Garmin Fenix 5 vs 6 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Garmin Fenix 6 & Garmin Fenix 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Garmin Fenix 6 rather than the Garmin Fenix 5. 

Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Fenix 6

  • The Garmin Fenix 7 has a 1.3 inch display, which allows clearer, more vibrant visuals and enhanced readability compared to the Fenix 5’s 1.2-inch display.
  • It has a faster custom-designed processor, which navigates through menus, loads apps, and uses advanced features quickly and smoothly, while the Fenix 5’s processor is slower.
  • The Fenix 6 offers up to 36 hours of battery life(GPS) for long-time use without charging, which is significantly longer than the Fenix 5‘s up to 24 hours.
  • Additionally, The Fenix 6 has 16 GB internal storage, allowing more room for maps, apps, and music, compared to the Fenix 5’s 64 MB of internal storage.
  • The Garmin Fenix 6 features advanced battery management modes, including Max Battery GPS, Expedition, and Battery Saver, while the Fenix 5 lacks these options.
  • Garmin Fenix 6 features PacePro technology for real-time pacing guidance adjusted by gradient, which is absent on the Fenix 5.
  • It has multi-GNSS support, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for better tracking accuracy and signal stability, whereas the Fenix 5 supports only GPS and GLONASS.
  • The Garmin Fenix 6 features advanced training metrics, including VO2 max adjustments for heat and altitude and the Body Battery Energy Monitor, while the Fenix 5 lacks these features.

Maybe the Garmin Fenix 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin Fenix 6. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGarmin Fenix 6Garmin Fenix 5
Release Year20192017
Display TypeTransflective MIPTransflective MIP
Display Size1.3 inches1.2 inches
Display Resolution260 x 260240 x 240
Lens MaterialCorning Gorilla Glass DX / SapphireChemically strengthened glass / Sapphire
Weight83 g85 g
Battery Life (GPS)Up to 36 hoursUp to 24 hours
Battery Life (GPS + Music)Up to 10 hoursNot Available
Battery Life (Max Battery GPS)Up to 72 hoursNot Available
Battery Life (Expedition)Up to 28 daysNot Available
Battery Life (Battery Saver)Up to 48 daysNot Available
Solar ChargingYesNot Available
Music StorageUp to 2,000 songsNot Available
Wi-FiYesNot Available
Mapping CapabilityFull-color topographic mapsNot Available
PacePro TechnologyYesNo
Pulse Ox SensorYesNo
Power ManagerYesNo
VO2 Max AdjustmentHeat and AltitudeBasic VO2 max
Body Battery Energy MonitorYesNo
Garmin PayYesNo
ConnectivityBluetooth, ANT+, Wi-FiBluetooth, ANT+
GPS AccuracyMulti-GNSS supportGPS, GLONASS
Navigation FeaturesClimbPro, Round-Trip Routing, Turn-by-Turn NavigationBasic Navigation
Activity ProfilesTrail Running, Mountain Biking, Backcountry SkiingStandard Outdoor and Fitness Profiles
Heart Rate SensorGarmin Elevate v3Garmin Elevate v2
Sleep TrackingAdvanced Sleep MonitoringBasic Sleep Tracking
PriceCheck Fenix 6 PriceCheck Fenix 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Brand and Series: Both are part of Garmin’s Fenix series, designed for rugged, multi-sport use, known for durability and extensive outdoor tracking features.
  • Display Technology: Both use Transflective Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) displays, ensuring excellent sunlight readability and low power consumption for outdoor activities.
  • Water Resistance: Both watches have a 10 ATM water resistance rating, allowing usage during swimming and water activities up to 100 meters.
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Both models feature wrist-based heart rate monitoring, providing real-time heart rate data without the need for a chest strap.
  • GPS and Navigation: Both support GPS and GLONASS for precise location tracking and navigation, making them reliable for outdoor adventures.
  • Advanced Sensors: Each watch includes a barometric altimeter, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, and compass, enabling accurate tracking of elevation, movement, temperature, and orientation.
  • Multi-Sport and Activity Tracking: Both support multi-sport modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and hiking, while also tracking daily activities like steps, distance, and calories burned.
  • Smart Features: Both watches offer smart notifications, allowing users to receive calls, texts, and app alerts when paired with a compatible smartphone.
  • Fitness Metrics: Both models feature VO2 Max, Training Status, Training Load, and Recovery Time, helping users monitor cardiovascular fitness, training effectiveness, and recovery.
  • Workout Functions: Both watches support interval training, Virtual Partner for pacing, and customizable data screens to personalize workout metrics.
  • Connectivity: Both models support Bluetooth and ANT+ for syncing with smartphones and external sensors, ensuring seamless connectivity.
  • Smartphone Compatibility: Both are compatible with iOS and Android devices, offering flexibility in usage across different mobile ecosystems.
  • Garmin Connect Support: Both sync with Garmin Connect for activity tracking, data analysis, and insights, allowing users to review performance metrics.
  • Garmin IQ Apps: Both support Garmin IQ for adding custom watch faces, data fields, and third-party apps to enhance functionality.
  • Live Tracking: Both models feature live tracking, allowing friends and family to follow your location during outdoor activities.
  • Music Control: Both watches offer the ability to control smartphone music, allowing users to change tracks and adjust volume directly from the watch.
  • Battery Saver Mode: Both models include a basic battery saver mode to extend usage by disabling non-essential features when needed.

Common Features

FeatureGarmin Fenix 6Garmin Fenix 5
BrandGarminGarmin
SeriesFenixFenix
Operating SystemProprietary Garmin OSProprietary Garmin OS
Display TypeTransflective Memory-In-PixelTransflective Memory-In-Pixel
Water Resistance10 ATM10 ATM
Heart Rate MonitoringWrist-based HR sensorWrist-based HR sensor
GPS NavigationGPS and GLONASSGPS and GLONASS
Barometric AltimeterYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
ThermometerYesYes
CompassYesYes
Multi-Sport ModesYesYes
Customizable Data ScreensYesYes
Activity TrackingSteps, Calories, DistanceSteps, Calories, Distance
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Smart NotificationsYesYes
ConnectivityBluetooth, ANT+Bluetooth, ANT+
Live TrackingYesYes
Garmin Connect SupportYesYes
Garmin IQ AppsYesYes
Fitness AgeYesYes
VO2 Max MeasurementYesYes
Training Status/LoadYesYes
Recovery TimeYesYes
Virtual PartnerYesYes
Interval TrainingYesYes
Automatic SyncYesYes
Music Control (via phone)YesYes
Smartphone CompatibilityiOS and AndroidiOS and Android
Battery Saver ModeYesYes
Price Check Fenix 6 Price Check Fenix 5 Price

FAQ

Can I use both Garmin Fenix 6 and Fenix 5 for swimming?
Yes, both Garmin Fenix 6 and Fenix 5 are suitable for swimming as they feature a 10 ATM water resistance rating. This means they can withstand water pressure equivalent to a depth of 100 meters, making them suitable for pool and open-water swimming.

Are the bands interchangeable between Fenix 6 and Fenix 5?
Yes, both watches use Garmin’s QuickFit band system, allowing users to easily swap bands without any tools. You can choose from a variety of materials, including silicone, leather, and metal. Make sure to select the correct band size that matches your specific model.

Do both watches support music playback?
Only the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro models support onboard music storage and playback, allowing you to store up to 2,000 songs. The standard Fenix 6 and all Fenix 5 models do not have built-in music storage, but both can control music playing on your smartphone.

Can I make contactless payments with both watches?
Garmin Pay, the contactless payment feature, is available only on the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro models. The standard Fenix 6 and Fenix 5 do not support Garmin Pay.

Do both models track heart rate during swimming?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 6 and Fenix 5 can track heart rate during swimming when using a compatible HRM-Tri or HRM-Swim chest strap. The built-in wrist-based heart rate sensor may not be accurate in water, so a dedicated chest strap is recommended.

Which watch has better battery life?
The Garmin Fenix 6 generally offers better battery life compared to the Fenix 5, especially in GPS and smart modes. The Fenix 6 can last up to 36 hours in GPS mode, while the Fenix 5 lasts around 24 hours. Additionally, the Fenix 6 offers advanced battery management features, including Battery Saver and Expedition modes, as well as solar charging in the Fenix 6X Pro Solar version.

Can I view maps on both watches?
Full-color topographic maps are available only on the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro and 6X Pro models. The standard Fenix 6 and Fenix 5 do not have built-in maps, but both can display breadcrumb navigation and basic route tracking.

Are both watches compatible with Garmin Connect?
Yes, both watches are fully compatible with Garmin Connect, allowing users to sync their activity data, track progress, and analyze workouts. Garmin Connect also supports updates and adding apps through Garmin IQ.

Do both watches have Pulse Ox monitoring?
The Garmin Fenix 6 offers Pulse Ox monitoring on selected models, allowing users to measure blood oxygen saturation, which is particularly useful during high-altitude activities. The Garmin Fenix 5 does not have a Pulse Ox sensor.

Can I track sleep with both watches?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 6 and Fenix 5 offer sleep tracking. However, the Fenix 6 provides more advanced sleep insights, including sleep stages and pulse oxygen data (on models with Pulse Ox), whereas the Fenix 5 provides basic sleep tracking.

Do both watches support smartwatch notifications?
Yes, both watches can display notifications such as calls, texts, emails, and app alerts when connected to a compatible smartphone. You can customize which notifications you want to receive on both devices.

Is the Fenix 6 heavier than the Fenix 5?
The weight difference is minimal. The Fenix 6 typically weighs around 83 grams, while the Fenix 5 weighs about 85 grams. The Fenix 6X model is slightly heavier at around 93 grams due to its larger size and added features like solar charging.

Can both watches monitor oxygen levels during sleep?
Only the Garmin Fenix 6 models with Pulse Ox sensors can monitor blood oxygen levels during sleep, providing insights into oxygen saturation. The Garmin Fenix 5 does not have this feature.

Which watch is better for long-distance hiking?
The Garmin Fenix 6 is generally better suited for long-distance hiking due to its extended battery life in GPS mode, solar charging option (Fenix 6X Pro Solar), and advanced navigation features like ClimbPro and full-color topographic maps on Pro models. The Fenix 5, while reliable, lacks some of these advanced features.

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