Fossil Q Explorist Gen 3: A Comprehensive Review

The Fossil Q Explorist Gen 3 is a classic example of how fashion meets technology in the smartwatch industry. Launched in 2017, this smartwatch was a part of Fossil's extensive range of hybrid and touchscreen smartwatches, appealing to those who seek the perfect blend of style and functionality. With its sleek design, customizable watch faces, and seamless Wear OS integration, the Q Explorist Gen 3 continues to be a go-to choice for users who prioritize both fashion and function. This article dives deep into its features, performance, and overall value proposition.

Design and Build Quality

The Fossil Q Explorist Gen 3 offers a premium build, characterized by a stainless steel casing that feels sturdy and high-end. The watch is available in a variety of finishes, including silver, black, and rose gold, catering to different aesthetic preferences. One of the standout features is its 45mm case, which strikes a good balance between traditional watch size and modern smartwatch dimensions.

The crown and buttons on the right side of the watch are tactile and offer satisfying feedback. The middle crown also acts as a rotating scroll, allowing users to easily navigate through menus. The watch’s interchangeable straps, available in leather, silicone, and metal, further enhance its versatility. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or heading to the gym, the Q Explorist Gen 3 can adapt effortlessly.

Key Design Features:

• Stainless steel case with multiple finish options
• 45mm case diameter
• Interchangeable straps with various materials

Display

The Fossil Q Explorist Gen 3 sports a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. The screen delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it a pleasure to look at. The sharpness of the display ensures that even small text is legible, and the brightness levels are sufficient for outdoor visibility in most lighting conditions.

However, the watch lacks an ambient light sensor, meaning you have to manually adjust the brightness depending on your environment. This can be somewhat inconvenient, especially when transitioning between indoor and outdoor settings frequently.

Display Specifications:

• 1.4-inch AMOLED display
• 454 x 454 resolution
• Manual brightness adjustment

Wear OS and Performance

Powered by Wear OS, the Fossil Q Explorist Gen 3 provides access to Google’s suite of apps and services, including Google Assistant, Google Fit, and Google Pay. The operating system is user-friendly and integrates smoothly with both Android and iOS devices, although Android users tend to get more out of the experience due to deeper app integration.

The performance, however, is where the Gen 3 shows its age. The watch runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset, which was already somewhat outdated at the time of its release. While basic tasks like notifications, fitness tracking, and voice commands are handled smoothly, the watch struggles with more resource-intensive apps and can experience occasional slowdowns.

The 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage are standard for smartwatches of this generation, but they feel limiting by today’s standards. App loading times can be sluggish, and users need to be selective about which apps they install due to the limited storage space.

Performance Highlights:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset
• 512MB RAM, 4GB storage
• Smooth basic performance, slow with heavy apps

Battery Life

Battery life is often a critical factor for smartwatch users, and this is where the Q Explorist Gen 3 is a mixed bag. On a full charge, the 370mAh battery can last around 24 hours with moderate usage, which includes receiving notifications, checking the time, and using apps occasionally. However, if you frequently use GPS, music playback, or other power-hungry features, expect to recharge it every night.

The watch supports magnetic charging, and it takes around 2 hours to reach a full charge. While the charging speed is decent, the overall battery life leaves something to be desired, especially when compared to newer models that offer multi-day battery performance.

Battery Performance:

• 370mAh battery, lasts up to 24 hours
• Magnetic charging (2 hours for full charge)
• Limited endurance with heavy usage

Fitness and Health Tracking

The Fossil Q Explorist Gen 3 includes basic fitness tracking features, such as step counting, calorie tracking, and activity monitoring. Google Fit integration allows you to track workouts and sync data with other health apps. However, the watch lacks advanced health sensors like heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, or sleep analysis, which have become standard in more recent smartwatches.

This limitation makes the Q Explorist Gen 3 more of a lifestyle smartwatch than a fitness-focused device. If you’re looking for in-depth health tracking, you might be better served by a more recent model or a dedicated fitness tracker.

Fitness Tracking Features:

• Step counting and calorie tracking
• Google Fit integration
• No heart rate or SpO2 sensors

Connectivity and Smart Features

The Q Explorist Gen 3 offers a decent range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi, and GPS. The Bluetooth connection is stable for the most part, ensuring that notifications from your smartphone are delivered reliably. You can also control music playback, set alarms, and use voice commands through Google Assistant.

One downside is the lack of NFC, which means you can’t use the watch for contactless payments through Google Pay—a feature that has become increasingly common in smartwatches. Additionally, there’s no LTE option, so the watch relies entirely on your smartphone for data and call functionality.

Connectivity Overview:

• Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi, GPS
• No NFC for contactless payments
• No LTE option

Customization and Watch Faces

Fossil offers a range of customizable watch faces that let you personalize your Q Explorist Gen 3. From classic analog dials to modern digital displays, there are numerous options to suit different tastes. You can also download additional watch faces from the Google Play Store or create your own using third-party apps.

Customization extends beyond just watch faces. The watch’s buttons can be assigned to different shortcuts, allowing you to quickly access your favorite apps or features with a single press. This level of personalization makes the Gen 3 a versatile device that can adapt to various needs.

Customization Features:

• Extensive watch face options
• Button shortcuts for quick access
• Third-party app support for additional faces

Conclusion: Is the Fossil Q Explorist Gen 3 Still Worth It?

The Fossil Q Explorist Gen 3 is undeniably stylish and offers enough smart features to satisfy casual users. However, its aging hardware and limited health tracking capabilities mean it’s no longer the best option for those seeking cutting-edge technology. If your primary focus is on aesthetics and basic smartwatch functionality, the Gen 3 remains a solid choice, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. For those who prioritize performance, battery life, and advanced health metrics, it’s worth considering more recent alternatives.

Overall, the Q Explorist Gen 3 excels as a fashion-forward smartwatch but falls short in areas like performance and health tracking. It’s best suited for users who value style and are willing to compromise on tech specs.

Pros:

• Elegant, customizable design
• Vibrant AMOLED display
• User-friendly Wear OS interface

Cons:

• Outdated processor and limited RAM
• No advanced health sensors
• Short battery life with heavy usage