LG launches new smartwatches

LG has launched two new smartwatches called the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style. Both watches will be powered by the Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ Wear 2100 processor and are the first watches to run the Android Wear 2.0.

For users who adore the use of “Ok Google”, you will love to know that the Android Wear 2.0 comes with the Google Assistant. This means that you can set a reminder, send a text message or communicate with the Google Assistant like how you would do it on your phone.

LG Watch Sport

Like what the name suggests, this is the version where you take it out for your sports activities. The device has a 1.38-inch full circle P-OLED display on a 316L grade stainless steel. The screen is protected by the Gorilla Glass 3. The LG Watch Sport is both dust and water resistance with a rating of IP68. Do note that the keyword here is resistance and not waterproof. So you cannot bring it for a swim or even taking a bath is too dangerous for it.

You will be happy to note that GPS comes with the watch. You can bring it out for a run without having to bring your phone with you. Combining it with Google Fit, it will track your activities and also give you tips on your workout.

Full specifications

• Chipset: Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ Wear 2100 featuring 4G LTE
• Operating System: Android Wear™ 2.0
• Display: 1.38-inch P-OLED Display (480 x 480 / 348ppi)
• Size: 45.4 x 51.21 x 14.2mm **
• Memory: 4GB eMMC / 768MB LPDDR3
• Battery: 430mAh
• Network: LTE / 3G /Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g, n / Bluetooth 4.2 LE / NFC
• Sensors: 6-Axis (Accelerometer / Gyro) / Barometer / PPG / GPS / Ambient Light Sensor
• Color: Titanium / Dark Blue
• Other: Dust and Water Resistance (IP68) / Speaker / Microphone / Wireless Charging

LG Watch Style

The LG Watch Style, on the other hand, is a smartwatch for a fashionista or perhaps one that you wear it for a date after you are done with your sports. It comes in three colours – silver, titanium and rose gold. The watch bands are interchangeable so you can just snap-and-swap with the colours according to the occasion. Unlike the LG Watch Sport, the Style has an IP 67 rating. A little lower but it is good enough to repel the rain.

One important thing to note, which LG has added in their press release, is that the case is 10.79mm thick so that it can be easily slipped under your long sleeves shirts. The reason for pointing this out is because we haven’t had a smartwatch or any stylish watches that can slip comfortably under my long sleeves. So good job, LG.

Full specifications

• Chipset: Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ Wear 2100
• Operating System: Android Wear™ 2.0
• Display: 1.2-inch P-OLED Display (360 x 360 / 299ppi)
• Size: 42.3 x 45.7 x 10.79mm
• Memory: 4GB eMMC / 512MB LPDDR3
• Battery: 240mAh
• Network: Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g, n / Bluetooth 4.2 LE
• Sensors: 6-Axis (Accelerometer / Gyro) / Ambient Light Sensor
• Color: Silver / Titanium / Rose Gold
• Other: Dust and Water Resistance (IP67) / Microphone / Wireless Charging

Differences

Other than the different display sizes, the LG Watch Sport has a bigger battery, mobile network support, NFC and a speaker than what the LG Watch Style has. So do take note of this before you make a decision.

Verdict

We like these watches. We love how these watches cater to the different user demographics and to take into account how it fits under your shirt shows that LG takes note of users’ common complaints. But they are not revolutionary. They are an improvement to what we have in the market.

Will we buy it? Yes, but we have to hold on and see what other companies have to show at the Mobile World Congress later this month. So far, LG, things are looking good.