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Home / News / Garmin’s new Fenix 5 watches will track all day, whatever your wrist size

Garmin’s new Fenix 5 watches will track all day, whatever your wrist size

Smart multi-sport tracking, big and small

What happened to the Fenix 4?

A valid question, given how much we liked the Fenix 3 – and one for which we don’t have the answer. Still, at least there are three Fenix 5 watches to ogle as you ponder the question.

Ah, so it’s a triplet of tracking tech.

Gosh, someone’s been at the alliterative dictionary again. But, yes, you’re right: each of the new Fenix watches is well-equipped for all-day tracking, with each offering a heart rate monitor and on-board GPS – not to mention smartphone support, for notifications and the like.

How can I spot the difference?

It might seem strange for such feature-packed tickers, but the biggest tell between the three is their size. Designed with smaller wrists in mind, the 5S is 42mm across – significantly dinkier than the 47mm Fenix 5 and the 51mm Fenix 5X.

This should be welcome news for those of smaller build, given the somewhat mammoth size of previous Garmin multi-sport machines.

So they’re just three sizes of the same watch? This smells like marketing trickery…

Hold your accusatory horses for just one second. Whilst each wrist-wrapper does offer similar features, there are some substantive differences, too. Battery life varies across the devices, with the Fenix 5 offering 14 days in smartwatch mode – versus 12 days on the 5X and eight on the 5S – whilst the 5X offers pre-loaded mapping, too.

If I manage to choose which one I want, when can I get it?

Well, you should probably pick the one that fits. Once you have, you should be able to buy one by March, with prices starting at £499.99.

Profile image of Chris Rowlands Chris Rowlands Freelance contributor

About

Formerly News Editor at this fine institution, Chris now writes about tech from his tropical office. Sidetracked by sustainable stuff, he’s also keen on coffee kit, classic cars and any gear that gets better with age.

Areas of expertise

Cameras, gear and travel tech