The Apple Watch is here, but what will you choose?

Sep 10, 2014 08:44 GMT  ·  By

Android Wear smartwatches might have made it out into the sunlight before Apple had the chance to unleash any product from this category, but this doesn’t mean the brand new Watch doesn’t have a huge potential to tear into the competition.

A few hours ago Apple launched its highly anticipated smartwatch which will compete directly with the likes of LG G Watch R, Moto 360, Samsung Gear Live, Sony Smartwatch 3 or ASUS ZenWatch.

So since the inevitable has happened and the Apple Watch is here, do you think Android Wear has a chance at beating it? Let’s take a look and see.

Design Tour

Making beautiful, anesthetically pleasing products is what Apple is widely known for and the Watch is no different. But interestingly enough, the Cupertino tech giant didn’t choose the round look for its first product, a design that has proven to be quite popular with smartwatch fans, through the Moto 360.

Instead, Apple opted for a rectangular form factor which we have to say looks better than the Samsung Gear Live. The watch is made of premium materials and gives off that fashion vibe we were expecting to get from the company.

Apple wants to offer a wide variety of wrist straps (from the Base, Watch and Sport collection), more than the Moto 360, which will be available in two main options (leather and metal version coming in different colors).

Opting for the Base model means you’ll be getting a watch made out of stainless steel or space black stainless steel case, while the Sport option brings to the table an anodized aluminum case in silver or space gray plus a range of colorful bands.

Last but not least, the Watch Edition will deliver an 18-karat gold case in yellow or rose plus quite stylishly crafted bands and closures.

Apple also offers a choice in the buckling up system: you can opt for a leather loop, classic buckle, modern buckle of Milanese loop. This is not offered with any of the Android Wear watches we have seen so far.

What about the Android Wear bunch?

As for the LG G Watch R, we saw it at IFA 2014 and we can tell you it does not look as stylish as the Moto 360, even if it takes advantage of a circular design.

The same can be said of the latest Sony Smartwatch 3 which looks like a plasticky watch you’d give to your kid.

The remaining Android Wear smartwatches that could hope to outshine the Apple watch are the ASUS ZenWatch and Samsung Gear Live.

Comparison between Apple Watch and round Android Wear smartwatches
Comparison between Apple Watch and round Android Wear smartwatches

The two products take advantage of the same rectangular design and based on what we saw at IFA, the ZenWatch has a good chance of being able to stand up to Apple’s wearable.

At first, the watch will be offered with a brown leather strap which is interchangeable, but ASUS hasn’t detailed what other options will be offered in the future.

It wouldn’t surprise us if some fashionable options for the watch would pop up in the near future and this aspect will certainly help in the wearable’s quest for glory.

Comparison between Apple Watch and rectangular Android Wear smartwatches
Comparison between Apple Watch and rectangular Android Wear smartwatches

Apple Watch Design Feats and Comparison Images (11 Images)

Apple's Watch shown in all its glory
Apple Watch strap optionsApple Watch different buckling system
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