Garmin Fenix 5Plus Review

5 Total Score
The Multisport GPS Smartwatch to get asap

It’s the smartwatch that you want for your sports activities. It’s loaded with functions and looks cool too.

User Rating: 4.9 (1 votes)

Even if we have nothing against the classic watches that take the use for generations and impress with their everlasting craftsmanship or appearance, we sure fancy a smartwatch that goes beyond telling time.

We live in an era when simple isn’t going to be enough anymore. We’re continually craving for better products that come with multiple functions that satisfy our intricate and multi-level developing lifestyle. We need the watch that helps us keep an eye on our heart rate, show us where we are and even plays our favorite songs while we’re running. Isn’t this description centuries away from the classic and traditional timepieces (that we love, nevertheless)

Why is Garmin such a mighty name at the moment?

Garmin Fenix 5Plus 3 colors

Garmin watches a company that is continually bringing the GPS navigation and wearable technology to the marine, aviation, outdoor, automotive and fitness markets. The company designs watches that are impressive with their functions, build and functionality.

Paying attention to the constantly changing desires of the modern customer, Garmin is a name you shouldn’t skip on when shopping for a watch that is a lot more than a timepiece.

Why is Garmin Fenix 5 Plus standing out?

Garmin Fenix 5Plus gps view

The new Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is a multisport GPS smartwatch that comes with a very long list of functions that any sports aficionado is going to appreciate.

The watch estimates the heart rate and comes with color TOPO maps with the trend line popularity routing which help you find and stay on the tracks.

The rugged design with stainless steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) Titanium bezel recommends it for the outdoor use.

You may also store and play up to 500 songs on Fenix 5Plus, connecting it with your Bluetooth headphones for some phone-free listening.

The watch comes with built-in navigation sensors. The gyroscope, three-axis compass, the barometric altimeter, and the multiple satellite system (GPS, Glonass and Galileo) network ability are fundamental for tracking under challenging environments.

All in all, Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is a looker and a versatile watch in functions, sitting between the 5S plus and 5X Plus.

The detailed approach of Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

as there are so many aspects to talk about when it comes to smartwatches, let’s go meticulous with each important matter on the watch:

The design& build

Garmin Fenix 5Plus review

When it comes to size, the new model doesn’t go far from the previous model, even though the TOPO version is a bit larger and, therefore, easier to read.

The screen is 1.2in and has 240x240resolution (the same as the previous Fenix5), which is enough for good visibility of the map. The watch comes in stainless steel or black-diamond like carbon. The screws are exposed for highlighting the industrial feeling.

It’s a hefty watch that is loaded with features, which is why you shouldn’t expect it to be subtle or lightweight in any way. However, the watch isn’t uncomfortable, considering the size and the multiple functions.

The watch is made to handle the outdoor adventures, so it’s made with excellent premium-grade materials. The high-resolution, full-color Garmin Chroma display is bright and has LED backlight for better readability in dim light conditions. The transflective technology helps the watch more comfortable to use even in intense sunlight.

The multinetwork navigation

Garmin Fenix 5Plus side view

The watch includes multi-network (GPS, Glonass and Galileo) satellite reception for better efficiency in challenging environments. The map-based guidance is more reliable thanks to the set of ABC (altimeter, barometer, and compass) sensors for the outdoor navigation. The built-in altimeter offers elevation data for monitoring ascent/descent precisely for various activities. The tilt-compensated three-axis electronic compass ensures the bearing, no matter if you’re moving or not.

The roadmap

The built-in mapping and navigation functions help you stay on track. The TOPO mapping is full-color and comes preloaded with map data for improved location tracking.

The watch comes with Trendline popularity routing which cyclists and runners are going to appreciate.

The advanced performance metrics

Garmin Fenix 5Plus back view

The list of functions helping you monitor your form and performance is long. Go through the physiological parameters and running dynamics for tracking your status and see how your progress is doing. The training status evaluates your recent exercise activity, whereas the performance indicators inform you if you’re peaking, maintaining or overtraining.

There are unique preloaded activity profiles for running, swimming, hiking, skiing, biking, paddle boarding and more.

The heart rate function

The Elevate wrist heart rate technology helps you keep an eye on your heart without wearing a chest strap. It counts steps, monitors sleep and use the heart rate for offering info on the calories you burn and the intensity of your fitness activities. It can also give you a number on the stress score.

The music function

You may store 50 songs and listen to them without even using your phone. You can easily transfer music from the computer and monitor with compatible Bluetooth headphones.

The connection

The watch supports smart notifications when you pair it with the compatible device. You may receive emails, texts, and various alerts too. The number of announcements is impressive.

The running power

Download the Running Power app from the Connect IQ and store it onto the watch. You’re going to identify how much force you’re applying at the ground as you run.

The Extras

You can connect to the IQ store and customize your Fenix 5 Plus exactly how you want. You can change the face, get apps and add data fields too.

Let’s not forget that everything is made easy with the watch thanks to the Garmin Pay contactless payment solution. You can use it for some shopping, and you only need a scanner for contactless payments.

What are the ups and downs?

Garmin Fenix 5Plus side view

There are many things we like on the watch:

  • It’s loaded with functions and modern features
  • The sensors are accurate and reliable
  • The watch has a robust build and handles the outdoor activities very well
  • It’s versatile, dependable and looks cool

Bells and whistles aside, here’s what we like less:

  • it’s not a cheap watch so keep that in mind when you go shopping
  • the connectivity can be improved

what’s our final take?

If you’re into sports and outdoor activities, but want to use all sorts of functions for your actions, the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is a wise investment to make.

The long list of functions, the rugged build and the accuracy of the sensors are its selling points, and even if the price may throw off some, it’s still going to stand as a great buy any given day.

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RESOURCES

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus review

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus review | TechRadar

 

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