Pro also feature under-water heart rate tracking which is not present in the Fenix 5 and 5 Plus.
- Fenix 5 Plus, 6 and 6 Pro have NFC that supports Garmin Pay. This will allow you to make a non-contactless payment with the watch.
- Moreover, the Fenix 6 and 6 Pro have a longer battery life than the other two, this will see you go longer from a single charge.
Garmin Fenix 5 vs 6
While the Fenix 6 Pro has 32GB that supports onboard music storage and preloaded maps, the Fenix 6 which is a base edition lacks onboard music storage similar to the Fenix 5. Compare the differences between the Fenix 5 and 6.
Garmin Fenix 5 vs 6: Specifications Compared
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Fitness Tracking Features
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Garmin Fenix 5 vs 6: Battery Life
| Fenix 5 | Fenix 6 |
|
Smartwatch mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS/HR mode: Up to 24 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 60 hours without wrist heart rate |
Smartwatch: Up to 9 days Smartwatch: Up to 14 days GPS: Up to 36 hours Max Battery GPS Mode: 72 hours Expedition GPS Activity: 28 days Battery Saver Watch Mode:48 days |
What’s the Difference?
The Garmin Fenix 6 is the best choice for the following reasons;
- Although same case size, the Fenix 6 is slimmer and weighs a little less than the Fenix 5. Moreover, it has a bigger display that allows you to see a little more at a glance..
- The Fenix 6 has a slightly longer battery life than the Fenix 5, thanks to the expedition GPS mode.
- The Fenix 6 features more activity tracking features such as under-water wrist-based heart rate tracking, on-screen animated workout that can save you money on a subscription, blood oxygen tracking, and more activity profiles.
- The Fenix 6 also comes with NFC chip that supports Garmin Pay.
However, the Fenix 5 is still a nice alternative, if you’re low on budget.