From 5 Sapphire to 5X

Former Member over 8 years ago

So last week I grabbed a 5 Sapphire version when I saw it available on Amazon. I've used it for a few workouts and so far have very few complaints.

However, something about the 5X kept calling to me. I really like large watches so when I saw one available again on Amazon this weekend I snatched one up.

Now I have both here to compare side by side. My head tells me to go with the 5 since it's probably more than I need anyway but my heart says the 5X. I'm mostly an outdoor (pavement and sometimes trails) runner, cyclist (indoor and outdoor) and elliptical user.

The only thing that really concerns me is the overall size of the 5X being bothersome on longer runs and its inability to fit under certain long sleeved shirts.

I'm going to now wear the 5X for a few days and try to make a decision. A tough one it is though!

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

So Fenix 5 Sapphire vs Fenix 5X, the only difference is bigger size, weight and addition of maps with less battery life in the Fenix 5X? So if you find the Fenix 3 already a bit big and don't need maps, the right choice is the Fenix 5 Sapphire?

Yeti

The weight difference is small. Won't even notice the difference

0 KSodhi over 8 years ago

This is going to be my toughest challenge. I'm generally a one-watch person who wears the same watch 24/7. The 5X could make that challenging, especially when I'm dressed up in long sleeved button down shirts.

With the F3HR and now the F5X, I leave my store-bought shirt cuff buttons undone as a matter of style (function really). The tailored shirts have enough clearance.

0 Jamesstevensy over 8 years ago

What features are those? The maps? As far as I can tell thats the only difference between the 5 and 5x?

Yeti

As said by others the maps and navigation and the sapphire screen. More memory too.

Honestly I don't need the maps. I have a garmin edge 800 that I picked up for an absolute steal from cash converters type shop. But I can't run with that on my wrist 😀
Mostly I will be running different routes over numerous local hills and parks with the occasional event too. Sometimes the mapping will be handy but it's something to fall back on rather than navigate by.

If you plump for the fenix 5 with a sapphire screen then you are only a short financial deficit fromthe cost of a f5x.

Also the f3 I have been using for 2 years is a great watch but has been eclipsed by the new tech.

The 5 is £500 here in the UK. The 5x is £630. If I'm shelling out that sort of money it's only a small leap to the top tier gear.

I would also expected the residual resale value in 2 to 3 years to hold well compared to the 5 or the 5s.

When the next fenix evolution arrives I will once again look to adopt early. So resale value is a consideration.

I'm not trying to change your mind BTW, just offer my opinion.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

I've sent back the 5 Sapphire and am keeping the 5X

After wearing the 5X for about a week nonstop I am totally used to the size.

0 Jamesstevensy over 8 years ago

Yeah once you've had it on your wrist for a time it becomes natural

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

I moved from 5x to 5 for 2 reasons (though I want to go back):

1. F5 has clearer screen than F5X (sapphire). I have seen even in professional images of these 2 watches side by side, F5 has clearer screen. There is a haze on F5x. Not sure if its sapphire thingy.

2. I assumed F5x has better processor/ram, however that's not the case, F5 is more zippy in everything (eg. face change). It also updates the heart rate quicker than F5x.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

I moved from 5x to 5 for 2 reasons (though I want to go back):

1. F5 has clearer screen than F5X (sapphire). I have seen even in professional images of these 2 watches side by side, F5 has clearer screen. There is a haze on F5x. Not sure if its sapphire thingy.

2. I assumed F5x has better processor/ram, however that's not the case, F5 is more zippy in everything (eg. face change). It also updates the heart rate quicker than F5x.

For point 1; thats not a 5X issue but as you guessed, it's down to the sapphire. Sapphire crystal is slightly opaque in comparison to the more standard glass and as such will be a little dimmer; this would be the same for all the Sapphire models.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

For point 1; thats not a 5X issue but as you guessed, it's down to the sapphire. Sapphire crystal is slightly opaque in comparison to the more standard glass and as such will be a little dimmer; this would be the same for all the Sapphire models.

I have found that with my Fenix 5x