Garmin Forerunner 935 vs Fenix 5X Sapphire… These are two of the most popular GPS multisport watches around. According to buying guides, these products are ideal for triathletes and people who take part in multisport competitions.
As a side note, these two Garmin products are marketed quite differently. The Forerunner 935 is described by the company as a “Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Watch with Wrist-based Heart Rate” and the Fenix 5X as a “Multisport GPS Watch with Full-color Map Guidance.”
Now here’s the big question, which one is for you? In this comparison report, let’s take a good look and then give you our recommendation.
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Comparison Chart:Garmin Forerunner 935 vs Fenix 5X Sapphire
How different are these two Garmin multisport watches? As common practice in this website, let’s present a chart for your quick reference.
| Multisport Watch |  |
 |
| Model | Forerunner 935 | Fenix 5X Sapphire |
| Lens Material | chemically strengthened glass | sapphire crystal |
| Bezel Material | fiber-reinforced polymer | stainless steel |
| Case material | fiber-reinforced polymer | fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel rear cover |
| QuickFit™ watch band compatible | ✅ (22 mm) | ✅ (26 mm) |
| Strap material | silicone | silicone or steel |
| Physical size | 47 x 47 x 13.9 mm | 51 x 51 x 17.5 mm |
| Weight | 49 g | silicone band: 98 g metal band: 196 g |
| Water rating | 5 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Display type | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Display size | 1.2″ (30.4 mm) diameter | 1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter |
| Display resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
| Battery life | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS/HR mode: Up to 24 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 60 hours without wrist heart rate |
Smartwatch mode: Up to 12 days GPS/HR mode: Up to 20 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 35 hours without wrist heart rate |
| Memory/History | 64 MB | 16 GB |
| Sensors | GPS, GLONASS, Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor, Barometric altimeter, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Thermometer | GPS, GLONASS, Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor, Barometric altimeter, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Thermometer |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Smartphone Compatibility | iPhone, Android, Windows | iPhone, Android, Windows |
| Clock Features | ✅ | ✅ |
| Boating Features | ❌ | ✅ |
| Activity Tracking Features | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fitness Equipment/Gym | ✅ | ✅ |
Training, Planning and Analysis Features |
✅ | ✅ |
| Heart Rate Features | ✅ | ✅ |
Running Features |
✅ | ✅ |
| Golfing Features | ✅ | ✅ |
| Outdoor Recreation Features | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cycling Features | ✅ | ✅ |
Swimming Features |
✅ | ✅ |
| Other Features | Connect IQ, Smart notifications, Calendar, Weather, Controls smartphone music, Find My Phone, Find My Watch, VIRB remote, Compatible with Garmin Connect Mobile | Connect IQ, Smart notifications, Calendar, Weather, Controls smartphone music, Find My Phone, Find My Watch, VIRB remote, Compatible with Garmin Connect Mobile |
Key Differences
Based on the comparison chart above, we can clearly see that feature-wise, with the exception of boating features, which are only offered by the Fenix 5X Sapphire, there isn’t any difference between the features of the Forerunner 935 and the Fenix 5X Sapphire.
But beyond their features, there are some notable differences, and these are as follows.
Material
Garmin says that the Forerunner 935 is made of “chemically strengthened glass” lens and a bezel with a “fiber-reinforced polymer.” In comparison, the Fenix 5X Sapphire has a sapphire-crystal lens and a stainless steel bezel.
Theoretically, the Fenix FX Sapphire is made of better quality materials. Because it’s made of sapphire crystal, its lens is scratch-resistant.
Size and Weight
The Fenix 5X Sapphire is heavier and bigger, and the difference is noticeable. Even with a silicone band, it weighs twice than the Forerunner 935.
Water Rating
When it comes to water rating, Fenix 5X Sapphire is rated better. It is water-rated to 100 meters. In contrast, the Forerunner 935 has half this rating.
Battery Life
The Forerunner 935 wins in this aspect. It has more battery life than the Fenix 5X Sapphire.
On Smartwatch mode, it can last up to 2 weeks, or 2 days more than the Fenix 5X Sapphire. On GPS/HR mode, it can last up to 24 hours, which is 4 hours more than the Fenix 5X Sapphire. On UltraTac mode, it can last up to 60 hours without wrist heart rate. In comparison, the Fenix 5X Sapphire can last up to 35 hours given the same condition.
Memory/History
At 16GB, the Fenix 5X Sapphire has a bigger memory/storage than the Forerunner 935, which only boasts 64MB.
Also read: Fitbit Alta HR vs Charge 2: Which Fitness Tracker to Buy?
Final Word: Garmin Forerunner 935 vs Fenix 5X Sapphire
To end this Garmin Forerunner 935 vs Fenix 5X Sapphire comparison report, here’s our recommendation.
Feature-wise, both Garmin models are almost the same. But considering other factors, the Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire is the better deal.
Where to Buy
Garmin Multisport Watch Alternatives
Here are other multisport watch alternatives that you might be interested in.
