Garmin Fenix 5

By StripeFit Editorial TeamFirst published October 31, 2017Updated August 31, 2026

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Garmin

Fenix 5

50 hrs

Tracking

Yes

Key Features

• Glass or sapphire lens with a stainless steel bezel and fiber reinforced case
• Replaceable silicone or steel strap
• 240 x 240 pixel resolution and color display
• 3 different power modes: Smartwatch/GPS/Ultratrac
• Bluetooth and WiFi compatible
• Compatible with Android, iPhone and Windows smartphones
• Built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, and light sensors

Comfort

The lion’s share of reviews across the internet love Garmin’s watches, and find them to be generally comfortable, but there are a few things buyers ought to consider when buying this watch. First off, there are three separate sizes, the 5S which is about 42mm, the 5 which is 47mm, and the 5X which has a 51mm face. The 5S and the 5 don’t seem to have any complaints about the bulkiness, or size, but there are more than a few complaints about the 5X. One thing that is consistent among reviewers is that they love how the back of the watch is perfectly flush with the band.

Size

The Fenix 5 series included different case sizes across the 5S, 5, and 5X. Verify the exact variant and dimensions in Garmin documentation before buying; comfort and bulk are personal fit questions.

Accessories

In an age when smart devices can do anything, accessories are almost an inevitable thing you’ll encounter when you’re looking at upgrading your exercise regimen. As with other watches, there are a variety of external bluetooth devices, screen protectors, and aftermarket bands that can be used to customize your investment. There is one accessory of note that is meant to be paired directly with the Fenix series of watches: the HRM -TRI/SWIM band. This nifty little gadget is designed for use in environments that don’t allow you to actively monitor your metrics, such as prolonged periods in the pool. THE HRM straps can be found for around 199 dollars on Amazon, or they can be bundled directly with the Fenix watches themselves.

Style

Style is where the Fenix 5 series really shines. As noted in the intro, Garmin decided to take a page from the playbook of earlier watches by removing the touchscreen capability and putting analog buttons on the side of the watch for control. This gives this modern timepiece a very classic aesthetic that’ll garner attention from a lot of people. The only real concern, stylistically speaking, has to do with the sapphire versions of the watches. Despite the inherent toughness of the material they’ve been noted as appearing cheap, or “plastic-like”.

Activities

The Garmin Fenix 5 series can be used for just about every activity you can think of: rucking, running, biking and even swimming provided you keep it above 50 meters. It’s Ultratrac battery even makes it so that you can wear it overnight for sleep tracking, even with the GPS on.

Basic Features

The Garmin Fenix 5 series can be used for just about every activity you can think of: rucking, running, biking and even swimming provided you keep it above 50 meters. It’s Ultratrac battery even makes it so that you can wear it overnight for sleep tracking, even with the GPS on.

Advanced Features

This watch was designed with cyclists, swimmers, skiers and snowboarders in mind, so it has an app for each sport respectively and tracks entirely different metrics. On top of that, Garmin went ahead and added on apps such as TruSwing, and Greenview for the golfers out there. If you’re a swimmer or diver though, there’s no depth meter built into this watch, and while it’s not impossible to think one won’t be made for download at a later date, this should be a concern for anybody who swims deeper than the suggested depth level (less than 50 meters).

Connectivity

The original watch supported Garmin connectivity features, but this page has no current connection test. Verify GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi where applicable, sensor pairing, and Garmin Connect sync on the exact used device.

Power Source

Garmin published battery estimates for the original Fenix 5 under stated modes and conditions. A used device can perform differently because of battery age, settings, sensors, GPS mode, temperature, and condition.

Accuracy

Garmin went ahead and upgraded some things in the newest iteration of Fenix watches, such as adding gyroscopes to all the models they produce as well as adding proximity and distance alerts for use with the Ultratrac GPS mode. There have been a few issues reported by some buyers, the most prevalent being that some of the distance measurements are off by a bit, essentially making distance traveled seem farther. There have also been one or two reports of crazy speeds being reached (in excess of 130 MPH) while cycling.

Face

Case and display specifications differ across the 5S, 5, and 5X. Verify the exact variant, glass type, display condition, and case size rather than relying on old buyer commentary.

Band

Band material and compatibility depend on the exact variant and accessory. Check fit, clasp condition, replacement availability, and sensor contact on the device being considered.

Apps

Like the majority of other smartwatches on the market, The Fenix 5 is ideally suited for a variety of apps such as the Garmin Connect Fitness app, and the Strava Live Segment Support app which is meant for cyclists and runners alike. There are plenty of other apps available for download on the Garmin website such as workout planners, heart rate monitors, car locators…. basically anything you might imagine you’d put on a smart device.

Sizes Available

I’ve mentioned it a few times in this article already, but the Fenix series comes in three sizes. The smallest is the 5S, which is measured to be about 42mm with a 1.1-inch display. The standard Fenix 5 watch is measured at 47mm with a 1.2-inch display. Both of these watches weigh in at less than 3 ounces. Lastly, the 5X has a 51mm face with a 1.2-inch display, and it weighs a little more than the other variations. All of the watches are 15.5mm in depth.

Durability

Original case and glass materials do not establish the condition of a used watch. Inspect the glass, bezel, buttons, charging contacts, band, and water seals; this page has no current durability test.

Price

Old launch pricing is not a useful current value benchmark. Compare the used price, verified condition, included accessories, warranty, and return policy against a current Fenix or Forerunner before buying.

Bottom Line

Fenix 5 remains useful historical hardware for some existing owners, but a new buyer should compare Fenix 8, Forerunner 970, and Forerunner 570 first. Buy legacy stock only when condition, battery, compatibility, seller, and returns are clear.

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