REASONS TO BUY
Beautiful design
Nice menu layout
Fast charging
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor value
Subpar battery life
Fossil Gen 6 Review
If you're into it for looks, this is an ok option — just don't expect much more from this wearable
Credit: Fossil
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Our Verdict
Over the past few years, WearOS watches have struggled to become a genuine top-tier alternative to Apple products. The Fossil Gen 6 hopes to reverse this trend by offering WearOS enthusiasts higher performance coupled with an elegant display. Fossil improves on previous models by improving processing efficiency and existing health sensors. An added bonus of this wearable is its fashionable metal design that mimics an ordinary dress watch. Even though Fossil is trending in the right direction, it does not compare well against others in our smartwatch review. There is still much room for improvement in terms of battery life and health monitoring.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Whether you choose the 42mm or 44mm version, this wearable will bring style and convenience into your life. The WearOS 2.3 is an easy-to-understand user interface (UI), especially if you are familiar with WearOS products. If you find that the preinstalled WearOS UI is too finicky, there is an option to upgrade to WearOS 3.
Performance Comparison
The battery level is clearly and conveniently indicated on the watch face.
Credit: Laura Casner
Smart Functions
The Gen 6 started out with a disappointing performance in our smart functions metric. We tested popular app selection and support, taking phone calls, controlling music, and making wireless payments. We also considered and evaluated standalone GPS and cellular capability.
As a WearOS device, the smartwatch comes with a host of preinstalled applications and an extended app library from the google play store. Calling and testing are alright, although the call quality could stand to improve in clarity. Music control and NFT options are available, but it is necessary to have a phone nearby as this smartwatch does not have an autonomous cellular option.
Most devices need to be paired with a smartphone for cellular and data use unless you have a cellular-compatible watch.
Credit: Laura Casner
Health
Smartwatches often pair as fitness trackers, but do they get the job done? Our experienced testers assessed the Gen 6 in step counting, heart rate (HR) monitoring, workout tracking, safety, and other related health tracking in an attempt to answer this.
Fossil added a new host of sensors that help improve health-related tracking features. Our tests, however, found that there is still much room for improvement. HR monitoring was lackluster, and so was workout tracking. We found that there were several features missing, like skin temperature readings and menstrual tracking, which are common in other top-tier brands.
Navigating default screens and apps on the Gen 6 is straightforward, but we weren't impressed with overall data collection from movement and workouts.
Credit: Laura Casner
Step counting was solid, only averaging a step differential of 1.7 across three identical trials. Unfortunately, there is no safety feature like SOS or fall detection, which should be a given in any smartwatch at this price point.
Step counting was fairly reliable with the Fossil Gen 6.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Battery
Our last metric looked at battery performance, both lifespan and charging capabilities. The Gen 6 performed exceptionally well in our recharging tests; recharging to a full charge was significantly faster than any other watch we tested. This is fortunate because users will be recharging the watch frequently as it has terrible battery life under normal use — one of the worst we have ever tested.
The back of the Fossil Gen 6, with magnetic disc charger.
Credit: Laura Casner
Ease of Use
For this metric, we evaluated the screen responsiveness, crown scroll quality, charging setup, and water resistance rating of the Gen 6.
For the most part, the Gen 6 is decently responsive. Subtle movements like slowly rotating your wrist or slight finger swipes are a bit finicky. The crown scroll works as expected, although we wish it were higher up on the bezel. The charging setup is similarly adequate but not exceptional. We found that the charging adapter was like any other, except it had a weaker magnetic pull. Lastly, the water resistance rating comes out to only 3 ATMs, two below the norm.
The crown on the Fossil Gen 6 adds convenience to its ease of use.
Credit: Laura Casner
Display
We interact with most modern smartwatches through the touch interface, so this is a critical component. For this metric, we rated screen quality and the ability to easily and clearly read text on the watch in the presence or absence of light. We also tested auto-brightness and always-on settings and abilities.
Equipped with an AMOLED 464x46x pixel display, the Gen 6 showcased an inspiring display that combines a dynamic color profile with a simplistic but classy aesthetic. Navigating through the applications in this smartwatch felt like polished granite, especially considering how naturally the auto-brightness shifts in changing environments.
A decent display is easy to use and read. The Gen 6 is certainly decent, though it still doesn't measure up to other watches in our review.
Credit: Laura Casner
Should you buy the Fossil Gen 6?
There is no need for most people to purchase this smartwatch. Even if you exclusively prefer WearOS devices, there are many better alternatives that can be found at a similar price point. If style is more important to you, then the Gen 6 will bring some utility.
What other Smartwatches should you consider?
For the best smartwatch available, check out the Apple Watch Series 8. Those who do not have iPhones should check out the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 as this is the best watch on the market for Android. If you need a watch that has a strong battery, check out the TicWatch Pro 3.
Wearables enhance life on the go but can look good too. Unfortunately, style is one of the only things we liked about the Gen 6.
Credit: Laura Casner
—
Benjamin Hickok, Jessica Riconscente, and Jared Eastlick
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