When many of us were expecting a smartwatch from Fossil that is powered by the more advanced Snapdragon 4100, instead the Gen 5E was released. It’s a lower-end version of Gen 5 as it has a smaller 4GB storage, lacks inbuilt GPS, lacks ambient light sensor and altimeter. However, unlike Gen 5 which is only available in one size, Gen 5E comes in two sizes; 44mm and 42mm. This comparison post compares the difference between these two and to help you decide which is the right choice for you.
Fossil Gen 5E vs Gen 5 – At a Glance
Gen 5E | Gen 5 | |
Display Size | 1.28 inches (44mm) | 1.28 inches |
Dimension | 44 x 44 x 12 mm | 44 x 44 x 12 mm |
Storage | 4GB | 8GB |
Inubuilt GPS | No (connected GPS) | Yes |
Altimeter | No | Yes |
Compass | No | Yes |
Ambient Light | No | Yes |
Fossil Gen 5E vs Gen 5 Full Specifications Comparison
| Product Info |
 Fossil Gen 5e Full Specifications, Features and Price |
 Fossil Gen 5 Calyle Specifications, Features and Price |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.00 | $21.99 |
| ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
| Device name | Fossil Gen 5e (44mm) | Fossil Gen 5 Calyle |
| Device type | Fitness/Classic smartwatch | Fitness/Classic smartwatch |
| Gender | Men | Men |
| Predecessor | Fossil Gen 4 Explorist | Fossil Gen 4 Explorist |
| Successor | — | — |
| Models | Fossil Gen 5e (44mm) (42mm) | — |
| Date released | November, 2020 | August, 2019 |
| DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
| Display size | 1.28 inch | 1.28 inch |
| Display type | AMOLED, Full color | AMOLED, Full color |
| Resolution | 416 x 416 px | 416 x 416 px |
| Pixel density | — | — |
| Customizable watchface | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | 1 Physical button, Touchscreen | 3 Physical buttons, Touchscreen |
| Always-On | Yes | Yes |
| BODY | BODY | BODY |
| Shape | Circular | Circular |
| Case material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Strap material | Leather, Silicone, Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Bezel material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Strap size | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Color | Black, Brown, Gold | Black, Brown, Smoke |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Dimension | 44 x 44 x 12 mm | 44 x 44 x 12 mm |
| Weight | — | — |
| Waterproof rating | 3ATM | 3ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes | Yes |
| Durability test | — | — |
| CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY |
| Bluetooth calling | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth v4.2 LE | Yes, Bluetooth v4.2 LE |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| ROM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
| CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
| Network technology | None | None |
| SIM type | None | None |
| NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Reply messages | - | - |
| MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA |
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | No |
| SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS |
| GPS | (connected GPS), No | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| HRM | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox. | No | No |
| Altimeter | No | Yes |
| Barometer | No | Yes |
| Compass | No | Yes |
| ECG | No | No |
| Thermometer | No | No |
| Ambient light | No | Yes |
| HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING | HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING | HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | No | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | No | No |
| Blood Pressure | No | No |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| ECG tracking | No | No |
| Fall detection | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle | No | No |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
| Onscreen workout | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes |
| BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
| Battery type | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | 310mAh | 310mAh |
| Battery life | Regular: 24hrs+ | Regular: 24hrs+ |
| Charging type | Charging dock | Charging dock |
| Charging duration | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Solar power | No | No |
| PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM |
| Operating system | Wear OS | Wear OS |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 3100 | Snapdragon 3100 |
| CPU | — | 1.2GHz Quad-core 4x ARM Cortex A7 |
| GPU | — | Adreno 304 GPU |
| MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS |
| Companion app | Fossil Q App | Fossil Q App |
| Compatibility | Android 6.0+, iOS 10.0+ | Android 6.0+, iOS 10.0+ |
| Payment system | Google Pay | Google Pay |
| Customizable strap | 22 mm, Yes | 22 mm, Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Yes, Google Assistant | Yes, Google Assistant |
| Find my phone | Yes | Yes |
| Box content | Charger, Fossil Gen 5e, Manual, Straps | Charger, Fossil Gen 5 Calyle, Manual, Straps |
| Price | $249.00 | $21.99 |
Fossil Gen 5 is a more comprehensive smartwatch than Gen 5E, it has all the features that give you a better experience, unlike the cheaper Gen 5e that lacks a few features. Starting with the design of both smartwatches, you’ll barely notice any difference except for the number of buttons. While Gen 5 has 2 physical buttons and 1 rotating crown, Gen 5e has only 1 physical button.
Furthermore, Gen 5 has an ambient light sensor that auto regulates the screen brightness depending on the surrounding light intensity. It also has an altimeter that enables it to count floors climbed as well as a compass that allow you to know your orientation – Gen 5E lacks all these features. Moreover, Gen 5E also lacks inbuilt GPS, but can connect to your phone GPS to enable tracking for outdoor actvities. So, if you intend to do more of outdoor activities, then Gen 5e is not a viable option as it requires you to always carry your phone along.
While Gen 5 has an 8GB storage capacity, Gen 5E has only 4GB, so you get to store more of your favorite tracks with the former.
One aspect where Gen 5E has an edge over Gen 5 is that it comes in two sizes; 44mm and 42mm which allows you to choose based on your wrist size. Moreover, Fossil has designed the 42mm size to look feminine while the 44mm looks masculine in appearance.
Which is Better and Which Should You Buy?
In all, Gen 5 is a more complete smartwatch, it gives you full experience especially with inbuilt GPS, larger storage capacity, altimeter, and compass. Meanwhile, Gen 5e is cheaper and could be a decent choice for you if you’re low on budget.
Available Best Prices
