Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:1.28 inchBattery life:1 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

6.5

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.5

Reviews score

10%

8.0

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 50% of smartwatches
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 62%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

4.8

Health

21%

9.0

Fitness

16%

4.9

Battery

14%

7.2

Smart features

12%

7.3

Connectivity

9%

6.5

Display & Design

4%

6.4

Hardware

â–²Better than 55%
6.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

6.5

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

8.1

Popularity

Grades by review (20)
1 review + 19 videos, average 7.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 63%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet

What reviewers say about the Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5

Based on 1 · 12

Reviewers like the elegant design and smooth performance, but battery life is the clear weak spot.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5

Based on 70 owners sharing their experience in online comments

34%positive22%mixed44%negative

Owners praise the polished design and smooth performance, while short battery life is the most common frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report the battery draining much faster than advertised, sometimes losing 50% within minutes or dying within a few hours, even in extended mode.24
  • Owners say text messages do not appear on the watch and give no vibration or sound, and WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger alerts are missing or incomplete.6
  • Owners say Bluetooth connection to the phone drops often, and pairing with some Android phones fails or stops syncing data.5
  • Owners say the watch feels slow and laggy, and some find Wear OS dated and clumsy to use, with a sluggish refurbished unit being the worst case.4
  • Owners say call quality is poor, the speaker crackles or sounds distorted, and the microphone sounds far away with echo for the other person.4
  • Owners say notifications stop arriving without any change to settings, and WhatsApp or SMS alerts stay silent even after following the setup steps.3
  • Owners say step counts can be off by thousands, calorie figures look too high, and heart rate readings can differ by 5 to 20 bpm from another device.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

4.8

Health

21%

9.0

Fitness

16%

4.9

Battery

14%

7.2

Smart features

12%

7.3

Connectivity

9%

6.5

Display & Design

4%

6.4

Hardware

6.5
Reviews score
6.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.6
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
1 day
This smartwatch lasts 1 day on a charge, which is shorter than 88.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 8.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
9 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 9 h on a charge, which is shorter than 73.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
?
Battery power
335 mAh
This smartwatch has a 335 mAh battery, which is larger than 57.4% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Wear OS
This smartwatch runs Wear OS, which is more advanced than the system in 80.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 15.8% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 30.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
Screen size
1.28 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.28 inch screen, which is smaller than 78% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.9% of Smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
416x 416
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 416x416 which is higher than that of 70.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.5% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
460 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 460 ppi, which is higher than 80.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 4.8% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
500 nits
This smartwatch has a screen brightness of 500 nits, which is lower than 73.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 13.6% of Smartwatches.
Lab-measured brightness figure.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1.2 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1.2 GHz which is faster than that in 61% of smartwatches and equal to that in 4.6% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Snapdragon Wear 3100
This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
This smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM, which is more than 34.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 41.8% of Smartwatches.
Internal storage
8 GB
This smartwatch has 8 GB of internal storage, which is more than 65.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 11.3% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Compatible through third-party apps/workarounds.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 134 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (460 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    460 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Compatible through third-party apps/workarounds.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 134 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (460 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    460 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather, stainless steel vs silicone
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • Higher resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 416x416, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    416x416 vs 360x360
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • More advanced processor model
    This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Snapdragon Wear 3,100 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • 2x more internal storage
    This smartwatch has more internal storage than the average smartwatch (8 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage.
    8 GB vs 4 GB
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 6 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (1 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • 11 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    9 h vs 20 h
  • 35 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (80 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    80 g vs 45 g
  • 20 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (30 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    3 ATM class (ISO 22,810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
    30 m vs 50 m
  • No inactivity alerts
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 92.6% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • 7.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    6.5

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (20)
    1 review + 19 videos, average 7.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.5 vs 7.0
  • 2.36x more expensive
    Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £110).
    £260 vs £110
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No inactivity alerts
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 92.6% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • 2 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2019 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    August 2019
    2019 vs 2021
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No achievement tracking
    This smartwatch does not support achievements, the average smartwatch does. 87% of smartwatches support achievements.
  • 6 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (1 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • 11 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    9 h vs 20 h
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 35 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (80 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    80 g vs 45 g
  • 20 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (30 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    3 ATM class (ISO 22,810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
    30 m vs 50 m
  • 0.12 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.28 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 250 nits dimmer screen
    This smartwatch has a dimmer screen than the average smartwatch (500 nits vs 750 nits). The average smartwatch peaks at 750 nits.
    Lab-measured brightness figure.
    500 nits vs 750 nits

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Dark1Mat
≈ estimated
15/09/2020
Long-term test · about a month of daily use
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 has good sleep tracking and speed, but is worth buying only when discounted, not at full price.
9.0
Techatorium
≈ estimated
18/02/2020
Hands-on review · phone calls, speed and always-on display
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 is a comfortable, clean-looking Wear OS watch, highly recommended for anyone wanting a versatile everyday watch.
9.0
DimusTech
≈ estimated
28/01/2020
Hands-on review · daily use, notifications and settings
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 is a strong pick for Android users, though WhatsApp support is limited.
6.0
Mr. Pandita
≈ estimated
19/01/2020
Month-long review · design, features and battery
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 is well built and stylish, but whether to pay this price is up to the buyer.
8.0
GearUP with Aaron
≈ estimated
11/01/2020
First impressions · battery, interface and watch faces
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 is a good buy overall, though battery life and interface quirks hold it back.
9.0
Matthew
≈ estimated
28/10/2019
Hands-on review · one month of daily use
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 is a smooth, good-looking Wear OS watch that works well for daily use despite a few minor issues.
9.0
Phones And Drones
≈ estimated
20/12/2019
Unboxing and first look · setup and watch faces
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 was praised as the best smartwatch to buy at the end of 2019, with a great look.
9.0
Kova
≈ estimated
27/08/2019
First impressions · buttons, apps and speaker
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 feels premium and lightweight, a clear step up from older bulky smartwatches.
8.0
Pocketnow
≈ estimated
08/08/2019
First look · pre-production software and first impressions
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 has a strong design and impressive hardware, but battery life is still disappointing and final software may need to fix it.
8.0
GadgetsBoy
≈ estimated
27/08/2019
Unboxing · first impressions
Verdict
Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 looks good and feels comfortable so far, though battery life and occasional lag still need testing.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
tweakers.net
✓ explicit
14/05/2020
Long-term review · Dress-style watch
Verdict
The Fossil Carlyle HR Gen 5 suits buyers who want a classic-looking watch, but its 20-to-22-hour battery life and occasional software glitches hold it back.
tweakers.net
05/05/2020
Same outlet as a graded review (counted once)

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5

  • Sleek, traditional watch design that fits various styles
  • Vibrant 1.28-inch AMOLED display with high pixel density
  • Improved performance and responsiveness due to 1GB of RAM
  • Built-in speaker allows for taking calls directly on the watch
  • Fast charging capabilities, reaching 80% in under an hour
  • Supports contactless payments via Google Pay
  • Water-resistant up to 30 metres (3 ATM), suitable for swimming

What customers don't like about Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5

  • Short battery life typically requiring daily recharging
  • Hardware durability issues, specifically charging rings peeling off
  • Heart rate monitoring can be inconsistent during high-intensity workouts
  • Larger 44mm case size may feel bulky on smaller wrists
  • GPS can be slow to acquire a signal or lacks accuracy when untethered
  • Limited software future as it is not eligible for Wear OS 3 updates
  • Fragile strap quality reported by some users

Verdict

The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle HR is a 44mm stainless steel smartwatch featuring a 1.28-inch AMOLED display (328 ppi) and powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. It runs on Google's Wear OS, making it compatible with both Android and iOS, and includes essential hardware such as a built-in speaker and microphone for tethered calls, untethered GPS, an optical heart rate sensor, and NFC for contactless payments. Main pros include its stylish, traditional watch design, a bright and sharp touchscreen, and improved performance over previous generations. However, common cons involve its relatively short 24-hour battery life that often requires daily charging, limited health tracking depth compared to specialized rivals, and a 44mm case size that may feel too large or heavy for smaller wrists.

Compare Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Fossil Q The Carlyle HR Gen 5 and other Smartwatches

No results found