Chart: Looking for a new smartwatch? Here are the best smartwatches available in Australia as of December 22, 2014.
The focus here is on everyday smartwatches — not fitness trackers or sports-centric watches like the Garmin Forerunner 920XT — though there are a couple of watches that blur the lines. The Garmin VivoSmart and Basis Peak both scored just outside this list.
The top-ranking Pebble Steel is also getting in on the fitness tracking action (and adding Android Wear-style notifications). The old, original Pebble is so long-in the-tooth now that we took it out of contention.
Also: Top 5 Fitness Band/Activity Trackers
Our pick/s here at Gizmodo Australia HQ: The LG Watch R for outright style, though the Moto 360 is a looker also, and has persistent heart rate monitoring.
More: The Best Smartwatch For Every Wrist
If you’re a Samsung devotee, we’d recommend the beautifully curved Samsung Gear S (which we scored 71//100). Notably, on overall aggregate review scores, Samsung’s line of watches have struggled against more recent competition.
However, watches are fashion-statement. A personal choice. And that plays a larger part than usual in selecting a smartwatch. For iPhone users, compatibility with many models can also be an issue. Enter the Apple Watch, due sometime after April 2015 for around US$350: Gizmodo Apple Watch Hands On.
Chart Note: Pricing can change regularly. Use the Dick Smith links for a guide to current costs.
More: Gizmodo Australia Readers Name Their Smartwatch Of The Year
Top 5 ChartClick review for more information |
|||||
|
Pebble Steel |
Motorola Moto 360 |
ASUS ZenWatch |
MetaWatch Meta M1 |
LG G Watch R |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Scoring Panel | |||||
| Gizmodo Australia 75/100 |
Gizmodo Australia 87/100 |
Gizmodo Australia 76/100 |
Gizmodo Australia – |
Gizmodo Australia 80/100 |
|
| The Verge 8.5/10 |
The Verge 8.1/10 |
The Verge 7.9/10 |
The Verge 8/10 |
The Verge 7/10 |
|
| CNET 8/10 |
CNET 6.9/10 |
CNET – |
CNET 6.9/10 |
CNET 7.1/10 |
|
| Engadget 85/100 |
Engadget 76/100 |
Engadget 75/100 |
Engadget – |
Engadget 76/100 |
|
| Quick Specs | |||||
| Display | 1.26-inch (144×168) black and white e-paper display | 1.56-inch (320×290) circular Gorilla Glass 3 IPS touchscreen |
1.63-inch (320×320) slightly curved AMOLED touschreen | 1.13-inch (128×128) black and white screen | 1.3-inch (320×320) full circle O-OLED touchscreen |
| Software | Pebble (custom) | Android Wear | Android Wear | Meta Watch (custom) | Android Wear |
| Heart Rate Sensor | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Style Options | Brushed stainless or black matte body; leather or steel bands | Light chrome (silver) with grey leather; Dark chrome (black) with black leather | Stainless steel with swappable leather bands | Stainless Silver, black stainless, black rubber, black leather, brown leather, gold, red and white body + band options. | Black metal body, swappable black leather band |
| Stated Battery Life | Up to 7 days | 1 day ($40 optional wireless charging dock available) |
1 day+ | 5 to 7 days | 2 days+ |
| Weight | 56 grams (with standard band) | 49 grams | 75 grams | 303g to 411 grams | 62.3g |
| Price Guideline (Subject To Change) | $229 | $328 | $320 | US$249 to US$449 | $359 |