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Fenix 5 Plus: the ideal sports watch?
Introducing the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Series: the ideal GPS watch?
Price and availability
Trader
Price (from)
Pope
799 € 649
i-Run
799 € 529
Alltricks
699.99 € 579.99
Amazon
699 € 569
Go-Sport
650 € 529
Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.
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.
Introducing the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
We were expecting a new model (Garmin Fenix 6) but Garmin is offering this year an evolution of its Fenix 5 series, but not just any evolution: add, in its best high-end sports watch, the latest innovations from the brand: color mapping, music, contactless payment, innovative features for navigation and race management, in addition to notable technical improvements.
The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is available in 3 models (Fenix 5S Plus, Fenix 5 Plus and Fenix 5X Plus) which, unlike the Fenix 5 series, now combine the same features inherited from various models (Fenix 5X, Forerunner 645 Music, Vivoactive 3 Music, Edge 1030).
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAJM4rkBQFg (/ embed)
What's New in the Fenix 5 Plus Series
The novelties are mainly:
Color mapping of Europe (or the country where the watch was purchased, with the option to buy and download other maps)
A popular route generator (Trendline function) that offers routes from the data of thousands of Garmin users. A function already offered last year on the Garmin Edge 1030.
A navigation / guidance system on the watch or via bluetooth headphones
An integrated music player and 4 GB (of 16 GB available in the watch) to record up to 500 titles (function available on the Forerunner 645 Music and Vivoactive 3 Music)
Garmin Pay contactless payment (like the Forerunner 645 Music and Vivoactive 3 Music)
The ClimbPro function: a new route analysis tool to help cyclists and runners better manage their outings. It analyzes the altitude profile of the route live and indicates, for the current portion, the difficulty, the average slope, the slope still to climb, etc.
A larger screen for the Garmin 5S Plus despite an unchanged case size (42mm). The 3 watches therefore have the same screen size (1.2 "in 240 x 240 px).
Compatibility of the GPS chip with European Galileo satellite system (in addition to GPS and GLONASS)
The Fenix 5X Plus continues to distinguish itself from other models but with a unique new function: Pulse OX function. This tool analyzes the oxygen saturation of the blood to help athletes better manage their progress at high altitude. It aims in particular to prevent accident risks.
There are of course the functions of the Fenix 5 Series, among others:
Garmin Elevate Wrist Cardio
QuickFit tool-free interchangeable straps
Water resistance to 100 m (10 ATM)
Extensive analysis and monitoring functions for athletes, including Running Dynamics, assessment of fitness level, stress and fitness age, vocal coaching, etc.
We also find better autonomy (up to 85h in Ultra Trac mode on the 5X Plus version), technical improvements, including the antenna which has been improved, a new GPS chip compatible with the European satellite system Galileo in addition to GPS and GLONASS.
Side functionalities, they are very advanced on the Fenix 5 Plus. The manufacturer therefore incorporates all the characteristics of the Fenix 5 (in particular those of the 5X for mapping), functions which were already very complete (read our review and opinion on the Fenix 5) and adds to it new or new functions models such as the round trip generator for runners and cyclists, the recalculation of a live route when leaving the initial proposed route, the popular Trendline route generator, the ClimbPro function (see more high).
Golf enthusiasts also benefit from the 40,000 preloaded golf courses that were previously exclusive to the Fenix 5X.
Fenix 5 Plus detailed review and our opinion
3 models available
The watch is still available in 3 versions which therefore now benefit from the same functions with the exception of the Fenix 5X Plus. This inherits in addition to the Pulse Ox function.
The main differences between these 3 models are in terms of size (case, bracelet), thickness, weight, autonomy and design of the watch. We can now enjoy the mapping on all models and with the same screen size and resolution without having to opt for the bulky model.
The Fenix 5S Plus: this watch is for people with a thin wrist. The size of the case (42 mm) and that of the bracelet (20 mm) remain the same as those of the Fenix 5S but that of the screen evolves to align with the other models. So we are dealing with a 1.2 inch screen and a resolution of 240 x 240 px instead of 218 x 218 px. To succeed in this masterclass, Garmin reduced the size of the screen border. There is thus a display as comfortable as on the other models, an important point with the integration of the cards. The watch also remains the lightest of the 3 models (65 g versus 86 g and 96 g) but with a significantly lower autonomy (factor 3 between the 5S and 5X models)
The Fenix 5 Plus: it is the standard model, for all wrists with a 47 mm case and a 22 mm wide bracelet.
The Fenix 5X Plus: this model, which is suitable for larger wrists (54mm case diameter, 26mm strap width), has greater autonomy (up to 20 days in watch mode, 32 hours in GPS + music mode, 70 h in Ultra Trac mode against roughly 3 times less for the 5S Plus model and almost 2 times less for the 5 Plus model). But above all, it benefits from the famous Pulse Ox function.
The Fenix 5S Plus and Fenix 5 Plus models are available with a chemically reinforced single glass or, as an option, an ultra-resistant sapphire glass (Sapphire version). The Fenix 5X Plus model is only available with a sapphire crystal. Depending on the model, the bracelet offered is made of silicone, leather, steel or titanium.
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Series: the ideal GPS watch?
Is the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Series the ideal sports GPS watch? In view of the richness of its functionalities and in comparison to the other watches on the market, we are tempted to say yes. Difficult to do better indeed.
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
That said, we must also take into account the relatively high price of this new model. The basic model (without sapphire crystal and with a silicone strap) is available from € 529. The excellence of the watch is well worth it, but you still have to have the means to take the plunge and make sure that the new functions offered will be very useful for the sport practiced.
Side autonomy, even if it is more than correct (especially on the Fenix 5X Plus), it is however not up to other similar watches like the very recent Suunto 9. It will certainly suit most athletes, but not those who run ultra long races (ultra trail, etc.). In addition, even if it can be charged without stopping the recording, the charging cable always plugs vertically into the back of the case. It is therefore impossible to recharge it without removing the watch from the wrist. Pity.
For those who have the means, there is no hesitation between this series and the previous one. We benefit from topographic maps, very powerful functions (route generator, ClimPro, etc.), significant technical improvements and fixes, a wireless music player and a means of payment.
Fenix 5 Plus detailed review and our opinion
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. For 100 to 150 € more, you can acquire a version with sapphire crystal (more robust) and / or leather or titanium bracelet. 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. The bracelets can also be purchased separately for € 49.99 (silicone), € 79.99 (leather), € 199.99 (steel) and € 229.99 (titanium).
The Fenix 5 Plus Series is already available in specialized stores (links below).
Buy 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
Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.
Buy a QuickFit bracelet for the Fenix 5 Plus
Trader
Price (from)
Pope
20 € -5% (* 1)
(* 1) -5% reduction on the Quickfit bracelet with the promo code 5A15 !
Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.
Philippe Baudoin
Reproduction prohibited – Copyright © Sport Passion
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Photo credit: Garmin.com. This article contains commercial links
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