Display Comparison - 5 v 5S, Sapphire v Glass

At the moment I've got a 5 Sapphire and a 5S non-Sapphire, so I thought I take a couple of photos to show the display difference in terms of resolution and clarity before one of them goes back.

I've posted the photos here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/64vnksruik27pyh/AAATdyH7CaqeDkiIuQvxUE7Ta?dl=0

Only quick shots, but hopefully enough to illustrate the similarities/differences.

I've not labelled the photos, but the ones with the black bezel are the f5, the silver bezel the f5S

Resolution-wise, I'd say you'd be hard-pressed to notice any difference - the 0.1" difference in display size isn't really go to make the difference between being able to read something or not, and the lower pixel count doesn't seem to be evident - the increased number of colours over the f3 probably helps here.

What is quite surprising is how clear the standard glass is compared to the sapphire. When you see the sapphire on its own, you don't notice anything, but up against the glass you realise just how much less transparent the sapphire is. In real life it still appears clearer than the photos, you don't see the almost tinted effect that the photo shows, but what you do notice is just how much dimmer the sapphire display is compared to the glass one (all these photos were taken without the backlight on)
  • There is a clear difference in my opinion. Its even more clear in the ops zoomed in photos. This is certainly something that cannot be ignored.



    Sorry but when / if a zoomed in photo needs to be used to prove a point it lost instantly in my mind.. And yes, I can and do ignore the difference shown in that photo.. I do not hold the watch one inch from my eye, I don't view it zoomed in during a workout and I don't carry around an magnifying glass to look at my watch.. Sorry but real world use trumps in my mind.

    The photos I posted that you did not respond to were from the OP. They show what you'd see using the human eye and I can't see any discernable difference whatsoever under 2 different outdoor type instances where the OP compared them...

    Here they are again in case you missed them:

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/64vnksruik27pyh/AAATdyH7CaqeDkiIuQvxUE7Ta?dl=0&preview=IMG_1820.JPG

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/64vnksruik27pyh/AAATdyH7CaqeDkiIuQvxUE7Ta?dl=0&preview=IMG_1821.JPG

    In that 2nd photo look at the TUE 21 that is displayed... The non sapphire looks worse.. Let me guess, that's a difference in angle right? Agree but if I remember correctly my photos were discarded as irrelevant because they had slightly different angles...


    My .02..
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    Hmmm, my Fenix 5 Black Sapphire like perfectly fine indoors. Guess its all about the lighting and angle the photo was taken. See here:

    https://flic.kr/p/T2uNdT
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    Hmmm, my Fenix 5 Black Sapphire like perfectly fine indoors. Guess its all about the lighting and angle the photo was taken. See here:

    https://flic.kr/p/T2uNdT

    Every time I see a pic of your watch I'm so glad I pulled the trigger on the 5 black sapphire. :) Can't wait to get it this Tuesday.
  • I've scratched a Fenix 3 lens on a boulder while I was cooking in camp. It was gusty and I was using the rock as a wind break. It left a small but permanent scratch. There's no question that I'll go for the sapphire lens even in spite of a minor difference in indoor contrast.


    I frequently run in low light conditions on roads that aren't always smooth. As a result I've taken quite a few tumbles, and my Forerunner 620 with plastic screen shows it! I definitely think the sapphire is worth it if you're going to be using this device in a way that might involve whacking it into hard surfaces...
  • What about bezel protection ? I'm seeing a lot of F3HR pics with pretty beat up bezels :-(
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    What about bezel protection ? I'm seeing a lot of F3HR pics with pretty beat up bezels :-(


    I think thats more to do with the way people throw them about, more than running. Treat mine with a little care, especially when i take it off. Put it into its little Garmin Carry case :)
  • That's what I though too but most of those shown here have blemishes. I've never paid attention to my FR235 and I can't see anything similar. Lower profile of course, but plastic!
  • I think thats more to do with the way people throw them about, more than running. Treat mine with a little care, especially when i take it off. Put it into its little Garmin Carry case :)


    I take my electronics with good care, be it laptop, smartphones, sport watch, etc. Usually brand new and no scarf.

    I even save all the boxes, manual.

    Why? Nothing is more smart to have it in great condition to get high resell value back and get another new version. Right?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    That's what I though too but most of those shown here have blemishes. I've never paid attention to my FR235 and I can't see anything similar. Lower profile of course, but plastic!


    I'll let you know in a few months. I run Road, Trail, XC and sometimes Fell. So if it can handle all that I'll be happy.