The Garmin Fenix 5S and 5S Plus are the two smaller versions in the Fenix series – These two are outstanding in the design, features and battery life. Although, there’re slight differences which you will find out in this comparison. We compare the Garmin Fenix 5S vs 5S Plus specs and features head-to-head to figure out the differences that set these two apart.

Garmin Fenix 5S vs 5S Plus Specs Compared

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Garmin Fenix 5S vs 5S Plus Features Compared

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The difference between the Fenix 5S and 5S Plus is that the later has a bigger case size, a bigger ROM, NFC and more fitness tracking features than the 5S. Although the 5S has a slight longer battery life than the 5S Plus.

1. Design


While each of these two has a really nice premium design that’s outstanding in every respect, there isn’t much difference in the design. You probably won’t be able to differentiate by mere looking at the two. Although same case size, the Fenix 5S has a smaller 1.1 inch display compared to the 1.2 inch display of the 5S Plus.

The 5S is also 0.4 mm slimmer than the 5S Plus, understandably due to the fewer hardware components in the 5S. The dome style bezel of the 5S Plus with stylish markings at the north and south ends looks a bit more stylish and classy than the flat bezel of the 5S.


2. Battery Life


Although both of these have quite impressive battery life – You should get over a day of battery life with any of these. However, the Fenix 5S has a longer battery life than the 5S plus.

On smart mode, while you get up to 9 days of battery life, its about 7 days with the 5S Plus. With GPS and HRM active, While the 5S has about 14 hours of battery life, the 5S Plus gives just over 4 hours of battery life. It’s quite abysmal perhaps due to the more features. This makes the 5S a better choice for tracking activities that last longer.


3. Activity Tracking


Both the 5S and 5S Plus are fitness focused, same sensors onboard and each can track a huge number of activities. However, the Fenix 5S Plus has more activity tracking features.

It features the full-color TOPO Map with Trendline popularity routing to help you find and follow the best paths which the 5S lacks which isn’t present on the 5S. Thus, making the 5S Plus a better choice for negating your way through. A great deal for adventurers

Another activity-tracking feature missing on the 5S that’s present on the 5S Plus is the preloaded 41000 golf courses and auto course view updates. Important features for a Golfer.

The Fenix 5S Plus also has the ClimbPro ascent planner which provides real-time information on current and upcoming climbs. See the climb gradient, distance and elevation gain for each ascent segment as well as a progress marker that shows how much farther you have to go. This feature isn’t available on the 5S. A great advantage for mountain climbers who need a detailed analysis of progress made which can serve as a motivation.


4. Memory/Applications

The Fenix 5S Plus has a higher ROM, while it comes with 16GB onboard storage space, the 5S comes with a meager 64MB. Available storage space will be lesser than the stipulated figures which necessarily mean you might not be able to store all your favorite tracks on the Fenix 5S. With the 5S Plus you get enough storage space for your downloads and installations and off course listen to it on the go via a Bluetooth enabled earbud.
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Which is Better?

Both the Fenix 5S and 5S Plus are great choices for different reasons. The Fenix 5S is a better choice for you if you want a cheaper alternative that’s great. It’s a really outstanding smartwatch, although with a smaller ROM and lacks NFC. It’s a great choice for comprehensive fitness tracking and has a longer battery life which fitness enthusiasts will find helpful.

However, the Fenix 5S Plus is a better choice than the 5S. Although a bit more expensive, it’s a more holistic choice for activity tracking and a great bargain for professional athletes and triathlons. In addition to the NFC and massive ROM onboard makes the 5S Plus a more comprehensive choice.

Here is a summary;

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Our Pick

Although a bit more expensive, the 5S Plus is more stylish, has more features and a more comprehensive activity tracker. It gives the best value for money and is our preferred choice.