Motorola may be best known for its legacy in mobile phones, but its foray into the smartwatch market—particularly with the Moto 360—helped shape what we expect from a wearable device today. With its classic round design, smooth interface, and integration with Google’s Wear OS, the Motorola smartwatch blends elegance with functionality for users who want smart features without sacrificing traditional watch aesthetics.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a business professional, or someone who just loves wearable tech, Motorola’s smartwatch offerings deliver performance, style, and convenience on your wrist.
The Legacy of the Moto 360
The Moto 360 was first launched in 2014 and quickly became one of the most iconic smartwatches of its time. Unlike the square designs of early smartwatches, the Moto 360 introduced a round watch face that resembled traditional watches—a move that appealed to style-conscious users.
Key highlights of the first-generation Moto 360 included:
- A 1.56-inch circular LCD display
- Stainless steel body
- Wireless charging
- Integration with Android Wear (now Wear OS)
- Built-in heart rate monitor and pedometer
The Moto 360 was praised for its beautiful design and was often considered ahead of its time in blending tech with fashion.
Moto 360 (3rd Gen): A Modern Reboot
In 2019, the Moto 360 3rd Gen was released by a licensed partner (eBuyNow), bringing the smartwatch back with updated features while keeping the same iconic round design.
Top Features of the Moto 360 (3rd Gen):
- 1.2-inch AMOLED Display: Crisp visuals and always-on capability for quick glances.
- Stainless Steel Case: Durable yet elegant; available in colors like Phantom Black, Steel Grey, and Rose Gold.
- Wear OS by Google: Access to Google Assistant, Google Fit, Maps, Gmail, and the Play Store right from your wrist.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor: Ensures smooth performance and efficient battery use.
- Fitness Tracking: Includes heart rate monitoring, step counting, calorie tracking, and GPS.
- Fast Charging: 0% to 100% in about 60 minutes.
- Water Resistance: Rated 3ATM, making it splash- and rain-resistant.
Why Choose a Motorola Smartwatch?
Classic Design with Smart Functionality
Motorola’s approach has always been to make a smartwatch that looks like a watch. With genuine leather straps, stainless steel frames, and a traditional crown, the Moto 360 looks at home in both boardrooms and gyms.
Seamless Google Integration
Using Wear OS, Motorola smartwatches offer built-in access to:
- Google Assistant for voice control
- Google Pay for contactless payments
- Google Fit for health tracking
- App notifications and control for Gmail, WhatsApp, Spotify, etc.
Fitness and Health Companion
With features like continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step counting, the Moto 360 doubles as a reliable fitness tracker. Its integrated GPS allows for accurate workout mapping without needing your phone.
Customizable Watch Faces and Straps
Moto 360 offers hundreds of watch face styles through the Wear OS app store. You can also swap out bands easily, with support for standard 20mm straps, giving you freedom to match your outfit or occasion.
Moto 360 vs Other Smartwatches
| Feature | Moto 360 3rd Gen | Apple Watch SE | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
| OS | Wear OS by Google | watchOS | Wear OS (Samsung One UI) |
| Display | 1.2″ AMOLED | 1.78″ Retina | 1.5″ Super AMOLED |
| Battery Life | ~1–2 days | ~1.5 days | ~2–3 days |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NFC Payments | Google Pay | Apple Pay | Samsung Pay |
| Price Range | ~$250 | ~$279 | ~$299 |
While not as feature-rich as Apple or Samsung models, the Moto 360 holds its ground with its timeless design and strong integration with Google services.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish, traditional watch design
- Google-powered Wear OS ecosystem
- Good fitness and health tracking
- Fast charging and decent battery life
- Customizable straps and watch faces
Cons:
- No LTE version (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi only)
- Not ideal for iPhone users due to limited iOS support
- Slightly higher price compared to budget fitness trackers
Is a Motorola Smartwatch Right for You?
The Motorola smartwatch is best suited for users who:
- Prefer a classic watch look over sporty or techy designs
- Use Android smartphones and Google services
- Want a mid-range smartwatch with key fitness and lifestyle features
- Appreciate simplicity and elegance over complex ecosystems
It’s perfect for day-to-day wear, fitness tracking, checking notifications, and staying organized—without overwhelming you with options.
The Motorola smartwatch, especially the Moto 360 series, blends the sophistication of traditional watches with modern smart functionality. It may not be the flashiest wearable on the market, but it excels in offering style, comfort, and essential features that matter most.
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that keeps you connected, looks great, and fits your lifestyle, the Motorola smartwatch might just be the perfect companion for your wrist.