Invincible Garmin Armada



    The American company Garmin is known for its GPS-navigators and sports watches, the flagship versions of which are twice as expensive as the Apple Watch. In terms of functionality, the difference is huge: everything from Garmin sports watch owners is available, from advanced running functions, built-in maps and to help in managing a yacht. We talk about the two latest models: Garmin Fenix ​​5S and Fenix ​​5X.

    Three Garmin Bears


    The fifth generation of Garmin Fenix ​​multisport watch came out in 2017. It replaced the previous and very prolific family of Fenix ​​3, which in a few years has grown to a dozen basic models. A curious moment - the absence of the fourth generation Fenix. In Chinese, the name Fenix ​​4 can be read as “Ascension to a quick death,” so the American manufacturer decided to skip one digit. So, just in case.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire

    This is not the end of the confusion. Fenix ​​5 is not just one watch, but a whole generation: Fenix ​​5, Fenix ​​5S and Fenix ​​5X, as well as the Fenix ​​5 Plus, Fenix ​​5S Plus and Fenix ​​5X Plus released this year. Why extra complexity? To finally attract the attention of female athletes and not alienate existing fans of sports gadgets.

    Traditionally, devices of the Fenix ​​line are overshadowed by classic men's wrist watches. A large case is needed to fit all the rich electronic "stuffing" (including the antenna and battery) and protect it from environmental exposure. As a result, the device looks massive, and on a thin female wrist it seems altogether gigantic. Despite this, it is convenient to use the clock, they do not cling to clothes and fit well on the arm. Nevertheless, the "Phoenix" could be less, as repeatedly requested by users.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire

    In response, Garmin engineers realized the tale of the three bears. There are large and massive Fenix ​​5X watches, medium Fenix ​​5 and the smallest Fenix ​​5S. The diameter of the dials, respectively, is 51, 47 and 42 millimeters. Objectively, the clocks are still large, but now it’s easier to find your “Goldilocks zone”.

    What is the difference?


    An important clarification: it is wrong to assume that Fenix ​​5S is a bad model “for girls”, and Fenix ​​5X is the most correct and “male” one. Garmin does not have cheap and low-quality gadgets. Their design in any case adds +10 to the brutality and testosterone of the owner of the watch, even if they are the color of "pink gold". The specific difference between the different models of the Fenix ​​5 line is expressed in this:
    Fenix ​​5Fenix ​​5 SapphireFenix ​​5SFenix ​​5S SapphireFenix ​​5X
    Sapphire crystalNotYesNotYesYes
    Wi-FiNotYesNotYesYes
    The size47 mm47 mm42 mm42 mm51 mm
    CardsNotNotNotNotYes

    This is not the whole list. Let's talk about the differences in more detail.

    The first and most noticeable: the design and dimensions.


    From left to right: Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire, Garmin Forerunner 935, Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire

    Fenix ​​5X - large and harsh-looking watches, and I want to say: “commander”. They need a really big wrist. Fenix ​​5S is comparable in size with the Forerunner series running clock ( 935 / 735XT / 230), plus or minus a few millimeters.

    The defining element of the appearance of all previous Fenix ​​models was a large rotary ring around the dial (it is also the bezel).

    The ring of the Fenix ​​5X is more massive, with five noticeable screws in it. The Fenix ​​5S has a bezel with a thin profile, which in comparison with a large fellow seems truly elegant. But put a number of Apple Watch, and immediately notice how big the "ears" of both models of Fenix.


    Left: Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire, right: Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire

    In addition, the depth of 5S is 15 millimeters, 5X - 17.5 millimeters. The same indicator of Apple Watch Series 2 and 3, for comparison - 11.4 millimeters, Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphone - 8.9 millimeters, iPhone 8 - 7.5 millimeters, Xiaomi Mi7 - 7.5 millimeters.

    In this case, Fenix ​​5S weighs 67 grams, and Fenix ​​5X - all 98 grams. These are definitely heavy gadgets that you need to consider when choosing a device. Fenix ​​5X weighs 20 grams more than any device from the forerunner family mentioned above. The “extra” is not felt on the wrist, and the watch does not run along the arm while running. And almost 100-gram Fenix ​​5X tend to move because of gravity. Therefore, the device must be firmly fixed, otherwise the pulse sensor may stray.


    From left to right: Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire, Garmin Forerunner 935, Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire

    Screens of models 5X and 5S have a different size and resolution. With the Fenix ​​5X, it is 240 x 240 pixels, while with the Fenix ​​5S it is 218 x 218, like the models of the previous generation. Both displays are colored and play a utilitarian role, so there is no significant difference from the extra pixels. This is not the bright dial of Apple Watch, but two serious interfaces that do not load the battery and are well read in the sun.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire

    For Fenix ​​5X and Fenix ​​5S, we need QuickFit straps of different thickness. One is included, if you wish, you can purchase additional ones. For Fenix ​​5S, you need QuickFit 20 with a width of 20 millimeters, and for Fenix ​​5X, you need QuickFit 26 with a thickness of 26 millimeters. The strap is removed from the stud at the touch of a button and is worn back in the same way. Since the lever is located on the back of the bracelet, the watch can not arbitrarily jump off the hand during sports activities.

    There are three types of strap materials: silicone, leather and steel. For Fenix ​​5S, more sports silicone strap colors are available.

    Cards- The biggest difference between the Fenix ​​5X and the Fenix ​​5S. The latest device is compatible with the Garmin Basecamp mapping program. The program allows you to create route maps in .gpx format and fill them in hours (and vice versa). However, this feature cannot be compared with a pack of maps embedded in Fenix ​​5X.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire

    These are full-fledged, full-color maps indicating the terrain, addresses, and even “places of interest” —cafes, gas stations, hotels. The pre-installed set of cards depends on which continent you bought the watch, you can load new ones yourself, for which 16 GB of internal memory is provided. Alas, for something else (for example, music) this free space cannot be used.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire

    Using a card without a touchscreen is hard, the interface is cumbersome and inconvenient. However, the watch is able to automatically build a route; among its settings, there is a reduction in elevation and distance. Gadgets are often not chosen by the best paths, so for planning a hike trip it is advisable to explore the route on the map in advance. Already while traveling the map in Fenix ​​5X you can believe for 100%, because the deviation will be about 15 meters in the worst case. If your watch fails more - update the firmware.



    PS: All three Plus models — Fenix ​​5 Plus, Fenix ​​5 Plus, and Fenix ​​5X Plus — support cards as much as Fenix ​​5X does. But they are much more expensive.

    What unites Fenix ​​5S and Fenix ​​5X?




    On the left is Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire, on the right is Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire

    First: a charging cable . It fits all Fenix ​​5 devices, as well as the Quatix 5, Forerunner 935, Vivosport and several other Garmin sports watches. The cable is connected with one plug to the back of the watch, and the second to the USB port of a computer, external battery or adapter. The plug enters the nest with a characteristic click and sits very tightly in it. Accidentally "shake off" the clock from the cable will not work, if you apply force - you can.


    At the top of the Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire, at the bottom of the Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire

    Secondly: Elevate optical pulse sensor. For the fifth generation, it has been greatly improved and now removes data every 1-2 seconds. The design of the watch back has been changed: now the sensor sits in it smoothly and does not protrude.

    By the way, this very cover is completely steel. What gives us the third point: Fenix ​​5S and Fenix ​​5X (as well as Fenix ​​5) are very durable devices . They are suitable for use by swimmers, but not for diving, as evidenced by a rating of 10 ATM. The watch has separate profiles for swimming.



    The fourth common detail: GPS / Glonass support for navigation, tracking and recording training routes. In the fifth version, Garmin engineers managed to achieve an instant (5 seconds) satellite search, although the process might be delayed in the city.

    Fifth point: appearedbuilt-in gyroscope . In the previous generation of watches, Fenix ​​3, it was not. The presence of a gyroscope has a beneficial effect on the UltraTrac function, which allows you to save energy when using a GPS antenna. If you turn on UltraTrac, the watch records the coordinates at a longer interval. The presence of a gyroscope helps to more accurately extrapolate the coordinates, although the accuracy will still be low.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire

    Sixth point: the control method remains the same, these are five buttons on the side of the watch case . The screens are not sensory, so you need to remember what each button does. The system is not very intuitive. The buttons are signed, however, those who have not used Garmin watches before, always miss at first.

    Seventh:The clock shows notifications from the smartphone . You can’t answer them, but you can reset the call by pressing the button.



    Eighth: customizable training modes . Fenix ​​5S and 5X track dozens of sports, from swimming and jogging to golf and cycling. If the desired profile does not exist, you can create it or adjust the existing one in detail. The number of fields for information on the screen, their content and the number of such “screens” are adjusted.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire

    Last: first appeared support for Bluetooth Smart sensors. Previously, external sensors (chest pulse meters and others) were connected to Fenix ​​devices only via the ANT + protocol, Bluetooth was needed only for pairing with a smartphone. Now the clock works directly with Bluetooth sensors. With one serious caveat: manufacturers of fitness devices have not yet agreed on uniform standards. Your Wahoo Tickr Chest Heart Rate Monitor will transfer heart rate data to your watch, but no more. To be able to get more running data, you will need branded Garmin monitors - HRM-RUN, HRM-TRI. These are the charms of "closed platforms".

    What are new Garmin sports watches for?


    Both Garmin Fenix ​​5S and Fenix ​​5X are multisports watches. Their accuracy, usability and functionality are not much different. However, they target two types of athletes.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5S Sapphire

    Garmin Fenix ​​5S is a sports watch runner and triathlete. They are small, moderately durable and blend well with casual wear. It is enough to change the silicone strap with one click, and you can start training of any complexity. It is clear that for such a focus an additional strap you need to remember to purchase.


    Garmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire

    Garmin Fenix ​​5X - watch for the tourist card on the wrist. Their powerful and durable design is designed for use in the wild. The gadget is heavy, so you only need to buy it when you really need navigation. There are no comparable gadgets, Fenix ​​5X is a separate wrist tourist computer.

    Until October 14, Fenix ​​5S , Fenix ​​5X and other Garmin accessories can be purchased with a 10% discount at Madrobots.ru online store. Discount is available for promotional code GHABR .

    Detailed device specifications


    Fenix ​​5Fenix ​​5SGarmin Fenix ​​5X Sapphire
    Main characteristics
    The size47 x 47 x 15.5 mm42 x 42 x 15 mm51 x 51 x 17.5 mm
    Weight85 g67 g98 g
    Display typeTransflective LCD display, 64 colorsTransflective LCD display, 64 colorsTransflective LCD display, 64 colors
    Display diameter1.2 "/ 30.4 mm1.1 "/ 27.94 mm1.2 "/ 30.4 mm
    Resolution240x240 pixels218x218 pixels240x240 pixels
    TouchscreenNotNotNot
    Lens materialStrained glass. Sapphire version has sapphire glass.Strained glass. Sapphire version has sapphire glass.Sapphire crystal
    Swivel ring materialStainless steelStainless steelStainless steel
    Body materialReinforced polymer, stainless steel back coverReinforced polymer, stainless steel back coverReinforced polymer, stainless steel back cover
    Communication and sensors
    GPS / GLONASSYes / Yes, EXO AntennaYes / Yes, EXO AntennaYes / Yes, EXO Antenna
    ANT +there isthere isthere is
    BluetoothYes, 4.0 LEYes, 4.0 LEYes, 4.0 LE
    Wi-FiAvailable in Sapphire versionAvailable in Sapphire versionthere is
    HR sensorYes, optical elevateYes, optical elevateYes, optical elevate
    Add. sensorsBarometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometerBarometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometerBarometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer
    Battery
    Battery TypeLi-ionLi-ionLi-ion
    Smartwatch time2 weeks9 days12 days
    Runtime with UltraTrac enabled75 hours40 hours50 hours
    GPS / Pulsometer operation time24 hours14 hours20 hours
    Price Madrobots.ru
    From ~ 50 000r to ~ 67 000rFrom ~ 47 000r to ~ 60 000rFrom ~ 67 600 r to ~ 77 000




    Also popular now: