Garmin Chronos vs Fenix 5X – Which Is Better?

Garmin Chronos vs Fenix 5X – Which Is Better?

The Garmin Chronos and the Garmin Fenix 5X are both very expensive multisport GPS watches.

If you’re thinking about dropping some dollar on one of these products, it’s a good idea to make sure you choose the right watch. 

To help you make this choice, we’re going to unpack all the key differences between them, and all the key similarities that they share. But before we do, it’s worth giving a one sentence summary for each watch.

Garmin Chronos Multisport GPS Watch: The Chronos is basically a Garmin Fenix 3 HR, with a pimped out watch face and strap design. 

Garmin Fenix 5X: The Fenix 5X is an outstanding multisport watch that’s a lot cheaper than it used to be, because it has been surpassed by the Fenix 5X Plus.

Key Similarities - Chronos vs Fenix 5X

Chronos

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Fenix 5X

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GPS + GLONASS

Wrist-based HRM

24/7 Activity Tracking

Barometric Altimeter

Accelerometer

Indoor + Outdoor Running

Indoor + Outdoor Cycling

Indoor + Open Water Swimming

Triathlon Mode

Golf Mode

Connect IQ

Bluetooth

ANT+ Connectivity

V02 Max Predictor

Sleep Tracking

Smart Notifications

Replaceable Straps

Key Differences - Chronos vs Fenix 5X

Chronos

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Fenix 5X

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WiFi

Standard Battery

Up to 7 Days

Up to 12 Days

GPS Battery

Up to 13 Hours

Up to 20 Hours

TOPO Maps

Internal Memory

32 MB

12 GB

Display Resolution

218 x 218px

240 x 240px

Price

More Expensive

Less Expensive

So What Are the Most Important Differences?

1. Battery Life

The battery life of the Fenix 5X is significantly better. In standard mode, you get almost twice the battery life (7 days vs 12 days) and in GPS mode, you get an extra 7 Hours (13 hours vs 20 Hours).

2. Screen Resolution

The screen resolution of the Fenix 5X is better, and the colors are a lot brighter. This adds up to a much better screen experience overall. 

3. Internal Memory

In terms of internal storage, these watches are basically on different planets. The 32MB internal memory of the Chronos is laughable by today’s standards. On the other hand, the 12GB packed into the Fenix 5X is perfectly respectable. 

4. Design

The design of the Chronos is totally different from the design of the Fenix 5X.

The Chronos is catering for a more upmarket consumer looking for a high end watch that also has amazing multisport functionality. 

The Fenix 5X is is designed for sportsmen and adventure seekers that want a rugged watch that’s also very good looking. 

It’s hard to say which is better. Personal preferences will dictate this decision point.

 

Which one would I pick, if I had to choose today?

Personally, I would go for the Fenix 5X. It’s a better multisport watch overall, it’s also very good looking, and it’s better value for money. 

But if you want a more classic watch design with super high end multisport functionality, the Chronos is definitely worth considering. 

Garmin Fenix 5X
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Garmin Fenix Chronos
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