Motorola Moto 360 2nd Gen 46mm The Complete Review

Overview of Motorola Moto 360 46mm (2nd Gen)

The Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen) 46mm is an advanced smartwatch that blends modern technology with classic watch design. Introduced in September 2015, the Moto 360 has been influential in the smartwatch market, offering a feature-rich experience while maintaining an elegant appearance. Despite being discontinued, it remains a popular choice among tech enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and robust functionality.

Design and Build Quality

Motorola has crafted the Moto 360 with a premium approach in mind. The device features a stainless steel frame with a glass front using Gorilla Glass 3, which provides durability and a sophisticated appearance. The build quality is sturdy, ensuring resilience against everyday wear and tear, making it an excellent companion for both formal and casual settings. Offering several color choices, including Black Leather, Black Metal, Rose Gold/Blush Leather, and Silver/Cognac Leather, the Moto 360 caters to a variety of styles and preferences.

Display Characteristics

The Motorola Moto 360 comes with a 1.56-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 360 x 330 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 233 PPI. This bright, clear display is perfect for viewing notifications, time, and using various applications. The use of Gorilla Glass 3 adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring the screen remains free of scratches. One of the standout features is the round design, setting it apart from other smartwatches that traditionally feature square or rectangular screens.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Moto 360 is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset, paired with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and Adreno 305 GPU. While these specifications are modest compared to current smartwatch standards, they provide a smooth and responsive experience for everyday use. The device includes 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for downloading and running several apps and storing music. However, it's worth noting that there isn’t a card slot for expanding storage, so users need to manage their space accordingly.

Software and User Interface

The Moto 360 operates on Android Wear OS 2.1, providing users with access to Google’s suite of apps and services. This operating system is designed to deliver seamless interaction and offers a variety of watch faces, health tracking features, and customizable notifications. Navigation through the interface is intuitive, thanks to the responsive touch screen. Users can receive calls, messages, and app notifications directly on their wrist, enhancing convenience and productivity.

Connectivity Options

Considering its launch period, the Motorola Moto 360 offers a decent range of connectivity options. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 4.0, LE, aptX for connecting to smartphones and other devices. However, it lacks cellular connectivity, positioning features, NFC, radio, and USB ports. This might somewhat limit its capabilities compared to newer models that include these features, but it remains functional for most standard tasks.

Sensors and Health Tracking

The Moto 360 is equipped with several sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, and heart rate monitor. These allow for tracking various fitness metrics, such as steps taken, calories burned, and heart rate monitoring. The heart rate sensor is especially useful for fitness enthusiasts who need to keep track of their cardiac health during workouts. The integration with Google Fit and other third-party apps ensures users receive comprehensive health data and insights.

Battery Life and Charging

The smartwatch houses a 400 mAh Li-Ion battery, which is non-removable but supports wireless charging with Qi technology. This means users can easily charge the device without dealing with cables, adding a layer of convenience. Although the battery life is not groundbreaking, it is adequate for a full day’s use under moderate activity. Users must charge the device daily, which aligns with most smartwatches in the market during its release.

Price and Availability

Upon its release, the Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen) was priced at approximately 300 EUR, positioning it as an attractively affordable option in the premium smartwatch segment. Although officially discontinued, it can still be found through various retailers and second-hand markets. Its affordability, combined with the features offered, continues to make it a viable option for those seeking a classic smartwatch experience without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The Motorola Moto 360 46mm (2nd Gen) encapsulates the spirit of innovation with its blend of classic watch design and smart capabilities. While it lacks certain features found in more recent models, such as cellular connectivity and expanded sensors, it makes up for these limitations with its appealing design, ease of use, and essential smart features. For users who appreciate a combination of productivity and style, the Moto 360 remains a commendable choice in the used market.