Last Updated: November 24, 2018 (Refresh Now)
Garmin Fenix 5S Sapphire Black with Black Band
Last Updated: November 24, 2018 (Refresh Now)
8.6
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
457
Old Reviews
0
Unverified
51
Spam Test
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1.65 meters
SIZE
Yes
GPS
Review Analysis - 406 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Battery Life
80battery, watch, week, gps, days
+96%
-4%
" ... Fast GPS, great software, long 2 week to 1 month battery life. ... "
" ... 1) The battery lasts SOOO LONGGG! ... "
" ... Battery life is amazing on this thing. ... "
" ... I've gone 2 weeks on a charge, but mostly lasts a week during heavy use. ... "
" ... People do mention the battery life, and i have to agree it was brilliant. ... I love the battery life, the map, the fact its waterproof and load of other activities it has on here for the things like the gym, and as an outdoors individual i see it as a worth while investment. ... "
" ... the battery life is simply outstanding. ... "
" ... The battery lasts a very long time, I have gone as long as 20 days without a charge. ... "
" ... The battery life is awesome. ... The battery life is much better than Vivoactive HR, which wasn't bad. ... "
Band
64wrist, bands, metal band, sapphire, yellow band
+88%
-13%
" ... I love the fact the the sapphire face is scratch resistant and the bands are very easy to change out . ... "
" ... This watch is very nice looking and has the coolest band design that allows you to switch out bands in seconds without any tools!! ... "
" ... I was afraid it would be too big for my wrist, but it turned out perfect, and I have relatively small/thin wrist. ... "
" ... The best sport watch. ... "
" ... That’s if you want a watch that looks great both for casual wear and formal and a watch that will improve your performance and keep you in “the know” when you get a text, email or whatever notification you want. ... "
" ... Excellent quality and a great band! ... "
" ... Replacement bands are perfect and change over is a breeze. ... "
" ... I like the design very much, and the bands are flexible enough to be comfy and snug. ... With other silicone bands it's either too tight, or too lose, because of the gaps between the holes, but this one's perfect. ... "
Comfort
58wear, wrists, watch, hrm, hr
+90%
-10%
" ... DURABLE, COMFORTABLE, AND EASY TO READ THE SCREEN IN BOTH DAYLIGHT, AND DARKNESS WHEN YOU USE THE BACKLIGHT. ... I LOVE THIS, AND WEAR IT ALL THE TIME. ... "
" ... So far, the watch has held up incredibly well with daily use. ... "
" ... I was afraid it would be too big for my wrist, but it turned out perfect, and I have relatively small/thin wrist. ... "
" ... I want to glance down at my wrist that's already facing me and see the time. ... If you're a coder, you know exactly how debilitating it is to take your hands off your keyboard to check something or even switch over from whatever app you're coding in to your email . ... "
" ... Great watch- it is a fit bit on Steroids! ... "
" ... I have had this watch for over 6 months and am now comfortable submitting a review. ... "
" ... That’s if you want a watch that looks great both for casual wear and formal and a watch that will improve your performance and keep you in “the know” when you get a text, email or whatever notification you want. ... "
" ... I enjoy it much more than the athletic bands because it cuts down on the chafing. ... "
GPS
56garmin, maps, gps tracking, gps accuracy, topo maps
+79%
-21%
" ... The GPS works very well, it takes it generally about a minute to pick up the satellites. ... "
" ... GPS tracking and mapping work great. ... "
" ... Well done Garmin. ... "
" ... This may be expensive, but personally, functions like the GPS (which doesn't need a phone signal) and the 'back to start' function, if running, hiking, biking, skiing or snowboarding will be beneficial for outdoor people everywhere. ... "
" ... When I first decided to purchase a gps watch I took some time to look around and decided Garmin would be what I wanted, because the application was Gps. ... "
" ... Well done, Garmin! ... "
" ... But when I have tracked hikes and what not the GPS is super accurate. ... "
" ... This is the fifth Garmin wearable device I've used (my first 3 were FR610s, my forth F5, and fifth F5S). ... 7) As a result, I found the Garmin Fenix 5S a welcome alternative to the F5/F5X. ... My first impression of Garmin Fenix 5 devices is that they are precision made, especially in comparison to many other GPS watches. ... I still occasionally experience a GPS track issue that causes a wild GPS track in valleys (I will upgrade rating when/if the issue is resolved). ... "
Device Compatibility
54garmin, watch, garmin connect, sync, fenix
+81%
-19%
" ... HAVE CITIZEN, BREITLING, ROLEX, APPLE WATCH. ... "
" ... Connects to phone and works great. ... If i forget it, i go back home to get it. ... "
" ... You need smart watch with features that keep you connected with the world > Apple (or Samsung). ... "
" ... The Android Garmin Connect app is fantastic and when paired with the Garmin Index Smart Scale, provides all of the data that you've been craving for in one easy to use dashboard. ... "
" ... ability to set and keep daily alarms from the watch and it would be really nice to see data seamlessly integrated with other devices (I use an edge 520 for cycling). ... "
" ... Data transfer is seamless and the app on my phone is great. ... "
" ... Limiting the phone-integration to just calls/messages is all I really care for, and keeps things simple. ... "
" ... Also, it seamlessly connects to your smartphone and provides weather, alerts (messages, important emails, or any other alerts you set), controls your music, and can even find your phone. ... "
Design
50sapphire, watch face, plastic, looks great, bezel
+98%
-2%
" ... I wanted a watch that looked stylish and gave a real purpose . ... "
" ... Its a beauty. ... "
" ... 2) It looks GREAT. ... the design is very good. ... Its lightweight, comfort and good looking. ... "
" ... Seriously - the watch is gorgeous, functional, and flawless. ... "
" ... That’s if you want a watch that looks great both for casual wear and formal and a watch that will improve your performance and keep you in “the know” when you get a text, email or whatever notification you want. ... "
" ... It's exactly what I wanted, looks so sharp and understated. ... "
" ... It looks quite classy for a sports watch and I can wear it literally everywhere. ... "
" ... The champagne isn't as yellow as yellow gold, but definitely more yellow than silver. ... And I suspect it makes the watch look bigger than the black one. ... It looks awesome. ... Very glad I returned the white/champagne one. ... "
Heartrate
47hr, heart rate monitor, wrist heart rate, hr monitor, fenix
+79%
-21%
" ... 2) The heart rate monitor isn't the most accurate, but it's the technology's limit . ... "
" ... And Fenix in its turn does whatever your heart desires in terms of physical activity. ... "
" ... I am using it for cycling and running, and I am switching from a phone app+HR monitor strap combo. ... The wrist based HR monitor is just as accurate, but doesn't chafe like the strap does sometimes, and the GPS is far superior to my phone's. ... "
" ... It is great tracking not just my workouts but my heart rate, sleep and intensity of workouts and how much I'm running around all day. ... I'm 57 so I need to pace myself on long hikes on steep trails, by keeping an eye on heart rate I'm not burning myself out early and keeping an even pace. ... "
" ... This is my first Fenix - I upgraded from a Forerunner 230. ... I turned off a few features to extend the battery life including the HR monitor. ... "
" ... I've been using it for over a month now and run 4-5 days a week, the accuracy is spot on-- Heart rate does not miss anything when running or during the day. ... "
" ... It was fairly accurate in tracking my heart rate during workouts. ... "
" ... An amazing upgrade over my old Forerunner 230. ... "
Apps
45watch, apps, garmin, maps, software
+80%
-20%
" ... I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH OF A MISTAKE YOU WILL MAKE BY USING OTHER SMART WATCHES. ... "
" ... The watch is totally customizable, and I've downloaded a number of free, cool watch faces for it. ... "
" ... The Garmin Apps are the best and constantly being upgraded! ... "
" ... The phone app is far superior to any other fitness app I researched prior to purchasing. ... There are many 3rd party apps you can add to the phone as well. ... Other Garmin apps I find very useful on this watch are the Sun/Moon app and Tides. ... If you monitor tides for your ocean activities, the Tide app is an excellent tool. ... "
" ... The Android Garmin Connect app is fantastic and when paired with the Garmin Index Smart Scale, provides all of the data that you've been craving for in one easy to use dashboard. ... "
" ... The access of the watch to the Garmin Connect app is surprisingly useful for monitoring activities. ... "
" ... Data transfer is seamless and the app on my phone is great. ... "
" ... Primarily for fitness and multi sport users. ... "
Software Platform
39garmin, software, app, maps, apps
+64%
-36%
" ... I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH OF A MISTAKE YOU WILL MAKE BY USING OTHER SMART WATCHES. ... "
" ... The Garmin Apps are the best and constantly being upgraded! ... "
" ... You need smart watch with features that keep you connected with the world > Apple (or Samsung). ... "
" ... The map feature on the watch itself is nice in a pinch, i.e. ... Other Garmin apps I find very useful on this watch are the Sun/Moon app and Tides. ... "
" ... The Android Garmin Connect app is fantastic and when paired with the Garmin Index Smart Scale, provides all of the data that you've been craving for in one easy to use dashboard. ... "
" ... The Garmin support was great, but I still had to restore it to the original defaults which caused me to reset the watch and restore all of my settings. ... The good thing about that was that it made me more familiar with the Garmin menu system. ... "
" ... I was also surprised I could control the Spotify app on my mobile device from my Fenix F5 device. ... Connect IQ includes many useful additional apps, widgets, watch-faces. ... Mobile Connect interface seamless (allows up/download of data, apps, widgets) ... I discovered the cause for this: a) Fenix 5 software needed updating, and b) the Fenix 5 watch by default uses the AUTO setting for the built-in Barometer to determine elevation changes during the hiking activity. ... "
" ... I love being able to download new widgets and how easy it is to change things around. ... "
Build Quality
37plastic, solid, metal, looks like, straps
+89%
-11%
" ... The durability of this watch is second to none. ... "
" ... Well, my last watch was a pebble steel. ... "
" ... It is tough and durable. ... "
" ... And it really is rugged, I dropped it recently about 8 ft high onto tile floor n still works without a scratch! ... "
" ... Extremely durable watch face. ... "
" ... durable and not too big. ... "
" ... I like the design very much, and the bands are flexible enough to be comfy and snug. ... With other silicone bands it's either too tight, or too lose, because of the gaps between the holes, but this one's perfect. ... "
" ... It is extremely durable and looks like a high-end chronograph as opposed to a typical sport watch. ... "
Display Clarity
32screens, screen, bright, backlight, touch screen
+75%
-25%
" ... Screen is clear and easy to read in any light. ... "
" ... The Fenix/Pebble use a color LCD screen. ... In the sun it's even more bright and crisp. ... "
" ... all you have to do is look at it from an angle and it’s so easy to read. ... "
" ... The different screens can be personalized. ... "
" ... I also really appreciate that the watch does not rely on a touch screen, or attempt to be a full-on smart watch. ... "
" ... The screen protectors for the F5S fit great. ... Out of the box these watches allow customization of up to 4 fields per screen. ... "
" ... I should really get the 5s, but extra screen real estate and battery life for the same 5s price made me go with the 5. ... "
" ... If you like a large size bezel then go for it. ... "
For Running
29biking, hiking, treadmill, training, swimming
+97%
-3%
" ... I use it primarily for tracking workouts, but have also used it for walking, hiking, and biking. ... "
" ... A great watch with great battery life so you can do great things and the outdoors while exercising. ... "
" ... I bought this for mountain biking and wilderness exploration. ... "
" ... I walk mostly and alternate a bit of running. ... "
" ... Accurately beeps at every mile I run. ... "
" ... I workout so if I am going for a bike ride or a run this is perfect. ... "
" ... Used for mountain biking and cardio training and works better than anything else I've ever used. ... "
" ... if you Run is a must!!! ... "
Features
29watch, functions, feature, watches, discover
+100%
" ... Amazing watch with tons of features. ... This watch has so many features and customization options that it is a blast to own. ... "
" ... 3) All the 'smart' features are great. ... "
" ... Plus it has a light function. ... "
" ... Features that continue to surprise me. ... "
" ... The features have been described to death in other good reviews, but here's my take on a few of my favorite/useful features: ... "
" ... There are so many features I am still learning it. ... "
" ... The quality and features are the best. ... "
" ... e) Scroll and select Watch Mode ... "
Accuracy
25steps, fenix 5, altimeter, accuracy, gps
+92%
-8%
" ... The watch was very accurate - the course is measured at 101.85 miles and the watch measured 101.8. ... "
" ... The golf function was great and accurate as well. ... "
" ... I have had to add a chest based HRM if I really want accurate readings. ... "
" ... It is very accurate for elevation according to the maps at over 13,000 feet. ... "
" ... Accurately beeps at every mile I run. ... So nice to be able to do an accurate out and back, such as when I want to run 4 miles, just turn around at the second vibration. ... "
" ... But when I have tracked hikes and what not the GPS is super accurate. ... "
" ... Keeps track of my distance and accurate calorie counting. ... "
" ... The GPS in that watch was very accurate. ... "
Product Reliability
24weeks, 2 weeks, impressions, 2017, garmin
+58%
-42%
" ... but no issues. ... "
" ... Great device so far, but needs more time to say for sure (only 1 month in use). ... "
" ... After 30 days, I liked my F5S enough to keep it. ... ---------- IMPRESSIONS AFTER 120 DAYS ---------- ... "
" ... It has been about 6 weeks now and they still have no updates on when this issue will be fixed. ... Update 11/10 ... I've had my replacement watch for about a month now. ... "
" ... I've been rocking the Fenix 5 for about 3 weeks and I am very pleased with it. ... "
" ... I've owned several Garmin devices over several years. ... "
" ... I've had my watch for a couple months now and have had no issues with it. ... "
" ... After 3 weeks of use I am still very happy. ... "
Sleep Tracking
23tracking, activity, heart rate, track, sleeping
+100%
" ... Like the sleep tracker. ... "
" ... I use fitness and sleep monitor's daily. ... "
" ... And Fenix in its turn does whatever your heart desires in terms of physical activity. ... "
" ... The app is easy to use and provides all the vital information, including sleep patterns that I monitor. ... "
" ... It is great tracking not just my workouts but my heart rate, sleep and intensity of workouts and how much I'm running around all day. ... "
" ... Running, sleep, the gym, on trips (it keeps track while you're flying @30k feet), and all things in-between. ... "
" ... Can someone please explain to me how these things can accurately measure ANYTHING when it comes to anaerobic activity??? ... "
" ... Love the ability to quickly swap the band to one of the silicone ones when I'm going to exercise (or sleep for that matter). ... The only other issues are that the temperature sensor doesn't seem to work particularly well, and the sleep monitor is not the most accurate, mistaking awake but not moving much with asleep pretty often. ... Better than nothing though, particularly for tracking how much sleep I've been getting over the past week. ... "
Pedometer
23accurate, step count, miles, counting, running
+87%
-13%
" ... as a runner, biker,swimmer,hiker, this thing has been great. ... "
" ... The watch was very accurate - the course is measured at 101.85 miles and the watch measured 101.8. ... "
" ... It is very accurate for elevation according to the maps at over 13,000 feet. ... "
" ... Accurately beeps at every mile I run. ... So nice to be able to do an accurate out and back, such as when I want to run 4 miles, just turn around at the second vibration. ... "
" ... Keeps track of my distance and accurate calorie counting. ... "
" ... Climbing in mountainous terrain can present unique accuracy issues, especially for Altimeter, Ascent/Descent, and Step-Count metrics. ... My daily workout involves an activity with known elevations. ... "
" ... You will love it whether you are runner, swimmer, cyclist, paddler, etc. ... "
" ... extremely comfortable band and the activity metrics (HR, steps, calories, etc.) ... "
Ease of Use
22easy to use, learn, interface, intuitive, navigate
+91%
-9%
" ... All were easy to use. ... "
" ... But other than the appearance, so far I'm liking the features and interface. ... "
" ... Within 15 minutes of setup, I found the watch friendly and easy-to-navigate. ... Up-to-speed quickly with easy-to-learn, intuitive user-interface. ... "
" ... Easy to use and to configure! ... "
" ... Its robust but not very easy to use. ... But after a while it becomes easy. ... "
" ... Fantastic watch, easy to use and very freindly ... "
" ... There are a lot of features and takes a bit of time to understand how to use everything and set it up correctly. ... "
" ... Navigation of the interface is easy. ... "
Marketplace
18watch, vendor, expected, amazon, service
+61%
-39%
" ... all of the options and features that it has work exactly as described. ... "
" ... Look at the pics I have posted. ... "
" ... You name it, it's there. ... "
" ... I have no association with Garmin or any other seller. ... "
" ... Excellent seller and product. ... "
" ... Shipping was on time and everything i expected. ... "
" ... I bought my watch from this group which Amazon ships directly for. ... "
" ... In fact, I have rarely reviewed any item. ... "
Controls
17button, scroll and select, menu button, press, long press
+71%
-29%
" ... Command buttons work well and efficiently once mastered. ... "
" ... The watch looks really cool and I like the feel of the buttons - they are easy to press while sweaty and are hard to press by accident. ... "
" ... Button functions seemed logical and rugged with advanced features such as programmable hot-key/long-press button re-assignment. ... In addition to that, the Music widget lets you control Volume, Pause, Play, and Skip music on your paired mobile device. ... Thus, you can control a whole home sound system's Volume, Pause, Play, and Skip music. ... Text, Email, Calendar Notifications display on watch, with easy read/delete functions. ... a) Long Press Up/Menu button. ... a) Long Press Up/Menu button. ... h) Long Press Up/Menu button. ... "
" ... The maps are very easy for me to read and all of the features of this watch are just a few button presses away. ... "
" ... With the buttons on the Fenix 5x, I can easily start/stop a workout with no issues in the humidity. ... "
" ... these buttons work real well. ... "
" ... Takes a little while to get used to how the menu/button system works but now i'm familioar with it it's pretty easy. ... "
" ... Once you figure out the buttons its easy to navigate around the different features. ... "
Price
17worth, expensive, worth the price, pricey, worth the money
+82%
-18%
" ... Amazing watch--Well worth the cost. ... "
" ... Expensive but 💯 percent worth the money. ... "
" ... Worth the price. ... "
" ... Is the watch worth the price? ... "
" ... Worth every penny ... "
" ... I bought this in "Used- Very Good condition" and saved over $150.00. ... "
" ... The functions I use have all been improved from previous versions so to me, the watch is worth every penny I paid. ... "
" ... worth the buy, I already have the fenix 3 ... "
Water Resistance
17shower, swim, pool, hiking, running
+100%
" ... i love the functionality and had fun while skiing with it last week. ... "
" ... So i bought this more for hiking and snowboarding purposes (as well as the gym), but mainly because of the map feature on here. ... "
" ... I bought this for mountain biking and wilderness exploration. ... "
" ... * Waterproof - don't have to worry about wet or depth ... "
" ... I swim, shower and do everything else and it just works. ... "
" ... and I am using them during paddleboarding, swimming, work outs, running . ... "
" ... i picked it up for my outdoor adventures and it was a great choice. ... "
" ... Running/swimming/riding? ... "
Charging
17watch, week, charging, charges, charging cable
+94%
-6%
" ... It did take a while to recharge. ... I was charging it for about 2 hours and it got up to 57% battery - note that the watch was still running during this time. ... "
" ... If you have the money and are looking for a very technical watch that will last you MULTIPLE DAYS on a single charge, just do it. ... "
" ... The battery easily lasts one week without charging. ... "
" ... I went from the Garmin Fenix 3 to the 5X and while I love the watch in general, mine has a flaw with the charger. ... "
" ... Finally a watch I don't have to charge everyday . ... "
" ... Sometimes if you disconnect the usb, when it isn't fully charged, after you disconnect it will say 100%, this is irrespective of what it was connected to (computer without ejected media, computer after you eject media, as well as a simple wall charger). ... "
" ... I might have to charge it every couple of weeks but could go longer if I chose. ... "
" ... Battery lasts more than a week between charges with constant use. ... "
Size
14smaller, 5s, watch, bulky, small
+79%
-21%
" ... Well maybe if it was a little bit cheaper, but I'm over that haha. ... "
" ... I initially thought the 5s would be great due to the smaller size but the silver ring around the watchface and smaller size did not appeal to me. ... I decided to go with the regular Fenix 5 size. ... "
" ... While I was concerned about the size I actually really like the larger size. ... I'm a big guy and it doesn't look too big. ... "
" ... Size - I'm a small guy with small wirst. ... "
" ... If you like a large size bezel then go for it. ... "
" ... Now the 5S is perfectly for women of a medium to small builds. ... "
" ... For smaller wrists the 5S fits very nicely and is slightly larger than my Citizen watch and lighter. ... "
" ... I picked the 5S for a thinner & smaller device. ... "
For Travel
13hikes, trail, national, utah, snowboarding
+77%
-23%
" ... USED THIS HIKING IN YOSEMITE. ... "
" ... I use it primarily for tracking workouts, but have also used it for walking, hiking, and biking. ... "
" ... So i bought this more for hiking and snowboarding purposes (as well as the gym), but mainly because of the map feature on here. ... As i mentioned earlier i took this on a hiking trip, i had hit 3 national parks for 3 days straight using the GPS function on each of my 5-6hr hikes. ... "
" ... I bought this for mountain biking and wilderness exploration. ... "
" ... Great piece if you plan on hiking in the mountains. ... I bought this and left for my 1st trip hiking in the Vail area of Colorado. ... "
" ... I never have to bring a charger with me when I go on a weekend trip. ... "
" ... I use it primarily for hiking and trail running to either map my Hike/Run or to follow maps I upload to it. ... "
" ... Use it for running, and hiking mostly. ... Have to scout out places for the upcoming hunting season! ... "
Fit
13fit, 5s, smaller, fits, fit bit
+85%
-15%
" ... Great watch- it is a fit bit on Steroids! ... "
" ... Training dynamics and data are far superior to my previous fit bit ... "
" ... To be absolutely truthful, I thought it might be a little too big, but nope, it fits me perfectly. ... "
" ... I initially thought the 5s would be great due to the smaller size but the silver ring around the watchface and smaller size did not appeal to me. ... "
" ... The screen protectors for the F5S fit great. ... "
" ... I have a small to midsize wrist and the 47mm is a perfect fit. ... "
" ... And even if you think your not, still give it a try if you want an upgrade from that fit bit or Apple Watch. ... "
" ... And I liked the more rugged looks of the 5 over the smaller 5S. ... "
Bluetooth
12connect, connects, stay connected, pair and stay, disconnect
+67%
-33%
" ... Also happy to see that the Fenix sync's with both Blue Tooth and ANT+ devices. ... "
" ... Automatically connects with WiFi when I come in to range of home network and same with Bluetooth for phone. ... "
" ... It connects easily, with zero problems. ... "
" ... frankly using BT to connect to the phone app all you need. ... "
" ... It can connect to both Bluetooth and Ant+ conponent, to include Di2. ... "
" ... The latest firmware has solved the random bluetooth disconnect problem :) ... It would connect for 10-20 seconds then disconnect for 20-30 seconds. ... "
" ... Hopefully they can optimize BT range with a software update. ... Other than wifi (good only for auto-syncing without bluetooth at home), the functionality of the two versions is identical. ... "
" ... Furthermore pairing it with my iphone was a breeze (it did it automatically), so notifications working on this phone unlike the forerunner. ... "
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Specifications
Body
Size: 1.65 meters
Connectivity
GPS: Yes
Recommendations
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