Right in front of you are three outstanding GPS multisport smartwatches representing Garmin’s progress so far after the release of three generations of the Fenix Series, although, there is now a newer and more equipped Fenix 7 series. Compared to the Fenix 5x and 5x Plus, the 6X Pro features higher storage capacity, underwater heart rate tracking, on-screen workout mode, a slightly bigger display, and a more stylish design. We compare the Garmin Fenix 5X vs 5X Plus vs 6X Pro to find out the differences.
The Fenix 6x is available in three models; Fenix 6x Pro, Fenix 6x Pro Sapphire, and Fenix 6x Pro Solar. The difference between the different models is that 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 titanium bezel. Meanwhile, the base edition has a Corning Gorilla Glass screen and a stainless steel bezel. The solar edition is the most expensive.
The Fenix 5x Plus comes in only one edition, a Sapphire edition that comes with sapphire glass and DLC titanium bezel. It has a 16GB storage capacity, wifi, and preloaded TOPO U.S. mapping and routable cycling maps. It also features blood oxygen measurement not available in Fenix 5x.
Just like the 5x Plus, the Fenix 5X comes in only Sapphire edition and also has 16GB storage for maps and onboard music storage. It’s preloaded with TOPO U.S. mapping and routable cycling maps.
Garmin Fenix 5X vs 5X Plus vs 6X Pro: Specifications Compared
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Garmin Fenix 5X vs 5X Plus vs 6X Pro: Fitness Tracking Features
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Garmin Fenix 5X vs 5X Plus vs 6X Pro: Battery Life
| Fenix 5X | Fenix 5X Plus | Fenix 6X Pro |
|
Smartwatch mode: Up to 12 days GPS/HR mode: Up to 20 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 35 hours without wrist heart rate |
Smartwatch: Up to 20 days GPS: Up to 32 hours GPS and Music: Up to 13 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 70 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 |
The Differences And Which is Best?
Although slightly more expensive, the Fenix 6X Pro is the best choice. And for the following reasons;
- The 6X Pro also has a slightly wider display than the 5X Plus and 5X, yet the same case sizes. This allows you to see more at a glance. Moreover, it’s slimmer, sleeker, and a finer smartwatch thanks to the slimmer bezel.
- The 6X Pro with 32GB onboard storage capacity is twice that of the 5X Plus and 5X which both have a 16GB storage capacity.
- Although all three watches are preloaded with TOPO maps, the Fenix 6x Pro comes with additional maps which include road/trail and ski resort maps.
- Both Fenix 5x Plus and 6x Pro feature blood oxygen measurement which is not available in Fenix 5x.
- Incidental fall detection is also present in Fenix 5x Plus, Fenix 6x Pro but not in Fenix 5x.
- The Fenix 6x Pro has the most gym, run, and recreational profiles. The Fenix 6x Pro also has more golfing features than Fenix 5x and 5x Plus.
- The Fenix 6x Pro also feature under-water heart rate tracking which is not present in the Fenix 5x and 5x Plus.
- There is an NFC in the Fenix 5x Plus and 6x Pro that enables Garmin Pay – a non-contactless payment system that allows you to make payments directly from the watch. The Fenix 5x lacks NFC.
- Moreover, the 6X Pro has a longer battery life than the other two which will see you go longer from a single charge.
In other words, the Fenix 6x Pro has a better design and more features but will cost you a little more.
Alternatively, the Fenix 5x Plus is a cheaper alternative.