Got my fenix 5 sapphire today and and I see that Garmin Connect identifies the device as "fenix 5, WiFi" (I presume non-sapphire models are identified as just "fenix 5'). I wonder if this is Garmin's way of trying to make us feel better about spending the extra $100.00. :rolleyes:
The Sapphire glass is an expensive addition, but one well worth the extra to me, and so is the WiFi, Which I just could not do without after moving from a Forerunner 630.
The Sapphire glass is an expensive addition, but one well worth the extra to me, and so is the WiFi, Which I just could not do without after moving from a Forerunner 630.
Hehe, I know what you mean. I always thought WiFi on the watches is useless. Then I get used to WiFi uploads from my FR630 and thought I couldn't live without it anymore and it become a "required" standard for all my devices. Then F5 came out and no WiFi in base package.. ugh. So yea, although I'm not exactly interested in an extra yellow band and sapphire glass is just a nice bonus for me, the WiFi was the decisive feature for going with F5 Sapphire. Asking $100 extra for these is ridiculous, imo (but obviously not that ridiculous making me skip on that). I feel kinda stupid giving them so much money, but Garmin knows how to do the business. :/
Is wifi used for all syncing stuff? Meaning adding connect-iq apps, updating settings, syncing results, etc?
Indeed, that is quite nice actually... But perhaps mainly in the beginning when you're (or at least I am) more busy trying apps, widgets and watchfaces and playing around a lot more with options and settings.
The Sapphire glass is an expensive addition, but one well worth the extra to me, and so is the WiFi, Which I just could not do without after moving from a Forerunner 630.
I'm genuinely interested why you find wifi so essential.
So long as your smartphone is on with bluetooth in the vague vicinity - what's the big difference?
Thanks....
I'm genuinely interested why you find wifi so essential.
So long as your smartphone is on with bluetooth in the vague vicinity - what's the big difference?
Thanks....
Yeah, I think I am missing something too ...
I thought the bluetooth is the connector between the Fenix5 and GCM ...
The nice thing about wifi is that you arrive home, all sweating and panting, but your watch automatically syncs your latest activity. No need to fumble with your phone because bluetooth is off, or the GCM app isn't running.
And once you have showered and grabbed a beer, you will find that it has already synced across to all your other accounts like Strava and Training Peaks and Runkeeper.
My wifi range is big enough and I have often found it has already synced the activity while running around the block on my cool down lap.
Just so efficient.
I've been spoilt with my 920xt wifi capability. :D
The nice thing about wifi is that you arrive home, all sweating and panting, but your watch automatically syncs your latest activity. No need to fumble with your phone because bluetooth is off, or the GCM app isn't running.
And once you have showered and grabbed a beer, you will find that it has already synced across to all your other accounts like Strava and Training Peaks and Runkeeper.
My wifi range is big enough and I have often found it has already synced the activity while running around the block on my cool down lap.
Just so efficient.
I've been spoilt with my 920xt wifi capability. :D
Fair enough I guess. Personally I always have my iPhone with me and bluetooth on as I listen to music on it. So the moment I stop the activity e.g. after a bike ride it syncs to GC and then to Strava within a few seconds, long before I get home. I guess everyone's situation is different....
In theory wifi is a faster upload. I almost always have my phone with me as well, yet for longer runs or races it'll take so much longer to upload via bluetooth versus a wifi or USB sync. However, I'd say easily 7 out of 10 times when I attempt a wifi upload it can't find my wifi network despite having very good wifi coverage in my house. I've since setup my phone's wifi hotspot for the F5 so at some point I'll test that out too, but mostly I went with Sapphire for the sapphire and the black bezel versus gray.
