Skagen Falster 3 in the Review: Smartwatch with Wear OS

April 11, 2020

It works with Android and iOS, measures pulse and lasts for several days with restrictions. We tested the Skagen Falster 3 for 300 euros.

Can a chic design compensate for an inflexible operating system? While Apple's Watch OS and Samsung's Tizen OS are constantly evolving, models with Android Wear OS look like cold coffee. And they are: Wear OS is interchangeable like no other operating system. But there are correspondingly many watches with the Android for the wrist.

At the forefront are the dozen models from Fossil such as Armani, Diesel Misfit or Skagen. The Falster 3 is also a smartwatch. After the Falster (Review report) and the Falster 2 (Review report) there is a new edition for 2020. We tested the watch and revealed what we like and what we don't like. If you like it more sporty, you can find a broad overview of Review reports and guides in our guide: Sports watches or fitness trackers for joggers.

design

If you want a smartwatch but prefer the look of an analog watch, you should take a look at the Falster 3. It has a classic, slightly minimalist watch design. The case is beautifully finished and is valuable. Only a plastic edge around the display will quickly scratch.

When it comes to bracelets, opinions differ. We think that it looks and works cheaply. It shakes a lot, especially at the transitions between the bracelet and the watch case. And: men with arm hair will not enjoy it. Hairs are constantly caught in the ribbon, which pinches. After all, you can change the bracelet without tools.

The watch comes with a charging cable and operating instructions. The smartwatch itself is available in three variants with regard to the bracelets. Our Review model has a stainless steel bracelet called the band Gun-metal gauge mesh. The watch case is made of the same material.

hardware

The Falster 3 has a display with a diagonal of 1.3 inches. In the Falster 2 (Review report) from the previous year, it was minimally smaller at 1.2 inches. The built-in processor is newer, a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 works in the watch. The chipset has been on the market since 2018, but has only been installed in the watch models for a year. Skagen has given the new Falster 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. Both have doubled to version 2.

The built-in sensors include a heart rate, acceleration and altimeter as well as GPS and gyroscope for determining location and direction. An NFC chip is also integrated, for example for the use of Google Pay.

Those who like to make hands-free calls can be happy: the new Skagen has a microphone and loudspeaker on board. The loudspeaker is sufficiently loud for calls in the car. Those who are walking in the city will hardly hear anything.

The watch is also 3 ATM protected, i.e. against water splashes. Washing your hands is not a problem, but you shouldn't take a shower. Skagen advertises swimming apps on the product page, but we do not recommend that (Wikipedia article on water resistance).

software

Wear OS is easy to use – this has always been the case and also benefits the Falster 3. Nevertheless: Smartwatches from Fossil are primarily characterized by their appearance. Anyone who buys here wants a nice fashion watch that has some clever features. And that works very well with the Flaster 3.

You can navigate through the watch menu using the rotating crown and two buttons. Optionally, everything also works using the touchscreen. Usually, however, you get used to hybrid operation at some point, i.e. touch and buttons. This is easy in the long run and you can quickly get through the menus.

The watch speaks with a wide selection of apps. Everything that is available at Wear OS runs on the Falster 3 – and that's a lot. In addition to the Google services, Microsoft apps such as teams and onenotes, classic messengers and games – such as Pokemon Go – can be operated or viewed with the clock. Also nice: Apple users use their own services on the watch, such as cards, messages or callbacks.

We particularly like the different modes to extend the battery life. Because: Fossil watches with Wear OS have only lasted one day since the first generation. It's frustrating. After all, the Falster 3 with extended, time, day mode and individual mode brings four configuration options to extend the runtime.

In the Review, we mainly used day mode in everyday life. All notifications arrive here, but location detection and other power guzzlers such as GPS, NFC and Google Assistant are deactivated. With advanced mode, the watch lasts a good two days with notifications and a dark display. In the time mode, the Skagen only provides the time – this is enough for a longer period. As the name suggests, the individual mode is intended for individual settings. Here the wearer decides how bright the display is and whether, for example, notifications get through or not.

Otherwise, the Falster 3 offers the standard bundle of Wear OS services. Google Fit is on board, there is a weather display and the connection to Google Assistant – "Hey Google, where is the nearest petrol station?".

Price

The Skagen Falster 3 has an MSRP of 299 euros. There are three models to choose from, which differ in the bracelet. If you want to buy the watch, you can choose between silicone, leather or metal. If you own an iPhone, you should also take a look at the somewhat older Apple Watch Series 3 for this price point. These are now available from 207 euros.

Skagen Falster 3

Skagen Falster 3 leather

Skagen Falster 3 silicone

Skagen Falster 2 silicone

Apple Watch Series 3, 38mm

Apple Watch Series 3, 42mm

Conclusion

The Falster 3 is a good smartwatch for those who like the look of their arms. For a good 300 euros there is a chic, slim design and a few smart features that are completely sufficient for everyday life. Navigation and mobile payment are eye-catchers.

We are less enthusiastic about the bracelet. This looks cheap and hurts male straps with arm hair. Our tip: If you like the look of the Skagen Falster, but can get by with a battery life of around 24 hours, you should take a look at the older Falster 2 (Review report). That is only 179 euros. Optionally, you can also wait a few months for the Falster 3, which will probably also soon fall in price. The Falster 2 already cost 180 euros half a year after its market launch. Apple users should also take a look at the Apple Watch Series 3. They are now available from around 207 euros.

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