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Garmin Fenix 5S vs 5S Plus – What’s the Difference?

garmin fenix 5s vs 5s plus compared
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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 5SGarmin Fenix 5S Plus
garmin fenix 5sgarmin fenix 5s plus specs

ABOUT DEVICE

Device nameGarmin Fenix 5SGarmin Fenix 5S Plus
Device typeFitness/GPS/Classic smartwatchFitness/GPS/Classic smartwatch
Predessesor--Garmin Fenix 5S
SuccessorGarmin Fenix 5S PlusGarmin Fenix 6S Pro
Released dateApril, 2017June, 2018
Ideal forUnisexWomen

DISPLAY

Display typeTransflective memory-in-display (MIP)Transflective memory-in-display (MIP)
Display size1.1 inch1.2 inch
Display resolution218 x 218 pixels240 x 240 pixels
Pixel density--282.8 PPI
Input type5 buttons (Not touchscreen)5 buttons (Not touchscreen)
Always-onYesYes
Customizable watch faceYesYes

BODY

ShapeCircularCircular
Dimension42 x 42 x 15 mm42 x 42 x 15.4 mm
Weight67 grams65 grams
Casing materialFiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear coverFiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover
Strap/band materialSilicone
Or steel
Silicone
Suede
Steel
Bezel MaterialStainless steelStainless steel
Strap size20 mm20 mm
Interchangeable band Yes, 20mmYes, 20mm
Screen protectionChemically strengthened glass or Sapphire crystalDomed chemically strengthened glass
Or sapphire crystal
Water resistant/ProtectionYes, 10ATMYes, 10ATM
Swim-proofYes, recommendedYes, recommended
Color(s)Black
White
Rose-gold
Black
White
Rose-gold

MEMORY

RAM----
Internal storage64MB16GB
Memory card slotNoNo

CONNECTIVITY

BluetoothYes, and ANT+Yes, and ANT+
Bluetooth callingNoNo
Wi-FiYesYes
NFCNoYes
Payment systemNoGarmin pay
GPSGPS/GLONASS/GalileoGPS/GLONASS/Galileo

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

TechnologyNoNo
SIMNoNo
BandNoNo

NOTIFICATIONS

Email alertYesYes
SMS alertYesYes
Calls alertYesYes
Event reminderYesYes
WeatherYesYes
Third-party appsYesYes
Text responseYesYes

FITNESS TRACKING

Sleep apneaNoNo
Sleep trackingYesYes
StepsYesYes
Floors climbedYesYes
Heart rate monitoringYesYes
CaloriesYesYes
DistanceYesYes
StressYesYes
VO2 Max.YesYes
Blood oxygenNoNo
Blood pressureNoNo
Menstrual cycle trackingNoYes
Swim trackingYesYes
Under-water heart rate trackingNoNo
Preloaded mapsNoYes
On-screen workout modesNoNo
Triathlon modeYesYes
ECG TrackingNoNo
Preloaded sport modesYesYes
Safety trackingNoYes

MEDIA

AudioNomp3/mp4
Music streamingNoYes
Bluetooth musicNoYes
RadioNoNo
LoudspeakerNoNo
MicrophoneNoNo
CameraNoNo

SENSORS

PLATFORM

Operating system (OS)Proprietary OSProprietary OS
Chipset----
CPU----
GPU----

BATTERY

Type of batteryNon-removable Li-ion batteryNon-removable Li-ion battery
Battery capacity ----
Battery lifeSmartwatch 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 typeUSB charging cableUSB charging cable
Charging timeAbout 1-2 hoursAbout 1-2 hours
Battery saver modeYesYes
Solar powerNoNo
Rapid chargingNoNo

CLOCK FEATURES

Time/DateYesYes
StopwatchYesYes
AlarmYesYes

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Control cameraYesYes
Music controlYesYes
Find phoneYesYes

MISC

Compatibility Android and iOS
Check if your device is compatible
Android and iOS
Check if your device is compatible
Companion appGarmin connect IQGarmin connect IQ
Voice commandNoNo

BOX CONTENTS

Garmin Fenix 5SGarmin Fenix 5S Plus
StrapsStraps
USB charging cableUSB charging cable
Quick start guideQuick 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 SiteOfficial Site

Garmin Fenix 5S vs 5S Plus Features Compared

What is the Difference?
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

  2. 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.

  3. Battery Life

  4. 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.

  5. Activity Tracking

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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.

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