At CES 2021, held in Las Vegas, Fossil announced the LTE version of its famous GEN 5 watches to afford its fans a true standalone experience.
A new Fossil smartwatch was anticipated by fans but not exactly what came in the form of Gen 5 LTE. Processor technology is what disappointed users the most.
Since Qualcomm released the Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor by the end of June 2020, fans were expecting Fossil to feature it in its new smartwatches.
Why? Fossil and Mobvoi were among the few brands that have religiously committed to Wear OS by Google and Snapdragon Wear processors by Qualcomm.
It seems like Fossil has reserved the new processor for Gen 6 smartwatches hinted to be launched in 2021.
Without wasting time, let’s get straight to our review.
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Table of Contents
Fossil Gen 5 LTE Smartwatch Review
Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch is a flagship series by the fashion company. With Cellular connectivity, the latest GEN 5 LTE has added a standalone touch in the watch with a significant $100 hike in the price.
Design:
The smartwatch, like its predecessor, is equipped with a 1.28-inch AMOLED Display and Ambient Light sensor for a noticeable difference in performance in dark and bright environments.
There are scores of watch faces for users to customize. The watch is waterproof to a fair degree and allows you the freedom to customize straps to your liking.
The 44mm casing of the watch makes it suitable for big wrists.
Software:
Fossil wearables have long been committed to Wear OS and at times paid a heavy price for it.
Wear OS might have a sizable developer community, but the neglect from its parent company Google and the low-performing processors by Qualcolmm, has made many companies ditch it for better alternatives. Samsung, Garmin, Suunto have all developed their own proprietary OS.
Wear OS has two major flaws: it occupies enormous space and drains battery faster. Fossil GEN 5 LTE has provided four different battery modes and a large 8 GB storage to deal with both.
Processor, Storage and Memory:
Fossil Gen 5 LTE has a solid hardware to back its claim of a powerful smartwatch. The company has outfitted the watch with 8 GB storage, 1 GB RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100.
As we discussed earlier, the company should have added the new Wear 4100 plus processor to give it an edge in battery life and performance.
We believe the decision against the Wear 4100 processor was made in light of the already premium price tag of the watch.
Fossil Gen 5 LTE watch supports spotify, and unlike the previous versions, you can now stream music directly onto the watch.
GPS, NFC and Cellular Connectivity:
Google pay and GPS were the features continued from the original GEN 5 watch, but cellular connectivity is new and is the sole reason fossil released this version.
As we are writing this piece, the watch only supports Verizon. The ESIM availability and the addition of a speaker, will allow you to quickly respond to text messages and Calls. The smartphone has been taken out of the loop to give you a true standalone watch experience.
Battery Life:
There are four separate modes to manage the battery life of the watch. Despite these modes, you will have a hard time getting the watch to make it through the day.
Snapdragon Wear 3100 is not the most latest processor, but Wear OS is definitely a power hungry software, the combination of two combined with the cellular connectivity and GPS, takes a heavy toll on the battery performance.
Fitness Features:
Fossil Gen5 LTE hasn’t much to offer in terms of fitness features. Basic heart rate and activity tracking is covered by google fit, but that is not enough when compared to the features offered by Apple, Fitbit, and Samsung Watches in the same price range.
Fossil has leaned toward a fashionable smartwatch and provided limited fitness features. Pretty much Understandable as Fossil is primarily a fashion brand. So, if you are buying this watch, Try not to expect comprehensive health tracking and advanced features.
Verdict:
Fossil Gen 5 LTE is recommended for Google (Lacking) ecosystem. Or for vintage fashion enthusiasts who want their smartwatch to look more like a traditional watch.
Also, a solid battery life and Fitness features are the two last things to expect from this watch. Apart from that, this watch pretty much satisfies you in all aspects.
We hope this Fossil Gen 5 LTE Review had satisfied you. We promise to update this review with new information
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