We knew about them and the new version of the system not long ago, in a timid announcement by Google and LG, and the MWC 2017 has been the opportunity to get closer to try them out. After a LG G6 that starred the stand and accompanied them, we were able to try them and have our first impressions of the LG Watch Sport and Style.
The challenge this time is somewhat greater, since after knowing that we would not see new watches of various brands with Android Wear in 2016 expected both new models and a new version of the system with many additions. Confirming some rumors, Google finally released system with the watches and in the MWC; we could try Android Wear 2.0 with the new LG watches.
Contents
Design and construction: Steel for both, but in one more than another
The aesthetic difference between the two watches is obvious beyond the surname they carry: the Sport box is much thicker than the Style. The Style lines are much smoother and only have the crown, while the Sport has three buttons (something that already shows that this model has some pluses on the Style).
However, the Sport is not heavy, although the Style is much more comfortable (or “forgotten” sooner) especially if we are not used to wearing a watch or accessories on the wrist. Both are constructed of stainless steel which in addition to having an aesthetically successful finish seems of quality (the Sport is completely steel; the Style has the back of the plastic box).
The Sport strap is made of a semi-rigid rubber, suitable for watches designed for sports activity in dry or water. It seems to have a lot more resistance than the ones that were exposed for the Style (the ones made of plastic, because it also has leather straps), which gave us a feeling of a lower quality plastic (we should not see how it persists in terms of resistance and Cleaning with use). The good thing is that they are easily interchanged (in the Style), in fact, the watch was without straps and we were mounted in a few seconds.
Screen: The differences remain on paper
In the absence of being able to subject them to the important challenge of direct sunlight, the indoor screens looked good and both had a good tactile response. While it is true that the Sport has a higher resolution than the Style (480×480 pixels-348 dpi versus the 360×360 pixels-299 dpi Style), in both cases the detail is sufficient and the elements are displayed correctly, whether the different Watch faces or the menu of apps and the content of them.
In addition to the detail, good colors (the deep blacks we expect from a P-OLED panel) and sufficient contrast in well-lit interiors. And good answer in both cases if we activate that the screen ignites with our movement of wrist, perhaps the only thing that can annoy to us at esthetic level is the black ring in the circumference of the sphere.
Same Android Wear 2.0, two (probably) different experiences
With the presentation of Google watches highlighted the main new features of Android Wear 2: interface renewal, Google Assistant, Google Play, standalone apps, handwriting or smart answers. The first thing that stood out at first sight, although one of the things that aroused us more interest was to verify that greater independence.
Actually, the clocks had Google Play and we were able to download some app. A version adapted to the navigation of the watch (with menus of lists) and that worked well (not so much the connection). Something that caught our attention is that the clocks linked to smartphones were somewhat slower than those that were running independently, the latter having greater fluidity and speed when running tasks or open an app.
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We could not test the messaging and some options that required contacts and aspects that we did not have, but the communication with smartphones and it worked well (for example, remote music playback). However, the dictation still lacked some training since it was difficult enough to understand the reminders (we used simple commands in English and there was not too much noise, but still cost and not always right).
Comment here that within the stand the differences between one clock and another are a little more hidden, but if we are strict with what already incorporates Android Wear 2.0 and what each watch allows by its characteristics, the Sport integrates NFC, GPS and, over All, 4G (which will determine the independence with the phone). The heart rate is another aspect that we can only measure with the Sport, which along with the measurement of steps worked seemingly well.
Navigation may be somewhat different in clocks depending on our dependence on physical buttons. There are no differences between the system and the crowns act in the same way on both clocks (turn to scroll and press to go to the start screen), but the Sport has two physical buttons to customize an action with its pulsation Is too intuitive and at first seems to have an assigned factory function).
The dichotomy: design or performance
For now, we are looking forward to take them out on the street and put them to the test, especially at the level of visualization, independence and autonomy. What we became clear is that the commitment to the pair is clear beyond the last name of each watch and that the Style, thinner and simpler, seeks to the public who wants almost the least expression of smartwatch, which serves as a notified, to Respond quickly and minimally resist water. Sport, by contrast, points to an audience that wants the most in smartwatches with Android Wear in terms of performance and resistance.
Failing to squeeze them well to see the performance and fluency in day to day, the least we have to import when it comes to choose are the differences in terms of RAM and resolution. In these aspects we have not noticed a clear victory of the Sport although it has more of both, which does seem to tip the balance (besides what we have listed before) is the resistance to water (the Sport has IP68, against IP67 of the Style) And the battery (430 mAh versus the 240 mAh of the Style). And if our plan is to change the appearance, we will have to choose the Style, the only one that allows changing the belt.
At the moment we are left with the feeling that we do notice the change of the software version (although it has arrived later than expected) and that in terms of design and construction leave us quite good feeling, with the exception of that lag that We noticed in the Sport connected to smartphone. We will see how they behave in the day to day when we can try them thoroughly.
