Wearable devices have become ubiquitous in recent years, with smartwatches gaining significant traction. With leading players like Apple and Samsung dominating the market, Google and watchmaker Fossil have thrown their hats into the ring.
The Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch was launched in August 2021 as a premium Wear OS-based device promising style and functionality. Not to be left behind, Google unveiled its much-anticipated Pixel Watch in October 2022 as its maiden attempt at a smartwatch.
But how exactly do these two watches compare to each other? Which one comes out on top across crucial parameters? Let‘s find out in this in-depth Fossil Gen 6 vs Google Pixel Watch comparison!
Design and Display
Right off the bat, the Google Pixel Watch looks like the more elegant option between the two. It sports a distinctive domed circular glass design with the display blending seamlessly into the contour of the watch body. There is a tactile crown and side button for navigation.
In contrast, the Fossil Gen 6 has a more traditional circular dial with distinct flat glass covering the display. The build quality is still premium, with stainless steel casing, buttons, and lugs for the bands.
Dimensions:
- Fossil Gen 6: 42mm or 44mm dial size
- Google Pixel Watch: 41mm dial size
When it comes to display specs, the Pixel Watch inches ahead with its vibrant 1.2" AMOLED panel with a resolution of 450 x 450 pixels. The peak brightness goes up to 1000 nits, making outdoor visibility a breeze. The Fossil Gen 6 is no slouch either, with its 1.3” AMOLED touchscreen capable of 416 x 416 pixel resolution and 750 nits max brightness.
Verdict: With its captivating domed glass display and compact form factor, the Pixel Watch clinches this round for aesthetics and style. But the Gen 6 puts up a good fight with its display quality.
Features and Performance
Under the hood, both watches are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ platform. The Pixel Watch gets an edge with its beefy 32GB storage over the Gen 6’s 8GB capacity.
As far as software goes, Wear OS powers both devices. But the Pixel Watch’s optimizations result in a smoother user experience with fluid switching between apps and menus. In comparison, the Gen 6 falters occasionally with some lag and stutters.
For smart features, you get all the usual suspects like fitness tracking, contactless payments, music playback controls etc. Unique to the Pixel Watch is the new Pixel Minimal watch face that delivers at-a-glance info gorgeously. Fitbit integration lets you access renowned fitness and health tracking abilities too.
Verdict: The Pixel Watch delivers a more polished software experience compared to the Fossil Gen 6. Combine that with spacious internal storage and special features like Fitbit integration, and Google’s smartwatch is the undisputed winner here.
Health and Activity Tracking
With Fitbit integration in tow, the Google Pixel Watch offers best-in-class health metrics tracking. You get a 6-month Fitbit Premium membership by default, letting you access detailed wellness data spanning heart rate trends, sleep patterns, stress measurements and more.
The Fossil Gen 6 provides activity tracking as well, but has its own proprietary apps instead of a widely recognized platform like Fitbit. For health-conscious consumers who want holistic body monitoring beyond step counting, the Pixel Watch is the standout option here.
Verdict: The Pixel Watch thanks to Fitbit integration beats the Gen 6 hands down for health and fitness use cases.
Connectivity
You can pick up the Pixel Watch in Bluetooth/Wi-Fi or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/4G LTE variants. Fossil’s offering only provides Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity at the moment. So if you want the freedom of leaving your phone behind and still staying connected, the LTE Pixel Watch is the only choice.
As for compatibility, this is where the tables turn. The Fossil Gen 6 supports both Android and iOS devices, while the Pixel Watch only pairs with Android smartphones running version 8.0 or above.
Verdict: The Pixel Watch LTE model gives you cellular connectivity on the move. But the Fossil Gen 6 takes the cake for universal compatibility spanning both Android and iPhones.
Battery Life
Smartwatches are notoriously fickle when it comes to battery endurance. Unfortunately, both the Fossil Gen 6 and Pixel Watch disappoint on this front. While 24 hours of rated usage seems par for the course, real-world longevity is far less after factoring in display brightness levels, continuous health tracking, notifications etc.
Users report getting around 18-20 hours reliably from both devices before needing to grab the charger. On the plus side, the quick charging capabilities let you juice up to 80% levels within half an hour or less. But poor mileage remains an area for improvement for Fossil and Google’s engineering teams.
Verdict: It’s a tie as far as underwhelming battery life goes on both the Gen 6 and Pixel Watch. Rapid charging helps recover quickly when your watch is on its last legs.
Customization
A major advantage the Fossil Gen 6 touts over the Pixel Watch lies in customizability. You can easily swap out bands, with the watch accepting any 22mm strap size. Bezels come in various colors to match your style. Numerous watch face options exist too, making the Gen 6 a versatile fashion accessory.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch utilizes proprietary straps and limits you to first-party accessory choices only. There are still different band materials and colors to pick from along with customizable watch faces. But overall, Google’s debut smartwatch feels restrictive in terms of mixing and matching to your heart’s desire.
Verdict: The Fossil Gen 6 steals the show here as a more flexible smartwatch allowing you to accentuate its looks freely with third-party bands and accessories.
Price and Value
The Wi-Fi-only Pixel Watch starts at $349, with the 4G LTE variant costing $100 more. In contrast, Fossil’s Gen 6 usually retails between $250 to $300 depending on strap choices and sales pricing.
When you consider the features on offer, the Pixel Watch generally justifies its higher cost. From best-in-class health metrics to slick software and standalone connectivity, you certainly get your money’s worth. And as Google’s first flagship wearable device, long-term support can also be expected via firmware updates.
Of course, if budget is a concern while you still want Wear OS and decent smartwatch capabilities, the Fossil Gen 6 keeps pricing reasonable. And the ability to accessorize freely does give this watch an added dimension missing from the Pixel Watch currently.
Verdict: The Pixel Watch wins if you desire the total package of performance, connectivity, acclaimed health tracking and responsive Wear OS 3 software. But the Gen 6 still makes a case for itself as an affordable Android/iOS-compatible smart wearable.
Verdict: Google Pixel Watch Edges Ahead
When all‘s said and done, the Google Pixel Watch turns out to be the superior smart wearable overall. That’s not to say the Fossil Gen 6 does not hold its own – it even surpasses expectations on a few aspects.
But Google’s experience in software and hardware technology gives the Pixel Watch the ultimate edge. Factoring essential elements like display, performance, fitness tracking, connectivity and software support – the Pixel Watch delivers the smarter package right now.
However, there is still room for Fossil to improve the Gen 6 experience with updates enhancing fluidity and adding useful enhancements. The universal compatibility spanning Android and iOS is much appreciated as well.
So while Google takes round one, expect Fossil to bounce back as a seasoned wristwatch maker bringing its A-game to the world of smartwatches going forward. Ultimately though, consumers seeking a versatile, feature-packed wearable in 2023 should gravitate towards the Google Pixel Watch.
