Below is Garmin’s press release for those of you who want to read the official blurb.
I have given some commentary and undertaken some initial analysis (here).
—————————————————————————
OLATHE, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced fēnix 5, fēnix 5S and fēnix 5X, adding three watches designed with adventurers of all sizes in mind to its popular line of multisport GPS wearables. The fēnix 5S is lighter, sleeker and smaller than previous models – perfect for small wrists without sacrificing multisport functionality. The fēnix 5X boasts preloaded wrist-based mapping; and the compact fēnix 5, like other fēnix watches, is feature-packed and ready to take on any adventure with an all-new industrial design. All of the fēnix 5 models are 24/7 wearable with extended battery life, daily activity tracking1, Garmin Elevate™ wrist heart rate technology, and a host of connected features2. And users can easily switch between stylish leather and metal accessory bands to sporty silicone in seconds and without tools, thanks to the new QuickFit™ bands. With the new fēnix 5 lineup, users now have a watch that compliments their style and adventures.
The fēnix 5, 5S and 5X are announcing in conjunction with the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and will be showcased at the Garmin booth #35811. Additionally, fēnix 5S has been named a CES 2017 Innovation Awards Honoree in the wearable technologies category. Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, independent engineers and members of the trade media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products across 28 product categories.
“After years in the wearables market, Garmin knows that athletes and adventurers come in all sizes, which is why we have designed the new line of fēnix 5 watches to fit every wrist and every workout,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “This is the first time Garmin has created a variety of sizes for one product so now users don’t have to choose between getting the features they want and wearing a watch that fits.”
Measuring 47mm, the fēnix 5 has a brand new industrial design and is more compact than previous models like the fēnix 3HR, but is still packed with multisport features. All of the new fēnix 5 models are available in a variety of colors and finishes with more accessory bands available (sold separately), which makes the new QuickFit bands a great addition. Users can mix and match between their choice of leather, metal or silicone watchbands and switch between them in seconds with no tools needed. Easier than changing clothes for different occasions, fēnix 5 users just need to swap, click and go to change out their band.
The first fēnix designed with a focus on female adventurers, the fēnix 5S is a sleek, smaller-sized watch. At 42mm, fēnix 5S is small and comfortable for petite wrists, without compromising any multisport features. Both stylish and functional, fēnix 5S is available in silver with either a white, turquoise or black silicone band with a mineral glass lens. The fēnix 5S Sapphire has a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and is available in black with a black band, champagne with a water resistant gray suede band or champagne with a metal band. The fēnix 5S Sapphire units also come with an extra silicone QuickFit band.
Preloaded with TOPO US mapping, routable cycling maps and other navigation features like Round Trip Run and Round Trip Ride, the fēnix 5X measures at 51mm. With these features, users can enter how far they’d like to run or ride, and their watch will suggest appropriate courses to choose from. Users can also get at-a-glance guidance from their fēnix 5X. During an activity, easy-to-read guidance cues for upcoming turns are displayed as banners on the watch so users are always aware of their route. Additionally, fēnix 5X users can use the Around Me map mode to see different points of interest, waypoints and other map objects within the user’s range to help users be more aware of their surroundings. Users can configure their fēnix 5X to see data overlays on mapping screens, and to see highlight key information without having to switch screens during an activity. The fēnix 5X is available with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens.
All of the new fēnix 5 models come preloaded with the full multisport toolset for running, hiking, swimming, biking and more that has made the fēnix line one of Garmin’s bestselling wearables. Whether users are on an adventure, or just in the gym, Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology gives users 24/7 heart rate monitoring, without needing a chest strap. In addition to the wide variety of sport profiles, all three fēnix 5 models have daily activity tracking, so users can wear their fēnix as a daily timepiece and a rugged training tool. Built-in navigation features include a 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter, as well as GPS and GLONASS support to track in more challenging environments than with GPS alone. Users can also keep their training stats right at their fingertips with a performance widget that shows training status, training load and more.
In addition to the multiport features, the fēnix 5, 5S and 5X boast a variety of connected features. When paired with a compatible smartphone, users can get call, text and email smart notifications right on their wrist. All fēnix 5 models are compatible with Connect IQ so users can customize their watch with apps, widgets, data fields and watch faces. To take watch faces one step further, fēnix 5 watches are compatible with the Face It app, so users can set their favorite photo as their watch face. Sapphire models are Wi-Fi® Enabled, so users can connect their watch to their home network for automatic uploads to Garmin Connect™ when within range.
Each of the new fēnix 5 models is water rated to 100 meters3, and is built to withstand the elements with a stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case. The fēnix 5 can get up to two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode. The fēnix 5X can get up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. The fēnix 5S can get up to eight days in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode.4 Users can also take advantage of the UltraTrac™ power saver mode to extend battery life even more.
The fēnix 5, 5S and 5x will be available in Q1 2017. The fēnix 5 and fēnix 5S will have a suggested retail price of $599.99; the fēnix 5 Sapphire, fēnix 5S Sapphire and fēnix 5X will have a suggested retail price of $699.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/fenix.