Launched in 2019, the new Moto360 is standing proof that dead wearables can rise from the grave. The main difference between it and its previous versions? The new Moto360 doesn’t come from the renowned brand. This fresh variant, though, is here to stay. Curious to find out more? Read our Moto360 review below.
Background
Anyone with an interest in smartwatches and a good memory can remember the hype around the 1st and 2nd generation Moto360. The wearable went out of production in 2016, when Motorola decided they had no interest in the smartwatch market. So, how did it come back?
Easy answer. The new Moto360 doesn’t come from Motorola. It is manufactured by eBuyNow eCommerce Ltd, who bought the right to use the brand name and logo for this smart timepiece.
Fundamentally, the new Moto360 maintains the same operating system as the old one. New technologies incorporated into the design, as well as a visual makeover, make it a more attractive option than its older version. Furthermore, a variety of colours appeal to both men and women. No doubt, a watch that will make itself noticed on your wrist.
Features
The new Moto360 is the 3rd generation smartwatch manufactured under Motorola’s name, and even if the actual manufacturer changed, both the hardware and software follow the same line set up by its predecessors. It incorporates upgrades, obviously, so you can expect the last generation Wear OS from Google, as well as improved hardware.
The heart of this wearable is the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 SoC, that, combined with the 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, deliver unrivalled performance.
Like Fossil smartwatches, Moto360 boasts a circular dial that integrates a 42mm AMOLED display. A resolution of 360 x 360 pixels brings it in-line with heavyweight names, such as Samsung and Apple.
Battery life is not outstanding, but the 355mAh battery still delivers sufficient juice for a full day of use. As for functionality, you can expect the usual notifications on the wrist, app browsing, and even NFC payments.
Design
Overall, the smartwatch is slim and elegant. It may still look awkward on slender wrists, given the size of its dial and thickness of the band. Thus, it’s not the go-to choice for the ladies looking for a more discreet wearable.
Sporty type women might like it, though, especially the white variant that adds a wealth of visual appeal.
You can wear it with either leather or rubber straps – both included in the package. They are interchangeable, making it super-easy to pair with formal attire or wear for a run.
Moving on to the watch face, you can opt for a classic face design with analogue dial and traditional hour and minute hands. An always-on display enhances this classy look that can instantly turn into a contemporary, sporty one, as soon as you start using its tracking features.
Fitness Tracking
Moto360 is geared towards general users rather than athletes. Thus, it doesn’t come with pre-loaded sports profiles or other athletic bells and whistles. This doesn’t mean that it’s not a good gym companion. On the contrary.
Casual users may find all they need crammed in this lovely design. Most fitness and athletic activities are tracked with the help of the acclaimed Google Fit software. Expect basics, such as heart rate monitor and step counter.
The intelligent coach also allows you to set up various sports profiles such as running, treadmill training, cross-training, and more.
While you can’t register swim laps, the device is resistant to 3ATM, so you won’t have to take it off at the pool or when it’s raining.
Something we miss is the sleep tracker as well as a stress monitor. On the bright side, the watch comes with built-in GPS and Google Maps, so you can pin down your route, find your way, and track your movements should you want to.
Moto360 Advantages
- The new Moto360 designs stays true to the original lines, but brings new hardware and updated software to the table.
- Particularly suitable for people using an Android handset, as you can easily sync all your accounts and access them from your wrist.
- A wide variety of apps include access to Gmail and Google Drive, even on the go.
- Two straps, a leather and a silicone one, come with the watch as standard. You can easily switch from one to another for a more athletic or elegant look.
- Large display and impressive resolution for a Wear OS smartwatch.
- Super-intuitive and easy to use. Integrated GPS and NFC payments bring more value for money.
Moto360 Disadvantages
- Expensive compared to its peers. Moto360’s price is comparable to top-of-the-range smartwatches, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch or the Apple Watch 5.
- Interface and design have no particular bells and whistles. Don’t expect it to wow you with its functionality.
- The AMOLED display is not as vibrant or bright as the display of watches such as Samsung or Apple, despite the high resolution.
Verdict
Back from the dead, the Moto360 will be the year’s highlight for all Motorola fans. The wearable may not be manufactured by the renowned company anymore, but it still maintains the iconic logo and stays true to the original Moto design.
It is average in terms of features and functionality, but it still crams a wealth of things under its hood. Expect reliable fitness tracking with Google Fit, notifications on your wrist, access to apps such as Google Maps, as well as GPS tracking and contactless payments.
Is it worth it? If you’re a hard-core Motorola fan, certainly. For everyone else, opting for a range-topper such as the Samsung or the Apple watch – or even one of the Garmin smartwatches – will surely bring more value for money.
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