The Garmin Fenix watches are known for being tough, having strong GPS systems, and tracking fitness really well. Both the Fenix 5 and Fenix 6 have lots of great features, which makes it hard to choose between them.
The Garmin Fenix 5 is made with strong materials like fiber-reinforced polymer and has a stainless steel back, so it lasts a long time. It’s also priced reasonably and won’t cost too much. On the other hand, the Fenix 6 has a really clear display that’s easy to see, even in bright sunlight.
In this article, I will compare the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 6 in detail, so you can decide which one works better for you.
Compare Garmin Fenix 5 and Fenix 6
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Garmin Fenix 5 | 89 |  Best outdoor sensors like GPS and GLONASS for satellite signals | Check Out On Amazon |
 Garmin Fenix 6 | 87 | Best stainless steel or titanium bezel which makes it durable | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Garmin Fenix 5 vs 6
1. Garmin Fenix 5
Overall Score: 89
The Fenix 5 can do more than regular smartwatches, and it’s made from high-quality materials. The way it’s built makes it a great option for athletes who run on tracks or for any kind of runner.
It’s a really good sports watch. It tracks your heart rate from your wrist all day and during workouts.
You can also get notifications for calls, texts, emails, and other apps when your watch is connected to a smartphone.
Display
The Fenix 5 has a high-resolution, colorful Garmin Chroma Display that’s easy to see, even in bright sunlight. It uses a type of display that works well in sunlight and uses memory in pixels (MIP) technology.
GPS Navigation
The Fenix 5 comes with outdoor sensors like GPS and GLONASS for satellite signals. It also has a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and a barometer to track your exact location and routes very accurately.
Design
The Fenix 5 is built to be tough, with a stainless steel bezel, buttons, and back case, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
The watch face is protected by either strong glass or sapphire crystal, depending on the model.
Battery
The Fenix 5’s battery lasts up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode. If you’re using GPS and heart rate tracking, it lasts up to 24 hours. In UltraTrac mode (without heart rate tracking), the battery can last up to 60 hours.
Price
Compared to the Garmin Fenix 6, the Fenix 5 is cheaper. Given all its features, it’s safe to say that it’s priced fairly.
To understand its comparison with another super smartwatch, check out my analysis of the Garmin Forerunner 935 versus the Fenix 5.
Advantages
- Light and convenient to use when riding your bike.
- Can read your heart rate with precision.
- Decent battery life.
- Durable design, suitable for outdoor activities.
Disadvantages
- Some users find it bulky.
2. Garmin Fenix 6
Overall Score: 87
The Fenix 6 works really well for many different activities. Its GPS is very accurate, and the heart rate monitor is more reliable than before.
It has modes for sports like running, swimming, biking, hiking, skiing, and golf. It can also track things like steps, calories, and sleep. Plus, you can store and play music on it.
Display
The Fenix 6 has a screen that is always on and is 1.3 inches big, which is 18% larger than older models. It’s easy to see in sunlight, and it has a stainless steel bezel and buttons.
The screen isn’t as bright as AMOLED screens, but it’s great for use outside.
GPS Navigation
The Fenix 6 has built-in sensors like a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter to help you navigate outside.
It also supports different satellite systems like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo to help track you in harder places.
Design
The Fenix 6 is built to last, even in tough conditions. It has a stainless steel or titanium bezel and reinforced housing, which makes it strong but still light.
You can also change the bands to suit your style and comfort.
Battery
The battery life depends on how you use it. It lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, 36 hours in GPS mode, 28 days in expedition GPS mode, and up to 48 days in battery-saving mode.
Price
The Fenix 6 is a bit more expensive than the Fenix 5 because it has more advanced features, like Garmin Pay, which lets you make contactless payments without needing your wallet.
Advantages
- The silicone band is comfortable to wear.
- The watch stays put on the wrist.
- Good battery life.
- Packed with sports mode features.
Disadvantages
- Complaints of it being tricky to use.
- A bit pricey.
The Garmin Fenix Watches Accurately Monitor Heart Rate Without a Chest Strap…
The Garmin Fenix watches can accurately track your heart rate without needing a chest strap. The one you choose should depend on what activities you want to do and how much money you want to spend.
Both the Fenix 5 and Fenix 6 are great choices for people who love sports. But if you want to save some money, the Fenix 5 is a better option since it has many good features at a lower price.