Suunto 9 vs Garmin Fenix 5 – Which One Should I Get?

With the advancement of technology, one of the most sought-after features is to have something easily accessible and small. More specifically speaking, something that’s on your wrist.

Smartwatches are on the rise ever since the invention of the technology; it’s smart, it’s fun, and it’s everything you need on your wrist! What can be more exciting than that?
So, in this article on Suunto 9 vs. Garmin Fenix 5, we’re going to explore everything you need to know to choose any one of these ultimate smartwatches. Maybe, by the end, you’ll want both of them!
Suunto 9 vs Garmin Fenix 5 – Comparison in 2021
Suunto 9
This device embodies everything about the word “functionality.” Everything about it exhumes quality and efficiency.
The Suunto 9 is a smartwatch that gives you everything you need for adventure.
It comes in various colors that fulfill your aesthetic needs and fit perfectly into your everyday life.
But that’s not all it offers; it is also famous for implementing the best technologies to date.
One of the most exciting features this device has is that it is waterproof up to 100 meters.
It can handle water pressure up to that depth, which is more than enough for any endeavors.
Moreover, it has excellent GPS functionalities, which gives you accurate feedback due to its barometric altitude information technology. It will show you all the efficient routes towards your destination.
Another thing that makes it more compatible with all kinds of users is its available modes. It has several modes for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and other athletes.
These will allow you to track your performance with the right credentials and improve based on those statistics. You can say it’s the perfect partner for all your sports needs and endeavors.
When it comes to battery life, we don’t think any other watch does it better. It has a whopping 120-hour long battery life, which can be taken much further with its intelligent battery modes.
Each of the modes works in various situations for your advantage. Moreover, along with all the modes, every feature is controlled through a three-button color display, allowing you to navigate every element and choose what’s right.
Combined with navigation’s breadcrumb method, you get a much more accurate GPS tracking and area information with Suunto FusedTrack. All these features together give you real-time feedback.
PROS
CONS
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Garmin Fenix 5
Fenix 5 is a fantastic watch that will play a significant role in your everyday life and all your training needs. It combines all the right features into one device for maximum efficiency.
Along with all the technology, this watch is very aesthetically pleasing since you will have a wide array of looks to choose from that suits your style in the best way possible.
When it comes to sports, it combines some of the best technology to give you a flawless performance to keep track of your health so that you can be at best throughout the day.
It will keep track of your heart rate and all your physical activities through its advanced performance metrics.
Through this technology, it can distinguish between running, cycling, and all other activities.
Another exciting thing about this watch is that you can customize the look into whatever suits your preference.
The Connect IQ store’s custom apps allow you to extend your data fields, get apps, and widgets.
Moreover, the watch possesses excellent GPS compatibility to give you accurate navigational feedback, including GLONASS satellite reception, for more precise altitude data.
Fenix 5 has stainless steel bezels and a rugged design that protects the display from any impact.This build maximizes its durability and efficiency.
Along with all the features for sports enthusiasts, it also possesses some of the best functionality for people who want it for everyday life.
It will showcase all your notifications and reminders through its display.
This feature allows you to be always on track and work out all your tasks, one by one.
Moreover, the 1.1-inch display makes it much easier to navigate through all the features this watch offers.
PROS
CONS
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Suunto 9 or Garmin Fenix 5 GPS Watch?
Since we’ve already explored all the features these two devices have, it is time to compare and find the one that will give you the most functionality and efficiency. Here you can also check Suunto vs Garmin vs Polar
GPS features

In a smartwatch, you need accuracy and functionality that will give you more flexibility.
And in this case, Suunto 9 combines some of the best features to work seamlessly with one another.
Suunto 9 uses barometric-altitude information, whereas Garmin Fenix 5 uses a built-in altimeter.
So, in that case, Suunto is more accurate in being able to determine altitudes.
Also, the breadcrumb display of Suunto 9 allows the accurate GPS tracking, which also displays points of interest and measures routes you should take.
Battery life
In this case, Suunto 9 can function for more than 120 hours, coupled with various power-efficient modes.
These modes will allow you to customize your battery life based on your needs.
Moreover, Fenix 5 has a great two weeks worth of battery life, but it is not as efficient as advertised.
However, it will perform up to a level. But definitely, Suunto 9 is better in this scenario.
Water-resistance
For this category, Suunto 9 takes the trophy since it’s completely water-resistant, making it quite suitable for any terrain and adventures that involve water.
But Fenix 5 is not water-resistant, even though it has high functionality in many situations. That makes it less preferable for adventurous scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these smartwatches capable of playing music?
They aren’t used to playing music; they can operate smart features for any physical activity and keep track of your health. Along with that, it’s also capable of compiling all your notifications.
Do they have Wi-Fi functionality for the GPS?
They do not require Wi-Fi connectivity for GPS functionality.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAnd they have Bluetooth and a built-in GPS tracking system, which does not require any separate connection.
Are these water-resistant?
The Suunto 9 is water-resistant up to 100 meters, but Fenix 5 is not water-resistant.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eMoreover, the build of Suunto 9 focuses on high-performance functionality in kinds of situations suitable for any athlete.
Can I use the smartwatches for everyday functionality?
Along with all kinds of smart features, these watches are completely capable of handling all standard activity types, along with time and dates. Fenix 5 is also capable of displaying notifications from your phone.
Do they have separate profiles for different activities?
Both Suunto 9 and Fenix 5 have separates modes that allow you to personalize what kind of activity the watch needs to focus on to get full activity statistics afterward.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eEach mode will filter other activity trackers to allow the watch to get a much more accurate reading on your activity.
Conclusion
There’s much more to explore when looking for a smartwatch; the activities you do every day are the keys to find the right one.
So, hopefully, this article on Suunto 9 vs. Garmin Fenix 5 will help you get started.