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
| Garmin Fenix 5S | Garmin Fenix 5S Plus | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
ABOUT DEVICE | ||
| Device name | Garmin Fenix 5S | Garmin Fenix 5S Plus |
| Device type | Fitness/GPS/Classic smartwatch | Fitness/GPS/Classic smartwatch |
| Predessesor | -- | Garmin Fenix 5S |
| Successor | Garmin Fenix 5S Plus | Garmin Fenix 6S Pro |
| Released date | April, 2017 | June, 2018 |
| Ideal for | Unisex | Women |
DISPLAY | ||
| Display type | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) | Transflective memory-in-display (MIP) |
| Display size | 1.1 inch | 1.2 inch |
| Display resolution | 218 x 218 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
| Pixel density | -- | 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 | 42 x 42 x 15 mm | 42 x 42 x 15.4 mm |
| Weight | 67 grams | 65 grams |
| Casing material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover |
| Strap/band material | Silicone Or steel | Silicone Suede Steel |
| Bezel Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Strap size | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Interchangeable band | Yes, 20mm | Yes, 20mm |
| Screen protection | Chemically strengthened glass or Sapphire crystal | Domed chemically strengthened glass Or sapphire crystal |
| Water resistant/Protection | Yes, 10ATM | Yes, 10ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color(s) | Black White Rose-gold | Black White Rose-gold |
MEMORY | ||
| RAM | -- | -- |
| Internal storage | 64MB | 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 | Garmin pay |
| 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 | No |
| Blood pressure | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | No | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Under-water heart rate tracking | No | No |
| Preloaded maps | No | 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 | No | mp3/mp4 |
| Music streaming | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | No | 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 9 days GPS/HR mode: Up to 14 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 35 hours without wrist heart rate | Smartwatch: Up to 7 days GPS: Up to 11 hours GPS and Music: Up to 4.5 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 25 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 5S | Garmin Fenix 5S 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 5S vs 5S Plus Features Compared
- Design
- Battery Life
- Activity Tracking
- Memory/Applications
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.
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.
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.
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.
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;
| GARMIN FENIX 5S PLUS | A more comprehensive activity tracker with more features. Best choice for fitness tracking, gives the best value for money. |
| GARMIN FENIX 5S | An outstanding cheaper alternative, a great choice for fitness tracking with longer battery life. |
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.
Hi! I’m Jude, the chief editor at Smartwatchseries.com
I’m a graduate of biochemistry, a 3D artist and a passionate fitness enthusiast. On here, I and other smartwatch fans work hard to help you find the right smartwatch for you with our guides, reviews, and comparisons.
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No mention of maps?! I understand this to be quite a relevant difference.
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