OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

LG G Watch R Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:1.30 inchBattery life:2 daysDisplay type:OLED

LG G Watch R Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 23 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

5.1

Technical score

30%

7.7

Review score ( 11 · 12)

Review score 30% · 7.7 · based on 23 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 25 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–¼Worse than 78% of smartwatches
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

24%

3.2

Health

21%

6.4

Fitness

16%

5.7

Battery

14%

6.9

Smart features

12%

3.7

Connectivity

9%

6.5

Display & Design

4%

3.0

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 84% of smartwatches
7.7

Review score

Review score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Grades by review (23)
11 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
1

6.3%

7.0

digitaltrends.com

≈ estimated
2

6.3%

9.0

gsmarena.com

6.3%

8.0

androidcentral.com

Video reviews 3

3.1%

8.0

Pocketnow

3.1%

6.0

MobileTechReview

1.6%

8.0

Engadget

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 52% of smartwatches
  • No image
No image

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch LG G Watch R

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

24%

3.2

Health

21%

6.4

Fitness

16%

5.7

Battery

14%

6.9

Smart features

12%

3.7

Connectivity

9%

6.5

Display & Design

4%

3.0

Hardware

5.1
Review score
Review score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Grades by review (23)
11 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
1

6.3%

7.0

digitaltrends.com

≈ estimated
2

6.3%

9.0

gsmarena.com

6.3%

8.0

androidcentral.com

Video reviews 3

3.1%

8.0

Pocketnow

3.1%

6.0

MobileTechReview

1.6%

8.0

Engadget

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.7
Popularity
Popularity
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Popularity:
LG G Watch R has a popularity of 7.4 points, which is higher than 62.7% of smartwatches.
7.4
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

60%

5.9

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

6.9
Brand name
LG
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 48.2% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
â–² Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
Cadence sensor
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Distance tracking may depend on phone GPS/app on some models.
Show more
Battery life
2 days
Battery life
2 days
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 2 days which is shorter than that of 79.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.6% of smartwatches.
Up to 3 days with always-on.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
405 mAh
Battery power
405 mAh
â–² Better than 77% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 405 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 77.4% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.9% of smartwatches.
Charge time
80 min
Charge time
80 min
â–² Better than 75% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 80 min which is faster than 75.2% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 0.8% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Wear OS
Operating system
Wear OS
â–² Better than 79% of models
This smartwatch runs Wear OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 79% of smartwatches and the same as that in 16.6% of smartwatches.
OS detail: Wear OS (2).
Software update frequency
ended
Software update frequency
ended
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
GPS
no
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
Galileo support
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.3 inch
Screen size
1.3 inch
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.3 inch which is smaller than the screens of 66.8% of smartwatches and equal to those of 11.2% of smartwatches.
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Resolution
320x 320
Resolution
320x 320
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 320x320 which is lower than that of 57% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
348 ppi
Pixel density
348 ppi
â–² Better than 62% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 348 ppi which is higher than that of 61.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
300 nits
Display brightness
300 nits
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 300 nits of display brightness, which is lower than that of 98.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.2% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1.2 GHz
CPU speed
1.2 GHz
â–² Better than 61% of models
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1.2 GHz which is faster than that in 61.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 4.8% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Snapdragon 400
Processor model
Snapdragon 400
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon 400 processor model.
RAM
0.5 GB
RAM
0.5 GB
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 0.5 GB of RAM which is smaller than the RAM in 75.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 24.9% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
4 GB
Internal storage
4 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 4 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 40.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 27% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

LG G Watch R vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Wear OS
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Wear OS (2).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 40 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    80 min
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (80 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    80 min vs 120 min
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass
    â–² Better than 46% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • 1.9 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    9.70 mm
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (9.7 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    Some sources mention variant-dependent thickness values.
    9.70 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 105 mAh larger battery capacity
    Battery life
    405 mAh days
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (405 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Up to 3 days with always-on.
    405 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • 40 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    80 min
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (80 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    80 min vs 120 min
  • 105 mAh larger battery capacity
    Battery life
    405 mAh days
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (405 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Up to 3 days with always-on.
    405 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass
    â–² Better than 46% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • 1.9 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    9.70 mm
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (9.7 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    Some sources mention variant-dependent thickness values.
    9.70 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 30 m deeper water resistance
    Waterproof depth rating
    80 m
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <1 m – >50 m
    This smartwatch has a deeper waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (80 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    80 m vs 50 m
  • Better case material
    Case material
    aluminum, stainless steel, plastic
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch uses aluminum, stainless steel, plastic for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aluminum, stainless steel, plastic vs polycarbonate
  • Better band material
    Band material
    leather
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch uses leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather vs silicone
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Wear OS
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Wear OS (2).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has more microphones than the average smartwatch (2 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Faster CPU speed
    CPU speed
    1.2 GHz
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1.2 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    1.2 GHz vs 1 GHz
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No automatic activity detection
    Automatic activity detection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 79.7% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • No route tracking
    Route support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No auto-pause
    Auto pause
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No swim mode
    Swim sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 9.4% worse value for money
    LG G Watch R has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (6.87 vs 7.5).
    6.87 vs 7.52
  • 2x more expensive
    LG G Watch R is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £130).
    £260 vs £130
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    Menstrual cycle tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No automatic activity detection
    Automatic activity detection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 79.7% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • No route tracking
    Route support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No auto-pause
    Auto pause
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No swim mode
    Swim sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 5 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    2 days
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 2 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Up to 3 days with always-on.
    2 days vs 7 days
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP67
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).
    IP67 vs IP68
  • No ambient light sensor
    Ambient light sensor
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.7% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 300 nits lower display brightness
    Display brightness
    300 nits
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has lower display brightness than the average smartwatch (300 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    300 nits vs 600 nits
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 17 g heavier weight
    Weight
    62.0 g
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (62 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    62.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 0.1 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.30 inch
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.30 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 8.6 mm taller watch height
    Height
    53.6 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (53.6 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    53.6 mm vs 45 mm
  • 4.4 mm wider watch width
    Width
    46.4 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is wider than the average smartwatch (46.4 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    46.4 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 7 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2014
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2014 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2014
    2014 vs 2021
  • 0.5 GB less RAM
    RAM
    0.5 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
    This smartwatch has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.5 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
    0.5 GB vs 1 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
06/01/2015
Hands-on review · design, battery, apps and games
Verdict
The LG G Watch R suits fans of round, diver-style watches, but it is still an expensive work in progress.
8.0
Pocketnow
≈ estimated
18/11/2014
Hands-on review · three weeks of daily use
Verdict
The LG G Watch R is a solid Android Wear watch with a top-tier screen, though its price is hard to justify over rivals.
8.0
Engadget
≈ estimated
07/11/2014
Short hands-on review · design, battery and fitness
Verdict
The LG G Watch R is a strong challenger to the Moto 360 for best Android Wear watch, though battery life and design still need work.
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 11 · 12

Reviewers like the round design and solid battery, but software, voice replies and touch controls disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

cnet.com
27/10/2014
Not graded yet
theverge.com
04/11/2014
Not graded yet
androidauthority.com
26/10/2014
Not graded yet
7.0
digitaltrends.com
✓ explicit
24/04/2023
Review · Watch-style design
Verdict
The LG G Watch R is a round, watch-like smartwatch with a bright screen and long battery life, but its large case suits bigger wrists best.
pcmag.com
04/11/2014
Not graded yet
techradar.com
23/12/2014
Not graded yet
theguardian.com
18/11/2014
Not graded yet
ubergizmo.com
04/09/2014
Not graded yet
8.0
androidcentral.com
≈ estimated
19/11/2019
Five-day review · Real-watch look
Verdict
The LG G Watch R looks like a real wristwatch and lasts well on a charge, but it is large, needs brightness set by hand and feels plasticky.
wired.com
21/01/2015
Not graded yet
wareable.com
19/11/2014
Not graded yet
techradar.com
23/12/2014
Not graded yet
pocket-lint.com
12/11/2014
Not graded yet
heise.de
06/11/2014
Not graded yet
spiegel.de
12/11/2014
Not graded yet
8.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
29/06/2015
Summary test · Analog-look smartwatch
Verdict
The LG G Watch R looks like a plain analog watch and runs smoothly on its quad-core chip, but its battery life is only good by smartwatch standards.
7.0
computerwoche.de
≈ estimated
09/04/2015
Long-term test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The LG G Watch R is a sporty, easy-to-read watch whose battery suits two-day trips, though it relies on the phone for most tasks.
heise.de
05/09/2014
Not graded yet
mensup.fr
28/11/2014
Not graded yet
phonandroid.com
14/11/2014
Not graded yet
01net.com
05/11/2014
Not graded yet
lesnumeriques.com
03/12/2014
Not graded yet
8.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
24/06/2015
Full review · Round smartwatch
Verdict
The LG G Watch R looks like a real watch, with a sharp screen and two days of battery, but its plastic back looks unfinished.
4.0
hablandodemanzanas.com
≈ estimated
21/01/2026
Two-week test · Round smartwatch
Verdict
The LG G Watch R suits tech fans who mainly want notifications and own a high-end phone, though its heart-rate readings are unreliable.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about LG G Watch R

  • Attractive, fully circular P-OLED display with no 'flat tyre' cut-out
  • Classic, masculine design that closely resembles a traditional sports watch
  • Excellent outdoor readability due to a bright and vibrant screen
  • Superior battery life compared to contemporary rivals, often lasting 1.5 to 2 days
  • Fast and responsive performance powered by the Snapdragon 400 processor
  • IP67 dust and water resistance allows for use in rain or during hand washing
  • Standard 22mm interchangeable strap allows for easy customisation

What we don't like about LG G Watch R

  • Large and chunky build that may feel too bulky on smaller wrists
  • Lack of an ambient light sensor, requiring manual brightness adjustments
  • Higher launch price compared to other Android Wear competitors
  • The included leather strap is often described as feeling stiff or low-quality initially
  • The Android Wear software (now Wear OS) felt unrefined and limited at the time of release
  • Heart rate monitor can be finicky and requires specific positioning for accuracy
  • Proprietary magnetic charging dock is required and can be a hassle to carry

Verdict

The LG G Watch R is a pioneering circular smartwatch featuring a 1.3-inch P-OLED display with a 320x320 resolution, powered by a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor and 512MB of RAM. Encased in a durable stainless steel body with an IP67 water-resistance rating, it offers 4GB of internal storage, a heart rate monitor, and a 410mAh battery. Its main pros include its classic diving-watch aesthetics, excellent outdoor visibility, and standard 22mm interchangeable straps, though it is hindered by the lack of an ambient light sensor, a proprietary charging cradle, and a relatively bulky bezel.

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