I found it very selfish of Garmin not to update the older watches software as Apple does for their watches are very expensive. I’ve been using the 5xplus since 8/2018 and seeing that Garmin doesn’t update the older watches it making me seriously look at different brands.
@@sikilecar Exactly. Why would you ever buy into the Apple disposable brand if you didn't need to? Also, the Apple watch doesn't even compare to the fenix line in terms of looks and durability. The fenix looks rugged and capable. The Apple watch looks like you have bad taste in watches. Complaining that Garmin wants to regularly release new products with new and advanced features while promoting Apple who have the worst reputation for releasing crap astounds me.
I'm not a native English speaker and I'm very used to hear USA English accent, but I really understand every single word you say, you have a really good and clean pronunciation. And the comparation was really helpful and well done. Thank you so much. Greetings from Mexico.
Great video, and I totally agree. Software features should always be implemented on at least 1 or 2 models back, unless there’s obviously a hardware limitation. It’s obviously a money grab, and I hope they learn from this.
Yes, the watch is nice and some ok hardware improvements such as the HR sensor and the battery efficient GPS chip. But the software side would take nothing to port it. I would also think running this many versions of the software would eat so much resource
I've been using 735XT and 5X Plus for a while. The main problem with Garmin is that they price their watches at $700-$1300 and keep equipping them with low resolution screens without touch sensitive feature, kinda like Casio calculators. They also tend to put forward what actually is software updates as a new features of new models. It's kinda like advertise all updates to iOS as brand new iPhones. That being said, I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy a Fenix 6 Pro Solar pretty shortly :)
If you have a 5X / 5X Plus... Wait another 2 years before upgrading... Nothing really makes the 6 worth dropping the coin a year after you dropped coin on your current watch
i had 5xplus but i sold it only to have 6x screen size;) screen size to body ratio on 5xplus was drivin me nuts:) so unproportional so ugly;/ apart from this;) very simmilar watches in terms on essencial functions
A year? Try two months. And I purchased the 5x plus titanium. This is my first garmin watch. Which I love. And there is zero chance I’m shelling out for a 6. But. Yeah, very disappointing experience with the lack of software upgrade.
I completely concur. I’m looking to buy the 6X Pro because I’m new to Garmin but I also have a penchant for screen size and big watches. I’m surprised to read that they don’t trickle down the software to the older models! I therefore assume that the newer devices aren’t so much of a hardware update...
@@JRsReviews that is true. Especially with Garmin's mapping feature, you really need a bigger screen. But now way I'm shelling out that amount of money. I'd rather wait a few years.
Still wearing mine in 2024. Such a great watch. I do wear my Galaxy Watch more often but when I get tired of all the social media notifications and information overload I bust out the Fenix. The Galaxy Watch is an amazing smartwatch but can also be very intrusive and obnoxious at times. Garmin keeps it professional.
I cannot agree more to your conclusion! As an experienced runner I "need" accurate GPS tracking, reliable connection to my sensors (HRM, Tempe, foodpod) and navigation along a predefined track with maps below. The rest is either nice or useless stuff I don't want to pay for!!!! My F5+ works great for me and it has already a lot I don't need! Even my F1 had all those functions including basic maps, but unfortunately it died after 3 years - I payed 280€ for a new watch at that time (2013).....
Great advice on not updating for us 5x users. Am purposely waiting to see if they do better on the next model as I really dislike being treated second class, especially seeing I bought my 5x plus only a few months before the 6.
Oh, that's really cool because I just bought a Fenix 5 Plus Sapphire Titanium new for a really low price from a seller on Amazon because they were trying to push out the F6. So far, I love it!!! Nice review, thanks.
for those who mention that Garmin doesnt firmware update older models, lets be clear here, it does. They just dont push new features per say, so they can sell new models. And i agree the price got way out of hands.
Top advice. I am in the market for my first serious watch and i am looking at good deals on either the 5plus or the forerunner 945. Can’t justify me spending potentially twice as much for the fenix 6. When 5+ or 945 hit below £400 I will take one of them.
I COULD NOT AGREE WITH YOU MORE! You took words out of my mouth. I have been Garmin customer for a long time. I had all their watches since when their first Fenix came out. This is the first time that I have decided not to do the upgrade because of the same reason that you mentioned. Like you said, most of the new features in Fenix 6 series are software related that could easily be pushed onto Fenix 5 series. It is extremely disappointing that they did not give Fenix 5 users at least Body Battery feature. This same feature their website says that is available on Fenix 5 while it clearly is NOT. I expected Garmin to add LTE feature and adaptive training guidance programs...they did not. I think this time around I will stick to my F5X+. If Garmin continues this way, I will seriously consider moving to another brand.
I am hearing more and more long term users saying the same. I was in the gym the other day and someone spotted the watch and said I will not buy the fenix 6.
@@JRsReviews I really hope that Garmin gets the message. When I called Garmin the other day, I questioned them about Body Battery function and why it says on their website that F5X+ supports it. They said that it will likely be available through future firmware updates...that is still up in the air.
Also, the fact that you have to settle for a refurbished device when your battery dies out is pretty ridiculous as well. If one spends so much money on a watch and takes care of it, they should be able to keep the same watch for as long as they want. Just knowing that I spend all that money on something disposable is pretty disappointing.
@@Jay151 I am not too hooked on maps. LTE in case of emergencies and adaptive training guidance as well as continuous HRV monitoring without strap is what I consider as deal breakers. Once Sunnto has these in place, I am switching.
Thank you! I’ve been debating back and forth. I have the 5s plus sapphire. My main thought was the screen colors etc. if if inside the watch isn’t as easy to read as others. I just left forerunner for Fenix so huge difference. If I could suggest one thing to Garmin I would say the clarity and colors are really not good. Do better!
Great video JR, especially on the points about Garmin not upgrading older devices. These devices cost $600+ and no reason why they dont receive new software updates for a couple years. Definately something to think about when purchasing a Garmin device. Apple for example, just released watch OS 5 and the Series 2 watch dating back from 2016 is getting updated.
I had the 5s + and I did upgrade. At first I thought I was making a mistake, but it was the best decision I could make. I have a small wrist and the 5s plus was way too big for me but I wore it anyway. If I wore it for several hours it would start to hurt my wrist so I could only use it during a workout. The 6s has been a big change for me and not just because of the software. The size and weight make a huge difference if you have a small wrist. I actually forget I have this watch on. I could never do that with the large size of the 5s plus. I wear it the 6 all day and even overnight and my wrist never hurts. To me, it was a complete game changer. The size and weight are the biggest benefits. But I love the new training load data as well. And I love the smaller screens on the widgets so that I can see more o them at a glance. I’m very happy that I upgraded even if I don’t get much back when I sell my 5s plus off.
Man! What are you going on about. Are you sure you didn’t have the Fenix 5 plus. The size and weight difference is marginal i would not be that sure it’s noticeable. It’s like having a pinch of salt on your wrist, that’s how much difference. You must have weak wrists
Jason Star I know what I had. I had the fenix 5s plus and it stuck over the edges of my wrist. The posts on the fenix 6s plus are much shorter. It no longer sticks over the sides of my wrist. It’s only 5 grams lighter but I can feel that. The lighter size and actually fitting my wrist now is a game changer. This is because I do not have large wrists. For you it is likely not noticeable but for someone with tiny wrists, the upgrade is well worth it. If you have a standard male wrist I’m sure you won’t be able to discern the difference. But for a woman with small wrists, the difference is huge. I know which watches I’m comparing. They are expensive so of course I know what I bought.
Great advice. Great video, thanks for your input. I'm looking for update my Fenix 3hr, I'm think of Suunto for that, Garmin is getting greedy. Never the less. Which one you think is better update, Suunto 9 baro, Fenix 5 plus or the 6 pro?
Great review. I bought a Fenix 6 pro for myself and an older 5x for my son. I actually am going to keep the 5x for myself and give the newer one to my son now.... primarily because the 6 pro looks too small on my wrist. And I really don't notice much of a different between the two for what I use them for... which is mainly the GPS. I do notice the 6 is a little brighter on the screen... but not much. I don't notice any difference at all in resolution. Oddly even though the 6 pro is significantly smaller the actual screen size on the 6 pro is bigger than on the huge 5x... but both have such small screens that it really doesn't matter that much. I'd like to compare the newer 6x, 7x or plus to it. I do notice a few software charges but nothing to write home about. It's nice that the 6 battery life is double but a week of life on the 5 is plenty really unless you get lost in the woods and need GPS for more than 20 hours which is unlikely...
Great video thanks. I am going to get my first Garmin, in the states the 5X Pus sapphire is $499 and the 6X pro sapphire is $699. Is the 6X Pro worth the extra $200? Thanks
Great point regarding Garmin blowing off their existing users. It's putting me off the brand because essentially they just take your money then leave you out to dry. I'm almost certainly not buying any future products beyond my 5 Plus. Polar repeatedly updated the software on my V800, guess I'll be going back when my 5 Plus becomes outdated.
Just got the 5x sapphire as much as i would have loved the 6 i see no point. I paid $500 aussie dollars for the 5x and 6x is $900. Would rather wait few years for the 7 or 8
Wonderful honest commentary! I have been solicited to upgrade to 6 Pro, but why cant Garmin upgrade their existing users. Very sad, Apple does Garmin do the same! Again Thanks.
I just bought a Titanium G5X plus not even 6 month ago and now Garmin came out with a new version. it's BS that Garmin will not alow the current G5x Plus users to update the firmware to be able to use the new features. Not a happy Garmin user. !
Great review, thank you, I’ve had the Fenix 3HR for 4 years and considering an upgrade. With the approx annual Fenix upgrade cycle annually, should I wait for the 7 to then get the 6 on the discount??? Cheers.
So, for a Garmin Fenix 5 user, do you think it is worth to upgrade to Fenix 6? Would you advise go to Fenix 5 Plus or wait and see the next version...?
Been looking for a rugged outdoor watch quite while now, but the 5 series didn't have any option for my small wrist size with full maps. I just ordered the fenix 6s pro which i tested in store and was just perfect for size and features.
Thanks for this video, you have been extremely helpful in enabling me to setup my 5x Plus. And I am so disappointed that it requires an upgrade to get things like Body Battery.
I agree with you regarding Garmin's apparent lack of commitment to their customers. When you pay a premium price for an alleged premium device, it's only fair to expect ongoing support. When I bought a Fenix 3 years back, this became all too apparent all too quickly and it really soured my otherwise positive experience with the product. Garmin has a lot to learn about customer retention if they think withholding software upgrades is the best strategy for enticing customers to upgrade. The Fenix 6 is enticing me after my Gear S3 finally died, but this point sticks with me and I'm hesitating.
@@JRsReviews I actually just scored a Galaxy Watch 46mm AND Galaxy Watch Active 2 for €300, less than half the current price of the Fenix. It's an unusual solution but somewhat addresses battery dilemmas, and adds great smart features. While Samsung may not offer the most accurate trackers, they do listen and continue to deliver updates for years. My Gear S3 was still getting updates before it died, 3 years after I bought it. Since I'm no athlete, I can live with that.
5 x you can do all new battery mood manually, so bad of garmin to not do up grades for 5x when new fenix 6 had came to market ( like what apple do ) .. So this few extra features are worthless
Great review. I like the section where you highlight what upgrading from 5 Plus to 6 isn’t a good idea especially that you gonna miss some important features (those features were available on 5 Plus, but were removed from the six, but are available on 6 Pro. If you add $200 more... Keep up the good work 👍🏻👍🏻
Agree. I will say, I did go from 5x to the 6x pro sapphire and no second thoughts for one reason: a huge discounted price. The data fields are so much better. Better battery life. Bigger display.
Just that Garmin did change "back" to the more Sturdy Bezel again is almost worth the upgrade alone for myself.::) Like my Old 5x, big bezel and big watch. My 5x Plus Big..but they put more tiny bezels on it. And now on 6x Sapphire i use the bezels are back. :) But like you say, for standard folks i don´t think the upgrade from a 5 plus is a must. Must say after some use and when i go back to my "old" 5x/5x+...i for sure notice i miss the tiny bit larger display tho. :)
You have a strong valid point with the way Garmin treat their existing customer base, I’ve just purchased the 6x plus, but again won’t be upgrading my watch for the next 3 - 4 years hopefully they start to listen to customer feedback and roll out major annual firmware updates similar to Apple, this will help cement their customer loyalty, we can live in hope I guess.
They do update to fix bugs and stuff. These comments are misleading, they simply don’t update to add new features. Not many do this, even Apple doesn’t update all of their watches equally. I have an Apple Watch Series 2 that just got the newest OS, and it was nothing more than 1 extra face.
I have a Fenix 5 and don't plan for upgrade. The Fenix 6 is not a real upgrade in my eyes since it misses some features I'd like have, like an e-sim feature so I could stream music on the go. All the "upgrades" you told are just minor "updates" and not a real major upgrade to the Fenix 5. But they've increased the price. The prica is that much high right know that I don't plan to buy any Garmin watch in the feature.
@@JRsReviews thats when I'll buy a new Garmin device. To be honest they are way too overpriced for that what they do. I'd rather go for a Galaxy Sport than a Forerunner/Fenix. And they deliver really bad software expierince at Garmin. EVerything is cloud based, no 2FA, laggy software, etc.
I was going to buy a Garmin but I don't think I will if it means I will have to buy another watch to get any upgrades in a years time. Thanks for the information :)
Really hard right now. Was looking to get my first real sports watch and ugh. The price jump by Garmin makes almost want to just by a series 3 watch and go back in my hole for another year or two. =/
Nice video! I have a question about the firstbeat feature. I really like the idea of this but am looking at getting the garmin venu. Will this feature or a similar app be available to use with the venu? Would prefer to have it on my phone instead of directly on my watch though. Thanks
I am planning to get my first smartwatch and I'm focusing on fenix series. My need for a watch is to have pulse ox sensor to track O2 saturation and bpm because I have dyspnea during sleep. What should I choose between 5x plus and 6x pro sapphire?
. I’ve been debating over the Vivoactive 4 or the Fenix 5 plus. I care about electronic products I purchase being updated. I guess just like there car GPS never got any updates. To bad
Thanks for the great videos!! Keep up the good work! Been running my 3.5 year old Fenix 5 concurrently with my Edge device while cycling then deleting oneride record post ride. I have found the Fenix bulletproof vis a vis the Edge 810 device. However, after several Edge 810 warranty replacements, I recently purchased an Edge 530 which I really like! No real hiccups yet (although I hate the either NA or Europe maps and not both on the 530 but that is another issue). So my question is: even though the Fenix 5 is getting up there in age and use (20, 000+ miles) and the battery is getting weak (getting about 2-4 activities out of a charge while just using it for activities and not everyday), I feel many of the features of the Fenix 6 are in the new Edge 530, especially training and performance features I do miss the native music feature especially in the gym but I think I'll wait another year to see what comes out to replace the Fenix 5. Just can't see ponying up the bucks for a Fenix upgrade just yet!
Thanks for watching. Really appreciated If the fenix 5 is still working and doing what you need then hang on. However if you need some of the new performance features then it could be a good shout
I'm getting a Fenix 5x plus sapphire for a great deal online ...would it make sense to buy a Fenix 5x plus now ( end of 2021) ..not sure if Garmin will stop supporting the Fenix 5x plus with regards to software updates etc ..pls advise.
I own the Fenix 5x plus and i like it! The only thing that i don't like it is the poor resolution screen! And also the way to buy applications on the connect IQ who is compliqued! Also, i hope that the fenix 7 will be faster and bring cellular option to take call on the go, and take voice note on the go! And i hope that Fenix 7 will have a better resolution screen!!! The resolution screen is good on 6x but not enough in my opinion! I need also a bigger internal storage! And also it should be great to have a better ergonomic logic operating system!!! The watch is to much expensive!!! We need a better product for what we pay!
The future of watch is cellular options inside!!! The future of watch is a phone watch! Garmin have a lot effort to do because competition is there with Fitbit Google, Polar, Suunto, Apple watch, Samsung Galaxy watch, Huawei, etc. Garmin watch is to expensive in my opinion for what they offer!!! I paid my Fenix 5x plus more than 1300 $ CAD in October 2018. And i will be able to resale my watch for only 500 dollars if I'm lucky!
@@remi1213 NO.......Garmin is a SPORTS watch, not a straight "smart watch"........Apple does NOT have a stand alone GPS maps or sensors like Garmin. If you want a "phone watch", go buy something else.
Here is a question, i have a basic garmin that needs replacing, would you buy a second hand 5x pro sapphire for £200 or a new 6x non sapphire for £500?
The lack of updates is unfair for older customers but updates will slow the watch over time. It might not slow on the first update but on the second or third update it will slow down the watch. Apple allows their customers to update software mainly because the products will slow down over time and customers are forced to buy new ones. If you research , Apple has been fined for that. ( that is why with new iPhones , there is option for not to charge the battery at max to preserve the battery). Speaking of slowing down. Anyone with Fenix 5 series show sign of slowing down in 2020. Would appreciate your experiences. I don’t think for my current lifestyle fenix pro is worth the $700 for garmin pay, oxygen sensor and battery saving mode.
I learned that many brands find the youtubers and the youtubers help do advertisement for the manufacturers. Then UPGRADE! UPGRADE! You use few of the functions, they just convince you pay for it
Another reason not to upgrade: You can patch the firmware of the Fenix 5 Plus to add custom JNX files support (bitmap maps, e.g. satellite maps from Google) or allow installing the D2 Delta firmware and turn it into an aviation watch. Firmwares of newer models are encrypted, so that doesn't work anymore.
Sound advice. Garmin History : Vivo HR then Vivo Active HR (finally stopped working).... after hrs of You Tube and Google ordered a Fenix 5 x, and then was told item out stock and had a refund. As luck would have it for the extra £65 I found a fenix 5xPlus £495. Close to the £850 fenix 6 top dog. But like your vid describes I could not see the extra £350 ( although the screen was tempting !!). Updates is a little SAD ! When the hardware can easily cope with the features.
I have a good question. here in mexico comes some days where there are offers in every online store, or fisical stores. with all the discounts, the 6x pro saphire will cost 550 dlls, instad of 850. I have a fenix 5, not a super sport person, but I like this kind of watches. do you think is worth it??? Thank you
I noticed the music controls were not as easy to use (single screen) in the way you can with the fenix 5. Specially while working out, I find clicking between screens delay me. Is this a user error or do you run into the same? Do you think there will be a 6 plus before fenix 7?
How does anyone know for sure that a software update would be compatible on all older watches? Maybe the 6-series has a different type of processor or chipset than the 5-series (not to mention different screens and resolutions) and not every new feature can be ported over so easily? Maybe the 5-series would be negatively affected (things like performance or battery life) by adding the features in the 6-series. Answer these before you assume that all software features will simply work perfectly across all product lines.
I had a Fenix 6 sapphire but the heart rate sensor is better on my Apple Watch. I “downgraded” to the Fenix 5 Sapphire and the heart rate sensor seems better.
So tell me.. I use iphones, have a AW4 cellular, an Instinct, and a Oregon 700 all loaded with great maps. Problem is none of it does what I want; full proper independent off-road navigation with color topo mapping on my wrist. the AW with its mix of convoluted half-baked 3rd party watch apps just kinda sucks, some are great at this, others at that, bah.. The Oregon is a heavy block I do not want hanging on my chest strap, but it comes along buried in the pack as a backup. The phone/Instinct combo is ok. The watch is super light, provides great info updates at a glance, but for a topo map view I have to pull out the phone. Its not too bad lanyarded to a Maxpedition pouch on the left strap, so maybe I should just be happy with what I have? I've been eyeing the leftover Fenix 5's...? Exactly which one tho? (Amazon) For some reason the Fenix 6 pro is nagging at me.. will it be the end-all-be-all nav unit I seek?
I have a 5+ Sapphire/DLC/Titanium which I love and am considering a 6X Pro or maybe Solar. I thought that the 5+ might be too large but it's actually fine and I'd love the extra battery life and the much bigger screen. I just wish that they had a standard package with the DLC Titanium in dark gray. The 5+ Sapphire is pretty dark too and I'm wondering if that's the case on the 6 models too. If it is, then I might skip the Sapphire. I have a while to decide as they aren't available for about six weeks. I would give my 5+ to my son - one of those Millennials that doesn't think that he needs a watch. My daughter didn't think that she needed one but I got her a 5S and she just absolutely loves it. Thanks for your comments on updating software on older models.
Thanks for your great advice, I had three Fenix3HR and on my second F5X because of sensor cracking ( and I have issues with navigation on maps). I agree, why can’t Garmin do what apple do and trickledown software upgrades, it’s just plain greedy!
I was on the edge of buying a Garmin 6 Pro Solar, but after some research finding out that Garmin abandons the watch as soon as the new one releases pushed me back. No way in hell I'll spend that kinda money on a device with poor support.
I do agree that Garmin should update older models, however most of the updates are very minor. Also the battery life will be affected by certain changes and if its just something like a layout or a single feature then for me its not worth it. We buy these products to do what we want them to out of the box, if there is something not there that you want, why buy the product? I had a Fenix 3 and just updated to a 6 Sapphire. I also didn't need this update it was purely because i like new things. Anything software related across lines should be updated though if possible
I have been a garmin customer for years and I must say the support in the UK sucks, I once had to deal with garmin in the USA for a warranty claim they were amazing. So I wouldn't hold your breath for any software update with the new features
Personally, I think the extended battery length itself is worth an upgrade. I have a Garmin 5 Plus and on an ultra race i need to recharge every 10 hours. That is with turning off bluetooth, activity tracking etc. The equivalent model in the 6 range; the Garmin 6 has a battery length of 36 hours. That is a four fold increase on what i am currently getting. Even the 6S is 25 hours. I will be buying the 6X (minus solar) for the 60 hour battery length. Even if this is more in the region of 40 hours then it is more than enough time to complete a 100 mile ultra on one charge
You can achieve most of the battery savings manually in the Fenix 5 plus, by making some adjustments. Also remember the battery life is "up to" 36 hours, just like the Fenix 5 Plus is "up to" 18 hours. I am getting nowhere near the 36 hours in my testing
@@JRsReviews What are you getting time wise? To get over ten hours on my 5 I have to reduce contrast, turn off vibration, turn off tones, turn off activity tracking, turn off sensors, disconnect bluetooth, minmise the backlight.. It is woeful.. Do you think the 6x will get me around the 50 hour mark?
I just received my 6X today and what you say about the screen is not true Today. It is very washed out very bluish. I have seen some other people complain about this. I will be returning it. You might want to update everybody watching. It seems to be hit or miss.
What are your thoughts on moving from Apple Watch Series 3 to the Fenix 6x Pro? I am considering this move, as I don’t feel the Apple Watch is serving/meeting all of my active lifestyle needs.
Active JR I am very active; hiking/snowshoeing for landscape photography, but also mountain biking, running and weight-lifting (for fitness). The Apple Watch is ‘okay’ but doesn’t give me all the data that I’d really like to get for logging activities.
Great vid! Important opinion. My main reason to upgrade from my 5X to a 6X Sapphire would be a better GPS tracking for hiking inside canions, bigger screen, battery, GPS consumption and expedition mode. Do you think it's worthy?
I am just finishing off the GPS testing now. But I have had a few instances the GPS track has cut across buildings, which I didnt do. But the overall distance was fine. I think any GPS device will have issues with deep canyons though.
@@JRsReviews Great! How was it compared to 5 series? Nmyet from Garmin forum was able to track inside a canion with F6PS where F5 Plus and a F5X couldn't . That called my attention, that is why I am starting to want the S6.
@@JRsReviews Cool! How ok? Mediocre? Same as 5x? I've seen a good improvement under buildings, trees and canyons. Would you mind sharing your track? Thanks, Active Jr.
title mesleading, i'm interested in comarison of the top previous gen (5 x plus) vs bottom og the next gen (6) edit: video is a mess, i still don't know what versions you're comparing...
I could not have agreed more with you, my good sir! Indeed, Garmin are milking their customers by not backporting firmware related updates. I think it is an absolutely disgusting business model and I would have actually thought, that a well established company like garmin, would have taken their customers a little more serious. Just have a look at how many devices they have out on the market right now, it's absolutely ridiculous! And not very sustainable in a world where resources are becoming increasingly scarce.. Thanks for an honest video! Cheers, mate😉
