While there are new Android Wear devices on the horizon, right now we’re left with some of the better options from last year. Considering these devices are all up-to-date and some of them have even learned new tricks that’s not too bad a proposition to be in. There are more watches already on their way to market, landing in the Summer, and with Google I/O just around the corner, there’s surely more on the horizon for Android Wear and smartwatches in general. For now though, those looking for picking up a new smartwatch for the Spring should keep on reading.
The Fossil Q Founder is a fine Android Wear smartwatch, but that’s all it is; fine. There’s no heart rate monitor and the overall fit and finish is a little bland looking. Having said all of that, this chunky wristwatch looks more like a watch than most other versions out there do, and if all you’re looking for is something respectable that will get the job done and look like a watch first, then Fossil have a good option here. While heavy, the metal strap attaches just like a “proper” watch, and the whole package feels very much like a real watch both in weight and looks. It could just do with a little more pizzaz on the inside is all.
Buy the Fossil Q Founder from AmazonDespite its name, the Moto 360 Sport isn’t all that sporty at all, but that’s perhaps more a limitation of Android Wear itself, than a failure of Motorola’s good intentions. With a silicon strap and a sleek, modern look this is definitely one for the more active out there, and while the software isn’t quite as good as we’d like, there’s still a lot on offer. Moto Body does an okay job of filling in the gaps that Google Fit leaves, but really there’s just not enough sport-focus apps on Android Wear to even warrant a sport version of any of these watches.
Buy the Moto 360 SportWhile the G Watch R is one of the oldest on this list, it’s still one of the better options for those looking for a watch with a little character. The OLED display however seems to suffer from some burn-in issues on some units and the charging mechanism is – just like on other LG watches – pretty bad. Still, for those looking for a watch with some character, this has a great-looking fully-circular display, a decent leather band included and some of the best battery life is this list.
The Watch Urbane is an absolute classic – both on the inside and the out, thanks to the G Watch R base – and while its traditional look and feel might not be for everyone, this is one of the better options for a watch-looking smartwatch. Having said that, the Watch Urbane now feels overpriced and more than a little dated now that the ZenWatch 2 and Huawei Watch have gained new party tricks and fared better over time. Still, as smartwatches go, this is a classic design and despite its size would suit a lot of people just fine.
Buy the Watch Urbane from Amazon06. Motorola Moto 360 – 2nd Generation
The 2nd Generation of the Moto 360 is a watch that managed to harness a lot of what we loved about the original, but with that comes some dated features overall. For instance, this version of the Moto 360 still has a flat tire design that won’t please a lot of people, and it’s not been updated with the same party trick from the Huawei Watch. Besides, this is likely to be superceded soon in the Summer, which could make a Moto 360 an unwise purchase right about now. Having said that, there’s a lot of different options in Moto Maker that will allow people to choose different colors, sizes and bezel designs, which is something many other watches simply don’t offer.
Buy the Moto 360 from AmazonThe ZenWatch 2 was launched off the back of the original ZenWatch, which was a fairly uninspiring watch design overall. With this version however, they added some nice touches here and there and are one of the few manufacturers to offer a great companion app. Now, the larger version of the ZenWatch 2 has been updated with the ability to make and take phone calls, and given its price and attractive design, this square watch is one of the offbeat, yet compelling options out there. We reviewed the ZenWatch 2 here, and were pretty impressed overall.
Buy the ASUS ZenWatch 2 from Amazon04. LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition
Despite a rocky start, the Watch Urbane 2nd Edition is now available from both AT&T as well as Verizon, which makes it one of the few Android Wear watches – read: the only one – which can stand on its own to make and take calls without needing to be tethered to your phone all of the time. It is however, a chunky piece of equipment and it’s not cheap, either. Still, if you want a watch that do more than just tell the time and vibrate on your wrist, the Watch Urbane 2nd Edition and it’s bizarre name is one of your only options.
To say that we expected more from TAG Heuer is an understatement, but there’s no taking away from the brand power and overall excellent build that this watch has to offer. This is a statement piece that just so happens to be running Android, and its size as well as design makes that clear enough. It’s got a unique look and feel to it, and those straps are available in a wide array of different colors and designs, which is always nice to see. Far too expensive? Most certainly. Well worth it? That’s up to the wearer.
The Gear S2 is the sort of watch that makes you wish it was running Android. Not because it doesn’t have great software – because it does – but because there are simply more apps available for Android Wear right now. Nevertheless, the gear S2 is available in a number of varieties – including a 3G version – and the movable bezel makes a lot of sense to navigate menus and such. Compatible with a lot of different Android smartphones out there, and particularly functional with a Galaxy smartphone, the Gear S2 might surprise a lot of wearers.
Buy the Samsung Gear S2 from AmazonJust what or who is going to be able to take down the Huawei Watch? We don’t know, but it’s beginning to look a little silly at the number one spot constantly. That’s because the screen is gorgeous, the straps are good, the color choices are great and it can now make and take phone calls from your wrist. With a bucket load of great watch faces as well, this is an Android Wear watch that makes many of the other options look like they’re not trying very hard.
Buy the Huawei Watch from Amazon