Fossil Watch Gen 5

20 reviews

Jun, 2025

Positive
performance (9)
design (9)
software (7)
battery (5)
usability (3)

Negative
size (4)
price (1)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 20 reviews of Fossil Watch Gen 5. The average rating for this product is 3.7/5, compared to an average rating of 4.1/5 for other products in the same category for all reviews. People really like the usability and battery. The software and design also get good views, but there are some negative comments about the price and size.

performance, design, software, battery, usability

size, price

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other products in the same category the Fossil Watch Gen 5 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 88/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 20 reviews)

Expert Reviews

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Showing 18 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 10 of 18 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (2)

Expert review by : Jennifer Allen (techradar.com)

Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch review

The Fossil Gen 5 adds a speaker and better battery life to the mix, but is it enough of an upgrade?

Decent battery life Understated design Speedy to use

Speaker is subpar No ECG feature

The Fossil Gen 5 is one of the best Wear OS smartwatches out there at the moment. That doesn't mean it's flawless, but it offers a decent battery life and plenty of features that should keep Wear OS fans happy.

Jun, 2021

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Expert review by : Cam Bunton (pocket-lint.com)

Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch review: That's more like it

Fossil's 5th generation watch is available in many designs (Julianna & Carlyle HR), but the important improvements are in performance & features.

Plenty of designs available ; Battery charging speed is quicker than before ; Heart-rate sensor equipped ; Easy to switch watch bands/straps

Julianna is a bit big for small wrists ; Wear OS still not the best smartwatch platform

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...

Jan, 2020

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Expert review by : Peter Phelps (recombu.com)

Fossil Gen 5 Review

It may have made great strides over its predecessors, but can Google's premium smartwatch possibly compete with what Apple has to offer?

— Practical design, plenty of features

— Battery life could always be better

The Fossil Gen 5 is a very good all-round smartwatch from Google, that impresses both in style and substance. The design is attractive, lightweight, and practical, while the fitness features should also cover all your needs.

Jun, 2021

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TechAdvisor Recommended

Expert review by : Alex Walker-Todd (techadvisor.co.uk)

Fossil Gen 5

A new generation of Fossil smartwatch builds on the appeal of its predecessors whilst also addressing their biggest shortcoming. Read our Gen 5 review to find out more.

Sep, 2019

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Expert review by : Corey Gaskin (digitaltrends.com)

Fossil Gen 5 review: Style overcomes the flaws of Wear OS

Google's Wear OS watches have a hard time distinguishing themselves. Some poke their head above the status quo with value, looks, or performance. In the case of the Fossil Gen 5, it's the looks and smooth performance. I still can't help but feel that...

Sleek looks ; Solid construction ; Customizable battery modes ; Snappy, smooth performance ; Day-long battery

Dec, 2019

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Expert review by : Brenda Stolyar (pcmag.com)

Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch Review

The Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch features an attractive design and smooth performance, but its size isn't suitable for all wrists.

Oct, 2019

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Expert review by : Dieter Bohn (theverge.com)

Fossil ‘Gen 5’ smartwatch review: best of a Wear OS situation

Fossil held up its end of the bargain, Qualcomm and Google didn't

Sharp looks ; Faster performance ; Speaker

Complicated battery settings ; Hard to see in direct sunlight ; Wear OS

I am so pleasantly surprised by how much I have enjoyed using the Fossil Carlyle smartwatch. It’s one of two so-called "Gen 5" Wear OS watches Fossil recently began selling for $295. Pleasantly surprised, but not at all convinced that this watch is...

Aug, 2019

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Expert review by : Jimmy Westenberg (androidauthority.com)

Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch review: An oldie but a goodie

The Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch is still our favorite older Wear OS watch, even in 2021. Read our full Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch review!

Crisp, bright display

The Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch is still the best Wear OS 2 watch you can buy, even through 2022. It delivers in nearly every area — performance, aesthetics, and customizability. I just wish the watch lasted longer on a charge without turning sensors on...

Jun, 2022

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Expert review by : Max Weinbach (androidpolice.com)

Fossil Gen 5 LTE Review: Rehashing last year's hardware

Google's Wear OS is not in the best state right now, but it's serviceable if you want a smartwatch that integrates deeply with your phone. When you decide

Design ; It takes all the good parts of the Fossil Gen 5 and refines it. It has hints of a classic watch while also being modern and practical. ; LTE ; Having LTE on a smartwatch is super freeing. It lets you forget your phone and have everything on...

Battery life ; Battery life takes a bit hit compared to non-LTE watches. You'll probably need to charge it every night. ; Verizon only ; Only having this watch available on Verizon is just straight up annoying ; Price ; For $350, it should be running...

Mar, 2021

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Expert review by : Kate Kozuch (tomsguide.com)