Moto 360 2nd Gen or Gear S2?

[IFeelYourPain]

I have a Note 4, I really like the idea of Samsung Pay, but it's rooted anyways so it wouldn't work when released until someone figured out a way to bypass, so now the only reason I still like the S2 Classic more, is it's style and the rotating bezel. The thing is, I know I have a Samsung phone, but I don't use any of their software. S Voice is disabled and so is the default messaging app. (I use Textra)

I am trying to figure out which is better. Things I know about the S2 Classic:

• It's slimmer
• Has a smaller screen and only one size option.
• It has a rotating bezel
• It's got a better screen
• The OS seems to be much smoother and faster even though it appears to use an outdated processor. (Overclocked maybe?)
  It has T9 texting

Things I know about the Moto 360 2nd Gen

• No rotating bezel
• Uses Google Voice to text
• No NFC or Speaker
• More apps supported

My questions are:

1. What would you feel is the better watch?
2. Does the S2 have a speaker?
3. Do both the S2 and the Moto 360 have wifi?
4. Can you use the T9 texting on the S2 with Textra?
5. Can you use Google Voice with the S2 to text or even if I have to reactivate S Voice will voice texting work with Textra?
6. Which one has the better battery life?

I really want to give the S2 a chance, as I love Samsung hardware, I just hate all of their software, however it appears they got the OS part down.

 

[StuartV]

I just went through the same decision making process. I really wanted to go with the S2 Classic. I love the way it looks and I love the UI options that the rotating bezel and buttons give.

I ended up buying the Huawei Watch. It's Android Wear, so it gives the same capabilities and user experience as the Moto 360.

I decided against the S2 because it just does not have as much capability (currently, anyway) as an Android Wear device. There aren't as many apps. It doesn't integrate with, for example, Google Maps and navigation like the AW watches do. It doesn't integrate with Google Play Music like the AW watches do. I have a Google Play Music All Access subscription and I want to be able to take advantage of that from my smart watch.

Yesterday, I was driving along. I flicked my wrist to wake up my watch. I said "Ok, Google". Then I said "play winona's big brown beaver". A few seconds later, my phone had found that song in Google Play Music and started playing it via Bluetooth so it was coming through my truck's stereo. All without ever actually touching ANYTHING. Didn't have to touch my watch or my phone. That's the kind of integration I want and I don't think you can get that with the S2. So, for me the choice was either Moto 360v2 or Huawei.

 

[me23brown]

My questions are:

1. What would you feel is the better watch?
2. Does the S2 have a speaker?
3. Do both the S2 and the Moto 360 have wifi?
4. Can you use the T9 texting on the S2 with Textra?
5. Can you use Google Voice with the S2 to text or even if I have to reactivate S Voice will voice texting work with Textra?
6. Which one has the better battery life?

Well I purchased a S2 but ended up taking it back and getting a 360 instead. I already had a Zenwatch and was familiar with AW but wanted to try Tizen and give it a chance. I'll try to answer your questions as best as I can.

1. I thing the 360 and Android Wear is better in general. Tighter integration, more apps, vastly better voice capabilities. For the record I have a note 5.

2. The S2 does not have a speaker.

3. They both have wifi.

4. While the s2 does have T9 texting I don't believe it will work with Textra. Setting up the s2 requires that you use whatever default messaging app comes on your phone.

5. You have to use S-voice with the s2.

6. In my experience the s2 has the better battery life.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask any more questions.

 

[StuartV]

Well I purchased a S2 but ended up taking it back and getting a 360 instead.
...
6. In my experience the s2 has the better battery life.

Did you get the 360 42mm (300mAh battery) or 360 46mm (400mAh battery)?

 

[me23brown]

I actually got the 42mm one. Although I'm a big guy I prefer the smaller size.

 

[IFeelYourPain]

I just went through the same decision making process. I really wanted to go with the S2 Classic. I love the way it looks and I love the UI options that the rotating bezel and buttons give.

I ended up buying the Huawei Watch. It's Android Wear, so it gives the same capabilities and user experience as the Moto 360.

I decided against the S2 because it just does not have as much capability (currently, anyway) as an Android Wear device. There aren't as many apps. It doesn't integrate with, for example, Google Maps and navigation like the AW watches do. It doesn't integrate with Google Play Music like the AW watches do. I have a Google Play Music All Access subscription and I want to be able to take advantage of that from my smart watch.

Yesterday, I was driving along. I flicked my wrist to wake up my watch. I said "Ok, Google". Then I said "play winona's big brown beaver". A few seconds later, my phone had found that song in Google Play Music and started playing it via Bluetooth so it was coming through my truck's stereo. All without ever actually touching ANYTHING. Didn't have to touch my watch or my phone. That's the kind of integration I want and I don't think you can get that with the S2. So, for me the choice was either Moto 360v2 or Huawei.

Thank you, I'm no longer interested in the S2 after reading your post. I'm curious though why the Huawei watch? I keep seeing things about it and even saw reviews of it included with the S2, and I love the looks of the Huawei, however what makes it better than the Moto 360 and how long is the battery life? I also heard it doesn't do notifications for alarm clock and such. Is this true?

 

[StuartV]

Thank you, I'm no longer interested in the S2 after reading your post. I'm curious though why the Huawei watch? I keep seeing things about it and even saw reviews of it included with the S2, and I love the looks of the Huawei, however what makes it better than the Moto 360 and how long is the battery life? I also heard it doesn't do notifications for alarm clock and such. Is this true?

First, the Huawei and the Moto 360 both run Android Wear, so they both work the same way. Any one does for notifications and alarm clock, the other does, too.

Between the Huawei and the Moto 360, I see it like this:

H has sapphire crystal. M has Gorilla Glass 3. Sapphire will be a lot less likely to scratch. Advantage: H

H does not have the "flat tire" on the bottom of the screen like the M. Advantage: H

The M's "flat tire" is its Ambient Light Sensor. The H does not have an ALS. Advantage: M

The H only comes in a 42mm size. The M has choices of 42mm and 46mm. Depending on the individual, that could be important. Advantage: M

The H battery is 300mAh. The M 42mm is 300. the M 46mm is 400. But, the H screen is AMOLED, which will potentially use less battery - particularly if using a watch face that is mostly black. I think the M 46mm will probably outlast the M 42 or the H. But, I think they'll all last a full day and they'll all probably need to be charged every night, so I think this whole thing is somewhat of a toss-up.

The H uses a proprietary 4-pin charger. I've only had mine 3 nights and I already (last night) had the issue where I woke up this morning and my watch wasn't charged because I didn't get it set down on the charging base exactly right last night. The M uses Qi wireless charging. Advantage: M

The M can be ordered from the Moto Maker site. You can choose whatever combo you want of body color, bezel color, bezel style (smooth chamfer or micro knurled), and band type and color. And none of that makes it cost any more than if you bought the same thing at Best Buy or wherever. The H only comes with certain specific combos of color and band. Advantage: M

So, I bought the H because it looks better, to me, because of no "flat tire" on the watch face. And for the sapphire crystal. And I thought/hoped the 42mm screen would be big enough.

However, yesterday, I ordered a M360 46mm from the Moto Maker website. I got it with a micro knurled bezel, so it was $20 more than what the H watch cost. I will have it and the H both for a couple of days so I can really compare them. But, I expect that I will return the H watch to Best Buy and keep the M. The reasons that I expect to do that are:

- the H proprietary charger is annoying. I don't want to buy more chargers just so I can have one at home, one at work, and one in my vehicle. I already have Qi chargers everywhere for my phone (a Galaxy S4 with the Samsung wireless charging back cover). My H watch died while I was out and about at 8pm on the first full day I had it. I should say though that I don't think I will really actually need to charge it during the day as a normal thing. I know I used it heavily that first full day because it was new and I was playing with it. Yesterday, as I said, I failed to get it on the charger correctly last night and it still had 16% battery left when I woke up this morning.

- I am old enough to have a bit of need for reading glasses now. The 42mm screen is just small enough that, for some things, I have to put my glasses on to see them. I think the 46mm screen on the M will make a useful difference for me. I am a 6' 1" tall man, so I also think the 46mm watch won't look too ridiculously large on my wrist.

If it wasn't for deciding I want the bigger screen, I would probably end up sticking with the H. I think the lack of "flat tire" makes it look nicer. And the sapphire crystal will keep it looking nicer over time. And, I suspect the charger issue would kind of become moot as I got used to putting it on the charger correctly each night and my usage pattern revealed itself to not ever need to charge the watch during the day. Plus, it does charge pretty darn quickly. After all, it's only got a 300mAh battery to fill up. That's 1/10th the size of most cell phone batteries. Even with a 0.5 amp charger, charging a smart watch just should not take very long at all.

Anyway... sorry if that is too long and rambling. I hope it helps!

 

[mlctulsa]

I have owned every Samsung Gear watch offered (except the Android Wear version). I also own and have used the Moto 360 and the original Peeble. The Gear S2 is Samsung's best offering to date and IMO, the best smartwatch available right now. Android Wear is simply a vehicle for Google Now which is not always welcome on a watch and, let's face it, it's boring. The new Tizen operating system has been upgraded significantly and it works great, particularly notifications - which is why I have a smartwatch (the rotating bezel is brilliant too). All of this discussion about apps or the lack of them is meaningless. Most apps suck on any smartwatch, period. There is no perfect smartwatch available. I wish this watch was a little larger, had more style options and a speaker along with better voice recognition - but I would highly recommend the Gear S2 - it does what a smartwatch should do well. It is easy to use and very functional.

 

[me23brown]

I have owned every Samsung Gear watch offered (except the Android Wear version). I also own and have used the Moto 360 and the original Peeble. The Gear S2 is Samsung's best offering to date and IMO, the best smartwatch available right now. Android Wear is simply a vehicle for Google Now which is not always welcome on a watch and, let's face it, it's boring. The new Tizen operating system has been upgraded significantly and it works great, particularly notifications - which is why I have a smartwatch (the rotating bezel is brilliant too). All of this discussion about apps or the lack of them is meaningless. Most apps suck on any smartwatch, period. There is no perfect smartwatch available. I wish this watch was a little larger, had more style options and a speaker along with better voice recognition - but I would highly recommend the Gear S2 - it does what a smartwatch should do well. It is easy to use and very functional.

Well I had the S2 and while it was alright I don't think it is as good as Android Wear yet. Personally I don't think that its boring at all perhaps consistent is the better term but hey to each there own. As far as app support it actually is a big deal because many times apps are what define what you can and can't do with a smartwatch. If the watch doesn't support the app I want to use then there is no reason to get it over a similarly priced one that does. This is especially important with frequently used apps for normal tasks such as navigation. While its true I could use here maps as opposed to Google maps but why should I want to do that if I'm accustomed to google maps and alternative watches offer that. With respect to notifications I also think AW does it better as if you happen to miss a vibration the notification preview card is still there and you can see what it is as opposed to the S2 where for me it didn't show anything on the regular watch face letting me know and I had to use the bezel to scroll over to find out ( I know certain watch faces would but not the one I was using at the time). Another key point in favor of AW for me is the option for using it to view things without having to touch it. I'm right handed and I can't tell you how often I might be doing something where my right hand is busy and I want to check a notification or anything that's on a card and I can just scroll through them without putting down whatever happens to be in my right hand where there is no such option with the s2. So while none of these are huge issues all together it makes the AW watches better and more convenient in my opinion, because for me convenience is the key. Why get a smartwatch if its not going to make things easier. While the gear s2 is great in its own right I feel that AW is better for my use case.

 

[StuartV]

The new Tizen operating system has been upgraded significantly and it works great, particularly notifications - which is why I have a smartwatch (the rotating bezel is brilliant too). All of this discussion about apps or the lack of them is meaningless. Most apps suck on any smartwatch, period. There is no perfect smartwatch available. I wish this watch was a little larger, had more style options and a speaker along with better voice recognition - but I would highly recommend the Gear S2 - it does what a smartwatch should do well. It is easy to use and very functional.

What is better about the way Tizen handles notifications compared to AW?

Discussion of apps is meaningless?! Examples:

- I have a bunch of "saved" places in Google Maps. When I want to go to one of them, I often find it in Maps on my phone and tell Google to navigate me there, so that my route reflects the latest traffic data. With my new AW watch, I can drive along and glance at my watch any time I want a refresher on where the next turn is. I used this for the first time 2 nights ago when I was driving to a new (to me) place in downtown DC. It was much nicer than having to pick up my phone to look at the screen.

- Also, if I'm going some place, I often search for it on Google Maps on my PC beforehand. That causes it to show up in the History when I got into Maps on my phone. So, I can look a place up, check their website, etc.. Find out how long it will take me drive there. Get an idea of the route. And then go get in my truck, open maps, tap the directions button and choose the place right from my history, without having to do a new search or type in an address. Extremely convenient.

- I have a subscription to Google Play Music All Access. The player on my phone lets me play anything from the collection of music I have stored on my microSD card or anything from the Google Play library. It puts all my music (personally owned and access via subscription) in one place. I like that I can play it from the Music app on my watch. I can use the Google voice transcription to find a song and have it play it. The Google voice transcription works really well, so I've had good success with that, so far. And Google Play Music already has a number of playlists that I've created and use. Would S-Voice work as well for finding my music for me? Would the Samsung Milk service give me access to all the same music? Would the Samsung Milk player put my personally owned tracks and the tracks I'm getting to via subscription all in one place, so I can play anything from either source, at any time?

I think this all highlights the problem with Samsung electing to invest in Tizen. It will never be as well integrated with Android as Android Wear is. And for people with an Android phone, that integration is what really affords the opportunity for the smart watch to be useful in broader AND deeper ways. I think that is why and Apple Watch is probably the best smartwatch for an iPhone user, an AW wear watch is probably the best option for an Android phone user. And Pebble and Tizen users are never going to have an experience that provides so many different ways that the watch and phone combine to help the user do things more easily or conveniently. Not to mention that I suspect Tizen will never have remotely as many apps available as the iWatch and AW. Developers don't want to invest time in a developing for a platform that only exists one vendor's watch. Apple developers are only sort of an exception because at least they have one environment for the watch and the phone. With Tizen, developers have to develop for Tizen AND Android and/or iOS. I AM a developer. I would be hard pressed to spend time developing for Tizen when I could be spending my time developing for Android or iOS and have a HUGELY bigger target market. Apple has the market share that they do in phones because they are Apple and they were really first with the modern smartphone. So, developers don't have any qualms about investing in iOS development. They (we) know that the market is huge. Developing for Android insulates developers from being tied to any one vendor, so that is also okay. Again, the market is huge. Tizen is never going to approach 1/10th the market that Apple has. So, developing for it is never going to be remotely as appealing is developing for iOS or Android.

You have the S2 and wish it were a little bigger, had more style options, and had better voice recognition. A 46mm Moto 360 (2015) would give you all that...

I really wanted an S2 Classic because I really like the idea of the rotating bezel and the 2 buttons. But, after just 3 days with my Huawei Watch, I've realized that the way it works for me, I don't think the rotating bezel or 2 buttons would really make things work any better for me. AW seems to work just fine as it is. As someone else mentioned already, I like the wrist gestures and the way I can just flick my wrist to turn the screen on and scroll up and down through my notifications without touching the watch at all.

I think the current iteration of AW also does what a smart watch should do and does it well.

 

[StuartV]

The new Tizen operating system has been upgraded significantly and it works great, particularly notifications

Dang. I typed a long response to this, clicked Post and it somehow got lost. Not redoing it now.

What do you think works better about notifications on Tizen than how it works on AW?

 

[StuartV]

All of this discussion about apps or the lack of them is meaningless.

And I totally disagree with this. The difference in apps is a huge factor in whether Tizen or AW is better for any given individual.

Google Maps/Navigation and Google Play Music are two huge factors for me. I am already well "invested" in both. I have a lot of Saved places in Maps, which I use frequently. And I have a Play Music All Access subscription. Having good voice transcription to let me access both of those and good integration between my watch and those apps on my phone is a huge benefit to me (of my smart watch).

BTW, you said you wish your S2 was a little bigger, had more style options, and better voice recognition. That seems to me exactly describe the 46mm Moto 360 (2015)....

My experience so far suggests to me that, if the S2 voice recognition was better, you wouldn't need a rotating bezel and 2 buttons. At least, not nearly as much.

 

[StuartV]

Doh! I didn't realize my long post had gotten filed for "Moderation". I just got a PM that my post was "approved" and now it shows up. Sorry for the somewhat duplication.

 

[IFeelYourPain]

First, the Huawei and the Moto 360 both run Android Wear, so they both work the same way. Any one does for notifications and alarm clock, the other does, too.

Between the Huawei and the Moto 360, I see it like this:

H has sapphire crystal. M has Gorilla Glass 3. Sapphire will be a lot less likely to scratch. Advantage: H

H does not have the "flat tire" on the bottom of the screen like the M. Advantage: H

The M's "flat tire" is its Ambient Light Sensor. The H does not have an ALS. Advantage: M

The H only comes in a 42mm size. The M has choices of 42mm and 46mm. Depending on the individual, that could be important. Advantage: M

The H battery is 300mAh. The M 42mm is 300. the M 46mm is 400. But, the H screen is AMOLED, which will potentially use less battery - particularly if using a watch face that is mostly black. I think the M 46mm will probably outlast the M 42 or the H. But, I think they'll all last a full day and they'll all probably need to be charged every night, so I think this whole thing is somewhat of a toss-up.

The H uses a proprietary 4-pin charger. I've only had mine 3 nights and I already (last night) had the issue where I woke up this morning and my watch wasn't charged because I didn't get it set down on the charging base exactly right last night. The M uses Qi wireless charging. Advantage: M

The M can be ordered from the Moto Maker site. You can choose whatever combo you want of body color, bezel color, bezel style (smooth chamfer or micro knurled), and band type and color. And none of that makes it cost any more than if you bought the same thing at Best Buy or wherever. The H only comes with certain specific combos of color and band. Advantage: M

So, I bought the H because it looks better, to me, because of no "flat tire" on the watch face. And for the sapphire crystal. And I thought/hoped the 42mm screen would be big enough.

However, yesterday, I ordered a M360 46mm from the Moto Maker website. I got it with a micro knurled bezel, so it was $20 more than what the H watch cost. I will have it and the H both for a couple of days so I can really compare them. But, I expect that I will return the H watch to Best Buy and keep the M. The reasons that I expect to do that are:

- the H proprietary charger is annoying. I don't want to buy more chargers just so I can have one at home, one at work, and one in my vehicle. I already have Qi chargers everywhere for my phone (a Galaxy S4 with the Samsung wireless charging back cover). My H watch died while I was out and about at 8pm on the first full day I had it. I should say though that I don't think I will really actually need to charge it during the day as a normal thing. I know I used it heavily that first full day because it was new and I was playing with it. Yesterday, as I said, I failed to get it on the charger correctly last night and it still had 16% battery left when I woke up this morning.

- I am old enough to have a bit of need for reading glasses now. The 42mm screen is just small enough that, for some things, I have to put my glasses on to see them. I think the 46mm screen on the M will make a useful difference for me. I am a 6' 1" tall man, so I also think the 46mm watch won't look too ridiculously large on my wrist.

If it wasn't for deciding I want the bigger screen, I would probably end up sticking with the H. I think the lack of "flat tire" makes it look nicer. And the sapphire crystal will keep it looking nicer over time. And, I suspect the charger issue would kind of become moot as I got used to putting it on the charger correctly each night and my usage pattern revealed itself to not ever need to charge the watch during the day. Plus, it does charge pretty darn quickly. After all, it's only got a 300mAh battery to fill up. That's 1/10th the size of most cell phone batteries. Even with a 0.5 amp charger, charging a smart watch just should not take very long at all.

Anyway... sorry if that is too long and rambling. I hope it helps!

Thank you that was very informative. I decided to go with the Moto 360 Black with Black Metal Band. Looks sharp and more like a smart watch than I thought it would. Battery life is pretty swell as well.

I think you already got all the answers you were looking for.
Here you will get complete comparison between Moto 360 II and Samsung Gear S2
Samsung Gear S2 vs. Moto 360 (2nd-gen)
You may also take a look on Block Modular smart watch. It is now at Crowdfunding stage.

I'm going to check that out. I may get a second watch lol.