In-Depth Look at Skagen Falster 3 and Falster 6 Smartwatches
by Samuel Kalenga on Oct 07, 2024
The minimalist, user-friendly Danish design and powerful Wear OS functionality of the Skagen Falster series are key elements that make this a large and popular range of smartwatches. Over the years, Skagen has launched the full range, from the Skagen Falster 3 to the Skagen Falster 6 and everything in between. This article provides detailed information on the Skagen Falster models, the functions they offer and their design, as well as a comparison to other smartwatches on the market.
Overview of Skagen Falster 3
The Skagen Falster 3 was released as an update to its predecessors, improving performance, design and features.Key Features of Skagen Falster 3
- Integration with Wear OS: Powered by Google’s Wear OS, which lets you check in with Google Assistant, notifications, apps and more.
- Snapdragon Wear 3100 Chip: Ensures smooth operation and improved battery performance.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Integrated sensor to track heart rate throughout the day.
- Fitness Tracking: Tracks various activities like walking, running, and swimming.
- Google Pay: NFC support allows for contactless payments via Google Pay.
- Waterproofing: Rated at 3ATM, making it suitable for swimming and showering. Customisable Watch Face:All the faces of your mobile device on your wrist!
Design and Build Quality
The Falster 3 has a 42mm circular stainless steel case, with a choice of rose gold finish, black, or silver. Suede, silicone, and stainless straps are available. That means you can wear one version at work, and a more basketball-ready strap for the weekend. The screen is a 1.3-inch AMOLED, meaning it will be ‘very bright’ with a ‘full array of colours’, Verdugo says.
Performance and Software
Thanks to its 1GB RAM (up from 512MB) and 8GB storage (up from 4GB) you can load apps quicker, thus enabling better multitasking. You also get the powerful Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset, which also helps with power saving, though the device still lasts about 24 to 48 hours on a full charge (depending on usage).Skagen Falster 6: The Next Evolution
A faster chip, Wear OS 3 and improved fitness features make the Skagen Falster 6 the best version of this design so far.Key Features of Skagen Falster 6
- Wear OS 3: A major update does make things feel smoother; battery life and some apps remarkably better. Snapdragon Wear 4100+ Chipset: faster processing and more power-efficient than the Falster
- Health and Fitness Tracking: Tracks walking, swimming, cardio, and advanced sleep tracking and SpO2 monitoring (on the newest version, the Falster 6).
- Google Assistant and Pay: Voice control and contactless payments, linked into Google’s ecosystem. An indestructible GPS watch offers major gains – you can track most outdoor pursuits without your phone) Powered by subfossils. How not to kill ourselves: scroll down.
Design and Display
If the minimalist design ethic was there before, it still is, but the use of expensive materials and the luxury of high-end finishes distinguishes the Falster 6 from what came before it. Available in a 40mm and a 42mm case, the original Plato principle is sacrificed in favour of a broader demographic. The screen might be an AMOLED display still, but it bristles with higher brightness and greater energy saving harmonics.Skagen Falster 3 vs. Skagen Falster 6
Feature | Skagen Falster 3 | Skagen Falster 6 |
---|---|---|
Processor | Snapdragon Wear 3100 | Snapdragon Wear 4100+ |
Operating System | Wear OS 2 | Wear OS 3 |
Battery Life | 24-48 hours | Up to 2 days (with power-saving modes) |
Fitness Tracking | Basic | Advanced, with SpO2 and sleep tracking |
Water Resistance | 3ATM | 3ATM |
Display | 1.3-inch AMOLED | 1.3-inch AMOLED |
Health Monitoring | Heart rate | Heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking |
GPS | No (uses connected GPS) | Built-in GPS |
NFC Payments | Yes (Google Pay) | Yes (Google Pay) |
Price | Mid-range (~$295) | Higher (~$329) |
Performance Comparison
Features like scrolling down menus and loading apps through the multitap menu feel snappier on the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chip in the Falster 6 than they did on the Wear 3100 in the Falster 3. The battery optimization doesn’t just improve the life of the watch; it also feels markedly better while you’re wearing it – at least, so far. Wear OS users are accustomed to seeing their battery drain because of the famous low-power modes in the operating system.Wear OS 3: A Game-Changer
Thanks to Wear OS 3, displays are more readable than before, and the associated apps and widgets are more useful and intuitive to use. The Skagen Falster 6 gets these enhancements:- Better Battery Management: Optimized for longer battery life with new power-saving modes.
- Streamlined Interface: A smoother and more intuitive UI.
- Health Features Advanced health tracking, including Google Fit and third-party apps integration.
- More Apps: It should be easier to get groundbreaking apps from the Play Store The above list is specific, personal and immeasurable, but it exists in the way true needs do.
Skagen Falster 3: Is It Still Worth Buying?
Although the Falster 3 lacks Wear OS 3 and the latest chipset, it still retains its status as a solid and stylish smartwatch for all those who still want an even blend of form and function. It’s still pretty simple and smart, and easy to use. If your smartwatch needs are simple, and you’re not overly concerned about what’s “new and improved”, the Falster 3 will likely suit you nicely. You also get it at a much-reduced price point to the newer ones.Reviews and User Impressions
Skagen Falster 3 Review Highlights
- Design: Here is another area where users are happy with the Skagen as it has a classic, airy, stylish design. Many reviewers feel this works during the day in a professional setting, but also at night out with friends. I can't verify whether this is true as I wasn't actually wearing the watch during the test.
- Comfort: All the users seem to remark on the great light weight/comfort of the Skagen.
- Performance: Good, but feels a bit laggy at times, due to the Snapdragon Wear 3100 Battery life still not so great for heavy users.
- Function: The thing that people like most about Google Pay is … The way it tracks our fitness is kind of basic in comparison with what’s available on watches like the … From the Apple Watch
Skagen Falster 6 Reviews
Early reviews of the Falster 6 are, for the most part, positive, praising the smoother feel thanks to the latest version of Wear OS and the Snapdragon Wear 4100+, the increased health-tracking depth, and the much more respectable battery life. But Skagen still always sold watches for how they looked first. The Falster 6 shows that Skagen has kept its fashion sense.Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a fashionable and well-specced smartwatch with a greater emphasis on health tracking than traditional distraction-causing smart features, your best bet is the Skagen Falster 6, refreshed with the latest hardware and imbued with Wear OS 3 support. And, if budget is an important consideration and you’re willing to sacrifice some of the latest features, there’s no shame in opting for the Skagen Falster 3 as it’s an amazing watch that still does the crucial job of a smartwatch right in an attractive, succinct form factor.
But no matter whether you opt for the sporty Falster 3 or the professional Falster 6, Skagen’s stylised approach to function and tech make this pale green smartwatch a great addition to a discerning gent’s wardrobe.