Fitbit Versa 4 Vs Fossil Gen 6: Modern Battle!

Fitbit Versa 4: The New One!

Announced in August of 2022 Fitbit Versa 4 is picked by experts as perfect health tracker for those who are in need for one. Which is not a surprise, given its price disposition and promised functionality. Fitbit has crafted a perfect health tracking piece.

For sure, in retrospect it is true Fitbit Sense 2 edges the tracking side and it still remains the flag bearer as a Fitbit flagship creation. Fitbit Versa 4 isn’t very far behind. It sits perfectly in between the newer generation Sense and it’s predecessor.

Fossil Gen 6: Modern One?

Fossil. Fossil. Fossil.

Fossil Gen 6 is the latest Fossil smartwatch released in August of 2021, although it has been just a year now Fossil Gen 6 has established a strong presence in Wearable Industry. More so for its lack of support for Wear OS 3 which by the way has been resolved now with the release of Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition. As well release of Wear OS 3 on standard Gen 6 too.

Fitbit Versa 4 vs Fossil Gen 6: Modern Battle!

As we talked about it in passing before Fitbit Versa 4 and Fossil Gen 6 shares many similarities. There is matter of Health Tracking – which without any doubt Fitbit clears out. Then there is raw processing power for which Fossil Gen 6 takes the win. So my point is if and when we put these two smartwatches up against one another a not so perfect picture is painted.

Hence at Chronoat today we are going to take a closer look at that picture, and find out which smartwatch is better at what?

BODY In Question

How you would expect from any other brand in the world Fitbit products have a certain type. However, in their case it’s being hyper-focused towards functionality while putting little to no attention on how to present itself. Take Fitbit Versa 4 for example, although it is amazing in context of raw vitals tracking, it doesn’t look unique.

Much like the Versa 3 and other Fitbit product’s shape and size of it isn’t any different. An almost squared shaped body made up of Aluminum with 1.58 inch screen.

Whereas Fossil is quite unique in this regard. Despite their shortcoming to address the falling Wear OS issue or inadequate battery lifespan Fossil have never failed to impress with it’s look. Yeah, there is argument for it that it’s because Fossil itself is a fashion brand and they have an image to maintain. Fossil Gen 6 round shaped body accompanied with retro look of a traditional watch doesn’t fail to do it. A magnificent timepiece made up of stainless steel body and 1.28 inch screen is perfect to maintain the status quo.

Built Quality

If and when you would have them on your hand you would notice Fitbit Versa 4 appears more prominent on the arm. More so if you have petite wrist. I used it for three weeks and it is safe to say I found myself very much relieved when I’d to wear it off.

Again, keep in mind I found the same issue with Versa 3 and if you look closely both of them have same size and not much different shape. So, if you are someone who don’t find huge screens with little essence okay then by all means root for #TeamVersa.

Fossil Gen 6, on the other hand, was a delight. Yes, it has it’s issues and we would talk about it in a while, there is no denying to Gen 6 beauty. I have worn it to formal events and hardly anyone noticed it was a smartwatch.

Display Screen

Let’s settle this quickly: Fossil Gen 6 has a 1.28 inch screen which uses AMOLED display to light up the display. Fitbit Versa 4 has a 1.58 inch screen – pretty big if you ask me – using the same AMOLED technology. So, there is little difference there.

However, if you are someone who is nitty gritty about details then you would find this very interesting. While both of these smart trackers uses the same set of technology it is Fossil Gen 6 who holds the higher ground if we take a peek at resolution of each screen:

• Fossil Gen 6: 416x416px
• Fitbit Versa 4: 336x336px

Although, in grand scheme of things, there is really not much difference that we saw – at least. Both of them have vivid output and you would never find yourself squinting to get a better picture.

Resistivity Prowess

This is where it starts to get interesting…

Fitbit and Fossil are cautious brands. They are aware how vital it is to craft gadgets that are safe from potential environmental hazards. Hence as safety precautions both of these smartwatches are water-resistant, scratch proof, dust resistant, and are able to tolerate sand in huge quantity.

For sure it would always be advisable to not go beyond the limit just for the sake of it. If extremism to check out the tolerance of a device really was a sport. You’d see Fitbit Versa 4 would easily come top it. While Fossil Gen 6 is made with resistance in mind it is Fitbit’s Versa 4 that is much more tolerable to outside world.

And if you are wondering why?

Well Fitbit trackers come with Water Lock. Fitbit trackers are better at depth than their Fossil counterpart. To be precise Fitbit Versa 4 can manage itself in 50 meters depth Fossil Gen 6 on the other hand might not be able too, at least not for long.

FEATURES At Time

As we’ve mentioned before, Fitbit and Fossil are made with different intentions for different audience. So it is not a surprise when you would see their functionality greatly differs from one another. For sure, there are similarities at certain places. Overall, there is a big gap and it is on either side.

Sensors Sensing Everything

Being a health tracker Fitbit Versa 4 is a blessed device. It is backed with a long list of sensors ever ready to track different metrics, and while their need and accuracy is out of the scope for now. One thing is certain Fossil Gen 6 can’t compete with Fitbit Versa 4 in this regard.

Fitbit has make sure their product stays to true to the companies vision. It should be THE health tracker, and it is THE health tracker. You won’t find much missing from it’s portfolio of activity tracking options. Yes, there is general lack of focus on advanced analytics (no ECG monitoring or stress level tracking) – Fitbit Sense 2 has better grip of it – otherwise Fitbit Versa 4 isn’t behind.

You can measure resting heart rates, various sleep cycles, calories intake, workout sessions, VO2 Max, elevation management, breathing rate and much much more.

Connectivity Ability

There aren’t many differences between the two devices connecting abilities, much like in the display department. When it comes to mapping your device on a Bluetooth (Version 5) map, Fitbit and Fossil pretty much follow the same set of requirements.

You receive compatibility with iOS and Android (however it is recommended that you are using iOS 14.0 or higher and Android 8.0+). Although Wi-Fi is supported, Wi-Fi version 6 is still unfamiliar to it. All of your data will be transferred to the cloud using NFC on your Fitbit Versa 4 and Fossil Gen 6.

There is still no support for LTE Coverage and though Fossil Gen 6 can support texting and call through smartphone (has to be connected through Bluetooth). For now Fitbit Versa 4 can only provide you with option to receive a call not make it.

Wits To Out Wit

In order to complement its faster performance, Fossil has used Snapdragon 4100 CPU, 1GB RAM, and 8GB storage for Fossil Gen 6. Compare the specifications to its predecessor (Fossil Gen 5) and you would see Fossil Gen 6 is 30% more faster.

As for Fitbit Versa 4, in essence very little is known about its CPU or RAM. However we are aware of its OS and while it has its pros in the form of smooth UI and easy to understand curve. It is no less than a disappointment.

Fitbit still haven’t done anything to give it the needed spark. There is very little support for third party support, you get very little option in terms of customizations, and despite Google’s best attempt to influence there is still much left to desire.

BATTERY Life

Just like features and design constitutes to value of smartwatch or any device for that matter, battery is also something that should be taken into account. For the story that we care about, or to be specific story of Fossil Gen 6 and Fitbit Versa 4 battery power of these smartwatches paints an interesting image.

Lifespan Over Lifetime

Fitbit being Fitbit is actually really good when providing competent battery life to its products. I have my reservations about its design and I do feel they should change it. Right here I have nothing but admiration for their efforts. Fitbit Versa 4 is capable to manage to stay on power for 5 days (if you would keep brightness low and have it on DND mode).

And if you don’t think it is then I’d like to bring your attention towards Fossil Gen 6 lifespan on charge. Which is nothing more than mere 24 hours. Yes, just after 24 hours, you would have to find the charger.

Charging Time

According to Fossil you can charge Gen 6 till 80% within 30 minutes. Which, if you would try to do would happen, so kudos to them for actually making a claim that is backed by performance. As for Fitbit, while it’s charging time is not as short as Fossil Gen 6, you can still have your tracker go from 0% to 100% within 90 minutes.

Wireless Charging

Fitbit Versa 4, like previous Fitbit products doesn’t support the wireless charging, and yes it is disappointment given the industry standards. Fossil Gen 6, on the other hand, is perfectly able to support the charging without the need of wires.

Fossil Gen 6 vs Fitbit Versa 4: Old Is Still New?

And we have reached the peak…

By now one thing one thing has became certain and it is Fitbit Versa 4 and Fossil Gen 6 were made with ideas contrasting to each other. Therefore as a consumer it should be your requirements that should become the point of preference.

After all Fossil Gen 6 is ideal all-round smartwatch for casual needs for a casual users without high expectations. Whereas Fitbit Versa 4 is perfect health tracker for a concerned customer with needs that calls for authentic tracking experience.

Either way, make sure you know what you want and then decide, while both of these smartwatches presents an ideal solution in their own. It should be your decision to choose the right one.