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Moto 360 vs. LG G Watch R

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

Weight

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

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

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)

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

Display (type)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buttons

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

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

RAM

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

Release

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

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.

By Will Shanklin

courtesy by gizmag