LG might have been one of the first manufacturers to release an Android Wear smartwatch, but the G Watch wasn't exactly well received; the plain design, plastic construction and battery-sapping LCD display were all stumbling blocks that meant many customers simply decided to wait for Motorola's more stylish Moto 360 instead.
The company has clearly learnt its lesson, announcing the rather stunning G Watch R ahead of the IFA show in Berlin. Now that the show floor has opened, we've finally had the chance to strap it on and see whether it can correct the G Watch's mistakes.
A WATCH FIRST, GADGET SECOND
From a distance, you'd have a hard time spotting that the G Watch R is actually a smartwatch; with a circular screen, analog watch face and diving-style timer markings around the outer edge, it looks more like a watch and less like a piece of technology. The metal chassis both looks and feels a lot more premium than the original G Watch, as does the leather strap.
The watch will ship with a black calfskin strap, and although LG was showing off other straps at IFA there won't be official alternatives at launch. You'll be able to fit any standard 22mm watch strap though, meaning you can mix and match. We particularly liked the stainless steel version, even if you'll have to go out of your way to get something similar yourself. The watch will only be available in matte black metal at launch, and although LG was demonstrating a stainless steel version there's currently no estimated arrival date.
COMPLETING THE CIRCLE
The 320x320 resolution display looks very sharp, with the plastic OLED panel producing vibrant colours, excellent viewing angles and deep blacks. LG's custom-designed analog watch faces look fantastic ticking the seconds away, but it looks equally impressive with Google's own digital designs.
The round display is a major improvement over the boxy G Watch, and the diver-style timer markings do an excellent job of disguising the screen bezel. As the first smartwatch to launch with a completely circular screen, the G Watch R goes one better than Motorola's almost-round display, although it means there's no ambient light sensor on board.
Unfortunately for battery life, this means the screen doesn't automatically adjust brightness, sapping the battery. Using an OLED panel and a black watch face will negate this slightly, as the black pixels are effectively switched off, and the button on the side where you'd find the crown on an analog watch can switch the screen on and off to make the battery last even longer.
Battery life was a major issue with the original G Watch, and LG hasn't added a larger cell for its successor, although the OLED display should last for up to two days on a single charge. With proprietary charging pins on the underside of the watch, you'll still need to take the charging cradle with you to keep the battery topped up when away from home.
LG has managed to find room inside for a heart rate monitor, eating you track your pulse when working out as well as counting steps using the accelerometer.
THE ONE TO BUY?
With Motorola's fabled Moto 360 finally being revealed with a battery-draining LCD display and (reportedly) below average battery life, at least for a wearable, many people will be looking for a longer-lasting alternative. We think the G Watch R fits the bill, thanks to a gorgeous design and OLED display.
It should be going on sale later this year, although the company has yet to commit to an exact date or price. As the Moto 360, the only other circular smartwatch currently available costs £200, we're expecting something in the region of £200-250. That potentially makes the G Watch R one of the most expensive Android Wear devices around, but we still can't wait to get our hands on a final version.
