The Garmin Fenix series contains the most rugged smartwatches that are famous among outdoor enthusiasts. The members in the Fenix series contain the most exclusive outdoor feature that makes this most worthy and expensive.
When it comes to Garmin Fenix 5X, most people get confused because Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is also present alongside.
And surprisingly, both smartwatches come with similar designs even you can’t judge which one is Fenix 5X and which one is Fenix 5X plus.
But there is a huge price difference in both smartwatches. Although both the watches share some common features, Garmin Fenix 5X plus offers some extra features.
Today’s guide will discuss some of the major differences between Garmin Fenix 5X and 5X plus. So let’s get started!
| Features | Garmin Fenix 5X | Garmin Fenix 5X Plus |
| Display | 1.2 inch 240 x 240 pixels | 1.2 inch 240 x 240 pixels |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover |
| Water resistant | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | No | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
| Safety tracking | No | Yes |
| Pulse Oximeter | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 days in smartwatch mode, Up to 20 hours on GPS | 14 days in smartwatch mode. Up to 32 hours on GPS |
| Battery Saver mode | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo |
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Garmin Fenix 5x VS 5x Plus: Display & Design
Garmin watches have an incredibly durable design because of fibre-reinforced polymer cases and sapphire glass. But In the Fenix series, strength gets doubled as these watches are made with more premium material. So let’s find out the difference in the design of the Garmin Fenix 5X and 5X plus.
Garmin Fenix 5X:
In the Fenix 5 series, Garmin mainly focused on case design and durability. Fenix 5X has a pretty different case than the Vivoactive or Forerunner series.
Because this watch features a stainless steel bezel or diamond-like carbon bezel, the screen is protected with Domed sapphire crystal glass which is expensive compared to other glasses.
Unluckily, there is no touch screen in Fenix 5X; that’s why it has five buttons that help you to control the functionality. Because of reinforced housing, Fenix 5X is water-rated to 100 meters. You can also track underwater activities with it.
With all premium material, Fenix 5X has 98 grams of weight that feels bulky, but Silicone bands make the watch much more comfortable.
Fenix 5X has 1.2″ transflective memory-in-display with 240 x 240 pixels resolution when it comes to displaying. You can easily read the display under direct sunlight.
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus:
In the design department, there is not much difference between Fenix 5X and 5X plus. You can even identify the difference physically.
Fenix 5X Plus is also made with stainless steel DLC titanium bezel, and it’s durable as Fenix 5X. This smartwatch is also 100 meters water-resistant and has a shock-resistant body.
Garmin Fenix 5X plus has 96 grams of weight which is 2 grams less than Fenix 5X (negligible difference). But in the case of straps, Fenix 5X plus has three options; Silicone, Leather, and Titanium.
There is an identical 1.2″ display with 240 x 240 pixels resolution, and the dial is protected by domed sapphire glass. Just like Fenix 5X, it also offers five physical buttons to control functionality.
Garmin Fenix 5x vs 5x Plus: Battery Life
Credit: Wearable.comUsually, a smartwatch with more features has less battery life. You can see this fact in Apple watches, Galaxy watches, and other competitors. But Garmin is only the brand that offers long battery life despite dozens of features.
Garmin Fenix 5X and 5X plus both offer solid batteries, and there is not much of a big difference between both batteries’ life.
The Fenix 5X lasts for 12 days in smartwatch mode and offers 20 hours of lasting time in GPS mode.
In the case of Fenix, 5X plus 14 days in smartwatch mode and 18 hours in GPS tracking.
If you physically test the batteries of both watches, Fenix 5X plus will show better performance.
Garmin fenix 5x vs 5x Plus: Price
Garmin watches are too expensive as compared to other smartwatches offering the same features. There are a lot of reasons behind their high costs. Check the reasons.
Fenix series is one of the exclusive Garmin series that consists of high-end smartwatches, and their prices are also high.
Garmin Fenix 5X is available at $599, an expensive device than Vivoactive or forerunner family members. On the other hand, Fenix 5X plus costs $749 for its 51mm model.
- Durable watch
- Ultimate multisport GPS
- 3 axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter
- Water resistant at 100 meters / 330 feet
- Connect IQ
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Multisport GPS
- TOPO maps featuring
- Advanced Performance Metrics
- Music
- NFC
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Garmin Fenix 5x vs 5x Plus: Fitness Tracking
No doubt Garmin watches have insane fitness tracking capabilities, especially for outdoor activities tracking no other watch can compete with Garmin devices.
Both Fenix 5X and 5X plus is loaded with premium fitness and outdoor features. But in the fitness tracking department, there are some significant differences between both smartwatches.
Garmin Fenix 5X
Before discussing features, I want to let you know that Fenix 5X is an incredibly accurate smartwatch. Every time you will get precise and constant results.
The premium feature in this watch includes VO2 max that monitors how much oxygen you consume per minute/ per KG. It has stress tracking, swim tracking, calories monitor, floors climber, sleep tracking, Triathlon mode, and preloaded sports modes.
Fenix 5X is a highly recommended smartwatch for running enthusiasts. It deeply tracks your running metrics like pace, vertical oscillation, speed, distance, and even local wind conditions.
Apart from running functions, Fenix 5 also allows you to create swim profiles, skiing, paddle sports, golf and more. Unlike other watches, Fenix 5X tracks many aspects of your sports that help you find your weak point and make it better.
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus
Under the hood, Fenix 5X plus has tons of advanced features. Firstly let’s discuss features that are missing in Fenix 5X.
Unlike Fenix 5X, 5X plus has Blood oxygen tracking, Pulse Ox Acclimation, Menstrual cycle tracking, and safety tracking.
The new Pulse Ox Acclimation feature helps you to know your blood oxygen saturation level during activities, so you can stay safe while adjusting to higher altitudes.
Secondly, the sleep tracking in Fenix 5X plus is also better than Fenix 5X. It tracks your light, deep, and REM stages along with your movement.
Further, it offers anaerobic training effect metrics, training load, profile creation, and many preloaded activities.
There are some extra plus for runners, Fenix 5X plus track cadence, stride length, ground contact time, balance, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, pace, speed, etc. For adventures and hiking purposes, this smartwatch guides you on each step so you can add more twists to your experiences.
Overall, Fenix 5X Plus wins in the Fitness and outdoor department, as it offers some extra fitness features and a lot of sports modes.
Garmin Fenix 5x vs 5x Plus: Other Features
Credit: Wearable.comBoth Fenix 5X and 5X plus are loaded with tons of extra features. In both wearables, you will get an accurate GPS with full-color TOPO U.S mapping that will help you find the best paths.
Along with GPS, both smartwatches feature multi-network GLONASS to track more challenging environments.
There is an ABC sensor in both watches that enables you to track weather conditions, directions, etc. You can also track the temperature of your surroundings using a built-in thermometer.
Further, both smartwatches have music control features, camera control, calendar, find my phone option, notifications, alarm, ambient light etc.
The NFC feature is only available in Garmin Fenix 5X Plus, which allows you to make contactless payments.
Final Words
From the above comparison guide, you have found that there isn’t much of a big difference between Garmin Fenix 5X and 5X plus. Only Fenix 5X plus offers NFC and Pulse oximeters that track blood oxygen. Further, Fenix 5X Plus has a little longer battery life and has two to three extra fitness features.
In the end, the decision is up to you, which smartwatch you want according to your need and budget.
Hi, I’m Saad Dastagir. I’m a tech and fitness enthusiast who loves writing about smartwatches and fitness trackers. When I’m not testing out new gadgets, you can find me out on a hike or exploring new adventures. My passion for technology, fitness, and the great outdoors has led me to create a platform where I can share my experiences, insights, and reviews on the latest gear.