A Brief History
Before diving into the nitty gritty details, let‘s first take a quick look at the background of these two smartwatch makers.
Fossil entered the watch market back in 1984, when they began selling stylish and affordable fashion watches. In 2003, over a decade before the first Apple Watch hit the market, Fossil released one of the earliest smartwatches called the Fossil Wrist PDA. This pioneering device included features like touchscreen, apps, notifications and wireless syncing.
Apple‘s first foray into wearable technology was in 2014 when they unveiled the Apple Watch. Bringing Apple‘s trademark design and iOS integration to the world of smartwatches, the Apple Watch aimed to redefine what a smartwatch could do.
So while Apple is seen as a relative newcomer to watches, Fossil has been innovating in this space for almost 40 years. Both companies now offer mature smartwatch lineups packed with features. Let‘s see how they compare!
Fossil Gen 6 vs Apple Watch Series 8/Ultra
For this head-to-head comparison, we‘ll be looking at Fossil‘s latest Gen 6 smartwatch and Apple‘s newest Series 8 and Ultra models. Here‘s an overview:
Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition
- Stylish design with customizable bands
- Runs on Wear OS 3
- $299 starting price
Apple Watch Series 8
- Sleek, iconic Apple Watch design
- Runs on watchOS 9
- $399 starting price
Apple Watch Ultra
- Rugged design made for extreme activities
- watchOS 9
- $799 starting price
As you can see, there is quite a range when it comes to pricing. Let‘s explore whether the more expensive Apple watches can justify their higher cost.
Pricing and Value Comparison
Right off the bat, Fossil smartwatches are generally much more affordable than Apple‘s offerings. The latest Fossil Gen 6 models retail starting around $299. With frequent sales and older models still available brand new for under $200, Fossil presents a compelling value proposition.
Apple watches have a higher barrier to entry, with prices ranging from $399 for the Apple Watch SE up to a hefty $799 for the top of the line Ultra.
From a pure price-to-performance ratio, Fossil smartwatches shine as tremendous value picks. However, Apple invests heavily in advanced sensors, fitness tracking capabilities and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem. For iPhone users willing to pay more for enhanced iOS connectivity, unique health metrics and extra reliability, Apple watches can provide good value too.
Design and Customization
One area where Fossil clearly beats out Apple is providing style options to match your personal tastes. Fossil smartwatches are available in a myriad of colors and band materials like stainless steel, silicone, leather and more. With 22mm standard lugs, you can easily swap out bands to change up your look.
Conversely, Apple Watches only come with Apple‘s own proprietary bands. While higher end stainless steel and premium leather bands are available, choice is much more limited. For those wanting more fashion flexibility, Fossil is the way to go.
Fossil also offers models in smaller and larger case sizes, accommodating slimmer and wider wrists alike. Apple provides far less choice, with most models only available in one or two fixed case sizes.
Display Technology
Both companies incorporate excellent display tech into their smartwatches. Standard features across the models we‘re comparing include:
- Bright, colorful AMOLED screens
- Crisp resolutions for clear text and images
- Adjustable brightness levels
- Always-on display mode to quickly glance at info
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Fossil Gen 6 sport 1.9" and 1.3" displays respectively. Though Apple‘s screen is larger, both provide ample real estate given how you primarily interact with these devices.
Where Apple pulls far ahead in the display department is with the Watch Ultra. It‘s much larger 1.92" display packs a brighter maximum brightness over 2000 nits, compared to 1000 nits on other watches. This improves sunlight visibility dramatically. The additional display area also makes graphical data easier to interpret during workouts.
So when it comes to display tech, both brands actually deliver excellent quality. But the Ultra‘s massive screen gives it an edge.
Operating Systems
A key difference that influences the smartwatch experience is the operating system powering these wearables. Fossil Gen 6 runs on Wear OS 3, Google‘s smartwatch platform. Comparatively, Apple watches utilize Apple‘s proprietary watchOS.
As you‘d expect, watchOS enables deeper iPhone integration and access to Apple services. Set-up is a breeze with just an iPhone scan. Using an Apple watch to control Apple TV, unlock your MacBook or locate missing AirPods showcases this seamless connectivity.
Conversely, Wear OS offers greater cross-platform flexibility. It works decently with both Android and iOS, though some features won‘t integrate as cleanly on iPhone. The benefit is giving iPhone users messaging choice beyond just iMessage. Wear OS enables support for WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger and more.
Both platforms also boast dedicated app stores for downloading additional programs onto your smartwatch. watchOS provides a much wider app selection for now. But Wear OS is catching up, albeit slowly.
For iPhone owners who live firmly within Apple‘s ecosystem, watchOS is the best fit. For everyone else, Wear OS provides solid capability with room to grow.
Messaging and Communication
Talking of messaging apps, let‘s explore how Apple Watch and Fossil Gen 6 smartwatches handle texts, calls and notifications.
The default and most seamless experience on Apple Watch is using iMessage. You can easily send and receive iMessages right from your wrist. Handy pre-set replies make responding a cinch during meetings or workouts. Voice dictation is also available if needed.
Beyond iMessage, WhatsApp and Telegram are starting to add improved Apple Watch support too. Though for deeper functionality with third-party apps, you‘ll still need to pull out your iPhone.
Over on Team Fossil with Wear OS, you get more messaging flexibility from the get-go. WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger and Google Messages all provide reliable notification delivery and response features. Switching between messaging apps happens smoothly. This gives Wear OS a slight edge for iPhone users wanting expanded app options.
For calls, both smartwatches can receive notifications and check caller ID when calls come in. The Apple Watch also enables directly taking calls on your wrist once paired with iPhone. Call quality is decent though lacking a bit of volume.
Health, Fitness and Wellness Tracking
Monitoring health metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns and more is one major reason folks are adopting smartwatches. Let‘s examine how the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition and latest Apple watches compare.
The Fossil Gen 6 Wellness watch provides continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking and sleep analysis. It can also automatically detect when you start walking, running or biking and log these workouts. With Google Fit integration, you get in-depth activity summaries and trends.
Apple takes fitness tracking to the next level with advanced sensors capable of capturing additional metrics. The ECG app exclusive to Apple Watch allows on-demand EKGs to check for irregular heart rhythms. Additionally, the Series 8 and Ultra watches include crash detection, which can automatically contact emergency services if you‘re incapacitated.
For gym rats and endurance athletes, the Apple Watch Ultra packs unique capabilities tailored specifically for training. Apple‘s Workout app enables custom heart rate, power and pace zones so you can train effectively. The Ultra also unlocks advanced running metrics to track performance over time. And multi-day battery allows continuous workout tracking from sunrise to sunset without recharging.
While the Fossil Gen 6 covers the fitness basics well, hardcore athletes benefit more from the Apple Watch lineup. Specifically the Ultra for those who need robust training tools.
Battery Life and Charging Comparison
No smartwatch offers exceptional battery life, though some models fare better than others. Here‘s how Apple Watch and Fossil Gen 6 battery performance shakes out.
The Fossil Gen 6 manages roughly 24 hours of use before needing a recharge. Factoring in always-on display, workout tracking and frequent use brings it closer to a 12-18 hour lifespan per charge. Speedy USB-C charging helps offset the daily top-up required.
Comparatively, Apple quotes 18 hours as the average battery expectancy across most of its smartwatch lineup. The one outlier is the beefy Apple Watch Ultra which packs a giant battery enabling 36+ hours even with continuous workout mode enabled. Over two days of use between charges gives it a major edge for hikers, endurance athletes and frequent travelers.
Both smartwatches support convenient wireless charging puck attachments for easy nightly charging beside your bed. But the Ultra‘s multi-day battery endurance outmatches all other models compared here.
Reliability and Software Support
Over years of iteration, Apple watches have developed a sterling reputation for bulletproof reliability. Apple‘s tight control over hardware and software results in extremely polished products with minimal bugs. Updates roll out frequently with helpful fixes, security patches and performance improvements.
Fossil smartwatches running Wear OS are still working out some kinks. While great at its core, Wear OS lacks quite the same refinement you get from watchOS. Some users report glitches or sluggish performance from time to time. Fossil‘s frequent Google software updates aim to smooth out issues steadily. But Apple currently provides superior stability.
Water and Dust Resistance
If you plan to wear your smartwatch at the pool, lake or ocean, waterproofing becomes an important consideration. Here‘s how the watches we‘re comparing stack up:
Fossil Gen 6 smartwatches meet the 3ATM water resistance standard. This means they can safely handle submersion up to 30 meters (98 feet) making them suitable for brief swimming sessions. However, the lack of official swim workout support makes tracking laps a challenge. Steam rooms, hot tubs and high velocity water sports like waterskiing are not recommended either.
Apple watches easily surpass Fossil‘s water protection, carrying a 5ATM rating for depths up to 50 meters (164 feet). Both the Series 8 and Ultra models support dedicated swim workouts for tracking laps with precision. No need to worry about hot tubs, steam rooms or using it river rafting thanks to the watches‘ excellent hydrophobic coatings. Apple really designed its watches to handle water exposure with no compromises.
Key Differences At a Glance
To recap the noteworthy differences between Fossil Gen 6 and Apple Watch covered so far:
Fossil Smartwatch Advantages
- More affordable pricing starting under $300
- Greater style customization with customizable watch bands
- Works decently with both iOS and Android phones
- Support for expanded messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram etc
Apple Watch Advantages
- Unrivaled iPhone integration and Apple ecosystem features
- More advanced health sensors and fitness tracking abilities
- Rugged durability with 5ATM waterproofing
- Leading battery technology enables multi-day lifespan per charge (Ultra model)
- More polished and reliable software
Which Smartwatch Should You Buy?
With the detailed comparison complete, would the stylish Fossil Gen 6 or feature-packed Apple Watch best match your needs?
If you use an iPhone, go with the Apple Watch hands down for the tightest integration. workout warriors who demand robust performance stats will find the most benefit from the flagship Ultra model.
For Android phone owners wanting a smartwatch that plays nice with their device, check out the Fossil Gen 6. You‘ll enjoy broader compatibility and app selection in this case. The overall experience feels more balanced when not confined strictly to Apple‘s ecosystem.
Fashion-focused buyers wanting maximal personal style flexibility need look no further than Fossil. Change up your whole watch look in seconds by swapping customizable bands enabled by Fossil‘s cross-compatibility. Apple can‘t match this degree of customization.
And folks simply looking for a capable smartwatch without breaking the bank will appreciate Fossil Gen 6 watches starting around the $300 price range. Compare that to the Apple Watch Series 8 fetching $400+ for baseline features. If budget is a main factor, Fossil pulls ahead.
At the end of the day, choosing between these two smartwatch makers requires understanding their respective strengths and limitations to pick the best match for your preferences and smartphone ecosystem. Both Apple and Fossil pour premium technology into fashionable packages – two stellar options pushing wearables forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple Watch Ultra really worth $800?
For some buyers like extreme athletes, triathletes, mountain climbers and serious smartwatch aficionados, yes – the Ultra absolutely justifies its sky high price tag. The unrivaled durability, multi-day battery and advanced sensor array make it a worthwhile investment that leaves no advanced smartwatch feature unturned.
More casual users can likely pass on the Ultra and opt for the impressive Apple Watch Series 8 which provides stellar functionality at a few hundred dollars less. But outdoor adventurers need to spring for the Ultra to unleash Apple‘s pinnacle wearable.
Can the Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch pair with AirPods or Powerbeats Pro?
Yes, absolutely! Fossil Gen 6 watches running Wear OS play perfectly well with wireless Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, including Apple‘s lineup. You can easily connect your Fossil Gen 6 with your AirPods or Powerbeats to listen and control music playback as well as handle phone calls directly from the smartwatch.
Which smartwatch is the most durable?
Without question, the Apple Watch Ultra offers best-in-class durability that can withstand serious abuse. With a titanium case, sapphire crystal display and MIL-STD 810H shock resistance rating, Apple didn‘t hold back making it adventure proof. The standard Apple Watch Series 8 runs a close second thanks to solid waterproofing and improved crack resistance over earlier generations.
