Fenix ​​5 Plus review: the cream of sports GPS watches

  • Fenix ​​5 Plus features

  • Introducing the Garmin Fenix ​​5 Plus

  • Fenix ​​5 Plus new features reviewed in detail

  • Detailed review of the 3 Fenix ​​5 Plus models: which one to choose?

  • Fenix ​​5 versus Fenix ​​5 Plus comparison

  • Our opinion on the Garmin Fenix ​​5S, 5, 5X Plus: should we go for the purchase?

  • Price and availability

Information August 2019: Garmin announces the release of Fenix ​​6. Read our detailed review and our opinion and benefit from a 5% reduction with Sport Passion.

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Fenix ​​5 Plus features

Weight5S Plus model: 65 gModel 5 Plus: 76(1) or 86 g5X Plus model: 87 (1) or 96 g

Music player / bluetoothYes

(1) titanium version

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAJM4rkBQFg (/ embed)

Introducing the Garmin Fenix ​​5 Plus

After the Fenix ​​4 which was never released in the end, then the release in 2017 of the Fenix ​​5, a high-end and very complete watch, Garmin surprises us once again this year when we were expecting a Fenix ​​6 , it's here Fenix ​​5 Plus (and its Fenix ​​5S Plus, Fenix ​​5X Plus versions) which is born.

This new smartwatch is not really a new model but an important evolution of the Fenix ​​5, hence the "Plus" rather than a version 6. Aside from the oximeter offered exclusively on the Fenix ​​5X Plus, the 3 models are identical in terms of functionality. They are only differentiated by the size of the case and the bracelets, the autonomy, the weight and a few options (sapphire crystal, type of bracelet).

In short, the American brand brings together, in its high-end model, the best of its latest innovations: music, payment, cartography, while bringing some technical improvements and new functions (TrendLine, ClimbPro) that really make the difference and will prove to be very useful for all athletes, whether amateur or professional, in particular cyclists, hikers or runners walk. The on-board cartography really makes a big difference with the previous series.

To be honest, hard to beat. The Fenix ​​5 Plus thus becomes the most complete sports watch currently available on the market. A full Review nevertheless shows some improvements that would be welcome on a high-end watch of this price.

blue multi-screen lagoon watch

Basic features

The Fenix ​​5 Plus series therefore incorporates all the characteristics of the Fenix ​​5. We thus find all the useful sensors (barometric altimeter, barometer, compass, gyroscope, thermometer, accelerometer, wrist heart rate monitoring, GPS & GLONASS), multisport functions , intelligent connectivity and very advanced functions for navigation (geolocation, tracking of programmed routes, monitoring of other athletes, trackback, etc.) and training (running dynamics, physiological measurements and performance tests, interval training) , segments, Virtual Partner to measure yourself or others, objectives and training status, etc.).

It is a true "multisport" in the sense that it records activities that are linked and displays the data for each sport during the race without having to stop recording between activities. It is therefore suitable for triathlon, swimrun, etc.

The very advanced functions of the Fenix ​​5 make it possible to obtain a large amount of information on its state of form (physical condition Review, age of physical form, VO2max, lactic threshold, recovery time, FTP, race time forecast , training load, etc.). It offers smart health connected functions (Smartphone / SMS / social media notifications, control of objects such as the VIRB camera).

The watch is robust and beautiful both in terms of design and materials: steel or titanium bezel, silicone, leather, metal or titanium strap to adapt to activity and outfit (casual, city, sport) .

Fenix ​​5 detailed review and our opinion

Overview of what's new in the Fenix ​​5 Plus

Garmin first wanted to integrate, in its best outdoor GPS watch, the latest innovations recently proposed in the Forerunner 645 Music and Vivoactive 3 Music, a music player and contactless payment Garmin Pay. This seemed logical.

On the other hand, the manufacturer harmonizes the 3 models (5S, 5, 5X), in particular by generalizing the color mapping, already present on the Fenix ​​5X, and the powerful navigation functions that go with it.

It also adds several new features or those already offered on other devices, technical improvements and a change in display size for the 5S Plus model.

The main new features, which we detail below, are as follows:

  • Garmin 5S Wider Screen (same size for models now) but still with a small case size (42mm) for thin wrists.

  • Color topographic maps integrated (including cycle paths) with navigation and guidance on the watch or by the earpieces.

  • Built-in music player

  • Pulse oximeter and Pulse function (5X Plus version only)

  • Compatibility with the European Galileo satellite system (in addition to GPS and GLONASS)

  • Contactless payment Garmin Pay

  • ClimbPro function (analysis of the altimetric profile of the route)

  • Trendline function (popular route generator)

  • Live route recalculation in the event of a change of course

  • 40,000 golf courses now pre-loaded on the 3 models of the series

  • WiFi connectivity on all watches

The autonomy of this new model has been much improved on the Fenix ​​5X Plus but we lost on the other 2 watches, probably because of the size of the screen which made it nibble on the size of the battery and / or overconsumption linked to the integration of maps and navigation software.

Garmin has also made technical improvements, particularly in terms of the antenna, thus correcting a connection problem reported on certain Fenix ​​5 watches.

Fenix ​​5 Plus new features reviewed in detail

For the many functions already available on the Fenix ​​5, see our detailed review of the Fenix ​​5 and our opinion

A more comfortable display for the Fenix ​​5S Plus

The difficulty for Garmin was to integrate the mapping into the 5S model, a small watch intended for people with thin wrists. It was indeed necessary to cram a larger memory (we go from 64 MB to 16 GB to embed the cards, golf course and keep 4 GB of storage for music!) And align the screen size to that of the 2 other models to obtain a more comfortable display of maps, all without changing the size of the case (main interest of the model).

Garmin has succeeded in this bet by nibbling the edge of the screen and adding 1 mm of thickness to the case but also, apparently, by pulling a little on the size of the battery (from where a less autonomy, ditto for the Fenix 5S Plus). The Fenix ​​5S Plus thus has a 1.2 "screen in 240 x 240 px (instead of 1.1" in 218 x 218 px) like the other 2 models, for an unchanged case size (42 mm) and a weight that is even slightly smaller than the Fenix ​​5S (2 g less, difficult to estimate by testing the watch on the wrist).

Color mapping: topographic maps, city maps, cycle paths

watch showing city map

This is not really new since this function was already available on the Fenix ​​5X. Garmin extends it to the other 2 models with all the navigation functions using the maps. As we mentioned above, the feat was to be able to do it in watches of smaller sizes!

The 3 watches are therefore pre-loaded with the topographic maps of the country or continent of purchase. Thus, for a purchase in France, the watch will contain maps of Europe: topographic maps for hiking, road maps and cycle paths, city maps. You can also acquire and load maps from other countries, whether in Africa, Asia, Australia / Oceania, the Middle East or the United States of America. Garmin offers them on its site at prices ranging from € 49 to € 359 depending on the type of card, the area, the scale. There are thus maps at 1 / 25,000, maps for hiking, nautical charts, etc. Some sites also offer free maps downloadable on Fenix ​​5. According to tests carried out by Internet users, the compatibility is good and the maps relatively well detailed.

Navigation

The watch allows you to navigate anywhere, without connectivity, either from a route recorded or offered by the watch or from maps.

The Fenix ​​5 already made it possible to follow a pre-recorded route, to be directed to waypoints, to return to the starting point by following the recorded route in reverse or as the crow flies or even to reach a point observed from a distance. With the Fenix ​​5 Plus series, it is possible to follow a route proposed by the watch (see below, generator of return or popular routes) or to reach nearby points of interest (beautiful site, hotel, restaurant , gas station, etc.). A "around me" function allows you to display nearby points of interest and be guided there.

The watch gives arrow directions and voice indications that can be heard with bluetooth headsets (not supplied). It can also display the altitude profile and indications of distance, elevation, time or distance remaining to be covered. You can zoom the map, follow other athletes with the GroupTrack function and more.

You can for example easily reach a given point, retrace your steps, follow a route proposed by the watch or even find a hotel with a visualization of your position and points of interest on the color map. A really great tool for hiking, trail running but also mountain biking, cycling, running or off-piste skiing.

Built-in mp3 music player and 500 song storage space

Like Apple, Fitbit and Tom Tom, Garmin has recently offered (January 2018) watches incorporating an mp3 player to listen to music with your watch without having to carry a Smartphone. The function was first proposed on the Forerunner 645 Music (a high-end watch for runners) and then on the Vivoactive 3 Music (a multisport sports smart health connected watch aimed at all profiles, sportsmen or not). We can expect to find it on the next new models of the brand.

The watch has 4 GB of reserved memory to store up to approximately 500 musical titles. To listen to music, all you need is a bluetooth headset or earphones. You can also connect the smartwatch to external speakers (if you want to listen to music in the shower for example!).

Music can be downloaded from a PC, a USB cable and the free Garmin Express application or, via Wi-Fi, directly from a music platform like Deezer (function soon available to Deezer subscribers Premium +). The watch supports various formats (MP3, AAC, WAV for example). Please note, it is not possible to transfer songs purchased on a streaming service other than those having signed an agreement with Garmin (this is not possible with Spotify for example).

Pulse oximeter and Pulse Ox function: to help athletes at high altitude or diving

oximeter graph

The Fenix ​​5X Plus is equipped with a pulse oximeter or saturometer and a function exploiting this value (pulse Ox). The oximeter measures the level of blood oxygen. It gives an indication of the body's acclimatization, allowing the athlete to adapt his effort accordingly. Its purpose is to support it in its progression at high altitude or during diving trips and thus help prevent the risk of accidents.

The watch displays for this a percentage of oxygen and a graph representing the average of the readings for the last 24 hours based on the altitude curve. The sportsman must take care of the evolution of his blood oxygen level, in particular so that it is always at least at a certain value. In theory, below 95%, the lack of oxygen (hypoxia) must be taken into account.

The Review is done with a sensor emitting red light and infrared light, as in medical oximeters. Hemoglobin captures oxygen from the lungs and then redistributes it, thereby discharging its oxygen along its route. The measurement made at the extremities (hands) makes it possible to check whether the oxygen level is sufficient. The more oxygen hemoglobin is loaded, the more it absorbs infrared light. The poorer it is in oxygen, the more it absorbs red and lets infrared light pass. The watch exploits this property.

Note that the measurement is delicate. To be done in good conditions, the athlete must be inactive or seated during the measurement and the sensor in perfect condition. The incorrect positioning of the sensor, a scratched sensor, movements or certain pathologies (hypotension, arterial rhythm disturbance, anemia) can falsify the measurements.

Compatibility with the European Galileo satellite system

In addition to GPS and GLONASS (American and Russian satellite systems), the GPS chip is now compatible with the European satellite system Galileo for greater coverage in disadvantaged areas but also for even faster capture of the GPS system, in theory.

Garmin Pay contactless payment: for small purchases

This function already integrated on other Garmin watches (Vivoactive 3, Forerunner 645 Music) allows you to pay for small purchases thanks to an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip integrated into the watch and which the Android Wear OS knows how to control today. . It is this same system that is used in most bank cards and smartphones. Convenient to buy a drink or a meal when you exercise and you do not have enough to carry a bank card, a Smartphone or a wallet. Apple offers the same system in its Apple Watch Serie 4.

Garmin Pay is available in participating stores and provided you have a bank card from a participating bank. The use is therefore still quite limited in France since very few banks have to date signed an agreement with Garmin, less than a dozen today and only for the Mastercard (see the list). But this should evolve over time.

To activate this function, simply configure a Garmin Pay wallet and define a bank card to obtain a unique identifier which will then be programmed into the watch. Payment is made by activating the function on the watch with a secret code and approaching it from the card reader. The function remains active for 24 hours and deactivates if the watch is removed from the wrist or if the optical sensor is deactivated.

Analysis of the altimetric profile of the route (ClimbPro function)

color difference curve

This function is intended for experienced runners and cyclists who train in mountainous or hilly regions. The idea is to give them an additional tool to better manage their outing, in this case to analyze the route and adapt the effort accordingly. The watch analyzes the altimetric profile of the route and detects all the sections where the road climbs. It allows you to know how far the next climb is and its difficulty. Once there, it indicates the average slope, the distance and the slope still to climb. The sportsman can thus manage his effort accordingly (read also our article how to prepare the ascent by bike of a difficult pass). A function to Review absolutely to optimize your climbs!

Popular route generator (Trendline function)

This novelty is not one for Garmin. The function is already offered recently on its latest high-end GPS for bikes (Edge 1030 especially). Garmin uses data from billions of kilometers traveled by users since the creation of the Garmin Connect online community to indicate the best on and off-road routes.

From a distance to cover and a direction (optional), the watch searches for the best roads and tracks, that is to say those which are the most frequented by runners and cyclists in the area where you you locate, and offers 3 courses. It is also possible to generate other routes based on existing routes (for example taking a route and proposing a variant).

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBM6uktYZ2g (/ embed)

40,000 golf courses

Like the Fenix ​​5X, the Fenix ​​5 Plus series has more than 40,000 preloaded golf courses. With the Fenix ​​5S and 5, you had to load a given course before going to play. This is no longer necessary since everything is already included in the 16 GB of memory of the 3 models!

There are of course the golfer's help functions: information on the hole (location, distance to the start and bottom of the green), display of obstacles, measurement of distance traveled, distances to layups and doglegs, scores , TruSwing function, odometer, etc.

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Live route recalculation

In the same way as for car GPS, the watch is able to recalculate and propose a new route live in the event that the user leaves the route initially planned. It is possible to deactivate this option.

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smart health connected functions

The Fenix ​​5 (and the brand's new models) already offered advanced functions such as GroupTrack to follow a group of athletes from their watch or LiveTrack to allow fans to follow an athlete from the Internet or a Smartphone. The watch displays call and text notifications. The Sapphire models offer Wi-Fi.

The new Fenix ​​5 Plus goes further. It allows for example to control the Smartphone to refuse an incoming call and send a predefined SMS. Wi-Fi is generalized to all models (Sapphire or not). The watch also provides access to the weather.

Other improvements

Garmin has reviewed and improved the watch antenna and the associated chipset following problems with bluetooth reception (headsets or earphones) reported by users on the Fenix ​​5.

New bracelet colors are also emerging: lagoon blue, water green, bright orange

Detailed review of the 3 Fenix ​​5 Plus models: which one to choose?

As for the Fenix ​​5, the smartwatch is available in 3 versions which therefore now benefit from the same functions with the exception of the Fenix ​​5X Plus and its oximeter. The main differences lie in size (case, bracelet), thickness, weight, autonomy and design.

The big advantage of this new series is to offer the same functionality on the 3 models, in particular cartography and its associated functions. There is therefore no longer any need to bother with the bulky 5X model to benefit from topographic maps. People with fine wrists can now access all the functions while enjoying the same comfort (identical screen size and resolution) for a lighter watch adapted to their morphology. The only drawback remains the autonomy which is much lower on this model. The ideal would be to be able to Review the watch under real conditions, according to its habits, to ensure that it will be suitable for the use that one wants to make of it.

To choose the right model, you will have to make a compromise between the size of the case, the weight and the autonomy. Refer to the summary table below for an overview.

  • Fenix ​​5S Plus: a small, light (65 g) and elegant watch (42 mm in diameter, 20 mm wide strap), ideal for people with thin wrists, especially for everyday use (smart health watch), in town or at work. This avoids having to wear an unattractive juggernaut that you will easily notice on a small wrist. The disadvantage of this model is its low autonomy, especially if you listen to music (4.5 h max!) But this will not be a problem on small routes.

  • Fenix ​​5 Plus: this is the standard model that will suit most athletes. It is a good compromise between the 2 models because it offers a decent size for an ordinary wrist (47 mm case, thickness almost identical to the 5S model) and an autonomy that will satisfy the majority of users (up to 18 h in mode GPS, 8h in GPS mode with music and 42h in UltraTrac mode). It is however a little heavier (21 grams more than the 5S Plus) unless we opt for the titanium model (bezel + bracelet) which saves 10 grams but which is significantly more expensive (€ 300 more !).

  • Fenix ​​5X Plus: it is the premium model with ultra-resistant sapphire crystal included and the famous oximeter. It is larger than the other 2 models and still a little heavier (51 mm in case diameter, 26 mm in strap width and 96 g). It is therefore ideal for wide wrists. Note that its case has gained 1 mm in diameter compared to the Fenix ​​5X. It differs from other models by its great autonomy (up to 13 hrs in GPS + music mode and 70 hrs in UltraTrac mode) and its oximeter which will be of particular interest to mountaineers and snorkelers. This is an undeniable asset if we want to minimize the risks associated with high altitude sports or snorkeling. It is also the model to choose if you run long distances (ultra-deep, ultra-trail, etc.).

(1) titanium version

Fenix ​​5 versus Fenix ​​5 Plus comparison

The Fenix ​​5 Plus series brings all the functions described above in addition to all the functions already offered by the Fenix ​​5. We will soon be offering a comparison between the 2 series. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to be notified beforehand.

The Fenix ​​5 series continues to be marketed. Its main interest is of course the falling price. It will be perfect for people who are not interested in the music player and GarminPay. For topographic maps, it is always possible to acquire the Fenix ​​5X, cheaper by at least € 250 but with the disadvantage of being bulky.

Our opinion on the Garmin Fenix ​​5S, 5, 5X Plus: should we go for the purchase?

Our opinion

To be honest, we were blown away by this new model and its capabilities. If it were not just a question of budget, there would really be nothing to hesitate and take the step. We are dealing here with the most complete watch, or almost, on the market to date!

Cardio watch reviews and comparison

A selection of 25 sports watches at the best price

The heart rate monitoring has become an essential tool for athletes, whether to train, lose weight or simply maintain their shape. But today's watches offer more than just a pulse. Depending on the sport practiced, they have an impressive number of additional functions allowing you to make the most of your outing. How to find your way around?

See the comparison

Garmin does not offer a new watch version but an important evolution of its Fenix ​​5, an already ultra-complete watch. It was logical, and we expected it, that the recent innovations (music and payment in particular) already proposed on other Garmin models (Forerunner 645 Music, Vivoactive 3 Music) are also integrated in the high-end models of the mark . Garmin did it for other functions (Group Live Track for example).

In terms of functionality, little new in fact since the functions are available on other watches or GPS but here we have an unequaled wealth of functions all grouped together in the same watch.

We particularly appreciate the cartography and the associated functions which are no longer the prerogative of people with a wide wrist. The Fenix ​​5X was indeed bulky and therefore unattractive for most athletes. With the Fenix ​​5S Plus and Fenix ​​5 Plus models, these functions finally become accessible to everyone. For hikers and mountain bikers, it is really useful to find an itinerary, follow a route in complete peace, organize a meeting point or find a monument, an inn or any other center of interest. That alone is worth the detour and makes the difference with the Fenix ​​5.

The new and highly relevant functions such as the popular route generator of the Edge 1030 and the ClimbPro function are also a real advantage for cyclists, mountain bikers and runners.

For mountain enthusiasts, the Pulse Ox function is a plus for managing acclimatization at high altitudes and minimizing health risks. However, you will have to pay a lot more for a function that is rarely used, whereas a simple portable oximeter may do the trick for testing blood oxygen levels.

Selection of 3 beautiful Fenix ​​5 Plus watches

The music player and contactless payment for small purchases (drinks, meals) allow you to play light sports without having to bother with a Smartphone. It is also an asset. Even if they are not of interest to everyone, these functions are still available when needed, which can be useful.

For athletes who do not need maps, GPS navigation, who do not listen to music or are happy with their current solution (Smartphone or mp3 player) and who do not see interest in having additional functions, so this watch has no particular interest. The few technical improvements are not worth the extra price.

We also lose autonomy (GPS and UltraTrac mode in particular) on the 5S Plus and 5 Plus models compared to the previous series, probably, as we explained above, due to the savings in surface area imposed by the new size. screen of the 5S Plus and the increased consumption linked to the exploitation of maps and navigation. If you have the possibility, have a friend lend the watch to you and Review it under real racing conditions that match your habits to find out if the autonomy is sufficient for you. The use of navigation, the route generator, the viewing of maps can play surprises.

Should we wait for the next model? A Fenix ​​6?

Garmin will probably announce in 2019 a new version of its high-end outdoor watch. We do not yet know what it will be but probably a Fenix ​​6. Given the announcement of the Fenix ​​5 Plus in June 2018 and the major changes offered, it is unlikely that the announcement of a new model will be made at CES of January 2019 but rather next summer or even at CES 2020.

One can imagine that it will include everything that the Fenix ​​5 Plus series already contains but it is not certain. What new features to expect when you already see all that the Fenix ​​5 Plus offers? Perhaps 4G telephony / reception like on the Apple Watch Series 3 or the most recent Apple Watch Series 4? Far from being a gadget on this type of watch, a 4G chip would allow access to popular routes without the need to carry a Smartphone. Ditto for the GroupTrack and LiveTrack functions which allow you to track other athletes on the map or to be tracked remotely. We could also listen to music streaming (radio or other) in addition to on-board music.

Probably also, we hope, Garmin will offer a touch screen and better resolution, but probably also a larger screen, at least for the larger models. We can also imagine some technical improvements (better reliability of the optical sensor, which is very energy efficient but imprecise, better GPS precision, increased range to align with that of the Suunto 9?). The future will tell. In the meantime, we will have to wait a bit before knowing it.

If you are looking for a complete watch with maps for your summer vacation, whether it is to prepare for and hike, mountaineering, run or walk off the beaten track, or take bike or mountain bike trips to sites that you don't know well, it's time to take the step!

We liked

  • Wealth of features (training, monitoring, physiological measurements …)

  • Integrated color mapping on each model and navigation (huge added value)

  • Built-in mp3 player

  • TrendLine and ClimbPro functions

  • Contactless payment

  • Number of sensors

We'd have liked

  • Connector for recharging the watch without removing it from the wrist, in the absence of better autonomy

  • Garmin Pay still barely usable (dozen banks)

  • Touch screen, especially with topos cards

  • Better optical cardio accuracy (poor)

Price and availability

The Fenix ​​5 Plus series is available from € 529 for Fenix ​​5S Plus and Fenix ​​5 Plus and € 649 for the Fenix ​​5X Plus. It is sold with a simple curved glass or, for 100 to 150 € more, with a sapphire glass (anti-scratch). For a chic but lighter watch, you can opt for a titanium strap rather than a steel one. Each watch is supplied with a silicone, leather or titanium strap (depending on the model) with an additional silicone strap for the 5X Plus models. Les bracelets peuvent également être achetés séparément au prix de 49,99 € (silicone), 79,99 € (cuir), 199,99 € (acier) et 229,99 € (titane).

La Fenix 5 Plus Series est disponible dans les boutiques spécialisées et sur Internet. Discover it with our partners and take advantage of our coupons.

Acheter la Fenix 5 Plus

Trader

Price (from)

Pope

799 € 649

i-Run

799 € 529

Alltricks

699.99 € 579.99

Amazon

699 € 569

Go-Sport

650 € 529

Acheter la Fenix 5

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Price (from)

i-Run

599 € 499

Amazon

599 407 €

Acheter un bracelet QuickFit pour la Fenix 5 Plus

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Price (from)

Pope

20 € -5% (*1)

(*1) Réduction de -5% sur la braceletQuickfit avec le code promo 5A15 !

Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.

Philippe Baudoin

Reproduction prohibited – Copyright © Sport Passion

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Crédit photos : Garmin.com. This article contains commercial links