Garmin is one of the biggest names in the wearable technology business – A renowned specialist in GPS technology. Their Fenix 5X series has two versions to its name; the Fenix 5X and Fenix 5X Plus. These two are among the best GPS smartwatches on the market today. Both look similar in appearance, but there’re differences in features and price.
This is a comparison of the Garmin Fenix 5X vs 5X Plus. Head-to-head, we compare the specs and features, so you know what the differences are that set these two apart.
Garmin Fenix 5X vs 5X Plus Specs Compared
| Garmin Fenix 5X | Garmin Fenix 5X Plus | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
ABOUT DEVICE | ||
| Device name | Garmin Fenix 5X | Garmin Fenix 5X Plus |
| Device type | Fitness/GPS/Classic smartwatch | Fitness/GPS/Classic smartwatch |
| Predessesor | -- | Garmin Fenix 5X |
| Successor | Garmin Fenix 5X Plus | Garmin Fenix 6X Pro |
| Released date | April, 2017 | June, 2018 |
| Ideal for | Men | Men |
DISPLAY | ||
| Display type | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) |
| Display size | 1.2 inch | 1.2 inch |
| Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
| Pixel density | 282.8 PPI | 282.8 PPI |
| Input type | 5 buttons (Not touchscreen) | 5 buttons (Not touchscreen) |
| Always-on | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable watch face | Yes | Yes |
BODY | ||
| Shape | Circular | Circular |
| Dimension | 51 x 51 x 17.5 mm | 51 x 51 x 17.5 mm |
| Weight | 98 grams | 96 g Titanium: 87 g |
| Casing material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover |
| Strap/band material | Silicone Or steel | Silicone Leather Titanium |
| Bezel Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel or Titanium |
| Strap size | 26mm | 26mm |
| Interchangeable band | Yes, 26mm | Yes, 26mm |
| Screen protection | Domed sapphire crystal | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Water resistant/Protection | Yes, 10ATM | Yes, 10ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color(s) | Black, gray and silver | Black Silver |
MEMORY | ||
| RAM | -- | -- |
| Internal storage | 16GB | 16GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY | ||
| Bluetooth | Yes, and ANT+ | Yes, and ANT+ |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Payment system | No | No |
| GPS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo |
CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY | ||
| Technology | No | No |
| SIM | No | No |
| Band | No | No |
NOTIFICATIONS | ||
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps | Yes | Yes |
| Text response | Yes | Yes |
FITNESS TRACKING | ||
| Sleep apnea | No | No |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | No | Yes |
| Blood pressure | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | No | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Under-water heart rate tracking | No | No |
| Preloaded maps | Yes | Yes |
| On-screen workout modes | No | No |
| Triathlon mode | Yes | Yes |
| ECG Tracking | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety tracking | No | Yes |
MEDIA | ||
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Music streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes |
| Radio | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No |
| Camera | No | No |
SENSORS | ||
PLATFORM | ||
| Operating system (OS) | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Chipset | -- | -- |
| CPU | -- | -- |
| GPU | -- | -- |
BATTERY | ||
| Type of battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | -- | -- |
| Battery life | 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 |
| Charging type | USB charging cable | USB charging cable |
| Charging time | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
| Battery saver mode | Yes | Yes |
| Solar power | No | No |
| Rapid charging | No | No |
CLOCK FEATURES | ||
| Time/Date | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS | ||
| Control camera | Yes | Yes |
| Music control | Yes | Yes |
| Find phone | Yes | Yes |
MISC | ||
| Compatibility | Android and iOS Check if your device is compatible | Android and iOS Check if your device is compatible |
| Companion app | Garmin connect IQ | Garmin connect IQ |
| Voice command | No | No |
BOX CONTENTS | ||
| Garmin Fenix 5X | Garmin Fenix 5X Plus | |
| Straps | Straps | |
| USB charging cable | USB charging cable | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
| NOTE: We can't guarantee that all the information on this table are 100% correct. Read full disclaimer. Please, report an error. | ||
| Official Site | Official Site | |
Garmin Fenix 5X vs 5X Plus Features Compared
- Design
- Fitness/Activity Tracking
- Battery Life
There isn’t much difference in the appearance of these two, both look decent and elegant in their respective Garmin hallmark design for the Fenix 5 series. Its same fiber-reinforced polymer, same dome sapphire glass, and stainless bezel.
However, the 5X Plus comes in a second version that features a stronger, more durable and lighter titanium material. The 5X Plus comes in a stronger titanium bezel and strap, but this will cost you more.
Titanium is a very durable material that’s only seen on premium products like the Fenix 5X Plus. It is also very light, which is why despite the more features of the 5X Plus, it’s slightly lighter than the 5X.
While these two are some of the most outstanding choices for fitness tracking and more specifically outdoor activity tracking, the 5X Plus can track more.
There is a wrist-based pulse oximeter sensor in the 5X Plus which provides awareness on your blood oxygen saturation levels. These come handy when adjusting to higher altitudes helping you access how well your body’s oxygen levels are adjusting to the thinner air at higher altitudes.
In addition, the iconic full-color TOPO map which is present on both watches, but the Fenix 5X Plus features the full-color TOPO MAP with Trendline popularity routing to help you find and follow the best paths which aren’t present on the 5X.
There is also the ClimbPro which provides real-time information on current and upcoming climbs showing you 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 present on the 5X.
While these two have quite impressive battery life, the Fenix 5X Plus has a longer battery life than the 5X. On smartmode, while the 5X has up to 12 days of battery life, the 5X Plus has up to 20 days of battery life. With GPS active, while the 5X has just 12 hours of battery life, the 5X Plus has about 32 hours of battery life which is impressive.
This makes the 5X Plus a better choice for tracking activities that last longer.
Which is Better?
The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus has NFC, a pulse oximeter sensor, a TOPO Map with Trendline popularity and a longer battery life which clearly makes it a better choice.
However, if you on a low budget, the 5X is also a great choice. It has a moderate battery life and has all the activity tracking features present on the 5X Plus except the TOPO Map with Trendline popularity feature and pulse oximeter capabilities. It’s a fantastic GPS smartwatch no doubt and it cost almost one-third less than the 5X Plus.
The Fenix 5X Plus is more comprehensive, and no doubt the better choice.
Here is a summary;
| GARMIN FENIX 5X PLUS | A more durable and comprehensive choice, a better fitness tracker with impressive battery life. |
| GARMIN FENIX 5X | A nice low budget alternative. A great choice for activity tracking. |
Our Pick
Although more expensive, the Fenix 5X Plus is a more complete smartwatch. It’s our preferred choice.
Not one comment about the sleep tracking and if one or both track REM sleep.
Equally, both Fenix 5x and 5x plus can track all four sleep stages including REM sleep.
Not on comment on whether or not either watch is capable of tracking heart rate variability. Why not?
Both models can measure HRV, though you must use chest based HR straps for HRV data collection.
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