Garmin Fenix 5 Vs 6 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The Fenix 5 Still Good

The Garmin Fenix series has long been the gold standard for multisport adventurers, hikers, climbers, and endurance athletes. When the Fenix 6 launched in 2019, it promised significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Fenix 5. But nearly five years later, many users are asking: is upgrading from the Fenix 5 to the Fenix 6 truly necessary? And more importantly, does the Fenix 5 still deliver enough value to justify keeping it as your daily driver?

This isn’t just about new tech for the sake of novelty. It’s about whether the improvements translate into meaningful benefits during training, racing, or backcountry exploration. Let’s break down the key differences, evaluate real-world usability, and help you decide if your Fenix 5 still has what it takes—or if it’s time to move on.

Design and Build: Evolution, Not Revolution

At first glance, the Fenix 5 and Fenix 6 look strikingly similar. Both feature rugged stainless steel bezels, fiber-reinforced polymer cases, and sapphire glass options on higher-end models. The overall design language remains consistent—functional, durable, and ready for extreme conditions.

However, the Fenix 6 introduced a slightly taller display with slimmer bezels, increasing screen real estate without drastically changing case size. The 6 series also expanded into multiple sizes: Fenix 6S (small), 6 (standard), and 6X (large with flashlight). This gives users more flexibility based on wrist size and use case.

In contrast, the Fenix 5 came in three models—5, 5S, and 5X—but lacked the refined ergonomics and display clarity of the newer line. The 5X already included a flashlight, but integration was less seamless than in the 6X.

Tip: If you have a smaller wrist, consider the Fenix 6S; its 42mm face is significantly more comfortable than the 47mm standard model.

Display and Usability Improvements

The most noticeable upgrade in the Fenix 6 is the display. While both watches use transflective MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) screens—which excel in sunlight readability—the Fenix 6 offers better resolution and a 26% larger viewing area thanks to reduced bezel width.

Navigation through menus feels smoother due to an updated processor and increased RAM. The Fenix 5, while reliable, can feel sluggish when switching between data fields or loading topographic maps. The 6 handles complex activities with multiple sensors (GPS, heart rate, cadence, power) more efficiently.

Additionally, the Fenix 6 supports customizable watch faces from Connect IQ with greater depth and animation support, enhancing personalization without sacrificing battery life.

Feature Comparison: What Changed?

The jump from Fenix 5 to 6 wasn’t just cosmetic. Garmin packed in several meaningful enhancements that affect daily use and athletic performance tracking.

Feature	Fenix 5	Fenix 6
Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode)	Up to 2 weeks	Up to 14 days (varies by model)
Battery Life (GPS Mode)	Up to 30 hours	Up to 36–60 hours (6X with solar: 120+)
Music Storage	No	Yes (on Music models)
Wi-Fi Syncing	No	Yes – faster data upload and map updates
Advanced Sleep Tracking	Limited (basic sleep detection)	Full sleep stages (light, deep, REM) + Pulse Ox
Body Battery Energy Monitoring	No	Yes – uses HRV, stress, sleep to estimate energy levels
Hydration & Menstrual Tracking	No	Yes – integrated wellness logging
Touchscreen Option	No	Yes (on select models)
Offline Maps with Route Planning	Basic TOPO maps	Full-color maps, breadcrumb navigation, ClimbPro ascent planner

The addition of Wi-Fi alone makes a big difference. On the Fenix 5, syncing after a long hike or race could take minutes via Bluetooth. With Wi-Fi on the Fenix 6, uploads happen in seconds once connected.

“Battery efficiency and data reliability are critical in ultra-endurance events. The Fenix 6’s longer GPS runtime and ClimbPro feature changed how I pace mountain races.” — David Lin, Ultrarunner & Coach

Is the Fenix 5 Still Good in 2024?

Absolutely. Despite being discontinued, the Fenix 5 remains a powerful tool for athletes who don’t need bleeding-edge features. Its core functionality—GPS accuracy, heart rate monitoring, multisport profiles, and durability—is still excellent.

If you're primarily using your watch for running, cycling, swimming, and gym workouts, the Fenix 5 delivers accurate metrics and robust training analytics. It supports ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors, has built-in VO₂ max estimation, recovery advisor, and training load tracking—all features that were cutting-edge at launch and remain useful today.

Where it falls short is in long-duration adventures requiring extended GPS use. A 30-hour GPS limit means you’ll need backup power for multi-day hikes or 24+ hour races. Also, lack of Pulse Ox and advanced sleep tracking limits insight into recovery—a gap that modern training philosophies emphasize.

That said, used Fenix 5 units are now available at steep discounts. For budget-conscious buyers or those new to multisport training, it’s still one of the best values in rugged GPS watches.

When Upgrading Makes Sense: A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Deciding whether to upgrade shouldn’t be based on hype. Follow this practical timeline to assess your needs:

1. Evaluate Your Current Usage: Are you regularly hitting the battery limit during long activities? Do you wish you had music storage for phone-free runs?
2. Assess Missing Features: List which Fenix 6 capabilities would genuinely improve your experience (e.g., Body Battery, ClimbPro, offline maps).
3. Check Compatibility: Will your current sensors (HRM, power meter) work seamlessly with the Fenix 6? Most do, but verify firmware support.
4. Calculate Cost vs. Benefit: A new Fenix 6 starts around $500–$800. Can you justify that expense based on actual usage gains?
5. Consider Resale Value: Trade in or sell your Fenix 5 to offset the upgrade cost. Well-maintained units still fetch $200–$300.

Tip: Wait for holiday sales or Garmin outlet deals—Fenix 6 models often drop 20–30% off during Black Friday or summer promotions.

Real-World Example: Trail Runner’s Dilemma

Sarah, an experienced trail runner, used her Fenix 5S for three years across dozens of marathons and ultras. She loved its lightweight build and reliability but started noticing limitations during weekend backpacking trips.

Her GPS would cut out near treeline, and she couldn’t pre-load detailed maps. After missing a turn in the Rockies, she downloaded TOPO maps to her phone—but hated relying on another device. She also wanted better sleep tracking to optimize recovery between races.

She upgraded to a Fenix 6X. The larger screen made map reading easier, ClimbPro helped her manage effort on ascents, and the extra GPS battery life gave her peace of mind. While the watch was heavier, the trade-off was worth it for her adventure-focused goals.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about luxury—it solved real problems she encountered in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Fenix 5 still receive software updates?

No. Garmin ended official software support for the Fenix 5 in 2022. While it still functions perfectly, it won’t get new features or security patches. Critical bug fixes may no longer be issued.

Does the Fenix 6 offer better GPS accuracy?

Yes. The Fenix 6 uses a quad-band GNSS chip (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS), improving lock speed and accuracy in dense forests or urban canyons. The Fenix 5 relies mainly on GPS + GLONASS, which can struggle in challenging environments.

Is the Fenix 5 waterproof enough for swimming?

Absolutely. Both watches are rated to 10 ATM (100 meters), making them suitable for pool and open-water swimming. Lap counting, stroke detection, and SWOLF scoring work reliably on the Fenix 5.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If You Need More

The Garmin Fenix 5 is far from obsolete. If you’re satisfied with its performance, don’t feel pressured to upgrade. It’s a proven performer with a loyal user base and enduring build quality.

But if you’re pushing into longer, more technical adventures—or want deeper health insights like Body Battery, Pulse Ox, and advanced sleep analysis—the Fenix 6 brings tangible benefits. Add in Wi-Fi syncing, music storage, and superior mapping, and the case for upgrading strengthens, especially for serious outdoor athletes.

Rather than chasing the latest model, focus on how well your current device serves your lifestyle. Technology should enable your goals—not dictate them.

🚀 Still on the fence? Try a 7-day rental of the Fenix 6 through an outdoor gear service. Test it side-by-side with your Fenix 5 and see if the upgrade moves the needle—for your sport, your style, and your journey.