Fenix 5 Plus review : one of the best sports GPS watches

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Fenix 5 Plus features

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Presentation of the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

After the Fenix 4 which finally never came out, then the 2017 release of the Fenix 5, a high-end and very complete watch, Garmin surprises us once again this year whereas we expected a Fenix 6, it is the Fenix 5 Plus (and its versions Fenix 5S Plus, Fenix 5X Plus) which sees the light of day.

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. The 3 models are identical in terms of functionality, except for the oximeter offered exclusively on the Fenix 5X Plus. They differ only by the size of the case and wrist bands, the autonomy, the weight and some options (sapphire crystal, type of bracelet).

In short, the American brand brings together, in its top-of-the-range model, the best of its latest innovations: music, payment, topography maps, while bringing some technical improvements and new functions (TrendLine, ClimPro) that really make the difference and will prove to be very useful for all athletes, whether they are amateurs or professionals, especially cyclists, hikers or runners. The onboard mapping really makes a big difference with the previous series.

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

Basic characteristics

The Fenix 5 Plus series therefore has all the features of the Fenix 5. We thus find all the useful sensors (barometric altimeter, barometer, compass, gyroscope, thermometer, accelerometer, cardio-frequency meter on the wrist, GPS & GLONASS), multi-sport functions, intelligent connectivity and advanced functions for navigation (geolocation, programmed course tracking, tracking other athletes, trackback, etc) and training (running dynamics, physiological measurements and performance tests, split training, segments, Virtual Partner to measure your performance against yourself or others, training objectives and status, etc).

It is a true "multi-sport" in the sense that it records activities in sequence and displays 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 number of physiological information (fitness test, fitness age, VO2max, lactic threshold, recovery time, FTP, race time forecast, training load, etc.). It offers connected functions (Smartphone/SMS/social network notifications, object control like VIRB camera).

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

Overview of the Fenix 5 Plus's new features

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

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

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

The main innovations, which we detail below, are the following:

• Garmin 5S screen Wider (same size for models now) but still with a small case size (42 mm) for thin wrists.
• Integrated color topographic maps (including bike paths) with navigation and guidance on the watch or by earpieces.
• Integrated music player
• Pulse oximeter and Pulse function (5X Plus version only)
• Compatibility with the European satellite system Galileo (in addition to GPS and GLONASS)
• Contactless payment Garmin Pay
• Function ClimbPro (analysis of the altimetric profile of the course)
• Trendline function (popular route generator)
• Recalculation of live route in case of change of route
• 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 greatly improved on the Fenix 5X Plus but has been lost on the other 2 watches, probably because of the screen clutter that has caused the battery size and/or overconsumption related to the integration of maps and navigation software.

Garmin has also made technical improvements, in particular to the antenna, thus correcting a connection problem reported on some Fenix 5 watches.

The new features of the Fenix 5 Plus reviewed in details

For the many features already available on the Fenix 5, see our detailed review of the Fenix 5 and our review

A more comfortable display for the Fenix 5S Plus

The difficulty for Garmin was to integrate mapping into the 5S model, a small watch designed for people with thin wrists. They had to fit a larger memory (from 64 MB to 16 GB to store the maps, golf courses and keep 4 GB of storage for the music!) and align the screen size to that of the other 2 models to get a more comfortable display of the cards, all without changing the size of the case (main interest of the model).

Garmin 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 (hence a lesser autonomy, idem for the Fenix 5S Plus). The Fenix 5S Plus thus benefits from a screen of 1.2" 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).

Colour mapping: topographic maps, city maps, cycle paths

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 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 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 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 map, the superfie, the scale. There are maps to 1/25.000, maps for hiking, marine maps, etc.. Some sites also offer free downloadable maps on the Fenix 5. According to the tests carried out, the compatibility would be good and the maps relatively well detailed.

Navigation

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

The Fenix 5 already made it possible to follow a pre-recorded route, to be directed towards waypoints, to return to the starting point by following the recorded route backwards or as the crow flies or 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, return or popular route generator) or to reach nearby points of interest (beautiful site, hotel, restaurant, petrol station, etc.). A "around me" function allows you to display and be guided to nearby points of interest.

The watch gives arrowed and voice directions that can be heard with Bluetooth headsets (not provided). It can also display the altitude profile and indications of distance, altitude difference, time or distance remaining to travel. You can zoom the map, follow other athletes with GroupTrack and more.

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

A built-in mp3 music player and 500 song storage space

Like Apple, Fitbit and Tom Tom, Garmin has recently (January 2018) introduced watches with an integrated mp3 player for listening 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 multi-sport connected watch for all profiles, sports 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 500 music tracks. All you need to listen to music is a headset or Bluetooth headset. You can also connect the smartwatch to external speakers (if you want to listen to music in the shower for example!).

The 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 (available soon to Deezer Premium+ subscribers). The watch supports various formats (MP3, AAC, WAV for example). Attention, it is not possible to transfer tracks 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 while diving

The Fenix 5X Plus is equipped with a pulse oximeter or saturometer and a pulse ox function. The oximeter measures blood oxygen levels. It gives an indication of the body's acclimatization, allowing the athlete to adapt his effort accordingly. Its goal is to accompany them in their progression in high altitude or during diving trips and thus help to prevent the risks of accidents.

For this purpose, the watch displays a percentage of oxygen and a graph representing the average of the readings for the last 24 hours traced on the altitude curve. The athlete must keep an eye on his/her blood oxygen level, in particular 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 test is performed using a sensor emitting red light and infrared light, as in medical oximeters. Hemoglobin captures oxygen in the lungs and then redistributes it, thus discharging its oxygen along its path. The measurement at the extremities (hands) is used to check whether the oxygen level is sufficient. The more oxygen the hemoglobin contains, the more it absorbs infrared light. The lower the oxygen content, the more red it absorbs and lets infrared light through. 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. Incorrect positioning of the sensor, a scratched sensor, movements or certain pathologies (low blood pressure, heart rhythm disorder, anaemia) can distort measurements.

Compatibility with the European satellite system Galileo

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

GarminPay contactless payment: for small purchases

This function, already integrated on other Garmin watches (Vivoactive 3, Forerunner 645 Music), makes it possible to pay for small purchases thanks to an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip integrated into the watch and which the Android Wear OS can now control. This same system is used in most bank cards and smartphones. Convenient for buying a drink or a meal when you are playing sports and you don't have enough money to carry a credit card, a smartphone or a wallet. Apple offers the same system in its Apple Watch Serie 3.

Garmin Pay is available at participating stores and provided you have a credit card from a participating bank. The use is thus still rather limited in France since very few banks have so far signed an agreement with Garmin, less than ten today and only for the Mastercard ( see the list). But this should change over time.

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

Analysis of the altimetric profile (ClimbPro function)

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 ride, in this case analyze the route and adapt the effort accordingly. The watch analyses the altimetric profile of the route and detects all the sections where the road rises. It allows you to know how far the next ascent is and how difficult it will be. Once on site, it indicates the average slope, the distance and the remaining slope to climb. The athlete can thus manage his/her effort accordingly (see also our article how to prepare the climb by bike of a difficult pass). A function to test absolutely to optimize your climbs!

Popular route generator (Trendline function)

This is not new for Garmin. The function is already offered recently on its latest high-end bike GPS (eg Edge 1030). Garmin uses billions of miles travelled by users since the creation of the Garmin Connect™ online community to show the best on- and off-road routes.

From a distance and direction (optional), the watch searches for the best roads and tracks, i.e. those most frequented by riders and cyclists in the area where you are located, and proposes 3 routes. It is also possible to generate other routes based on existing ones (e.g. repeat a route and propose a variant).

40.000 golf courses

Like the Fenix 5X, the Fenix 5 Plus series has over 40,000 pre-loaded 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 memory of the 3 models!

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

Recalculate route live

In the same way as for car GPS, the watch is capable of recalculating and proposing a new route live in case the user leaves the originally planned route. It is possible to disable this option.

Connected functions

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

The new Fenix 5 Plus goes further. For example, it allows you to control the smartphone to reject 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 revised and improved the watch antenna and the associated chipset following Bluetooth reception problems (headphones or earphones) reported by users on the Fenix 5.

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

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

As for the Fenix 5, the smartwatch comes in 3 versions that now benefit from the same features except for the Fenix 5X Plus and its oximeter. The main differences are in size (case, bracelet), thickness, weight, autonomy and design.

The big advantage of this new series is to offer the same functionalities on the 3 models, in particular the cartography and its associated functions. So you no longer need to carry the bulky 5X model to benefit from topographic maps. People with thin wrists can now access all functions while enjoying the same comfort (screen size and resolution identical) for a lighter watch adapted to their morphology. The only disadvantage remains the autonomy which is much lower on this model. The ideal would be to be able to test the watch in real conditions, according to its habits, to make sure 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, lightweight watch (65 g) and elegant (42 mm diameter, 20 mm wide bracelet), ideal for people with thin wrists, especially for everyday use (connected watch), in the city or at work. This avoids having to wear an inelegant mastodon that will be easily noticed 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 short courses.
• 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 most users (up to 18 h in GPS mode, 8h in GPS mode with music and 42 h in UltraTrac mode). It is however a little heavier (21 grams more than the 5S Plus) unless one opts for the titanium model (bezel + bracelet) which makes it possible to gain 10 grams but which is clearly more expensive (300 € more!).
• Fenix 5X Plus : this is the premium model with the included ultra-resistant sapphire crystal and the famous oximeter. It is larger than the other 2 models and even a little heavier (51 mm case diameter, 26 mm bracelet width and 96 g). It is therefore perfectly suitable for wide wrists. Note that its case has gained 1 mm in diameter compared to the Fenix 5X. It differs from the other models by its great autonomy (up to 13 h in GPS + music mode and 70 h in UltraTrac mode) and its oximeter which will interest mainly mountaineers and freedivers. This is an undeniable asset if one want to minimize the risks associated with high altitude sports or snorkeling. This is also the model to choose if you run long distances (Ultramarathon, Ultra-trail, etc..).

⁽¹⁾ titanium version

Fenix 5 versus Fenix 5 Plus comparison

The Fenix 5 Plus Series brings all the features described above in addition to all the features already offered by the Fenix 5. We will soon propose a comparison between the 2 series. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to be notified in advance.

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 buy it?

Our opinion

To tell the truth, we were amazed by this new model and its capabilities. If it wasn't just a question of budget, there really wouldn't be anything to hesitate and take the plunge. We are dealing here with the most complete watch, or almost, on the market today!

Garmin does not propose a new watch version but an important evolution of its Fenix 5, an already ultra-complete watch. It was logical, and expected, that the recent innovations (music and payment in particular) already offered on other Garmin models (Forerunner 645 Music, Vivoactive 3 Music) would also be integrated into the brand's high-end mounts. Garmin did it for other functions (Group Live Track for example).

In terms of functionality, not much new in fact since the functions are available on other watches or GPS but we have here an unequalled wealth of functions all grouped in the same watch.

We particularly appreciate the mapping and associated functions that are no longer the prerogative of people with a wide wrist. The Fenix 5X was indeed voluminous and thus not very attractive for the majority of the sportsmen. With the Fenix 5S Plus and Fenix 5 Plus, these functions are finally available to everyone. For hikers and mountain bikers, it is a great way to find an itinerary, follow a route in peace, organise a meeting point or find a monument, an inn or any other place of interest. This alone is worth the detour and makes the difference with the Fenix 5.

New, highly relevant features such as the popular course generator and ClimbPro function are also a real asset for cyclists, mountain bikers and riders.

For high mountain hikers, the Pulse Ox function is a plus to manage acclimatisation at high altitudes and minimise health risks. However, it will cost a lot more for a rarely used function while a simple portable oxymeter can do the trick to test blood oxygen levels.

The music player and contactless payment for small purchases (drinks, meals) allow you to do light sports without having to carry a smartphone. It's an asset too. Although not of interest to everyone, these functions remain available when needed, which can be practical.

For the sportsmen 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 any interest in having additional functions, then this watch has no particular interest. The few technical improvements are not worth the extra cost.

We are also losing 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, because of the surface savings imposed by the new screen size of the 5S Plus and the increased consumption linked to the use of maps and navigation. If you have the opportunity, have a friend lend you the watch and test it in real racing conditions that correspond to your habits to find out if the autonomy is sufficient for you. The use of navigation, the course generator, the viewing of maps can play surprises.

Should one wait for the next model? A Fenix 6?

Garmin will probably announce a new version of its high-end outdoor watch in 2019. Given the announcement of the Fenix 5 Plus in June 2018 and the major changes offered, it is unlikely that a new model will be announced at the January 2019 CES but rather next summer or even at the 2020 CES.

One can imagine that it will include everything that the Fenix 5 Plus series already contains but it is not certain. What new features can you expect when you already see everything the Fenix 5 Plus has to offer? Maybe 4G telephony/reception like on Apple Watch Series 3? Far from being a gadget on this type of watch, a 4G chip would allow access to popular courses without the need to carry a Smartphone. The same applies to 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 streaming music (radio or other) in addition to onboard music.

Hopefully, Garmin will also offer a touch screen and a 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 very economical in energy but not very precise, better accuracy of the GPS, increased autonomy to align with that of the Suunto 9?). The future will tell. In the meantime, we'll have to wait a bit before we find out.

If you're looking for a complete watch with maps for your summer vacation, whether it's for preparing for a hike, mountaineering, running or walking off the beaten track, or cycling or mountain biking trips to unfamiliar sites, now is the time to take the plunge!

Price and availability

The Fenix 5 Plus series is available from 499 € for the Fenix 5S Plus and Fenix 5 Plus models and € for the Fenix 5X Plus. It is sold with a single curved glass or, for 100 to 150 euros, with a sapphire crystal (scratch-resistant). For a chic but lighter watch, you can opt for a titanium bracelet rather than a steel bracelet. Each watch comes 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 available in specialty stores and on the Internet. Discover it at our partners and take advantage of our discount coupons.

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