The Apple Watch captured everyone's imagination when it was first released, with many largely expecting it to be the device behind a wearable revolution.
Just because something is Apple, however, doesn't mean that it's the best device on the market. In fact, the new LG Watch Urbane is a serious contender.
The LG Watch Urbane could be considered the first luxury smartwatch. The classy metallic design of the watch is able to hold its own against many non-smartwatches, and, dare I say, against the Apple Watch.
In fact, the LG Watch Urbane's design is far more classic and luxurious looking than the Apple Watch. This is the main reason that the Watch Urbane is prime to go up against Apple's smartwatch offering.
It's important to note that no one is suggesting that the Watch Urbane could sell more, or even anywhere near as many units, as the Apple Watch. Apple makes the Apple Watch, and as we know, no one does marketing like Apple.
Design is one of the most important parts of a smartwatch, as it's a wearable and hence a fashion statement. Design is also an area where many feel the Apple Watch falls flat.
One aspect of design that Apple does have in the bag, however, is customizability. With a huge variety of color options for both the body and the band of the device, Apple aims to be able to create a watch for anyone. So far the LG Watch Urbane is limited to either silver or gold colors, with black or brown leather bands. Users can, however, switch out any 22mm watchband on the device.
The Watch Urbane also comes with specs to handle most everything that a user could throw at it. With a 1.3-inch 320 x 320 pixel, 245 ppi display and a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, the device is certainly up to the task of handling Google Now on your wrist.
The Apple Watch, by comparison, comes with either a 272 x 340 pixel display, or a 312 x 390 pixel display, depending on the size of device. Clearly, the LG device can hold its own, at least as far as screen resolution goes.
Watch Urbane also comes with some great sensors for fitness. It has a 9-axis gyroscope, compass and accelerometer, as well as a heart rate sensor.
We don't know yet about some of its connectivity, but it would be safe to assume the inclusion of Bluetooth 4.0 and perhaps Wi-Fi connectivity as well. Just like the Apple Watch.
The price of the Watch Urbane has not been released yet, but it would also be safe to assume that the device may be cheaper than Apple's offering, while still retaining a classic design and premium build quality.
Will the Watch Urbane sell more than the Apple Watch? No. It could, however, be a contender for the best smartwatch on the market.
