LG G Watch Vs Samsung Gear Live – Which is Better?

The LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live are the first Android Wear powered devices to hit the market and offer very similar specifications with minor differences. Both are available for purchase on the Play Store as of now. Before getting into any discursive conversations, let us take a look at each device’s spec sheet.

LG G Watch specifications

Samsung Gear Live specifications

Before proceeding, it must be clarified that both devices will be sporting the same operating system. As we mentioned in our previous post, Android Wear, TV and Auto devices will not come with any OEM skins on top so the software experience with these devices should be identical. So we will not go into detail regarding the software as they are virtually the same.

Moving on, let us dive into the hardware aspect of things. Being the more pricey device, one would expect the G Watch to be the more premium as well. Surprisingly, it is the Gear Live that impress us more.

Even though the price difference is just $30, it is clear from the start that Samsung’s product with its stainless steel body and chrome finish is the more premium of the two. Additionally, the Gear Live is thinner and lighter thus offering a less intrusive presence. Its design resembles that of the Gear 2 Neo and frankly does not look half bad, it is in no way similar to the design of classic wristwatches but its bold edges and sleek metal body compliment the wearer. The G Watch on the other hand looks bland, uninteresting and refuses to draw any admirable attention. With smartphones, this approach may be preferred by many however, when we talk about smart watches, design and aesthetic appeal play a much more decisive role. One similarity (aside from specifications of course) exists in the form of large bezels on the watch faces of both wearables.

The G Watch has an upper hand as of now with a wider array of watch faces that add to its impression. Nevertheless, this aspect matters little as with time we expect attractive watch faces to come from developers for all Android Wear devices.

The Gear Live takes another point over the G Watch when it comes to the display. The Gear Live features a higher resolution display which may or may not seem to be too different from that of the G Watch. However Samsung’s wearable features a Super AMOLED display (the best in the industry) which clearly puts it a cut above LG’s offering. The  Gear Live’s display should therefore offer more vibrant colours, better contrast and superior viewing angles. Point to be noted though, neither device performs exceptionally under direct sunlight.

Both watches feature near identical specifications with the exception of the battery capacity and the Gear Live’s heart rate sensor. The G Watch comes in with 100mAh more battery life but in reality, both devices would require charging on a nightly basis. The differences between the two devices are minor and both offer identical software experience and internal specifications. I personally would prefer to opt for Samsung’s Gear Live primarily because I love Super AMOLED displays and also because it provides a marginally more attractive device with a heart rate sensor for $30 less.

If I were asked whether I would purchase one of these devices or not, I would say “No” without hesitation. I have my eyes set on the much more attractive and elusive Moto 360 which looks like an actual time piece that could grace the wrist of any gentleman.