Comparing Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT
When it comes to smartwatches and fitness trackers, the Garmin Fenix 5s and Garmin Forerunner 735XT are two popular choices for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. With a variety of features and capabilities, these wearables offer numerous benefits for tracking and enhancing one’s workout routines. Choosing the right watch is crucial to ensure that it meets the specific needs and requirements of the user.
Both the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT are products of the well-recognized Garmin brand, known for its quality and innovation in the wearable technology industry. With a history of creating reliable and functional fitness devices, Garmin is a trusted name in the market.
In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of these two devices, including design and build, features and functionality, user interface and experience, pricing and value, and frequently asked questions. This information aims to aid you in making an informed decision when choosing between the Garmin Fenix 5s and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT.
Design and Build
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s is built with stainless steel bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer casing. It has a 1.1-inch color display with a screen resolution of 218 x 218 pixels. The Fenix 5s is lightweight, weighing only 67 grams, and boasts water resistance of up to 100 meters or 10 ATM.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT also features a fiber-reinforced polymer casing but with a lighter weight of 40.2 grams. Its 1.23-inch color display has a screen resolution of 215 x 180 pixels. The Forerunner 735XT offers water resistance of up to 50 meters or 5 ATM.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both the Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT are designed with durability and functionality in mind. The key differences between the two devices include their bezel materials, weight, and water resistance. The Fenix 5s is slightly heavier but offers better water resistance compared to the Forerunner 735XT.
Features and Functionality
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s operates without a specified operating system, but it is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It has a battery life of up to 9 days, and the watch is equipped with various sensors, including an accelerometer, barometer, and GPS. The Fenix 5s offers fitness tracking features such as calories, cycling, distance, heart rate, oxygen levels, sleep, steps, and swim tracking.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Similar to the Fenix 5s, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT does not operate on a specific operating system but is compatible with Android devices. It boasts a longer battery life, ranging from 14 hours to 11 days depending on the usage. The device features an accelerometer and GPS but lacks a barometer. It tracks calories, cycling, distance, heart rate, sleep, steps, and swimming.
Comparison of features and performance
Both the Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT provide a wide range of fitness tracking features. The Fenix 5s has some additional features such as oxygen level tracking and a barometer, giving it a slight edge over the Forerunner 735XT. However, the Forerunner 735XT offers a longer battery life that may be more appealing to some users.
User Interface and User Experience
Garmin Fenix 5s
The Garmin Fenix 5s sports a touchscreen display for easy navigation through its various features, apps, and customization options. It can also connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and offers email, phone, and text functions. However, the device is not compatible with Mac or Windows computers.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Some information about the Forerunner 735XT’s user interface is not available, but it does offer smartphone compatibility for Android devices. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, and like the Fenix 5s, it provides email, phone, and text functions.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Garmin Fenix 5s and the Forerunner 735XT offer user-friendly interfaces with smartphone compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Fenix 5s touchscreen feature provides a better experience when navigating and customizing the device.
Price and Value
Garmin Fenix 5s
Priced at $599.99, the Garmin Fenix 5s offers a range of features and durable build quality that justifies its price tag.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT comes at a lower price of $450 while still offering a decent range of features and functionalities.
Comparison of price and value
Both devices offer a variety of features for tracking different aspects of fitness, with the Fenix 5s having a slight edge in functionalities. Depending on individual needs and budgets, either device may offer excellent value for the price.
Conclusion
When comparing the Garmin Fenix 5s and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT, both devices offer a host of features to cater to various fitness tracking needs. The Fenix 5s has the advantage of additional features such as oxygen level tracking and a barometer, but the Forerunner 735XT offers a longer battery life and a slightly lower price. Ultimately, the choice between these two devices depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT track open water swimming?
Yes, both devices are equipped with swim tracking features suitable for open water swimming.
2. Can I control music playback from the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT?
Yes, both devices support music control features, enabling users to control their music playback from the watch.
3. Can the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT receive and display notifications from a smartphone?
Yes, both devices can display notifications from a connected smartphone, including emails, texts, and phone calls.
4. Are third-party apps available for the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT?
Yes, both devices are compatible with third-party apps that can be installed through the Garmin Connect IQ store.
5. Can the Garmin Fenix 5s and Forerunner 735XT be used as daily wear watches?
Yes, both devices offer features such as clock display and aesthetic designs that make them suitable for daily wear.
