Fenix 6 GPS accuracy + losing distance (vs FR945)

Hi,

I have the Fenix 6 pro and earned the FR945 before. I sold the FR945 to a friend who's often running with me.

I now made about 5 runs with him and we kinda often compare our stats and stuff. I noticed that when we run on the same course (in the range of 12-24km) he always tracks at least 200m more with the FR than me with my Fenix 6. So I compared the GPS tracks and looked for found that differences.I found that the Fenix 6 is far more inaccurate and often off track by a couple (10-20m) when running in the forest (no trails just "normal" forest tracks). This improves slightly when running on normal roads without trees or sth. However it also happens very often that corners are cut or that the turn is indicated early than it really was, leading to the difference in total distance.

How can that be? I know that both GPS sensors are the same and I also checked with GLONASS and GALILEO without any improvements (the FR was using GPS only btw).

To clearify that I added two screenshots of the same track tracked with FR and Fenix 6. You clearly notice the bad tracking quality of the Fenix and also the difference in distance (compare the sign of KM11).

I simply want to know if that is normal for the Fenix 6 or if I can expect a fix for that or not..

Nico

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0 Simone.01 over 5 years ago

If you are using Glonass or Galileo and your friends only GPS you have to do a test with only GPS. In some cases people solved using only GPS. Don't ask me why but more than one times Glonass or Galileo does not help to have a better tracking accuracy.

0 nico_132 over 5 years ago in reply to Simone.01

I tested all three GPS modes and in every mode I am losing distance and get the tracking I showed on the screenshots.

Moreover I found that the accuracy for GPS+GALILEO is the best on the Fenix 6 (compared to GPS only/+GLONASS).

0 Simone.01 over 5 years ago in reply to nico_132

Ok, consider that accuracy with Galileo could be better some days and some other days could be better to use Glonass.

You can check using this website:

https://www.gnssplanningonline.com/#/settings

About your issue I saw tracks from 945 and Fenix 6 compared but was close each other. I hope they will solve this!

0 nico_132 over 5 years ago in reply to Simone.01

Thanks for the link. In my region I have more access to GALILEO satellites, which is why I pick those for tracking.

However I wouldnt care about the tracking quality if the total distance would be correct..but since thats not the case it is quite frustrating..

0 TobiasLj over 5 years ago

Unfortunately it is known that the GPS accuracy is better on the FR series compared to Fenix. Some say it is the housing (plastics vs a combination with metal).

For distance I find Fenix accurate. Everytime this is discussed there are a lot that disagree but I find it consistent and accurate enough.

There are a lot of features and reasons for buying a Fenix but if instant pace and accurate GPS tracks are top priorities FR (or another brand) is a better choice.

If you don't really care if the track is off a meter or ten but want accurate distance and instant pace a foot pod will give you that.

Best regards,

Tobias

0 SAHO over 5 years ago in reply to nico_132

200m difference over 12-24km is around 1%, which isn't really that bad considered that we are talking about consumer wearables.

If you (like me) want better accuracy I would suggest you look into getting a Stryd foot pod.

0 Simone.01 over 5 years ago in reply to TobiasLj

I remember old thread about Fenix 5 but I hoped that Garmin solved it in Fenix 6. I will buy FR 355 if it will have the same display of Fenix 6 Pro.

0 nico_132 over 5 years ago in reply to TobiasLj

If that's the case they should also update the FR945 with the features they implemented in the new Fenix series, because these are the main reasons I "upgraded" to the Fenix.

I do not want to get a footpod, if I invest 800€ in a watch I expect at least the same quality than the previous ones. So sad that Garmin cannot deliver that..

0 nico_132 over 5 years ago in reply to Simone.01

You should get the FR945 then, display size should be the same as Fenix 6 pro.

0 nico_132 over 5 years ago in reply to SAHO

The worst I got was -300m for a 12km run..this is just not acceptable for me even if thinking of consumer wearables.