Best Android smartwatches (December 2014)
This year, giving the gift of Android, on the cheap, starts with our list of best Android smartwatches.
Holidays are upon us and that means it’s time think about the stuff you’ll be putting under the tree this year. Gadgets make the coolest gifts for many people, but let’s face it – not everyone can afford the hottest smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Luckily, you don’t need a ton of money to stay on the cutting edge of tech. A nice smartwatch can save the day.
Here’s what you need to know about the best Android Wear watches available right now.
Editor’s note – this post will be updated periodically, as new devices hit the market.
Motorola Moto 360
It’s hip, it’s stylish, and it’s customizable. The Moto 360 was one of the first Android Wear smartwatches announced, and, while it took Motorola more than half a year to release it, the sleek circular device has been well received. Featuring a large circular screen (albeit with the infamous “flat tire” cutout at the bottom), a sleek brushed metal build, and several replaceable bands, the Moto 360 will look good in just about any occasion.
On the inside, the processor is older than the competitors’, while the battery is on the small side – still, the Moto 360 will last a day of usage for all but the most active users, and you get wireless charging. With a variety of cool watchfaces taking advantage of the round screen and more launching constantly, the Moto 360 is a great choice if style is your biggest priority.
Specs
- Display: 1.56-in IPS LCD 320 x 290 pixels
- Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP 3
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 320 mAh
- Water protection: IP67
- Weight and size: 49g, 46mm diameter
LG G Watch R
The other circular smartwatch on our list is the G Watch R, and, as LG likes to point out, there’s no cutout here. The full circle screen is beautiful, and everything will look nicer on it thanks to the 245 ppi (higher than the Moto 360’s). While the Moto 360 has a minimalist flair, the G Watch R will appeal more to fans of sport watches, with its beveled engraved ring and aggressively sculpted body.
The G Watch R impresses through its large battery and the Snapdragon processor inside ensures steady performance. The device ships with a nice leather strap, but if you don’t like it, you can easily swap it with any standard 22 mm strap.
Specs
- Display: 1.3-in P-OLED 320 x 320 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 410 mAh
- Water protection: IP67
- Weight and size: 62g, 46.4 x 53.6 x 9.7 mm
Asus ZenWatch
Asus’ ZenWatch has been one of the nicest surprises in the Android Wear ecosystem so far, thanks to its good specs and stylish design, proving you can make a rectangular smartwatch that doesn’t look geeky. With a smoothly rounded two-tone metallic body and a standard-sized stitched leather strap, the ZenWatch looks sophisticated and timeless.
There aren’t any bells and whistles on the hardware side, but Asus makes it up with the software stack, including some nice watch faces and several interesting Asus features (available through an app) like the ability to double tap the screen to launch a feature. All and all, if you don’t want a round watch, but still want style, this looks like your best option.
Specs
- Display: 1.63-in OLED 320 x 320 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 370 mAh
- Water protection: IP55
- Weight and size: 75g, 51 x 39.9 x 7.6 ~ 9.4 mm
Sony SmartWatch 3
Runners, hikers, and cyclists, stop looking, this is the Android Wear watch you need. Sony used its own OS for the previous generations, but embraced Android for SmartWatch 3, and we couldn’t be happier. The Sony SmartWatch 3 stands out through its onboard GPS module, which lets you track your activities without needing a smartphone that weighs you down. Just as easily, you can connect a pair of Bluetooth sports headphones and enjoy your music straight from the watch.
Available in black, white, pink, and lime, SmartWatch 3 looks as sporty as it acts. The rubber strap is non-standard, but at least you can swap it in a few seconds without any tools. The watch is IP68 water resistant and the screen is transflective LCD, which means you can read it more easily in the sun. All in all, a great choice for active use.
Specs
- Display: 1.6-in Transflective LCD 320 x 320 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 420 mAh
- Water protection: IP68
- GPS, NFC, IR
- Weight: 45g (core unit)
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LG G Watch
One of the first two reference smartwatches announced in spring, the LG G Watch has conceded the spotlight to its round sibling, the G Watch R. But don’t let that fool you – the unassuming G Watch is still a perfectly capable smartwatch that gives you the exact same core functionality like the other entries in our list of best Android smartwatches.
The G Watch looks… plain, and it’s up to you to decide how you feel about this all black slab with an all black rubber strap. It’s also devoid of any bells and whistles. But what the G Watch lacks in flashiness, it makes up through a good price. You can get it for $150 from many outlets, but we’ve seen prices go as low as $80 as part of limited time promos, perfect for budget-minded buyers.
Specs
- Display: 1.65-in IPS LCD 280 x 280 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB
- Battery: 400 mAh
- Water protection: IP67
- Weight and size: 63g, 37.9 x 46.5 x 9.95mm
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