Fenix 5 sync questions?

Former Member over 6 years ago

Im about to order a fenix 5, not sure if I should get the regular or the sapphire version...
If I understand correct the only difference between them are that the sapphire is more resistant to scratches and the model also have WIFI?

My questions are:
1) If getting the Sapphire with wifi, it will automatically sync my stats when Im on a known wifi-network? (it will sync to Garmin online services instead of my phone? and my phone will pull that data next time I open up the app?)

2) If getting the regular model I have to manually sync the device via Bluetooth with my phone this is not done automatically when in range? If I forgot to sync my device for 1,2,3 days will it store the data on the watch until synced? How much data can be stored back in time? 30 days?

3) Will the Wifi drain more battery?

thanks!

0 mcalista over 6 years ago

1. Yes.
2. If there is an unsynced activity in the watch memory, then it will sync to the phone as long as BT is on and the phone has an internet connection. This will happen automatically - no need for a manual sync. For background HR and sleep data, you will need to open the app. But honestly, if you're not opening the app, how important is this background data to you?

The onboard storage represents around 300 hours of activity. Even for someone exercising 10-15 hours per week, this is months of activity storage.

The downside to BT syncs is that long duration activities take a while to transfer across. Something like a 5K run (~30 mins of activity) transfers quickly. But a 200 km bike ride (~8 hours) can take 10-15 mins to transfer over BT. 1st world problem, but hey, we are all into instant gratification these days.

3. The wifi usage is immaterial to the bigger power drains of GPS, backlight and OHR.