When comparing Sony SmartWatch 3 vs Moto 360 (2nd gen), 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 Sony SmartWatch 3 is ranked 10th. 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 Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi takes more power than bluetooth, but it helps extend the working range of the watch past bluetooth capabilities. For example, you can still receive notifications or control music from across the house.
Pro Built-in NFC
Pro Water proof
While it can't deal with deep water pressure, you have nothing to worry about when washing your hands or getting it wet in the rain thanks to the IP68 rating. You can also wash the band and unit off to remove any dust or debris that can accumulate on the underside of the central unit or in the cracks between the unit and the band without worrying at all about water damage.
Pro Transflective display
The display on the Smartwatch 3 doesn't require a backlight. Instead, it reflects ambient light. This makes it easily visible in ambient mode even when outside in direct sunlight (as a matter of fact, that's when it is easiest to see in ambient mode), and also saves a lot of power in ambient mode.
In a dark room, you won't be able to see the time...although this can also be counted as a pro because your wrist won't glow in dark rooms like OLED or IPS watches will.
Pro Running companion
The built-in GPS will drain the battery quickly, but it allows you to track activity more precisely. If you go on walks or runs, apps can track them without needing to bring your phone.
Android Wear lets you sync some music onto the watch, which can be paired to bluetooth earbuds/headphones. This fully lets you leave your phone at home, and use the watch for GPS and music at the same time.
Pro Uses a regular charger
You can charge the SmartWatch 3 using the same charger that you use to charge your phone - micro USB. This means that if you brake/lose your charger, it is easy and cheap to replace. It also means that if you go traveling, you can only bring one charger instead of a different one for your phone and watch.
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.
Cons
Con Propriety straps
The device pops out and you can put in in a new band, although only certain bands will fit it. These bands tend to be expensive, and there only a few options (different colored silicon or stainless steel).
Con Poor screen colors
The display is a transflective display, and the colors it produces are greatly muted when compared to OLED or even IPS displays.
Con Unattractive design
The watch doesn't look at all like a traditional watch, and looks much like a mini computer on your wrist.
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.