Fossil Gen 6 vs Galaxy Watch 4

Key Differences: Fossil Gen 6 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

• The Fossil Gen 6 charges faster than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.
• The Galaxy Watch 4 is not compatible with iOS devices (iPhone, iPad).
• Google Assistant is coming to the Galaxy Watch 4, but it doesn’t work on the Fossil Gen 6.
• The Fossil Gen 6 is a more affordable smartwatch than the Galaxy Watch 4.
• The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has more health sensors than the Fossil Gen 6.
• Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Fossil Gen 6 offer various models for men and women.
• More strap options are available for the Fossil Gen 6 (44mm) than the Galaxy Watch 4.

Hardware, Processor, RAM, and Performance

For those prioritising performance, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the stronger choice. It runs on the Exynos W920 processor with 1.5GB RAM, while the Fossil Gen 6 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100 processor with 1GB RAM.

The Galaxy Watch 4 also offers more storage for third-party apps, with 16GB compared to the Fossil Gen 6’s 8GB.

LTE Availability

Only the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 supports LTE, allowing you to use an eSIM to operate independently of your smartphone. This means you can leave your phone behind without needing a separate subscription. The Fossil Gen 6 lacks LTE support.

Battery Life and Capacity (Personal Experience)

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has a 361mAh battery, while the Fossil Gen 6’s battery is likely around 300mAh (exact capacity undisclosed). Battery life depends on usage.

Having used both watches for months, I’ve found the Fossil Gen 6 drains faster than the Galaxy Watch 4 with GPS, Bluetooth, and all sensors active. The Fossil typically needs charging by the end of the day, even with sleep tracking off, but this isn’t a major issue as it can be charged overnight. The Galaxy Watch 4 lasts up to two days if turned off at night, while the Fossil Gen 6 struggles to make it through a second day.

Samsung claims the Galaxy Watch 4 can last two days with all features active, but this is optimistic. Fossil is more realistic, stating a maximum of 24 hours, which aligns with my experience.

Turn Off GPS!

Disabling GPS when not needed can double battery life. With the Galaxy Watch 4, this extends usage to three days, while the Fossil Gen 6 can reach two days.

Microphone, Speaker, and Phone Calls

Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Fossil Gen 6 feature a built-in speaker and microphone, enabling calls via Wear OS software. The Galaxy Watch 4 supports LTE calls without a phone, while the Fossil Gen 6 requires a Bluetooth-connected phone nearby. Call controls (answer, end, volume) are user-friendly on both, using the touchscreen and buttons.

Payments with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or Fossil Gen 6

Both watches have an NFC chip and run Wear OS, enabling payments via Google Pay. Simply link your bank account to Google Pay to start.

Design and Appearance Differences

While visual differences are apparent, some practical aspects only become clear after use.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Colours

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are available in:

• Watch 4 (40mm): Black, Silver, Pink (Rose Gold)
• Watch 4 (44mm): Black, Silver, Green (Dark Green)
• Watch 4 Classic (42mm): Black, Silver
• Watch 4 Classic (46mm): Black, Silver

The standard Watch 4 offers more colour variety, while the Classic is limited to Black or Silver.

Fossil Gen 6 Colours

The Fossil Gen 6 is available in:

• Gen 6 (44mm): Smoke Stainless Steel (Silver), Black Stainless Steel, Black (Black/Graphite)
• Gen 6 (42mm): Rose Gold Stainless Steel, Gunmetal Stainless Steel (Rose Gold with grey tint), Stainless Steel Mesh (Silver), Rose Gold Stainless Steel (without embellishments)

Fossil Gen 6 44mm Colours:

Fossil Gen 6 42mm Colours:

Buttons: Fossil Gen 6 vs Galaxy Watch 4

The Galaxy Watch 4’s buttons are better protected, blending with the case to prevent snagging. The Fossil Gen 6’s buttons, especially on the 42mm women’s models, feel more exposed and prone to catching. On the 44mm Fossil Gen 6, the buttons are slightly better shielded, but I’d recommend removing it during tasks like DIY to avoid damage.

Galaxy Watch 4 Straps

While marketed as compatible with standard 20mm straps, the Galaxy Watch 4 fits better with 19.5mm straps, especially for sturdy materials like steel. Our Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 straps are tailored to this size for a perfect fit.

Fossil Gen 6 Straps

For the Fossil Gen 6, strap size depends on the model: 42mm (women’s) uses 18mm straps, while 44mm (men’s) requires 22mm straps. Explore our range of Fossil Gen 6 (44mm) straps or Fossil Gen 6 (42mm) straps.

Smartphone Connectivity

Both watches connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, syncing data seamlessly. Using a Samsung S21, I find the Galaxy Watch 4 maintains a stable connection when nearby. The Fossil Gen 6 occasionally disconnects but reconnects automatically.

Fossil’s Promise

The Fossil Gen 6 ships with older software but promises an update to Wear OS 3.0. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 comes with Wear OS 3.0 out of the box.

Display Quality and Size

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is available in four sizes: 40mm, 42mm (Classic), 44mm, and 46mm (Classic). The Fossil Gen 6 comes in 42mm (women-oriented) and 44mm (men-oriented).

Both feature high-quality AMOLED displays. The Fossil Gen 6 has a 1.28-inch screen with 416x416 pixels, while the Galaxy Watch 4 ranges from 1.2 to 1.4 inches with 450x450 pixels.

Which Should You Choose?

The Fossil Gen 6 is ideal if you use an iPhone or prefer its design. It performs well for basic functions but lacks advanced health features. The Galaxy Watch 4 offers more features and the latest Wear OS 3.0 but isn’t iOS-compatible.

• Choose the Fossil Gen 6 for iPhone compatibility or a preferred aesthetic.
• Choose the Galaxy Watch 4 for more features and the latest Wear OS 3.0.