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► The GPSMAP 5212 or GPSMAP 7212: Which One is Right for You?
What is the difference between the Garmin 7212 and the 5212?
Should I Upgrade?
Maybe… if you want better video, faster chart redraw and need more routes or waypoints.
The GPSMAP 7212 pans and zooms amazingly fast, menu selections are instantaneous, instead of sometimes taking a few seconds. Doesn’t sound like much, but after a day of fishing and changing the display all day long, it makes a difference.
Another major feature difference is with the Video in. If you use the video on the 5212, you get a 640×480 image that takes up about 1/2 to 2/3’s of the display. The 7212 upscales the video to fill the display so you get a much larger video size.
As for the physical size, they are just the same. The 7212 will fit in the same hole as the 5212 when flush mounted but it is a little deeper and a tad bit heavier.
The 7212 will show Color Radar when using xHD and has the added capacity for future software upgrades as they release new features.
Waypoints & Tracks
Here are complete reviews on each model:
See the detailed specs comparison below: ▼▼▼
Garmin 5212 vs 7212 | More thoughts from around the web »»»
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Brand | Garmin Garmin |
Category | Chartplotters | Fishfinders Chartplotters | Fishfinders |
Model | 5212 7212 |
Physical dimensions |
13.0" x 9.5" x 4.7" (33.0 x 24.1 x 11.9 cm) 13.3" x 9.9" x 5.8" (33.7 x 25.1 x 14.9 cm) |
Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) 15.3 lbs (6.9 kg) |
Water rating | IPX7 IPX7 |
Display type | Touchscreen XGA display Touchscreen XGA display |
Display size |
9.7" x 7.3"; 12.1" diagonal (24.6 x 18.4 cm; 30.7 cm diagonal) 9.7" x 7.3"; 12.1" diagonal (24.6 x 18.4 cm; 30.7 cm diagonal) |
Display resolution | 1024 x 768 pixels 1024 x 768 pixels |
Display - Brightness | 1400 Not Available |
Power consumption |
Max power usage at 10 Vdc: 40W Max current draw at 12 Vdc: 3.2 A Max power usage at 10 Vdc: 45W Max current draw at 12 Vdc: 2.9 A |
GPS Antenna | External only External only |
GPS Receiver | 10 Hz high-sensitivity 10 Hz high-sensitivity |
Mounting options | Bail or flush Bail or flush |
Model | 5212 7212 |
Accepts data cards | 1 SD™ card 1 SD™ card |
Waypoints | 1,500 5,000 |
Routes | 20 100 |
Track log | 10,000 points; 20 saved tracks 50,000 points; 50 saved tracks |
Preloaded Maps | BlueChart® g2 (coastal maps) BlueChart® g2 (coastal maps) |
Tide Tables | Yes Yes |
Model | 5212 7212 |
Radar compatible | Yes Yes |
Sonar compatible | Yes (with GSD™ black box) Yes (with GSD™ black box) |
Supports AIS | Yes Yes |
Weather | SiriusXM SiriusXM |
Supports DSC - GPS Data / VHF | Yes Yes |
Supports FUSION-Link | No Yes |
Black Box sonar support | Yes Yes |
Planning Software Compatible | Yes (Wi-Fi Adapter Kit required) BlueChart® Mobile Yes (Wi-Fi Adapter Kit required) - BlueChart® Mobile |
App-Control Compatibility | No No |
Remote Input Device - compatible | Yes (Wi-Fi Adapter Kit required) Yes (Wi-Fi Adapter Kit required) Remote | Mouse |
Alarms |
Navigation Anchor Radar - when connected Sonar - when connected Weather - when connected Navigation Anchor Radar - when connected Sonar - when connected Weather - when connected |
Model | 5212 7212 |
Dual-frequency (50/200 kHz) sonar capable | Yes (with external black box) Yes (with external black box) |
Dual-Beam Sonar (77/200 kHz) capable | Yes (with external black box) Yes (with external black box) |
CHIRP sonar technology | Yes (with external black box) Yes (with external black box) |
ClearVü | Down | No No |
SideVü | Side | No No |
Forward View | No No |
Model | 5212 7212 |
NMEA 2000 compatible | Yes Yes |
NMEA 0183 input ports | 4 4 |
NMEA 0183 output ports | 2 2 |
Marine Network Ports | 3 3 |
Video input ports | 2 - RCA composite 2 - RCA composite |
Video output ports | 1 - VGA 1 - VGA |
Wireless connectivity | Yes (Wi-Fi Adapter Kit required) Yes (Wi-Fi Adapter Kit required) |
BlueTooth connectivity | No No |
In The Box |
GPSMAP 5212 Flush mount Bail mount GPS 19x NMEA 2000® Power cable NMEA 0183 cable Video cable assembly Marine grommet kit Protective front cover Owner's manual Installation instructions GPSMAP 7212 Top & bottom snap covers Bail mount and knobs GPS 19x NMEA 2000® (with pole mount, flush mount and under deck mount adapters)¹ Protective front cover Power cable Video cable¹ NMEA 0183 cable¹ NMEA 2000 drop cable NMEA 2000 10 m backbone cable¹ NMEA 2000 power cable¹ NMEA 2000 T-connector NMEA 2000 terminator kit¹ Flush mount hardware Flush mount gasket Marine grommet kit Manual case with user documentation |
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