New smart watch lg. LG Watch Urbane smartwatch review
Round smartwatches are rare. And models in this form factor are Android Wear generally only two. While the Moto 360 has been on sale for a long time and has already been tested by us, the new LG product has just appeared. The main advantage compared to the famous American competitor can be considered the operating time. Read about this and other features of the LG G Watch R further on Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru will be the first exclusively with the global launch of the model.
With all the variety of Android Wear watches, don’t be fooled by their relationship with full Android. Although they have common roots, the watch still has an operating system with a different ideology. If you really want, you can download Android applications via the SDK, but they will not work normally even if they launch (different resolution and network access restrictions). There is little software adapted for Android Wear (for this moment- just over a thousand programs), and these are mostly watch faces. There is almost no customization, which is disappointing for both manufacturers and end users. Models differ in watch faces and occasionally in one or two applications (for example, for fitness on the Moto 360).
However, the biggest limitation is Android functionality Wear watches without a smartphone, since they are mostly used only for notifications. And one way or another, you still need a smartphone for almost any activity. This creates a vicious circle in which all models on the market exist, be it Moto 360, LG G Watch R or any other Android Wear watch. The situation can only be resolved by Google itself, which will reconsider its approach to the category. But when will this happen and will it affect current models, It's not clear yet.
According to Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru, the price of LG G Watch R will be $299, and official sales in Russia they will start in mid-November.
LG G Watch R does not bring any revolution in this sense, but it differs favorably in its form factor. The fact is that this is the only round watch on Android Wear, except for the good old Moto 360. The latter, by the way, are not officially supplied to Russia with all the consequences. Other manufacturers (Samsung, Sony, ASUS) are in no hurry to release round watches, and this is in vain. Already this LG watch attracts attention. But, looking ahead, I can say that the advantages of the model do not end there.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Compatibility: Smartphone with Android 4.3 or higher
- Operating system: Android Wear (4.4W.2)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, 1.2 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB, 512 MB RAM, no expansion slot
- Screen: P-OLED, 1.3”, 320x320 pixels
- Battery: non-replaceable, 410 mAh
- Wireless: Bluetooth 4.0
- Ports and Connectors: Dock with microUSB
- Dimensions / weight: 46.4 x 53.6 x 9.7 mm (11.1 with frame) / 62 g
DESIGN, ERGONOMICS
The first generation G Watch looked too basic for a watch. Actually, there was no special design, just a nondescript rectangle with a rubber strap. As a result, even at the minimum price, the model was lost against the background of Android Wear analogues. The second version made the right conclusions. And now LG watches look pretty good. Firstly, they are now round, which is more natural. Secondly, the case is metal and the strap is leather. Thirdly, a hardware button has been added (and also a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, but more on that later).
For my taste, the G Watch R still does not match the design of the reference Moto 360 in this regard. But some, on the contrary, like LG watches more. In general, it's a matter of taste. In any case, such a comparison is already very good, considering that Motorola currently has the most beautiful smartwatches on the market. True, if Americans have a unisex watch, then Korean watches are suitable mainly for men who will even like the massiveness. Moreover, the G Watch R is only available in black
The case is made of stainless steel, and the circular scale makes the model even more similar to a classic watch, and it has all the Android features Wear, including changing watch faces. By the way, 24 branded ones are preinstalled, but more on them later. If the first G Watch strap was rubber, then calfskin is used here. As a result, the new product is more pleasant to wear. The strap has a standard 22 mm fastening, but changing it yourself is not so easy (but possible).
Function button located on the right and stylized as a factory, it even scrolls. In fact, scrolling doesn't do anything (apparently, the limitations of Android Wear did not allow this to be used), and pressing the button can only wake up the watch, and holding it takes you to settings. There are no other elements on the body. On the back there is an optical heart rate sensor (green LED). The latter has already become a standard attribute of smart watches, but, by the way, it was not present in the first G Watch.
The watch has a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor - an optical heartbeat sensor in the form of a green LED.
Comparison of LG G Watch and G Watch R:
Filling, operating time, screen
There is full moisture and dust protection according to the IP67 standard. This means, among other things, the possibility of immersion in water to a depth of 1 m for up to 30 minutes. The watch passed the tests successfully, we had no complaints. But this is standard functionality for modern smartwatches, including the Moto 360. But what sets the LG G Watch R apart is its hardware.
There is full moisture and dust protection according to the IP67 standard.
Used Qualcomm processor Snapdragon 400 with a frequency of 1.2 GHz, and a 410 mAh battery (Motorola has an old TI OMAP3630 and a modest 300-320 mAh). The operating time was a pleasant surprise: a full charge on the LG watch lasts for an honest two days in mode with the screen always on, or up to three days with automatic shutdown display (standard Android Wear functionality). In continuous gaming mode, the model lasts 3 hours 26 minutes - this is not the ideal of a watch owner, but for Android Wear the indicator is decent, perhaps the best among models on this OS. The watch takes 1 hour 40 minutes to charge. wireless charging No.
The operating time of the LG G Watch R was a pleasant surprise. Full charge The hours are enough for an honest two days in mode with the screen always on.
The G Watch R's screen is notable for being the first to use a circular matrix based on plastic OLED (P-OLED) technology. The size is not the largest (1.3”), but with a resolution of 320x320 it gives a good pixel density. As a result, the picture on the screen looks great. The traditional advantages of OLED technology have not gone away - good readability in the sun and high energy efficiency. The latter makes a big contribution to the good operating time of the LG G Watch R, since the chipset and battery capacity alone would not be enough (the Moto 360 uses a more power-hungry IPS).
For the first time, a circular matrix based on plastic OLED (P-OLED) technology was used.
LG G Watch R has 512 MB random access memory, which is standard for watches. The connection with a smartphone (only Android is supported) occurs via Bluetooth 4.0 LE, within a range of approximately 20-30 meters indoors, which is quite enough. There are many apps to find your smartphone, which is convenient. As usual in Android Wear, there is a strict connection to the smartphone; most actions are not possible without it. You won't be able to answer the call either - you can only reject it or accept it on your smartphone. The functionality of the platform is very limited, but we will talk about this later.
The watch has 4 GB of memory built-in (similar to the LG G Watch), but it is used for official needs and is (again!) inaccessible to the user. There is no expansion slot or any ability to store data (for example, multimedia). All Android Wear watches are companions, not independent gadgets, hence all the compromises. If you need something different, it's better to look at competing systems, such as Tizen.
Android Wear, software
LG G Watch R runs on Android Wear version 4.4W.2. The main innovations include GPS support and the ability to play music from the watch. In the latter case we're talking about about stream caching and transmission via Bluetooth (there is no regular audio jack in LG watches). The first is for the future, because there is no GPS in this model. More significant changes will come in Android Wear 2.0.
There are 24 signature watch faces, all of which are below. In addition, Android Wear allows you to download third-party ones (for example, style Apple Watch) and create your own. You can make yourself exactly the kind of watch that you like specifically and which no one else will have.
In general, before us - standard Android Wear both in interface and functionality. I have already written more about this OS. Over the past months, more than a thousand applications have appeared, but most of them are useless. Small sales (only 255 thousand smart watches were sold in Europe in the first half of 2014) and resource limitations lower the overall development bar for Android Wear.
Scenarios for using watches on Android Wear are quite specific and mainly come down to notifications.
The scenarios for using watches on Android Wear are quite specific and mainly come down to notifications, that is, they still force you to reach for your smartphone. For example, you can look caller when you're at the cinema, on a bike or just have your hands full. You can dictate the answer (Russian is recognized, but don’t worry about punctuation marks). Also available standard commands voice: set an alarm, write a letter, turn on a timer, etc. But for more or less complex tasks - again - you need a smartphone. For example, when navigating on your watch, you will only see directional arrows, but voice prompts and there will be no map (this is all on a smartphone). Other scenarios are implemented similarly: the watch is a companion for a smartphone with the most basic functions. For example, you can control music playback from your smartphone (convenient for jogging).
To be fair, it is worth noting that among the above-mentioned hundreds of applications there are some that are quite independent, for example, a full-fledged web browser with multi-touch support, but there is no Internet in the watch (neither Wi-Fi nor 3G), everything is from a smartphone. So independence here is conditional. There are also simple toys like shooters from a tower at landing parachutists, but I can’t imagine a situation where you play on a watch and not on a smartphone, where the graphics are better, there is more choice, and the screen diagonal is much more comfortable. So it turns out that functionally Android Wear remains a very dubious platform in terms of real benefits. Let's see if the developers can implement something in the future.
OPINION HI-TECH.MAIL.RU
Compared to the first generation of G Watch, the new model is a big step forward. The design has become more pleasant, ergonomics, characteristics, functionality are better, operating time is increased. But the main advantages, of course, lie in the exterior of the G Watch R - finally, an LG watch looks like a watch, and not like an experimental model. At the same time, you need to understand that in terms of software the models are almost identical; we have the standard Android Wear OS with all that it implies. And the price has increased quite noticeably (in the US $299 versus $229; for comparison, the Moto 360 costs $249). Due to its massiveness, this watch is not suitable for women; the device is purely for men. Well, all iOS owners, Windows Phone and other alternative OSs are bypassed, because Android Wear only works with Android gadgets (due to deep integration Google).
The LG G Watch R is a good candidate for purchase for those who are looking for a round Android Wear watch and who are not intimidated by the features of this OS. On this path, you have two options: a Korean gadget or an American one. The last one is, of course, the famous Moto 360 watch. They are prettier, but they are inferior in hardware. The G Watch R has the best operating time, as well as official deliveries to Russia (warranty, support, etc.). After the price reduction, the new LG product can be a very interesting purchase, but at the start of sales the watch is overpriced. According to our information, LG G Watch R will appear in Russia in mid-November.
If you ignore the high price, this is a great watch for Android Wear lovers, if you like this design (this is subjective). During testing, they pleasantly surprised us with the operating time and quality of execution; all other parameters are also at a decent level. This is one of the best and most balanced watches among Android Wear models. For which they receive an honorary award-recommendation from us.
LG G Watch R is one of the best and most balanced watches among Android Wear models. For which they receive an honorary award-recommendation from us.
pros
- good time work
- Metal body
- High-quality OLED screen
- Moisture and dust protection IP67
Minuses
- Massive body
- High price
Google has officially introduced the LG Watch Style and LG smart watches Watch Sport, which will be the first wearable device to come preloaded with software platform Android Wear 2.0.
The new LG Watch Style and LG Watch Sport smartwatches were created in collaboration between Google and LG. New models support key functions Android Wear 2.0 delivers a more informative watch face, new ways to use apps, and more ways to stay connected with friends and family.
Also, the new smart watches support the function of the digital personal assistant Google Assistant, which so far “communicates” only in English and German languages, although in the future it is planned to significantly expand the list of languages supported by the watch. Both models have a round dial with a rotating bezel.
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As the name suggests, the LG Watch Style looks more formal and more sophisticated. The smartwatch is equipped with a 1.2-inch P-OLED display with a resolution of 360 × 360 pixels, a Snapdragon Wear 2100 chip, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of flash memory, wireless modules Wi-Fi connection 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 and a 240 mAh battery. The model is resistant to moisture and dust according to IP67 standard.
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If the thickness of the LG Watch Style case is 10.8 mm, then the LG Watch Sport case is much more massive - 14.2 mm thick. Thanks to the modem, LG Watch Sport, in addition to Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2, also supports 3G and 4G LTE networks, providing Internet access without connecting to a smartphone.
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It should be noted that the LG Watch Sport smart watch is equipped NFC chip, due to which they can be used to pay for services and goods through terminals using payment system Android Pay.
The LG Watch Sport has a 1.38-inch P-OLED display with a resolution of 480 × 480 pixels. On board there is a Snapdragon Wear 2100 chip, 768 MB of RAM, a 4 GB flash drive, a 430 mAh battery, a GPS receiver and a heart rate sensor. The LG Watch Sport's resistance to moisture and dust is slightly higher - according to the IP68 standard.
Sales of new products in the US will begin on February 10. The LG Watch Style costs $250, the LG Watch Sport model costs $350. LG Watch Style will be available in gold and titanium colors, as well as rose gold. Color options for the LG Watch Sport are titanium and dark blue.
Both models will also go on sale in Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan and the UAE in the coming weeks.
LG produces a whole line of smart watches and among them, the ancestor of the whole series similar devices, is an LG G Watch model that was announced and went on sale back in 2014.
Description
The LG G Watch is the first smartwatch model to be powered by the Android Wear operating system developed by by Google and specifically for wearable electronic devices.
LG G Watch Specifications
- processor - SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 400;
- RAM – 512.0 MB;
- internal memory – 4.0 GB;
- operating system - Android Wear;
- display – touch: 1.65″ IPS, 280×280, 240 ppi;
- Bluetooth;
- microphone;
- additional functions – compass, gyroscope, accelerometer;
- vibration signal;
- battery - lithium-ion, capacity 400 mAh;
- degree of protection - IP67;
- compatibility – with Android OS 4.3 and subsequent versions;
- geometric dimensions - 37.9 × 46.5 × 9.95 mm;
- weight – 63.0 grams;
- body – rectangular in shape, made of plastic, metal insert and glass;
- The strap is removable, 22.0 mm wide, made of silicone.
Model overview
Model design
Frame smart watch LG G Watch is made in the shape of a rectangle, while the screen is slightly smaller than the body itself. The frame around the screen varies in width. It is slightly wider at the top and bottom than at the sides, which gives the watch an elongated, vertical appearance.
The model is presented in two colors - black and white flowers. Top part(front), completely covered with glass, which rests on an insert made of metal. A strap made of soft silicone is attached to the insert. Back cover made of plastic, it contains contacts that serve to interface with the docking station, information about the product and the manufacturer’s logo.
A special feature of this model is that there are no buttons or other controls on the case, which made it possible to make a smart watch with high degree protection from moisture and dust.
The LG G Watch is controlled via touch screen and voice commands.
Read also:
Review and setup of EnBe Children Watch 2
Screen
This smartwatch model uses a touch display made on the basis of a matrix IPS type, 1.65″ diagonal and resolution – 280×280. The outer surface of the screen is covered with anti-reflective glass resistant to mechanical damage and coated with a grease-repellent layer.
Screen brightness ranges from 9.0 to 440 cd/m², which is sufficient and comfortable for various conditions operation (bright sunlight and dark room).
Pairing with external devices
Smart watches work in conjunction with a smartphone, so you need to install Android app Wear.
LG G Watch pairs with all smartphones running the operating system Android versions 4.3 and later developments. For collaboration Bluetooth is used.
Using a smartphone, you can configure the smart watch, as well as install additional applications. Using the settings, you can define tasks for voice search, notification mode and Bluetooth.
Functionality
LG G Watch is controlled by voice commands and the Google Now service. Basic tasks, such as creating a route, maps and other navigation elements, are displayed on the smartphone screen, in the same way notes are created and events are displayed in the calendar, SMS messages are recorded (dictated).
You can read the incoming SMS message on the watch screen. You can't answer the call because... The model does not have a speaker; for this you need to use a synchronized smartphone.
LG G Watch has all the functions inherent in electronic devices (alarm clock, timer, stopwatch, world time, etc.), as well as special ones - “agenda”, pedometer, Google notes Keep, Compass and others.
Work with computer
To work with a computer, you need to use the docking station that comes with the package and is equipped with a USB connector and contacts for pairing with the watch. In order for the computer to “see” the smart watch, the SDK application package must be installed on it.
Autonomous operation
Autonomous operation depends on the battery charge level. For charging, a docking station is used, which has special contacts through which the watch is connected and, accordingly, charged.
Contents of delivery
In addition to the smart watch, the package includes:
- A docking station is used for charging, equipped with a micro-USB connector and an adhesive pad for attaching it to the selected surface.
- Connection cable.
- Replaceable strap.
- User manual.
Read also:
Smart fitness bracelets: choosing the right ones
Advantages and disadvantages
Everyone has it electronic device there are pros and cons that influence the choice specific model gadget. In this regard, the LG G Watch smartwatch is no exception.
Advantages of the model:
- Stylish design that can be used with a variety of clothes.
- Full synchronization with a smartphone allows you to control calls and SMS messages online.
- Multifunctionality.
Flaws:
- Update required Google services, after Android installations Wear on a smartphone.
- At voice control It is possible to use only phrases provided by the system.
- When working with the clock, it is impossible to return to an earlier time. open menu, it is necessary to start from the beginning, from the starting points of the search.
- There may be situations when the system “slows down”, which leads to inconvenience during use.
- Disabling and enabling the clock is only possible through the settings menu.
- There is no possibility of recharging using a device other than the docking station (computer, tablet, etc.).
- Viewing information found on the Internet is only possible on the screen of a smartphone paired with the watch.
New models of smart watches of the LG G Watch series
Currently, the LG smartwatch market also includes the LG G Watch R and LG G Watch W100, which are later developments based on the basic LG G Watch model.
The distinctive features of these models are their technical characteristics, materials and body shape.
The LG G Watch R smart watch has a round case and has the following technical characteristics that differ from the base model:
- display – touch, P-OLED, 1.3″, 320×320, capacitive, 348 ppi;
- additional functions - compass, gyroscope, accelerometer and heart rate sensor;
- battery - lithium-ion, capacity 410 mAh;
- geometric dimensions – 45.0 × 55.0 × 11.1 mm:
- weight – 61.0 grams;
- frame - round shape made of metal and a plastic cover on the back of the case.
The LG G Watch W100 smart watch is made, like the base model, rectangular in shape, with distinctive technical characteristics, from LG G Watch are the following parameters:
- geometric dimensions – 47.0 x 38.0 x 10.0 mm;
- The body is rectangular in shape and made of plastic.
Completely disappointed.) Many people ask the question: why do we even need all these “smart” watches that need to be charged every two days, or even every day? Why such hemorrhoids, they ask? For me personally, the following features are most important in a smartwatch:
- change the skin (dial) and customize the dial to your own preferences; displaying on the watch dial from different time zones, the number of steps, weather, battery charge, and so on; informing about incoming calls and SMS (vibration); information from any application - pedometer, instant messengers, etc.; use of a wide variety of applications: calculator, calendar, timer, stopwatch and others.
Here they are in comparison with the LG G Watch R. The difference is obvious.
On back side- contact group for charging on the cradle and a pulse sensor.
In my opinion, the watch looks very good on the hand. In addition, there is a high-quality brown leather strap, which also looks noticeably better than the black strap of the LG G Watch R. 
Display
Display on a P-OLED matrix (Plastic OLED) - organic LEDs on a plastic base. The outer glass is mineral, has an oleophobic and anti-reflective coating. The quality is good, but in the sun the image “blinds” very much, almost to the point of complete invisibility (at least in “sleep” mode). I'm still waiting to see who the first manufacturer will solve this problem. (Pebble solves the problem, but has a B/W display.) Connecting and taking screenshots
Connecting your watch to your smartphone is very simple. On your smartphone you need to turn on Bluetooth, install and run Android program Wear. When launched, the program will detect the watch and offer to establish a connection with it. Next, this connection must be confirmed on the watch - and that’s it, a happy reunion has taken place.
After that, you can go into the settings and change a couple of options. Personally, I immediately turn off hints (they only clutter the watch screen) and turn the screen on constant mode. By the way, to get to these options, you need to click on the name of the watch (LG Watch Urban) in the settings window - this is not too obvious and many users do not know how to do this.
If you need to take screenshots from this watch, the easiest way to do this is through Android SDK. I described in detail how this all works, I will not repeat it. Otherwise, in reviews of watches on Android Wear I still see descriptions of absolutely mind-boggling and terribly inconvenient ways to take screenshots. This method is both simple and very convenient. Device operation When I wrote on my blog that I was preparing a review of this watch, I was asked what was there to actually review. Like, it's the same old LG G Watch R, only the body is different. Meanwhile, there is really something to review here, namely Android Wear. Which, since the review of the LG G Watch R, has received several major updates and is now noticeably different. By the way, not all IT journalists reviewing these watches have taken the trouble to understand at least a little bit about what Android Wear is today. Even colleagues from iXBT, with all due respect, in their review of the LG Watch Urbane about this operating system drove away some kind of outright blizzard, saying that this was supposedly another failure of Google and that the system was not developing at all. Personally, it was more than strange for me to read something like this, because the system, in my opinion, is very promising and it is developing quite actively. Colleagues were just a little confused (especially judging by some of their comments) - well, it happens. Let's see how it all looks on the LG Watch Urbane. LG has prepared two new dials especially for them, which I liked so much that now I only use them. The first dial is called Chronos, and it is available in two versions - gold and silver (for the corresponding versions of the watch).
The second dial is called Chairman - it also comes in two color options.
Both of these watch faces have a very nice "sleep" mode - for example, the Chairman sleep mode.
Swiping your finger down on the watch face brings up the settings area. The first thing that appears there is the alert setting (battery charge level numbers also appear there for a couple of seconds). Now you can turn on all notifications, only important ones, or turn them off altogether.
The second screen is the inclusion of “theater” mode, in which in the “sleep” version the screen is completely turned off. (I use this mode at night, if I do not remove the watch from my hand.) The third screen is to control the screen brightness. (I never change it.) And the fourth screen is the clock settings. The application section, which appears by voice command or screen tap, is now divided into three screens. The first screen is the applications themselves, where the most recently launched ones are located at the top. A flashlight has been added to the applications - a useful thing, by the way.
Another new feature is “call” and “where is my phone”.
"Call" simply gives you a list of recent calls from your phone.
And “where is my phone” initiates playback of the ringtone on the phone - to make it easier to find. Maps are a useful thing when you need to quickly find your way around the area.
The second screen is favorite contacts.
When you click on any contact, he is prompted to send an SMS, write a letter to e-mail or call.
By the way, when you install the watch in the cradle, a special screensaver appears on it - like this.
I really don't know if this is an app from LG or if it's now included in Android Wear. For the first time I saw such a screensaver on the Motorola Moto 360 watch. Now let's see what's interesting in the settings. Added font size setting.
I disable wrist gestures, in which the screen can be turned on by movement - the battery is consumed noticeably faster when tracking gestures.
What the Wi-Fi settings? This watch has built-in Wi-Fi and can connect to a hotspot. For what? In order to receive information from a smartphone not via Bluetooth, but via a local network. This significantly increases the range, and you will not miss messages even in cases where you left the phone in some room and left from there. This can also help at work when the phone is on the table and you are running around the office. However, it is clear that connected Wi-Fi also consumes the battery. "Keep the screen on" - always keep the screen on in sleep mode. However, even if this option is enabled, the screen will still turn off when you do not touch the watch for a long time (like 15 minutes) - to save battery power.
IN special features You can enable magnification of the image on the screen by triple tapping.
In fact, there were worthy attempts: the first Huawei version Watch, LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE, Casio WSD-F10, and now F20 and probably the first Fossil Q Founder.
But all these watches had their drawbacks, although I admit that the model from Casio only lacked a speaker, but otherwise it was perfect sports watch. What actually happened?
The LG Watch Sport was supposed to be Google's first wearable device, but the branding dispute was apparently resolved in favor of LG. The whole story is that the companies worked together on the watch. It turns out that LG Watch Sport is the flagship of the year on Android Wear.
LG Watch Sport equipment
Let's start with the kit. In addition to the watch, it includes: a charging cradle, Type-C cable, plus the adapter itself and the key for removing the SIM card.
The charging stand is very similar to the one we saw on the first Moto360.
The watch is charged using the Qi standard and connects from any side. It’s nice that it’s not micro-USB, but modern Type-C.
Watch Sport will restore energy reserves from 0 to 100% in just three hours, no matter what fast charging and it’s not worth thinking about, but ASUS ZenWatch 3 has it, 60% in 15 minutes.
Autonomy
As for battery life. If you don’t use Google Fit and an LTE connection, the watch will last for two days, you can probably get three days if you also turn off GPS, but if you use it at full power, it will last no more than a daylight hours.
A 430 mAh battery is responsible for autonomy here.
Appearance
The watch is quite thick - 14.2 mm, but for a man's hand this basically means nothing.
They are massive, which is why they look very cool, although the taste and color of course...
The Watch Sport case is made of 316 L steel - the brushed metal is very nice.
Rubber strap. In fact, it is replaceable if you have a screwdriver, but it will be difficult to find a suitable one, just externally, but if anything - 22 mm.
The watch sits comfortably on the hand, but it is really large, diameter - 45 mm, this is not a women's version, although I cannot say that it is heavy, only 90 g.
This is how the watch looks in comparison with the first generation Huawei Watch.
Compared to AppleWatch 42 mm.
Protection
Yes, of course, Watch Sport has protection against water and dust according to the IP68 standard, so you can take it to the pool.
There is nothing superfluous on the case - three function keys and a screen covered with outdated glass Gorilla Glass 3, not the best option for a watch.
Screen
Here the pOLED matrix is 1.38 inches in diameter and the resolution is 480x480 pixels.
It's impossible to see the pixels - this is the best display of any smartwatch, and it's very bright.
In the settings you can also set automatic adjustment brightness, although where is the light sensor, it is not visible, but it is there.
Ease of use
As for the buttons. Any applications for quick launch, but the central button opens a menu or google assistant when held for a long time.
It is not clear why nothing can be done on double tap or on hold additional keys- this would be logical, and yes, if on Huawei Watch the backward action works using a single key, here it is done using “swipe” and this is inconvenient. But what pleased me was the central key, it works like digital crown at AppleWatch. With its help you can scroll, zoom, you can’t think of anything better for a watch, a useful feature.
Hardware
Overall, the LG Watch Sport is a pleasure to use and is very fast. Not only does it have the latest Snapdragon Wear 2100, but also 768 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory, this is the fastest smartwatch today.
System
They run on Android Wear 2.0, the system has finally been improved to an acceptable level, and now at least you can use it.
Push menu, new notification shade and a large number of required applications. In addition, LG added their own exclusive customizable watch faces, all very cool, simply crammed with widgets, buttons and additional information. Another funny nuance: when you reboot, it displays current time, a smart find.
The watches have many sensors, which is why they are called sports watches, although in appearance they are suitable for both sports and business style.
Here you can find:
- GPS receiver
- Barometor
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer
- Heart rate sensor and it works great by the way
What’s most pleasing is how Google updated Fit, now with the help of applications you can do almost any workout, including cycling, running, and stepper.
The usage scenarios are simple great amount, although no one bothers to install additional programs, like Runkeeper or strallo.
Built-in interfaces include:
- Wi-Fi b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.2, LE
- A-GPS
- Android Pay, by the way, is a relevant thing for Russia, since the service was launched in our country in April
- LTE, there is a slot for a nano-SIM card
The watch can generally work without a phone having its own network. You can use the Internet and make calls, fortunately there is both a microphone and a speaker. Telegram is right there, how convenient it is!
Watch Sport supports 3G and LTE communications, but you should be careful here, the American version will not work in Russia, the European or Rost-Test version will suit us. Which ones are there? known issues from Watch Sport?
- If you connect the watch to an Android phone and at the same time connect a Bluetooth headset to the same phone, then you will not be able to make a call from the headset, since the phone thinks that the watch works as a headset;
- If you click on the Bluetooth connection during a call, then absolutely nothing happens, the problem is definitely in Android and apparently this will only be fixed in the next updates.
Cost of LG Watch Sport
The cost of LG Watch Sport in the USA is $349
There are two colors, gray and dark blue, the second is not for everybody.
Briefly about LG Watch Style
LG has the Watch Style in stock in those colors, the model is more compact and $100 cheaper.
Not included in the package:
- Speaker
- NFC for Android Pay
- SIM card slot
- Heart rate monitor
This is a compact watch for notifications and nothing else, but the digital crown also rotates.
Both versions of the watch will be sold in Europe including Russia. Prices are not yet known, nor even approximate sales start dates, but why is it worth the wait? Due to network support, of course, if network operators are not lazy, we will get a duplicate SIM card with the same number, but for the watch.
Bottom line
What can we say about Watch Sport, it’s definitely masculine and definitely best watch on Android Wear.
Is it worth taking?
Expensive, but the watch is worth the money, although it doesn’t seem to be as good as the AppleWatch.
It's not a matter of assembly or technology, no, the watch is very cool and well assembled, it's just that the plastic crebol is not the nicest, the box is simple.
About LG Watch Style
LG Watch Style essentially deprived the women's version of the watch of really necessary functions, where is NFC Android Pay? At Apple, both versions of the watch are technically the same, but here, like it or not, there is some kind of discrimination, or something...
Watch Sport is good for a man, but not for a girl. The same thing with Watch Style, only exactly the opposite, and in principle there is no point left in the younger version, although on the other hand there are still many suitable options on Android Wear, this is what makes Android a good choice.