Smartwatches

Moto 360 vs. LG G Watch R

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Gizmag compares the features and specs of the Moto 360 (l) and LG G Watch R smartwatches
Build materials
Button number and placement
Color options
Compatible smartphones
Dimensions (estimated for G Watch R)
Display (resolution and pixel density)
Display size
Heart rate sensor
Gizmag compares the features and specs of the Moto 360 (l) and LG G Watch R smartwatches
Price (in USD)
Release date
Software
Standalone wireless
Storage
Voice control
Water resistance
Weight (still unknown for the G Watch)
RAM
Swappable bands
Battery
Display type
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We get the sense that the first two Android Wear watches haven't exactly set the world on fire. But the hype surrounding these first two round-faced Wear watches is a different story. Join Gizmag, as we compare the features and specs of the circular Moto 360 and LG G Watch R.

Software

Software

It's rare that we compare two devices that run identical software, but that's what we're looking at here. Google isn't letting manufacturers customize Android Wear the way they do Android for phones and tablets, so your software experience should be the same on both watches.

Voice Control

Voice control

Much of that centers around Google's voice control. Android Wear devices, as of now, have the fastest and widest-reaching voice control of any smartwatches.

Size

Dimensions (estimated for G Watch R)

LG hasn't released the dimensions of the G Watch R yet, but we estimated the height and width of its main body (based on the diagonal measurement of its screen). Assuming our estimates are sound, then the G Watch R's body is roughly 20 percent taller and a hair narrower than the Moto 360's.

Build

Build materials

The Moto 360 is encased in a stainless steel body.

The G Watch R's body is also stainless steel, but LG tells us that some aluminum is coming along for the ride as well. The back of LG's watch is made of plastic.

Swappable band

Swappable bands

Both watches let you swap their default bands for a standard 22 mm strap.

Weight

Weight (still unknown for the G Watch)

LG also hasn't announced the G Watch R's weight, though in our hands-on, we found it to feel fairly heavy on the wrist – in a good way that is, harkening back to premium timepieces.

Colors

Color options

At least at launch, the Moto 360 is available in two colors. The G Watch R is only listed in black.

Display (size)

Display size

Our calculations have the G Watch R giving you roughly 72 percent as much screen area as the Moto 360 does. And yes, that percentage does take into account the cut-off section at the bottom of the Moto's display.

Display (resolution)

Display (resolution and pixel density)

Neither watch has a mind-blowing pixel density, but the G Watch R's is 20 percent sharper.

Display (type)

Display type

LG says that the G Watch R's Plastic OLED display is the same tech found in its G Flex phablet.

Battery

Battery

We're still putting our Moto 360 review unit through the paces, but battery life may be a concern. Stay tuned on that front.

LG hasn't given any estimates for the G Watch R's battery life, other than to describe it as "long-lasting."

Water resistance

Water resistance

Both watches have smartwatch industry standard IP67 water resistance. This means they can sit in 1 m (3.3 ft) of water for 30 minutes, and keep on chugging.

Heart rate monitor

Heart rate sensor

The original G Watch didn't have a heart rate monitor, but LG put one into the G Watch R. The Moto 360 also has a pulse sensor onboard.

Compatible phones

Compatible smartphones

Like all Android Wear watches, both of these devices require a paired Android phone that runs software version 4.3 or higher. They won't work with iPhones or Windows Phones.

Standalone wireless

Standalone wireless

That also means you won't be able to replace your phone with either of these watches.

Buttons

Button number and placement

Each watch has one button, in both cases sitting on the right side of the main body. This ties into the watches' shared "looks like a regular watch" theme, suggesting a classic winder.

Storage

Storage

Each watch has 4 GB of internal storage – likely more than you'll ever need.

RAM

RAM

Every Android Wear watch so far has had 512 MB of RAM. These two are no exception.

Release

Release date

The Moto 360 is technically available now, but at the time of publication, it's sold out everywhere. You'll probably have to wait at least a week or two for online and physical retailers to get more in stock.

Price

Price (in USD)

We don't know what the G Watch R will retail for, but Motorola was pretty aggressive with the Moto 360's price. Considering it only costs US$20 more than the original G Watch and $50 less than the Samsung Gear 2, it doesn't look like there's much of a premium price tagged on for the Moto's premium-looking design.

For more, you can check out our Android Wear review and our full review of the Moto 360.

Updated 9/8 to correct the G Watch R's display type (it's Plastic OLED, not Plastic AMOLED)

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3 comments
Vincent Müller
Poorly informed. The LG Gwatch R will be most likely also available in sliver: http://www.gizmag.com/round-g-watch-r-teaser/33491/ And the price Tag is also most likely at 299€ according to lots of European Dealers. The Moto 360 also just Wright about 49g. I also dont think it has an LCD screen. I've already saw the screen with my own Eyes and I am 90% sure that it is OLED. Either way there de have to wait for an offical statement.
Joe Tamburello
How in the world did you leave out CPU? The Moto 360 has an ancient Ti OMAP processor - the snapdragon 400 in the G Watch R trounces it.
Dennis Dole
The outer bezel on the LG is a total turn-off. It may look okay with some analog watch faces, but it will be VERY out of place with digital faces. Also, some of the analog watch faces may not even align with it correctly, so it would have been better for LG to leave the watch-face markings to the selected AndroidWear watchface.
Finally, Moto360 totally NAILED IT with the QI charging. This means that you can charge the watch with the same charger that you use to charge your Android phone, and sweat or moisture won't corrode the charging contacts since QI charging has NO contacts. EVEN MORE important though, it means the Moto360 is water resistant, since the only means of ingress for moisture is the single side button.
A great attempt by LG, and competition is always good... but IMHO, (and from first hand daily experience with the 360), the Moto360 still has the edge.