Garmin included a wrist heart rate monitor on every version of the fenix 5 – which are known power hogs – but the battery life actually increased* vs the fenix 3! This means no more scrolling through screens to jump between the map and other information.
Even better, it’ll provide turn-by-turn directions as you run or cycle through the course.įinally, a small but cool feature is that the regular data you want to see (distance, pace, etc.) is overlayed on top of the map. Now you can see exactly where you are, where you’ve come from, and – if you’ve pre-loaded a route – where and how much farther you need to go.įor those new to an area, or interested in exploring different routes, the fenix 5X can also suggest new routes based on your current location. There are also options to buy the fenix 3 and fenix 5 with a more scratch-resistant, sapphire lens.Ĭolor topo and street maps come pre-loaded on the fenix 5X. They also have a bunch of band color/style options. The fenix 5 comes in white, silver, gray, and black depending on whether you choose the 5S, 5, or 5X. The fenix 3 came in two colors: silver and gray. The new fenix 5 watches come in a bunch of different colors. And the fenix 5X, which we consider the true successor to the fenix 3 is roughly the same size and weight – and has a few extra features that aren’t found in the fenix 5S or 5. The fenix 5 – the middle child – is a tad bigger. The fenix 5S is the smallest of the three and aims for the crowd that wants all the features of the fenix 3 without the weight and bulk. But now the fenix 5 comes in three different sizes (with three different names). While the fenix 3 could be purchased with a wrist heart rate and had a metal band option, they were all the same size and shape. The most noticeable change is the fenix 5 appearance. PHYSICAL / STYLE DIFFERENCES Size and Weight So is the new fenix 5 worth the cost? We’ll break down the differences in detail – starting with the biggest updates in the fenix 5 – and find out…. With the release of the fenix 5, Garmin has tried to one-up what they produced on the fenix 3 (including the price!). It worked equally well running and cycling as it did on ski slopes and open water. The fenix 3 came laden with sensors that could do everything from determine altitude to improving running form. It was one of the first (and Garmin’s first) GPS watches that actually looked like something you’d want to wear in places where suits and ties are more appropriate than shorts and running shoes. The fenix 3 was introduced in March 2014. They capable of tracking tons of activities from running to cycling to skiing to swimming to golf.įor those of you who already own the fenix 3 – or maybe you’re deciding between the new fenix 5 or more affordable fenix 3 – we’ll examine the differences between each version and see which better fits your needs. With their classic, sport watch style, the fenix watches look just as good in the office as they do on your adventures. The fenix 3 and fenix 5 are two of the most robust GPS watches Garmin ever created.