Despite the fact that we’ve already hit February of 2016, it doesn’t look like there’s much going on in the world of smartwatches for 2016, not yet, anyway. Mobile World Congress is just around the corner, and we’re sure that at least someone has something in store for the smartwatch fans out there. As most of these are devices that are designed to look timeless and well, like a watch, it’s unsurprising that some devices from 2014 are still great options to purchase even now, as 2016 gets underway. We’ve seen some fresh new hardware from Samsung however, in the form of new colors and such, so there’s definitely some more coming as we get into the new year.
10. Fossil Q Founder
Fossil might be a brand that’s known for their modern, yet classic looks where watches and accessories are concerned, but their first smartwatch didn’t end up being all that smart in the end. We reviewed the Fossil Q Founder before the end of last year, and while we found a lot to like about it, there were a lot of gaps. Much like that one at the bottom of the display itself. With no heart rate monitor, and okay battery life, there’s not much to set this apart from the rest. Aside from the fact that it’s one of the better-looking watches with its metal strap equipped and it’s a pretty large watch. If you like large watches, then the Q Founder is worth a look, otherwise it might not be for you.
Buy the Fossil Q Founder from Amazon09. Sony SmartWatch 3
Sony has had an interesting journey where smartwatches are concerned, despite having helped build the category up with their Liveview gadgets and such. The SmartWatch 3 is a great little Android Wear watch where value and features are concerned. It might not have all the fancy features as others, but it has GPS as well as the ability to charge from GPS, and with the metal strap and the ability to swap whenever you want, this is a nice watch for those that want something for fitness as well as something for every day. It’s just a shame that the display isn’t a bit nicer and that the good-looking metal strap is so expensive.
Buy the SmartWatch 3 from Amazon08. ASUS ZenWatch 2
As we found out in our review, the ZenWatch 2 is an excellent smartwatch for those that are looking for a smart square smartwatch. It’s got great battery life as well as something different about it. Unfortunately, despite its decent looks and solid performance, there are much better-looking watches out there, and a whole lot more variety out there. Still, this does come in two different sizes and it offers a lot of flexibility to users looking for something that’s digital but also has a little classical feel to it.
Buy the ASUS ZenWatch 2 from Amazon07. Motorola Moto 360 Sport
The Moto 360 sport is a nice watch for those that like to stay in shape or someone looking for a little extra knowledge on their wrist. Having said that, this is perhaps more of a “sporting lifestyle” kind of watch than it is a sporting watch, period. It doesn’t offer much beyond the normal Android Wear watch, and it’s biggest sports trick is the fact that it’s a silicon affair and is nice and comfy on the wrist. Google Fit needs a lot of work on Android Wear, and the Moto Body app doesn’t offer too much more besides. Now, if you’re interested in something that looks like a sporty watch, then the Moto 360 Sport wouldn’t be too bad a choice.
06. LG G Watch R
The LG G Watch R was launched a hell of a long time ago now – compared to other smartwatches out there – and yet it’s still an excellent purchase. Channelling the looks of classic G-Shocks and other lifestyle watches, the G Watch R has a lot going for it, along with some of the better battery life on a smartwatch and a fully-circular OLED display. With great looks, a decent price and a great display, the G Watch R certainly punches above its weight when considering how long it’s been available for.
05. LG Watch Urbane
Almost essentially the same watch as the above LG option, the Watch Urbane is designed to be a little more traditional and appeal to more people. It certainly does just that, but they could have added a little more in compared with the G Watch R. Nevertheless, the Watch Urbane is a classic timepiece of a smartwatch, one that has a fully-circular display, great battery life and a pretty nice leather strap out of the box. All-in-all, this is a good option, and one that I think a lot of people will be happy with. If only the price would come a little bit, and LG would have given it a much better charger.
Buy the Watch Urbane from Amazon04. Motorola Moto 360 – Second-Gen
The original Moto 360 was a beauty of a smartwatch, and the same is true of the second-gen version, but for different reasons. The button still looks and feel like the original, but the lugs sticking out might turn off some. This does mean that the watch can be used with pretty much any strap you want of course, and there are knurled options, different sizes and more colors to choose from when creating your own perfect Moto 360 from Motorola’s Moto Maker. The same flat tyre design is still here, and this follow-up has a lot of the same charm that the original Moto 360 did, but it’s evolved and come out with better battery life, more choice and better performance overall.
Buy the Moto 360 from Amazon03. Samsung Gear S2
The Gear S2 has been a real hit for Samsung, and for good reason. It’s one of the more unique smartwatches on the market, while also looking like well, a watch. With new Platinum and Rose Gold options now on the market, the Gear S2 is available in a Classic look that echoes the humble wrist watch of old, as well as the more sporty options which gives users more of a modern look and feel. The only thing holding the Gear S2 back is the fact that Tizen is running on top of here, instead of Android Wear, but that’s something people will get over and learn to love over time. The moveable bezel around the display interacts with the software and it’s all-in-all a great package, as we discovered.
Buy the Samsung Gear S2 from Amazon02. TAG Heuer Connected
The TAG Heuer Connected launched last year to an audience that couldn’t believe its price tag. Offering little else that other Android Wear smartwatches don’t, besides its physical size it’s a wonder anyone would buy this. However, this is a solidly-made smartwatch, with an excellent display and well, it’s a TAG. This stands out from the pack and is more of a modern statement piece than it is anything else. Of course, the price tag will be out of reach for some, but for a lot of people this is the only smartwatch to buy, it is just a shame about that price tag.
01. Huawei Watch
Much like Samsung, Huawei brought out two new models of their 2015 hit during CES 2016, and these were more catered towards a feminine audience, at last! With Rose Gold and Swarovski options available now, the Huawei Watch further shows that it’s an excellent looking watch that has a lot on offer and really looks the part as well as anything else. With some of the best selections of watch faces available, the Huawei Watch stands out and goes one step further than the rest of the current crop while not breaking the bank, either. Needless to say, we have high hopes for a successor later this year.
Buy the Huawei Watch from Amazon