Fossil Smartwatches A Review of the Fashionable Gen 5 Series
Pocket-lint
Fossil - now a veteran in the smartwatch market - is virtually single-handedly keeping the Google Wear OS platform running. Yes, there are others, but with the mix of styles, popular brand names and being relatively affordable, it is the brand to go to for an Android-based smartwatch.
For its Gen 5 series, Fossil packed in the much-needed Snapdragon 3100, a heart-rate sensor and GPS location tracking as well as replacing the sluggish and weak wireless charging disk for a much more reliable and speedy contact charging system.
Even with CES 2020 behind us, Fossil's latest products still use this same hardware, so it's really all about choosing your style.
Our quick take
Fossil's 5th generation smartwatches solve many of the issues we had with previous years' devices: there's no smoother performance and added functionality like GPS and heart-rate monitoring. Plus, the battery isn't sluggishly slow to charge any more. That's a lot of pain points wiped out. As a result, Fossil is still the brand to go for if you're after a fashionable smartwatch and aren't an Apple user.
While we did have a couple of tiny issues with GPS data loading during running sessions, there was nothing so severe that we'd discourage you from buying one. In all the key elements you'd want your smartwatch to perform, the 5th Gen Fossil does well. It's smooth, reliable, and a lot quicker than many other previous generation Wear OS watches.
Even if this particular model doesn't work for you, Fossil has a whole host of styles and brand lines in its huge consumer brand, so there's no shortage of smartwatches with similar features, but in a style more to your liking. And that is arguably the joy of Fossil: it's fashion first, but it has now made the tech side of its watches much better too.
Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch - 4.0 / 5
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You'll find a look, no trouble
- Stainless steel quick release mesh band
- 44mm case (on our review unit)
If there's one thing Fossil knows how to do well, it's fashionable watches. So when it creates smartwatches, it builds them in different styles, colours, finishes and with different straps and bands available.
Or unit - named the Julianna - has a black 44mm case with a gold coloured bezel around the watch face, and a black Milanese-style steel watch band. Unlike Apple's Milanese, which conveniently uses a magnet to ensure endless versatility, the Fossil method uses a clasp, which you have to adjust until you find the fit that works for you.
Thankfully, this isn't an overly difficult process, as you release the clasp by flicking up a portion that holds it tightly to one of the strap's indents, slide it, then lock it back down in place. You can do it with a small flat-head screwdriver or anything else with a small, slim, flat edge.
The good thing about this style of watch strap, which is essentially micro-sized chainmail, is that it's as strong as it is flexible. It fits perfectly around the contours of your arm and is comfortable. If you ever fancy changing it out, there's a quick-release system to detach it from the case. We switched it out for the brown leather Fossil strap from the third generation Fossil series.
As for the casing and design of the watch itself, it looks and feels slimmer and more modest than some of the previous designs. While watches like the Gen 3/4 Explorist had quite a heft to them, the Julianna and Carlyle Gen 5's are subtle, svelte and less bulky.
There is a slight issue with the Julianna though: size. Originally pitched to us as a watch for narrower (supposedly female) wrists, the Julianna is 44mm. That's a big watch size, and both the women who tried it on for testing purposes found it far too large to be comfortably worn throughout the day. So in the end, it found its way onto this male reviewer's arm instead. It might not be the most traditionally masculine, but with the dark brown leather strap we rather like it.
Of course, there are other styles and colours available, so don't let any of that put you off the series. One version of Julianna has shiny little imitation diamonds dotted around the frame and along the middle of the metal link bracelet.
We do like the design of the buttons along the right edge, though. They're small and give a nice firm spring feel when pressed. What's more, the middle crown can be turned to control what's on the screen, so you can scroll it up to get to your notifications or scroll down to view the quick settings pane. It's tremendously pleasing (and useful) when you don't want to use the touchscreen.
Round screens
If there's one feature that immediately draws buyers to Wear OS over Apple Watch, it's arguably that the watch has a round display, while Apple Watch seems to be sticking forever to the rectangular watch screen.
It might be difficult to create a user interface with text that works well on the round screen, but there's no denying that in some situations a round watch just works better. Let's not forget, a lot of the reason anyone buys a watch is purely for the way it looks. Round screens are a must-have for some.
As for the actual display quality, it's certainly a decent panel. It's AMOLED, so the pixels can switch off individually, creating an inky black and high-contrast look. It also means you get that always-on ambient mode which uses a lot less power than the fully-on watch face.
Colours are vibrant, and you can always see the time in its default mode. In ambient mode - as has been the case for some time - you see the time update minute-by-minute with minimal brightness and no animations to process. This ensures battery longevity.
Actually useful for exercise
In previous years, Fossil's watches weren't particularly adept at tracking your workout sessions. They lacked both GPS and heart-rate sensors, but the latest watches (from Gen 4 onwards) have had them both built in, and so you can install apps like Strava to track your running sessions, and get all the health data you'd hope to get in a fitness tracking watch.
What we will say is that you do need a third-party app to make the most of this. Google's own Fit app is a bit lightweight, and so it's best to find another. Thankfully, Google Play is full of options that you can install, whether it be Strava, Nike Run Club, or another decent app.
The big advantage to having GPS built-in is that you can use these apps without having to have your phone on you at the same, the watch does the tracking free and untethered from its smartphone overlord. It does seem to take a minute or two to latch on to the location though, and that can mean the end result ends up being a little off.
On a 10K running route, we compared the Fossil against the Apple Watch S4, and it was consistently 100-200 metres behind the Apple Watch. Another issue we saw during a test session was that the Fossil seemed to stick on 1.3km for about five minutes, falling way behind the Apple Watch's distance tracking, until it seemed to jump back up to a more accurate distance. After that it was updating properly, so it may have just been a minor blip.
Inside, the 5th Gen Fossil is powered by the Snapdragon 3100, again an upgrade on the previous 2100 which had run on smartwatches for far too long. With the new chip, the software and experience seems considerably smoother. Animations are a tiny bit stuttery, but not massively so. What's more, various elements tend to load much quicker than before, whether that be the Play Store list of apps, or any installed app in general. It's been a long time coming, but we're glad it's finally here as our biggest previous moan about Fossil watches has been rectified.
Charging ahead
- No more Qi wireless charging
One of the most disappointing features of previous Fossil watches - stretching back generations - was the speed at which they charged. They used a wireless charging disc similar to the Apple Watch, which snapped on to the back using magnets. Except, not only was the magnetic connection quite weak, but it also delivered the power sluggishly. It would take hours to fully charge a watch, which essentially meant you were forced to charge it overnight, every night.
With the fifth generation, things have changed. There's still a magnetic charging disc, but the magnets are much stronger and snap-on with a decent amount of force. What's more, it doesn't use a wireless charging technology like Qi to deliver the power. Instead, there are two gold rings on the underside of the watch case, and two little pins that stick out of the charging disc that line up perfectly with the two rings.
With the combination of actual contact and a decent magnet, the watch doesn't need lining up - it just snaps easily into place and charges much more quickly than before. After 35 minutes plugged in can deliver around 60 per cent of the battery. So rather than take three hours or more to fully charge from zero, it can do so in around an hour.
The weird part about the charging was similar to the GPS data freezing during our run. Several times during charging it would show the same battery percentage for a good few minutes, before jumping up to a much higher level. It wasn't constantly updating in real time.
Wear OS improved, but not perfect
Fossil might be leading the charge in the world of smartwatches with its plethora of styles and brands, but when it comes to software it seems Wear OS is lacking in a couple of areas in comparison with the Apple Watch. Perhaps most key is the approach to health metrics and how it handles that data.
Gen 5 watches have heart-rate monitors, so you can keep an eye on HR over the course of the day, you can even use Google Fit - or any number of tracking apps - to log in your running or activity settings. Open up Google Fit on a smartphone, though, and you're greeted by quite basic data.
You don't get a the in depth trends like you might on Garmin or Apple's services. Likewise, the general "Move Minutes" and "Heart Points" are a bit simple. But then again, if your only aim is to make sure you move enough, and briskly enough, then these measures are good enough. Just don't expect to be able to dig down deep into your running performance.
What the Fossil 5 can do is show you useful - however sparse - charts on your sleeping and your daily, weekly and monthly heart-rate patterns.
WearOS works best with Android phones when it comes to interacting with notifications from your phone. You can reply to messages from your wrist, using your voice or the touchscreen. With iOS on iPhone, you're limited to just viewing the notifications, without the ability to interact or respond to them from your wrist.
To recap
The 5th generation watch solves many of the issues we had with previous years' devices: there's no smoother performance and added functionality like GPS and heart-rate monitoring. Plus, the battery isn't sluggishly slow to charge any more. That's a lot of pain points wiped out. As a result, Fossil is still the brand to go for if you're after a fashionable smartwatch and aren't an Apple user.
Fossil Gen 5 LTE review: An old favorite, now on Verizon
The Fossil Gen 5 LTE takes what we loved about the original Gen 5 and... adds LTE connectivity. It's a solid smartwatch overall, though we do wish Fossil included the latest specs and software with this release.
A new version of this device is now available.Fossil recently launched the Gen 6, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4100 Plus platform with 1GB of RAM and improved charging. Read our full
Fossil Gen 6 reviewfor more.
Weve been singing the praises of the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch since its release in 2019. At launch, we had a few complaints about the watch, one of which was its lack of LTE connectivity. It took a few years, but Fossil has finally launched a new version of its flagship smartwatch with the ability to connect to a mobile network. This isAndroid Authoritys Fossil Gen 5 LTE review.
About this Fossil Gen 5 LTE review:I used the Fossil Gen 5 LTE for one week running Wear OS version H-MR1 on the August 1, 2020 security patch. It was connected to my Google Pixel 5 throughout the testing period. The Fossil Gen 5 LTE review unit was provided to
Android Authorityby Fossil. Since we have already reviewed the Fossil Gen 5 (non-LTE), were going to keep this review short. For many of the features that we've already covered, I will point you towards our full
Fossil Gen 5 review.
What you need to know about the Fossil Gen 5 LTE
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
The Fossil Gen 5 LTE is a Wear OS smartwatch thats nearly identical to the companys Gen 5 smartwatches that debuted in 2019. Its a little bigger and has slightly different software, but for the most part the new watch is cut from the same cloth.
Instead of releasing an all-new Fossil Gen 6 with LTE, the company opted for the tried-and-true Gen 5 series to debut LTE connectivity. But now that the Gen 5 platform is a few years old, was this the right move?
Fossil Gen 5 LTE vs Fossil Gen 5: What are the differences?
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
Left to right: Fossil Gen 5 LTE, Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle
There are minimal differences between the Fossil Gen 5 LTE and the standard Gen 5, but there are some. Most of them have to do with cellular connectivity.
Well start with the big one: the Fossil Gen 5 LTE is compatible with Verizons 4G network using the carriers Number Share program. This lets you use your existing Verizon line on your watch, meaning you dont need to use different phone numbers on your watch and your phone. The Fossil Gen 5 that launched in 2019 does not have cellular capabilities, though both models come with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can still make and receive phone calls on the older Gen 5 as long as its connected to a nearby smartphone.
See also: The best smartwatch deals we could find
The Fossil Gen 5 LTE is only available on Verizons network in the US. At this time, you cant buy the watch in any other regions. Fossil says it will launch the watch in other countries later this year.
iOS users will be sad to hear that the Fossil Gen 5 LTE is not compatible with iPhones. Fossil says its working to bring iOS support to the watch, though it does not yet have a timeframe for that feature. In contrast,the older Gen 5 can be used with Android and iOS devices.
There are also a few software differences between the two watches, some of which may be concerning. Fossil is launching the Gen 5 LTE without the most recent software update that rolled out in August 2020. At launch, the Gen 5 LTE does not have access to Fossils new wellness app,VO2 max estimates, native sleep tracking, or enhanced custom battery modes. The standard Gen 5 received this update last year.
This points to a potentially concerning difference between the two: will the Gen 5 LTE always be behind the Gen 5 with regular software updates? What about security patches? Or are these software differences a launch day fluke that we wont see again? Fossil is usually quick to issue notable software updates to its watches, so well give the company the benefit of the doubt here. When asked about its update schedule plans, Fossil told Android Authority:
Gen 5 LTE does not have the new Gen 5 software updates that rolled outin August of last year. Our teams hope to implement these exciting innovations soon into our newest smartwatch, but we cannot confirm specific timing now. For future update rollout cadence, our goal is to always provide the best smartwatch experience including software updates to all relevant models.
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
The Gen 5 LTE shares many of the same design elements as my Gen 5 Carlyle watch. While there are differences, youll probably like one if you like the other. The lugs are more angled on the Gen 5 LTE, and the lugs on the right side of the case extend to the rotatable home button. The two also feel nearly identical on the wrist. Both watches are heavy, though.
The two Fossil Gen 5s have more similarities than they do differences. They both have the same crisp AMOLED displays, the same 45mm case size, 310mAh batteries, 8GB of onboard storage, built-in GPS, and optical heart rate sensors. Theyre also running on the same Snapdragon Wear 3100 SoCs with 1GB of RAM (more on this later). To learn more about the watchs fitness tracking capabilities, be sure to check out our original Fossil Gen 5 review.
Also read: The best fitness trackers you can buy
Do the new features perform well?
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
Yes, for the most part. Cellular connectivity with Verizons 4G network has been reliable in my testing. Phone calls are about as crisp as youd expect from a smartwatch. My wife told me it sounded like a step down from talking with her on a smartphone, but overall, call quality was acceptable.
Talking to someone through your smartwatch can be awkward. Most of the time I held the watch up to my mouth to talk, but my wife also said she could still hear me when I rested my wrist on the arm of my chair though I sounded slightly quieter.
Also, texts and emails came through reliably when I was only connected to Verizons network and disconnected from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
What could use some work
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
Battery life is fine, but not great. The Fossil Gen 5 LTE will last you all day, but youll likely need to put it on the charger on the second day if youre a heavy user. With my typical usage, I averaged about 1.5 days on a single charge. Thats with LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections turn on, as well as the always-on display active and tilt-to-wake turned off.
Calling through Verizons network does use up some battery life, though. A 10-minute phone call took around 6% of the watchs battery. If youre planning on talking on the phone longer than that, consider taking a charger with you.
Battery life is fine, but bring a charger if you want to take long phone calls.
That warning extends to exercise, too. A ~30-minute treadmill run took around 5% of the watchs battery. Expect it to use even more battery than that if youre exercising outside with a GPS connection.
Fossils custom battery modes are a blessing for battery life. Where Google continues to, um, disregard Wear OS battery issues on a system level, Fossils watches allow you to turn on and off certain sensors depending on your usage. Personally, I dont use Google Pay on my watch, so I have NFC turned off at all times.
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
Ill also point out performance here not because its an issue now, but because it could be. So far, the Fossil Gen 5 LTE has run smoothly; apps open quickly and Google Assistant voice commands are quick to recognize audio prompts.
I cant really say the same thing for the older Fossil Gen 5. Over time, the watch has slowed down a hair. Its not detrimental to the overall experience, but it is noticeable. Remember, Fossil opted to add LTE to its 1.5-year-old Gen 5 smartwatch instead of going for the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 SoC.
For most people, I dont foresee that being a problem. But for those of us who know how well the 4100-powered TicWatch Pro 3 performs, there is a little tech envy going on. Whether you want to invest this much money in an aging chipset will ultimately be your call.
Fossil Gen 5 LTE specs
| Fossil Gen 5 LTE | |
|---|---|
Display | 1.28-inch AMOLED416 x 416 resolution328ppi |
Dimensions and weight | Case: 45 x 13mmStrap: 22mm, interchangeable |
Materials | Case: stainless steelStrap: silicone |
Colors | Black, BLUsh |
SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 |
RAM | 1GB |
Storage | 8GB |
Battery | 310mAhMagnetic chargingRapid charging (50 minutes to 80%) |
NFC | Yes |
Sensors | AccelerometerAltimeterAmbient lightCompassGyroscopeOff-body IRPPG heart rateGPS |
Hardware | Rotating home button + 2 additional pushersSpeakerMicrophone |
IP rating | 3ATM |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 LECellularNFCWi-Fi |
Compatibility | Android 6.0+ (excluding Go edition)Cell service: VerizonVerizon Number Share is required to activate service on Fossil Gen 5 LTE |
Fossil Gen 5 LTE review: Price and competition
The Fossil Gen 5 LTE is only available in the United States through Verizon, though you can also purchase it outright from Fossil.com. The watch costs $349 full retail or $14.54/month for 24 months through Verizon. Remember, youll also need an LTE connection for your watch, which means youll pay an extra fee every month on your Verizon bill.
Fossil Gen 5 LTE
A great Wear OS watch, now with LTE
The Fossil Gen 5 LTE takes one of our favorite Wear OS smartwatches and adds cellular connectivity. If you're an Android user on Verizon, you'll want to check this watch out.
The Fossil Gen 5 LTEs main competitor in the US is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 with LTE. Its expensive, but were big fans of Samsungs latest flagship smartwatch. This watch is also compatible with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks.
Since iOS users cant use the new Fossil smartwatch anyway, their best option is the stellar Apple Watch Series 6 with LTE.
Fossil Gen 5 LTE review: The verdict
If you asked me when the Fossil Gen 5 LTE was announced if I think Id recommend it, I likely wouldve said no. Its an expensive smartwatch thats running on older hardware, using an operating system that rarely receives decent software updates. Yet, Ive enjoyed my time with the Fossil Gen 5 LTE. Its a good smartwatch that works well.
There are some variables that you should seriously consider before dropping $350, though. Are you okay with the state of Wear OS? Are you fine with buying a new watch thats running older hardware? And above all else, are you an Android user and a Verizon customer? If you answered yes to all those questions, the Fossil Gen 5 LTE might be a good option for you. For everyone else, be sure to check out the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.
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