Admittedly, it’s tough to keep up with all the new smartwatch releases lately, but it’s because there is a large handful of wearables hitting the market too from fitness trackers, to VR headsets. As we enter the new year we’ll start seeing device launches much more regularly.
Of course, there are always the devices that have already generated quite a bit of buzz like the Apple Watch, Moto 360, Pebble Time, LG G Watch Urbane, and Huawei Watch. However, it’s the newer stuff that people are most interested in, at least when it comes to modern tech.
For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of some of the newest smartwatches – and wearables – you’ll want to keep an eye on over the coming months. If you have the opportunity to snatch one of these up for yourself – or for a loved one as a gift – then it might be a great idea to do so.
Don’t forget to check out our previous piece on some of the best places to buy a smartwatch over the holidays. Even though Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed, and Cyber Week is almost over, it doesn’t mean you should give up on searching for great deals. Expect to see some exciting discounts all the way up until the holiday season is over. In short, keep checking back!
Moto 360 Sport
Believe it or not, the Moto 360 2nd Generation has a bit more to offer than the first time it hit the market. In addition, to an updated model of the original Moto 360, there is also a model designed specifically for women and the newest – and perhaps most exciting addition – the Moto 360 Sport.
Simply put, it’s a much sportier version of the Moto 360 2 complete with a silicone case and watch band. What makes this most appealing for athletes, is the fact that the strap has been adorned with a unique UV coating to both fend off sweat and keep the wearer’s wrist cool – this is also achieved thanks to side air vents.
As expected, it’s powered by Google’s Android Wear so the experience is the same across the board when it comes to the software, app selection, and compatibility. Although the newest Android Wear models are compatible with iPhone, so there’s that.
The Sport model is slightly thicker than the standard model, which is a non-issue considering the Moto 360 2 is thinner than the original smartwatch. Furthermore, it’s available in several different colors including a rather enticing “flame” orange.
The Moto 360 Sport will be available starting in January – both on Motorola’s online storefront and at Best Buy – for a reasonable $299.
Fossil Q
Fossil – the company well known for their traditional analog watches – has entered the smartwatch market with the Fossil Q. Surprisingly it’s an Android Wear watch that’s packing Intel brand hardware under the hood.
It bears a lot of resemblance to the original Moto 360 and has a lot in common with it too like the small bottom portion of the screen that is unusable. Many tech pundits have taken to calling that portion of the Moto 360 screen the “flat tire” and describe it as such.
Since most smartwatches are powered by a Qualcomm processor, the Fossil Q is unique in that department. However, it is packing 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and a 4,000mAh battery that should last you through the day like most of the other smartwatches out there.
There’s no word on a release date just yet, but the Google Play store does have a dedicated page for the Q which suggests it will be available soon. The cheaper model with a leather band will cost you $275 while the stainless steel model will be $295.
Compared to the average price of other smartwatches, we’d say that’s reasonable. What do you think?
Pebble Time
This time around Pebble isn’t kidding around. There are three separate models of the Pebble Time available. The Pebble Time, Pebble Time Steel, and Pebble Time Round all accommodate different types of smartwatch users.
For starters, the Pebble Time is a much-needed revision for the original Pebble smartwatch. It’s still packing a silicone band and plastic body, but the screen has been updated to include colors – though it’s still got the same e-paper style we’ve grown to love.
The Pebble Time Steel is – you guessed it – adorned with a stainless steel body and wristband while the Pebble Time Round has a round body style akin to the Moto 360, Samsung S2 or LG G Watch R. Good thing too, because a lot of the other smartwatches hitting the market have opted for the round body style and display. It looks a lot more like a traditional watch that way.
We happen to love the look of all three models, but the Pebble Time Round is definitely our favorite. What about you?
The Pebble Time is compatible with Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone and the battery life varies depending on which model you choose. Still, the least amount of time you’ll be able to run the watch off the charger is two full days which is more than you can say for any other smartwatch including the Apple Watch.
The Pebble Time Round is available now in several color styles for $249. The Pebble Time Steel is also $249 with different color options, and the Pebble Time is one sale for $149 (usually $199).
Huawei Watch
It seems like forever that we’ve been teasing the elegant, unisex-friendly Huawei Watch and it’s finally here. It’s powered by Android Wear and is packing a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 512MB of RAM.
It also includes a gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, and heart rate sensor meaning it can track just about anything in regards to fitness and activity, which is always a plus.
What really sets it apart from everything else on this list is the appearance. Sure it includes a round display like the Moto 360 2 or Pebble Time Round, but there’s no question about it; the Huawei Watch is dead sexy.
There are several models available all of which come with a stainless steel watch body, and a varying band (leather, stainless steel), but you don’t have to worry about missing out because they all look just as attractive. There’s even a rose gold variant which will look absolutely divine on a woman’s wrist.
The Huawei Watch can be purchased online through Amazon or at Best Buy, starting at $349 for the cheapest model. The most expensive model is $799 so it can be pricey compared to anything else on this list.
Samsung Gear S2
Samsung has been pretty crazy about their frequent updates to their Gear smartwatch lineup. However, they took a bit of a break before they decided to launch the Gear S2, which was probably a good thing.
The Gear S2 looks absolutely stunning no matter which model you decide to pick up: Gear S2 (silver), Gear S2 (dark gray/gunmetal), Gear S2 Classic (black). Instead of Android Wear, Samsung once again opted to use their proprietary OS Tizen, but there’s a big difference this time around from the previous smartwatches they launched. The Samsung Gear S2 is compatible with a handful of Android smartphones instead of just Samsung-branded ones. That’s a pretty big step for the company and a welcome change for consumers. Of course, it’s not compatible with everything so you’ll need to check compatibility before throwing down the cash.
The Gear S2 includes a round display, 4GB of internal storage, 512MB of RAM, and comes with 3G or 4G connectivity so you don’t need a smartphone – except for the initial setup. What makes the Gear S2 unique is that it also includes a GPS sensor, which is something you won’t find in most smartwatches. It can handle GPS navigations and location tracking without a paired device, and that’s pretty significant. That said GPS also drains the battery when in use, so there’s a Bluetooth only model available if you don’t want that kind of functionality.
The Samsung Gear S2 is $299 to $349 depending on which model you choose.