
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
Feature | Garmin Fenix 6 | Garmin Fenix 5 |
Release Year | 2019 | 2017 |
Display Type | Transflective MIP | Transflective MIP |
Display Size | 1.3 inches | 1.2 inches |
Display Resolution | 260 x 260 | 240 x 240 |
Lens Material | Corning Gorilla Glass DX / Sapphire | Chemically strengthened glass / Sapphire |
Weight | 83 g | 85 g |
Battery Life (GPS) | Up to 36 hours | Up to 24 hours |
Battery Life (GPS + Music) | Up to 10 hours | Not Available |
Battery Life (Max Battery GPS) | Up to 72 hours | Not Available |
Battery Life (Expedition) | Up to 28 days | Not Available |
Battery Life (Battery Saver) | Up to 48 days | Not Available |
Solar Charging | Yes | Not Available |
Music Storage | Up to 2,000 songs | Not Available |
Wi-Fi | Yes | Not Available |
Mapping Capability | Full-color topographic maps | Not Available |
PacePro Technology | Yes | No |
Pulse Ox Sensor | Yes | No |
Power Manager | Yes | No |
VO2 Max Adjustment | Heat and Altitude | Basic VO2 max |
Body Battery Energy Monitor | Yes | No |
Garmin Pay | Yes | No |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
GPS Accuracy | Multi-GNSS support | GPS, GLONASS |
Navigation Features | ClimbPro, Round-Trip Routing, Turn-by-Turn Navigation | Basic Navigation |
Activity Profiles | Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Backcountry Skiing | Standard Outdoor and Fitness Profiles |
Heart Rate Sensor | Garmin Elevate v3 | Garmin Elevate v2 |
Sleep Tracking | Advanced Sleep Monitoring | Basic Sleep Tracking |
Price | Check Fenix 6 Price | Check 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
Feature | Garmin Fenix 6 | Garmin Fenix 5 |
Brand | Garmin | Garmin |
Series | Fenix | Fenix |
Operating System | Proprietary Garmin OS | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Display Type | Transflective Memory-In-Pixel | Transflective Memory-In-Pixel |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
Heart Rate Monitoring | Wrist-based HR sensor | Wrist-based HR sensor |
GPS Navigation | GPS and GLONASS | GPS and GLONASS |
Barometric Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
Thermometer | Yes | Yes |
Compass | Yes | Yes |
Multi-Sport Modes | Yes | Yes |
Customizable Data Screens | Yes | Yes |
Activity Tracking | Steps, Calories, Distance | Steps, Calories, Distance |
Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
Live Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Garmin Connect Support | Yes | Yes |
Garmin IQ Apps | Yes | Yes |
Fitness Age | Yes | Yes |
VO2 Max Measurement | Yes | Yes |
Training Status/Load | Yes | Yes |
Recovery Time | Yes | Yes |
Virtual Partner | Yes | Yes |
Interval Training | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Sync | Yes | Yes |
Music Control (via phone) | Yes | Yes |
Smartphone Compatibility | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
Battery Saver Mode | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Fenix 6 Price | Check Fenix 5 Price |
FAQ
Can I use both Garmin Fenix 6 and Fenix 5 for swimming? Are the bands interchangeable between Fenix 6 and Fenix 5? Do both watches support music playback? Can I make contactless payments with both watches? Do both models track heart rate during swimming? Which watch has better battery life? Can I view maps on both watches? Are both watches compatible with Garmin Connect? Do both watches have Pulse Ox monitoring? Can I track sleep with both watches? Do both watches support smartwatch notifications? Is the Fenix 6 heavier than the Fenix 5? Can both watches monitor oxygen levels during sleep? Which watch is better for long-distance hiking? |