Hey, you’re looking for a smartwatch, right? Well, you’re in luck, because I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about fossil smartwatches. You’ve probably heard of them, they’re pretty popular these days. They’re those cool and handy gadgets that can do all kinds of things for you, like keeping you in touch with your friends and family, helping you stay fit and healthy, and making you look awesome. But are fossil smartwatches good to buy?
I mean, they’re not cheap, and there are so many other options out there. How do you know if fossil smartwatches are the best choice for you? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’m going to show you the pros and cons of fossil smartwatches, comparison with other brands, and how to pick the perfect one for your needs.
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Are Fossil Smartwatches Good to Buy?
Now, let’s answer the question on everyone’s mind: are Fossil smartwatches good to buy? The answer is yes, they are a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional smartwatch. Fossil smartwatches are known for their high-quality design and craftsmanship, as well as their compatibility with both Android and iOS devices.
But wait! In order to find out whether a fossil Smartwatch is best suited for you or not you should weigh its advantages against its disadvantages to make the right decision.
Advantages of Fossil Smartwatches
Here are some of the advantages of owning a Fossil smartwatch:
Design
Fossil is known for its fashionable and elegant watches, and its smartwatches are no exception. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials to suit your preference and occasion. For example, you can opt for a round or square dial, a metal or silicone strap, and a classic or modern look. You can also customize your watch face with different themes, widgets, and complications. Some examples of Fossil Smartwatch models are the Gen 5 Carlyle HR for men, the Gen 5 Julianna HR for women, the Gen 6 Wellness Edition for health enthusiasts, and the Hybrid HR for those who prefer a traditional watch look.
While considering design of a fossil smartwatch some people have this query in their mind that: Do Fossil smartwatches tarnish or fade over time. Click here to know its answer in detail.
Operating system
Fossil Smartwatches run on Wear OS by Google, which is a smartwatch platform that works with both Android and iOS devices. This means you can access Google Assistant, Google Pay, Google Fit. Google Maps, and other Google services on your wrist.
You can also download thousands of apps from the Google Play Store to enhance your smartwatch experience.
For example, you can use Spotify to listen to music, Strava to track your workouts, Uber to book a ride or WhatsApp to chat with your friends. Wear OS by Google also supports updates and improvements over time so your watch will constantly receive new features over time.
If you are not familiar with Wear Os by Google then here is its brief description. According to Mordor Intelligence, Wear OS by Google is one of the leading smartwatch operating systems in the world, with a market share of 17% in 2020. This shows that Wear OS by Google has a large user base and a wide range of features and apps.
Health and fitness tracking
Fossil Smartwatches can help you monitor your health and fitness goals with various sensors and features. You can track your heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep quality, stress level, activity level, calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled, and more. You can also set personalized goals, reminders, and challenges to motivate yourself.
You can sync your data with Google Fit or other third-party apps to get a comprehensive view of your wellness .
Some examples of health and fitness features are the SpO2 sensor that measures your blood oxygen level, the wellness app that provides insights and tips on your health metrics, and the wellness tile that shows your heart rate zones, blood oxygen level, cardio fitness level, and sleep score.
According to ThreadCurve, Fossil Smartwatches have a great design and interchangeable watch straps, but their heart rate sensor and sleep tracking are unreliable. They also note that Fossil Smartwatches lack an ECG feature, which is available in some other smartwatch brands such as Apple and Samsung.
To know in detail that how accurate are fossil Smartwatches in health and fitness tracking. Click here..
Connectivity options
Fossil Smartwatches can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to receive notifications, calls, messages, emails, social media updates, and more. You can also control your music, camera, smart home devices, and other features with your voice or touch.
Some models also support cellular connectivity (LTE), which allows you to use your smartwatch independently of your phone. This means you can leave your phone at home and still make calls, send texts, stream music, use GPS, and more.
Some of the additional pro features of having a Fossil smartwatch is given below.
Pros of Fossil Smartwatches
Fossil Smartwatches have pros that make them a good choice for smartwatch buyers. Here are some of them:
- Brand reputation: Fossil is a well-known and trusted brand in the watch industry, with a history of making fashionable and quality watches since 1984. According to Statista, Fossil was the fourth largest smartwatch vendor in the world in 2020, with a market share of 4.2%. This shows that Fossil has a strong reputation and popularity among smartwatch users. Fossil Smartwatches are also praised for their design by many reviewers , who appreciate their sleek and stylish appearance.
- User-friendly interface: Fossil Smartwatches have a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and customize. You can use the touchscreen, the crown, or the pusher buttons to control your watch. You can also use voice commands or gestures to interact with your watch. You can change your watch face with different themes, widgets, and complications . You can also adjust your settings and preferences according to your needs and preferences.
Now we have discussed all the advantages of having a Fossil smartwatch. Now to get a clear understanding let’s know about the cons of having a Fossil smartwatch.
Cons of Fossil Smartwatches
Fossil Smartwatches also have some disadvantages that you should be aware of before buying. Here are some of them:
Battery life
One of the most common complaints about Fossil Smartwatches is their poor battery life. According to the official website, the Gen 6 Smartwatch has a battery life of up to 24 hours with normal use, but some users have reported that it drains much faster than that. The Gen 6 Hybrid Smartwatch has a longer battery life of up to two weeks, but it has fewer features than the Gen 6 Smartwatch. However, the fast charging feature is a plus point, as it allows you to recharge your watch in a short time.
So If you want a smartwatch that can last for days without charging, Fossil Smartwatches may not be the best option for you.
Compatibility
Another issue with Fossil Smartwatches is their compatibility with different devices and apps. Fossil Smartwatches run on Wear OS by Google, which means they are compatible with Android and iOS devices, but not with Windows or Blackberry phones. They also have limited support for some third-party apps, such as WhatsApp, Spotify, and Strava. You may not be able to access all the features and functions of these apps on your Fossil Smartwatch. If you want a smartwatch that can work seamlessly with your phone and your favorite apps, you may want to look for other alternatives.
Price
Fossil Smartwatches are not cheap. The Gen 6 Smartwatch costs $299 – $319, while the Gen 6 Hybrid Smartwatch costs $199. These prices are higher than some of the competitors, such as Samsung Galaxy Watch or Fitbit Versa. You may find better value for money with other brands that offer similar or more features at lower prices. If you want a smartwatch that is affordable and functional, you may want to compare different options before choosing Fossil Smartwatches.
Occasional software glitches
Some users have reported occasional software glitches and bugs on their Fossil Smartwatches, such as slow responsiveness, connectivity issues, battery drain, and random reboots. These issues can affect the user experience and satisfaction of Fossil Smartwatches.
But these glitches are not so frequent so you can ignore this issue.
These are some of the cons of Fossil Smartwatches that you should be aware of before buying them. Of course, they also have some pros which we discussed above. You should weigh the pros and cons carefully and decide whether Fossil Smartwatches are good to buy for you or not.
Customer Reviews
Fossil smartwatches have received mixed reviews from customers, who have praised their design, performance and features, but also criticized their battery life, price and software. Here are some excerpts from customer reviews and common complaints that I have picked from Amazon and other Internet sources:
Design and comfort
Many customers have appreciated the elegant and classy look of Fossil smartwatches, especially the Venture Edition Olive Fabric and Leather edition. They have also found the watches comfortable to wear and easy to adjust. For example, one customer wrote: “The circular dial with stainless-steel sides looks elegant and classy. The Venture Edition Olive Fabric and Leather strap adds to the overall design of the watch. The leather finish offers a rough look, which I personally like a lot.” However, some customers have also complained that the leather strap gets dirty easily
Performance and features
Fossil smartwatches are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage, which offer smooth performance and fast responsiveness. They also come with various features such as AMOLED screen, Wear OS by Google, built-in speaker for phone calls, Google Assistant, SpO2, GPS, NFC, wellness features and smartphone notifications. Customers have praised these features and found them useful and convenient. For example, one customer wrote: “Has various options to be very useful. However since the last few days I have been facing a problem with its charger cable.” Another customer wrote: “The large and colourful screen is bright enough in almost all situations and the touch also works really well. It is also quite easy to read text messages, notifications, and emails on this watch.”
Battery life and price
As I already said, Fossil smartwatches have a battery life of around 24 hours on a single charge, which is not very impressive compared to other smartwatches in the market. Customers have expressed their disappointment with the battery life and wished for a longer-lasting battery. For example, one customer wrote: “Battery life is not good at all.” Another customer wrote: “Battery life, however, is something I am slightly disappointed with, especially given its price tag.” The price of Fossil smartwatches ranges from Rs 18,990 to Rs 23,990 in India, which is quite expensive for some customers who do not find them worth the value. For example, one customer wrote: “Too good for the value and just love it.” Another customer wrote: “Is it worth spending on this one?”
Comparison to Competitors
Fossil smartwatches face tough competition from other popular smartwatch brands in terms of features, price, and customer satisfaction. Note that the comparison given below is the general comparison of fossil smartwatches with other SmartWatch brands. Here are some of the main competitors and how they compare to Fossil smartwatches:
Samsung vs Fossil smartwatches
Samsung smartwatches have better hardware, making them more intelligent, but Fossil smartwatches are cheaper, while still offering value for the price. Samsung smartwatches run on Tizen OS or Wear OS, depending on the model, and offer features such as ECG, blood pressure monitoring, fall detection, LTE connectivity, and Samsung Pay. Fossil smartwatches run on Wear OS and offer features such as SpO2, Google Pay, Google Assistant, and fast charging. Samsung smartwatches have a battery life of around 2-3 days, while Fossil smartwatches have a battery life of around 1 day. Samsung smartwatches have a more sporty and futuristic design, while Fossil smartwatches have a more classic and elegant design.
Garmin vs Fossil smartwatches
Garmin smartwatches have their own operating system that integrates with the Garmin Connect app instead of Google. Garmin smartwatches are more focused on fitness and outdoor activities, offering features such as GPS, heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, music storage, and Garmin Pay. Fossil smartwatches are more focused on fashion and lifestyle, offering features such as SpO2, Google Pay, Google Assistant, and fast charging. Garmin smartwatches have a battery life of around 5-7 days or more, depending on the model and usage, while Fossil smartwatches have a battery life of around 1 day. Garmin smartwatches have a more rugged and durable design, while Fossil smartwatches have a more sleek and stylish design.
Apple vs Fossil Smartwatches
Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch brand in the world, but it is only compatible with iOS devices. Apple Watch runs on watchOS and offers features such as ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, fall detection, LTE connectivity, Apple Pay, Siri, and App Store. Fossil smartwatches run on Wear OS and offer features such as SpO2, Google Pay, Google Assistant, and fast charging. Apple Watch has a battery life of around 18 hours or more, depending on the model and usage, while Fossil smartwatches have a battery life of around 1 day. Apple Watch has a more modern and minimalist design, while Fossil smartwatches have a more traditional and diverse design.
Here is a side-by-side comparison chart of some of the best-selling models from each brand:
Brand | Fossil | Samsung | Garmin | Apple |
Model | Gen 6 Wellness Edition | Galaxy Watch 4 Classic | Venu Sq Music Edition | Watch Series 8 |
Price in USA | $299 (or $229 on sale) | $349.99 | $249.99 | $399 (or $329 on sale) for GPS only; $499 (or $429 on sale) for GPS + Cellular |
OS | Wear OS 3 | Wear OS with One UI Watch 3 | Garmin OS with Connect IQ Store | watchOS 8 |
Display | 1.28-inch AMOLED | 1.36-inch AMOLED | 1.3-inch LCD with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection | 1.78-inch LTPO OLED Retina display with Force Touch and Always-On feature |
Processor | Snapdragon Wear 4100+ | Exynos W920 Dual Core | Unknown | Apple S7 dual-core SiP with W3 wireless chip |
RAM | 1GB | 1.5GB | Unknown | Unknown |
Storage | 8GB | 16GB | Unknown | Unknown |
Battery | Up to 24 hours | Up to 40 hours | Up to 6 days in smartwatch mode; up to 14 hours in GPS mode | Up to 18 hours |
Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor | Accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, ambient light sensor, heart rate sensor with ECG support, bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor (BIA), SpO2 sensor | Accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, heart rate sensor with advanced sleep tracking and stress tracking, SpO2 sensor, Pulse Ox sensor | Accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, ambient light sensor, heart rate sensor with ECG support, blood oxygen sensor, electrical heart sensor, optical heart sensor, U1 chip (ultra wideband), compass |
Features | Fast charging (80% in 30 minutes), built-in speaker for phone calls, Google Assistant, Google Pay | Wireless charging (10% in 30 minutes), built-in speaker for phone calls, Bixby, Samsung Pay, blood pressure monitoring, fall detection | Music storage and playback (up to 500 songs), Garmin Pay, Body Battery energy monitor, preloaded sports apps, smart notifications, safety and tracking features | Wireless charging (50% in 45 minutes), built-in speaker and microphone for phone calls and Siri, Apple Pay, fall detection, emergency SOS, noise monitoring, fitness tracking with Activity Rings and Workout app, health tracking with Health app and HealthKit framework |
Conclusion
Fossil smartwatches are among the best options for Android and iOS users who want a stylish and functional wearable device. They offer a variety of designs, features, and prices to suit different preferences and needs. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as poor battery life, limited software support, and high price tags compared to some competitors.
Are Fossil smartwatches good to buy? The answer depends on what you are looking for in a smartwatch. If you value design, fashion, and compatibility with Google services, then Fossil smartwatches might be a good choice for you. If you value battery life, performance, and health features, then you might want to consider other brands such as Samsung, Garmin, or Apple.
Ultimately, the best smartwatch for you is the one that meets your expectations and fits your budget. Fossil smartwatches have a lot to offer, but they are not perfect. You should weigh the pros and cons of each model before making a purchase decision. We hope this article has helped you learn more about Fossil smartwatches and whether they are worth buying.
Hey there! I’m Kuldeep Kumar, and tech is my jam. From the mind-blowing world of AI to the thrilling battlegrounds of cybersecurity, I love exploring every corner of this amazing world. Gadgets? I geek out over them. Hidden software tricks? Bring ’em on! I explain it all in clear, bite-sized chunks, laced with a touch of humor to keep things sparky. So, join me on this tech adventure, and let’s demystify the wonders of technology, one blog post at a time.