A Look at the Pros and Cons of 2014 Android Wear Devices

The Pros and Cons of 2014 Android Wear Devices

Android Wear had been in the market for quite some time now, which was first released on March 18, 2014. About a dozen watches were released since then, which all have their own good and bad points. Here’s a review of some Android Wear devices that were released in 2014:

 

LG G Watch

The LG G Watch has an awful square design, but it was nonetheless effective in demonstrating the benefits of using Android Wear.

 

A1

 

On the plus side:

  • Inexpensive and is usually offered at a discount. This is the LG G Watch’ only advantage. It costs less than $200 in most retail stores.
  • It has a good battery life – it can last a day without charging.
  • It has a standard watch band that can be replaced with any 22mm band
  • Updates usually come first on this device and its rated IP67
  • It’s easy to unlock and the LCD is not susceptible to burn-in

 

But then…

  • At the cost of a good battery life is a mediocre display with a 280×280 screen. It is dim and has low resolution; something that will make it easily disregarded by consumers.
  • Thick bezels that’s not really preferable
  • Uncomfortable to wear, thanks to its square screen. The rubber band used for the device is also cheap.
  • Heart rate sensor is not present.

 

Moto 360

The Lollipop update basically eliminated the advantages of the Moto 360. However, the device remains to have one of the best designs in the Android Wear market, making it suitable even as a fashion accessory. The Moto 360 costs $250 and comes with a leather band.

 

A2

 

On the plus side:

  • Design is very sleek: its metal design, comfortable band, and round LCD make a very beautiful watch
  • Gapless LCD has good brightness capacity
  • Presence of the ambient light sensor and an ambient mode UI
  • Has a Qi wireless charging
  • Also IP67 rated

 

But then…

  • Battery life is inconsistent: sometimes it lasts for more than a day without the ambient mode, but sometimes it runs for only 16 hours.
  • Size may be too big for those with small wrists.
  • Band can’t easily be replaced and may easily be worn out.
  • Also noted some minor performance problems

 

Samsung Gear Live

The Samsung Gear Live is an unremarkable device that looks cheap. It costs $200, but doesn’t feel like a $200-device at all.

 

A3

 

On the plus side:

  • Battery life is exceptional
  • So is the display which uses a 320×320 AMOLED screen.
  • 22mm band is removable
  • Has a heart rate sensor
  • Also rated IP67

 

But then…

  • Charging cradle has a poor design that hinders with its functionality and tends to break easily
  • Design looks cheap and has an odd body shape that doesn’t make it compatible with other bands

 

Asus ZenWatch

The Asus ZenWatch is an Android Wear device that has a very sophisticated look and a similarly excellent performance. Asus made it a considerably affordable watch at $199 while still providing the users with a quality device.

 

A4

 

On the plus side:

  • Sophisticated design with a curved glass, tan leather band, and copper accents.
  • The AMOLED screen provides a good display
  • Has a heart rate sensor that works well
  • Easily customizable and has various watch faces
  • Silicone band can be removed without hassle
  • Affordable price while still providing excellent quality

 

But then:

  • Ambient mode makes the screen look less nice
  • Lack of anti-aliasing when using ambient mode
  • Rated IP55 than IP67
  • Large bezels
  • Design of charging cradle is weird

 

LG G Watch R

Using the ambient mode on the G Watch R makes it look like a real watch that’s rather large. It can be bought at a rather expensive price of $300… and that makes it something to think about.

 

A5

 

On the plus side:

  • Design makes it look like a real watch. The use of stainless steel also makes it look solid, and the round screen compensates for the small screen.
  • P-OLED screen has superb brightness and also provides good viewing angles
  • Battery life is better than most devices, particularly in ambient mode. The device lasts for a day and a half without charging.
  • The band is replaceable
  • IP67 rated

 

But then:

  • Has a small 1.3-inch screen
  • Bezel is large and has no numbers, making it awkward to use
  • Price is expensive
  • GPS is not available as well as the ambient light sensor

 

 

Sony Smartwatch 3

The Sony Smartwatch 3 is quite a revelation. The overall look is open to debate – some says it’s understated, whereas others say it’s boring. The device costs $250

 

A6

 

On the plus side:

  • Battery life is exceptional and lasts for more than two days. Plus it can be charged through MicroUSB.
  • The transreflective screen has sharp colors
  • Has an ambient light sensor
  • Band is available in multiple colors
  • Good performance has built-in chips for NFC and GPS
  • Rated IP68

 

But then…

  • Screen colors are not good. It has a yellow tone to it.
  • Strap is not standard and is prone to being dusty
  • Using ambient mode in the transreflective sLCD makes it impossible to read in dark places
  • Button is stiff
  • No heart rate sensor

 

Have you used any of those devices? Tell us what you think by hitting the comment section below!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z9uOm-Ydrk[/embedyt]

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