Top 5: Best Smartwatches Of 2014

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 Chart

Click review for more information

8.1
7.8
7.7
7.5
7.4

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


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