The second-gen smartwatch from Lenovo-owned Motorola - the Moto 360 2015 - is set to hit the shelves and the wearable commands a reasonable price starting at $299. The most expensive Moto 360 may cost $429 and while the smartwatch is an improvement on its predecessor, is it worth buying?
The Moto 360 2015 has generated mixed responses with most people being displeased with its lack of app selection and bulkiness. Sure, the smartwatch wins brownie points for its highly customizable ability, Live Dial watch faces and gesture control capabilities, but are these enough to sway consumers into purchasing the Moto 360?
Here's a review roundup as we take a look into what the experts are saying:
"The 2015 Moto 360 improves over its predecessor in many meaningful ways: The hardware and battery are better; the design is more thoughtful; and there are a host of customization options to meet your personal style. If you're a fan of Android Wear, this is probably the best option out there -- but it comes at a higher cost than last year," opines Nathan Ingraham of Engadget.
Android Central's Russell Holly recommends purchasing the Moto 360 2015 to those looking for an extremely functional and customizable smartwatch powered by Android Wear, which has longevity.
"Google has clearly navigated their partners to this hardware profile, and with software updates largely controlled by Mountain View this is something you will be able to keep and appreciate for a while, which helps justify the price tag," says Holly.
However, per Holly the wearable is not for those looking out for a premium-looking smartwatch that looks svelte.
Phone Arena's John V seems to agree as he suggests you "Buy the 2nd generation Moto 360 if you have a penchant for a unique look, but as we've seen already, the LG Watch Urbane and Huawei Watch offer similarly premium designs - while also offering better looking displays than the Moto 360."
The Verge's Dan Seifert does not wax eloquent on the wearable's capabilities either.
"The best way to look at is if you buy the Moto 360 smartwatch, you're paying more for the watch than you are for the smart. That, ironically, doesn't make it much different from any other watch purchase, which is perhaps what Motorola has been going for all along," notes Seifert.
Sherri Smith of Tom's Guide may not be a fan of wearables but the Moto 360 seems to have struck a chord despite its disappointing battery life.
"Battery life continues to be a sticking point, especially when compared to the Huawei Watch's two-day power supply. That $350 device also offers a sharper display compared to the Moto 360. On the app front, Google still has a ways to go before it can go toe to toe with Apple. And I'm none too pleased that Motorola is selling the wireless charging dock separately. Still, the Motorola Moto 360 is a great watch for techies looking for a device that's functional and stylish," says Smith.
Verdict: The Moto 360 2015 does not seem to be worth the buy per most tech experts and competing Android Wear devices would be a better bet.
