From 5 Sapphire to 5X

Former Member
Former Member
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!
  • Former Member
    0 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!


    I have been using both the Fenix 5 and 5x since they came out and love the Fenix 5x. The Fenix 5x has not been a problem when running or any activity for that matter

    Check out this article

    http://www.activejr.com/garmin-fenix-5x-vs-fenix-5-feature-review-maps-battery-design-watch-best/
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    Here's a side by side wrist shot.
  • See my post above. You're confusing the Fenix 3HR model (which has a significant sensor bump) with the Fenix 3 which has no sensor bump. Having tried the 5X myself I can tell you it definitely sits higher than the standard F3. I've never tried an F3HR so I don't know if that sensor bump makes it sit higher or not, but my old Forerunner 235 had a similar bump and it just caused a depression in your skin that it would sit in.


    Yes, i realized later that was the 3hr and actually tried to delete my post but i guess it didn't work. I have the f3 and was cooing to get the 5x for the maps, probably will get it anyway although the two mm is a bit of a concern.
  • 5 x all the way for me

    I have been a daily fenix 3 wearer for about 2 years and i am very comfortable with my f3.
    Now the 5x has arrived and in practical terms Ive hardly noticed a difference in size. Sure the 5x is a tad bigger. But the f3 has me used to such a large watch on my arm.

    Im totally geeking out over the capabilities of the 5x over and above the f5 or f3 so the trade off of a marginally bigger totem is worth it.
  • I have been a daily fenix 3 wearer for about 2 years and i am very comfortable with my f3.
    Now the 5x has arrived and in practical terms Ive hardly noticed a difference in size. Sure the 5x is a tad bigger. But the f3 has me used to such a large watch on my arm.


    Ditto to above. I struggled with with the 5/5x investment decision as well and bought both (knowing I could return one). Initially the smaller size of the f5 seemed comfortable, but definitely smaller than the f3 I was so used to. One thing that I really didn't like was the narrower band. I really like and got used to the thick, sporty looking 26mm band from my f3 days. So much that I modified an old f3 band with an exacto knife to be able to mount it on the f5. But ultimately, just starting running and living the f5x, got comfortable with it and sent the f5 back. Ran Boston a couple weeks ago with the f5x and didn't think twice about its size or weight and it was comfortable. It worked flawlessly with LiveTrack and after the race still had 70% battery (started at 100%). I don't always wear it at night, but when I do, its cool to utilize the extra sleep functions.

    Good luck with your decision. Either way you'll end up with a nice piece of tech.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    Features

    Im totally geeking out over the capabilities of the 5x over and above the f5 or f3 so the trade off of a marginally bigger totem is worth it.


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

    Yeti
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    [PHP][/PHP]
    What features are those? The maps? As far as I can tell thats the only difference between the 5 and 5x?

    Yeti


    A little more than that being honest. If you go for the standard Fenix 5 then you don't get maps, navigation, wifi and a sapphire screen. But if you go for a premium version of the Fenix 5 then it's 40 quid roughly for the Fenix 5x and you get navigation and maps

    Check out this review

    http://www.activejr.com/garmin-fenix-5x-vs-fenix-5-feature-review-maps-battery-design-watch-best/
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    [PHP][/PHP]

    A little more than that being honest. If you go for the standard Fenix 5 then you don't get maps, navigation, wifi and a sapphire screen. But if you go for a premium version of the Fenix 5 then it's 40 quid roughly for the Fenix 5x and you get navigation and maps

    Check out this review

    http://www.activejr.com/garmin-fenix-5x-vs-fenix-5-feature-review-maps-battery-design-watch-best/


    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
  • Fenix 5X offers better battery life if you don't use its mapping/navigation capabilities. In addition, it has quite a bit more processing power and memory;)
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    Fenix 5X offers better battery life if you don't use its mapping/navigation capabilities. In addition, it has quite a bit more processing power and memory;)


    That's like saying I get very high MPG in my Ferrari if I don't drive it!! Also the Garmin website says 20hrs battery with 1s recording for the 5X but 24hrs for 5??