Smartwatches are gaining momentum with Google’s Android Wear platform and Apple Watches, but they’re not as popular as expected. Lenovo-owned Motorola doesn’t plan to launch a new Moto 360 smartwatch soon. Shakil Barkat, Motorola’s global product development head, stated, “Wearables do not have broad appeal for us to continue building on yearly.” While not ruling out future Moto smartwatches, there are currently no plans for a new version.
The Moto 360 1st and 2nd gen are beloved smartwatches, renowned for their beautiful and premium design. However, there is now a plethora of premium smartwatches available. If you were considering the latest Moto 360 smartwatch, you’ll need to explore alternatives. Below are six top alternatives to the Moto 360:
1. Huawei Watch
The Huawei Watch stands as possibly the most attractive Android Wear timepiece on the market today. Resembling a conventional smartwatch, it boasts a cold forged stainless steel construction and a sapphire crustal glass-protected 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display with a resolution of 400x400p. Unlike the Moto 360, it avoids the black bar at the bottom. Internally, it aligns with typical Android Wear standards, housing a 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB storage, IP67 certification, and a 300 mAh battery. It incorporates WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1 LE, a heart rate sensor, barometer, vibration motor, gyroscope, and accelerometer. Available with leather or stainless steel straps, it comes in 42 and 44 mm sizes.
With Huawei Watch being one of only two watches supporting Android Wear 2.0 Developer Preview, it promises timely updates upon rollout. In summary, Huawei Watch boasts a stylish design, delightful tactile experience, and an impressive display.
2. LG Watch Urbane 2nd Gen
For those seeking an Android Wear smartwatch with LTE connectivity and cellular calling capability, LG Watch Urbane 2nd Gen stands out. It’s also among the select few compatible with Android Wear 2.0 Developer Preview. Featuring a stunning 1.38-inch OLED display (480x480p), Snapdragon 400 processor, 768 MB RAM, 4 GB internal storage, IP67 certification, Bluetooth 4.1, 4G LTE support, and a 570 mAh battery.
Despite the smartwatch’s bulkiness, for a taste of Android Wear 2.0 with cellular connectivity, consider the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition.
3. Fossil Q Marshall Gen 2
Fossil, a well-known brand for watches, offers Android Wear smartwatches under their Q series. Among these, the Fossil Q Marshall stands out. It boasts a beautiful design reminiscent of the Moto 360’s black bar. Available in steel, silicone, and leather designs, this 45 mm smartwatch features a 1.5-inch LCD display (360x360p), Snapdragon 2100 processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB storage, 360 mAh battery lasting a day, Bluetooth 4.1, and IP67 certification.
The Fossil Q Marshall is a stylish smartwatch that prioritizes aesthetics over features. If that aligns with your preferences, it’s worth considering.
4. Samsung Gear S3
Samsung has seen moderate success with its Tizen smartwatches. For a power-packed smartwatch, consider the Gear S3. It comes in two variants: Frontier, with an outdoor look, and Classic, offering a luxurious traditional feel. Available options include Bluetooth-only and LTE models, allowing calls from your wrist. Specs feature a fully round 1.3-inch AMOLED display (380x380p), Exynos 7270 processor, 768 MB RAM, 4 GB storage, built-in GPS, Bluetooth 4.2, IP68 certification, and a 380 mAh battery, lasting up to 4 days.
With the Gear S3, the rotating bezel from the Gear S2 is retained for smartwatch control. Despite the enhanced features, its 46 mm steel case adds bulkiness. Moreover, while Tizen is robust, its app selection is somewhat limited.
5. Apple Watch Series 2
Apple unveiled a new Apple Watch featuring built-in GPS, water resistance, brighter display, a new dual-core processor, and watchOS 3. The Apple Watch Series 2 is a decent smartwatch, available in 38 mm and 42 mm versions and various style combinations such as aluminium with sport band, stainless steel with hermes band, ceramic with sport band, and more. While lacking a circular display like the Moto 360, it remains visually appealing.
Unlike some Android Wear smartwatches compatible with both Android smartphones and iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 2 is exclusively for iPhones. If you own an iPhone, it serves as a viable alternative to the Moto 360.
6. Asus ZenWatch 3
The Asus ZenWatch 3 is a stunning Android Wear smartwatch worth considering. It’s available in rose gold, gunmetal, and silver, with various band styles including Italian leather and high-quality rubber. The smartwatch is thin, measuring less than 10 mm, and features three buttons reminiscent of a traditional watch. Its specs include a 1.39-inch AMOLED display (400x400p), Snapdragon 2100 processor, 512 MB RAM, and 4 GB storage. With Bluetooth 4.1 and IP67 certification, it ensures connectivity and durability. The 340 mAh battery incorporates HyperCharge tech for faster charging. Additionally, the ZenWatch 3 offers exclusive designer watch faces, enhancing its stylish appeal.
In summary, the Asus ZenWatch 3 achieves an ideal balance of style and functionality, positioning it as a superb alternative to the Moto 360.
Explore Alternative Smartwatches to the Moto 360
While the Moto 360 holds its own as a smartwatch, there’s ample room for enhancement. Fortunately, several superior alternatives exist, surpassing Motorola’s model. Explore these top-tier options and share your preferred choice with us.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
