Design and Specs: Who's Got the Edge?
The Google Pixel Watch is Google's first foray into the smartwatch market, and it's easily one of the most stylish smartwatches out there. The watch boasts a sleek design that is sure to turn heads, but the large bezel has left some users scratching their heads. On the other hand, the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition is a more conventional smartwatch, but it still looks great with its flat screen and 44mm case size.
When it comes to changing out the bands, the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition wins hands down. You can use any of your favorite 20mm watch bands, making it easy to switch things up. The Pixel Watch has a more limited selection of first-party bands, but with the right adapter, you can use any band you want.
Hardware and Performance: Which One's the Beast?
The Pixel Watch packs Samsung's Exynos 9110 paired with a Cortex M33 co-processor, making it a true powerhouse with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4100+ SoC, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage. While Fossil's watch may not be as robust, it still offers snappy performance.
Software and Health: Who's Got the Upper Hand?
Both smartwatches run on Wear OS 3, but the Pixel Watch comes with an updated version, Wear OS 3.5. While both watches can track heart rate, activity, and sleep, the Pixel Watch offers "deep Fitbit integration," which stores your health and fitness metrics in the Fitbit app. On the other hand, the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition's companion app is still new and a bit more barebones.
Battery Woes: Who's the Winner?
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a smartwatch. The Pixel Watch and Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition are both rated for up to 24 hours on a single charge, but in reality, you're more likely to get around 12 hours. Fossil's pin-based charger makes it easier to get an 80% charge in just 30 minutes, while the Pixel Watch's wireless charging puck is inefficient.
The Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes down to it, the Google Pixel Watch edges out the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition. The Pixel Watch offers a more fluid experience, more storage, and an overall more enjoyable software experience. Although Fossil's watch has a more conventional design and interchangeable bands, the Pixel Watch's superior hardware and Fitbit integration make it the better choice.
In the end, the choice comes down to your personal preference, but if you're looking for a smartwatch that does it all, the Google Pixel Watch is the way to go!