When comparing Moto 360 (2nd gen) vs Samsung Gear Live, the Slant community recommends Moto 360 (2nd gen) for most people. In the question“What are the best smartwatches?” Moto 360 (2nd gen) is ranked 6th while Samsung Gear Live is ranked 25th. The most important reason people chose Moto 360 (2nd gen) is:
The Moto 360 is one of the few watches which will change the brightness depending on how bright the area is around you. This is very convenient when you use the watch outdoors as you don't have to manually adjust the brightness each time you step outside. The light sensor is located in the small black semi-circle at the bottom of the display.
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Pros
Pro Automatically adjusts brightness
The Moto 360 is one of the few watches which will change the brightness depending on how bright the area is around you. This is very convenient when you use the watch outdoors as you don't have to manually adjust the brightness each time you step outside. The light sensor is located in the small black semi-circle at the bottom of the display.
Pro Great design
With minimal bezels, the Moto 360 looks stunning. While it does have a 'flat tire', it's pretty small and required to have such slim bezels as well as the ambient light sensor.
Pro Customizable hardware
Through Moto Maker you can choose either a 42mm or 46mm size, the bezel color, case color, band (2 leather options or 3 metal options), and the default watch face.
The larger 46mm size, micro knurl bezel, gold case or metal bands will increase the price slightly.
Pro Bastic fitness tracking capabilities
Currently the heart rate monitor works with Samsung's S-Health app. The heart rate monitor itself works good, but the app is somewhat clunky and there aren't that many features to speak of except for tracking your heart rate over time. Hopefully it will be compatible with third-party apps that build on it.
Pro Good display
The Gear Live has a clear 320x320 sAMOLED display, with rich blacks that blend with the bezel. It may be slightly harder to see the information in direct sunlight.
Pro Reasonable water resistance
Submerging the watch in water might not be a good idea, but it won't stop working due to rain or if you spill your tea on it.
Pro Built-in Wi-Fi
Pro Good build quality
Unlike other Android Wear smartwatches available currently, this has an aluminum body.
Cons
Con LCD Display
LCD displays aren't the best choice for a smartwatch. They require more power than Amoled or other display types, especially when in ambient display mode (when the screen is always on).
Con Chunky
At 11.4mm, it's a bit thick. As slick as the design is, you still have a tiny computer sitting on your wrist.
Con Poor battery life with ambient mode
Half of the time (with ambient mode enabled) the Moto 360 won't last the full day. With ambient mode off it will last a full 24 hours, however then you don't have the convenience of an always on display.
Con Horrible charging mechanism
Multiple reports of the charging mechanism breaking or not working properly. In addition, the design is fiddly and annoying due to its snap-on nature.
Con Incompatible with older Android OS versions
Make sure you're Android phone's OS version is 4.3 or higher and it supports Bluetooth 4.
Con Hard to see text in direct sunlight
It may be slightly harder to see information in direct sunlight.
Con Bad battery life
Samsung's Gear Live has a 300mAh battery that lasts less than a full day.