Comparing Forerunner 935 and Fenix 5s
When looking at the Garmin Fenix 5s and Garmin Forerunner 935, both devices are top-notch fitness trackers and smartwatches that have been released by Garmin in 2017. Choosing the right watch is essential to maximize your fitness and daily life experience. Both watches offer several similar features, but they also have subtle differences that may sway your decision.
Garmin is a well-respected brand in the world of wearable technology, known for its strong reputation, quality products, and a long history of providing accurate and reliable sports and fitness devices. In this article, we aim to help you compare and contrast both devices to make an informed decision on which product is the right fit for your needs.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s is crafted from premium materials, including a stainless steel bezel and a high-strength domed sapphire lens, providing durability and style. It has a compact size with dimensions of 42 x 42 x 14.5 mm and weighs 67 grams, making it a lighter option for everyday wear. It comes with a 218 x 218-pixel resolution color display with a 1.1-inch screen size.
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935, on the other hand, has a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel with a chemically strengthened glass lens. Its dimensions are 47 x 47 x 13.9 mm, and it weighs 49 grams, which makes it slightly more lightweight than the Fenix 5s. The Forerunner 935 also has a color display with a higher resolution of 240 x 240 pixels and a 1.2-inch screen size.
Comparison of design and build quality
Although both devices offer a high-quality build, the Fenix 5s features more premium materials with its stainless steel bezel and sapphire lens. The Forerunner 935, however, is lighter and has a slightly larger screen, making it more suitable for individuals who prioritize lightness and screen size over premium materials. In terms of display quality, the Forerunner 935 slightly edges out the Fenix 5s with a higher screen resolution.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Fenix 5s operates using Garmin’s proprietary OS and features various built-in sensors, such as a heart rate monitor, GPS, and accelerometer. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and offers fitness tracking features like calorie, cycle, distance, heart rate, oxygen, sleep, steps, and swim tracking. It is also compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices.
Garmin Forerunner 935
Similar to the Fenix 5s, the Forerunner 935 also runs on Garmin’s proprietary OS and includes an array of sensors, such as a heart rate monitor, GPS, and accelerometer. Its battery life is even more impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode. The Forerunner 935 offers the same fitness tracking capabilities as the Fenix 5s and is also compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices.
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices are quite similar in terms of features and performance, with the primary difference being battery life. The Forerunner 935 has a significantly longer battery life compared to the Fenix 5s, making it a better choice for those who need more extended periods between charges. However, GPS functionality is only available in Fenix 5s, while the Forerunner 935 compensates for this by featuring NFC capability, which Fenix 5s lacks.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Fenix 5s offers a user-friendly interface with a customizable display, various navigation options, and integrated app support. It also boasts compatibility with smartphones, allowing for seamless syncing with notifications, calls, and texts for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with Mac and Windows computers.
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Forerunner 935 also provides a straightforward and customizable user interface, with similar display and navigation options as the Fenix 5s. It is also compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone smartphones for easy access to notifications, calls, and texts. Like the Fenix 5s, it is not compatible with Mac and Windows computers.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both devices have similar user interfaces and experiences, although their compatibility preferences differ. Both watches offer customizable displays, navigation options, and smartphone compatibility, yet neither device is compatible with Mac or Windows computers. In terms of user interface and user experience, the Fenix 5s and Forerunner 935 are on par with each other.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s is priced at $599.99, which may seem steep at first glance. However, considering its premium design and materials, as well as its vast array of features and functionality, the Fenix 5s offers a solid value for those seeking a high-quality smartwatch and fitness tracker.
Garmin Forerunner 935
At a slightly lower price point of $500, the Garmin Forerunner 935 offers many of the same features as the Fenix 5s, with the added benefit of a longer battery life. While it does not include the same premium materials as the Fenix 5s, it offers a competitive value for those looking for performance and battery life over design.
Comparison of price and value
When comparing the price and value of the two devices, it mainly comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a more premium and durable design, the Fenix 5s might be worth the extra cost. However, if you value battery life and performance over design, the Forerunner 935 is an excellent alternative at a lower price point.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 935 depends on your individual requirements and preferences. The Fenix 5s offers a more premium design, while the Forerunner 935 boasts a longer battery life and a slightly better display. Regardless of which device you choose, both are packed with numerous features and capabilities that cater to a wide range of fitness and lifestyle needs, making it difficult to go wrong with either option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is more suitable for outdoor activities?
While both devices are built for outdoor activities, the Garmin Fenix 5s might be more suitable due to its more durable design and materials.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 935 suitable for swimming?
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 935 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming.
Can you control music with both devices?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 935 support music control functionality.
Do both devices offer sleep tracking?
Yes, both the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 935 are equipped with sleep tracking functionality.
Can I receive notifications from my smartphone on both devices?
Yes, both the Fenix 5s and Forerunner 935 are compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices, allowing you to receive notifications, calls, and texts.
