Apple Watch vs Garmin fenix 5

We’ve selected two of the hottest fitness watches on the market today. With two different approaches to fitness tracking and fitness applications, what is the best watch to help keep you fit?

Display:

Let’s start with the most obvious difference between the Garmin fenix 5 and the Apple Watch, that being the display. The differences are huge, and this sets the priorities apart as the screen in the Apple Watch is a significant battery drain. However, the screen in the Apple Watch allows information to be displayed crisper and sharper including videos & photos, maps, text messages, notifications, apps and more.

The other difference between the displays is the interaction you have. The Apple Watch is touch and Garmin simply isn’t. The fenix 5 has buttons to utilise its software which for activities like running, is far superior than a touchscreen.

Winner – Apple Watch

Battery:

One of the best features with the garmin fenix 5 is the battery life. With the digitalisation of the world and everything needing re-charging frequently, it’s refreshing to have a battery in a device lasting longer than a week.

Battery life is one the biggest downsides with not only the Apple Watch, but smartwatches in general. The reason for this is the battery drain of the superior display and faster processor. With better processing power, smartwatches like the Apple Watch can operate powerful apps.

The Apple Watch is rated for 18 hours of use which requires a daily charge.

Winner – Garmin fenix 5

Apps:

If you’re into apps, the Apple Watch is the clear winner. However, depending on the use case Garmin’s native apps are the best in the market. With applications for pretty much any sport and the ability to create your own apps (with data fields), if you’re an outdoor adventurer or fitness freak you will most likely prefer the Garmin fenix 5 software.

Winner – Apple Watch

Fitness:

The Apple Watch is targeted to a wider audience and its fitness tracking and applications are built to deliver for mainstream fitness uses. One of the standout features of the Apple Watch is the fitness rings (which I’m a fan of). The benefit of this activity tracking is the tracking takes into account everything rather than just steps; tying calories, exercise and time standing together. So if you burn most of your calories on a bike or lifting weights, your activity tracking will reflect your active lifestyle (even if you’re not recording lots of steps on a regular basis).

Where the Garmin stands out is for the hardcore user or outdoors person. Its exercise apps are the best in the industry and offer a level of customisation and data not found on any other fitness watch.

Winner – tie

Build Quality:

Although the Apple Watch has a 50 metre water resistance, it is built as a smartwatch and its priorities of design are different. For instance, you can take the Apple Watch running and swimming but you might not want to take it skiing or snowboarding for fear of damage. The fenix 5 however is far more rigid, especially if you opt for the Sapphire glass display.

Winner – Garmin fenix 5

Optical HR:

From all accounts, we believe the fenix 5 to have a superior wrist based heart rate than the Apple Watch. However, the fenix 5 isn’t perfect and if you’re after the best wrist based heart rate you should consider the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR.

Winner – Garmin fenix 5

Pricing:

Pricing for the Apple Watch Series 2 starts from: $529

Pricing for the Garmin fenix 5 starts from: $799

Winner – Apple Watch

Conclusion:

Both watches are the best in the areas they focus on. Both have different designs and approaches to common uses. If you’re into your fitness and want to take it to the next level or a fitness freak the Garmin will suit you more. However, if you’re just into fitness generally and keep a keen eye on your activity the Apple Watch might be the better choice.

If you have any questions feel free to visit our Hampton VIC showroom and our team will assist you the best we can.

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