Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,948 independent expert reviews and 12,633 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

LG Watch Sport Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Screen size:1.38 inchBattery life:1 daysDisplay type:OLED

LG Watch Sport Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 32 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

LG Watch Sport
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 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
Score components

70%

6.5

Technical score

30%

7.2

Reviews score ( 9 · 23)

Reviews score 30% · 7.2 · based on 32 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.
â–²Better than 55% of smartwatches
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 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
Score components

24%

4.0

Health

21%

9.1

Fitness

16%

4.5

Battery

14%

6.9

Smart features

12%

8.8

Connectivity

9%

6.9

Display & Design

4%

6.4

Hardware

â–²Better than 57%
7.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.2/ 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
Grades by review (32)
9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 23 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.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 78%
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch LG Watch Sport

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 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
Score components:

24%

4.0

Health

21%

9.1

Fitness

16%

4.5

Battery

14%

6.9

Smart features

12%

8.8

Connectivity

9%

6.9

Display & Design

4%

6.4

Hardware

6.5
Reviews score
7.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

7.5
Brand name
LG
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 48.2% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
1 day
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 1 days which is shorter than that of 87.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.6% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
2.5 h
This smartwatch lasts 2.5 h in training mode which is shorter than 98.8% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
?
Battery power
420 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 420 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 79.7% of smartwatches and equal to those in 1.6% of smartwatches.
Charge time
200 min
This smartwatch charges in 200 min which is slower than 98.4% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Wear OS
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: Android Wear (2).
Software update frequency
ended
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
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
Nano-SIM
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.38 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.38 inch which is smaller than the screens of 61% of smartwatches and equal to those of 0.8% of smartwatches.
Display type
OLED
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
480x 480
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 480x480 which is higher than that of 98.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.5% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
492 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 492 ppi which is higher than that of 98.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1 GHz which is faster than that in 29.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 31.2% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Snapdragon Wear 2100
This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor model.
RAM
?
Internal storage
4 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
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

LG Watch Sport vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Android Wear (2).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Route support
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • 120 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (420 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    420 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 166 ppi higher pixel density
    This smartwatch has a higher pixel density than the average smartwatch (492 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    492 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Higher resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 480x480, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    480x480 vs 352x430
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    316L stainless steel case
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Android Wear (2).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No sleep tracking
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • 16.75 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (2.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    2.5 h vs 19.25 h
  • 48.5 m lower water resistance depth
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • 6 days day/s shorter battery life
    This smartwatch offers 1 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • 44 g heavier weight
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (89 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    Weight refers to watch case without strap/band.
    89.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 69.2% more expensive
    LG Watch Sport is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£220 vs £130).
    £220 vs £130
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No sleep tracking
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No inactivity alerts
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 91.7% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 16.75 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (2.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    2.5 h vs 19.25 h
  • 6 days day/s shorter battery life
    This smartwatch offers 1 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 80 min longer charge time
    This smartwatch charges slower than the average smartwatch (200 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    200 min vs 120 min
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 48.5 m lower water resistance depth
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • 44 g heavier weight
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (89 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    Weight refers to watch case without strap/band.
    89.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • Basic display type
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 2.6 mm thicker watch body
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (14.2 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    14.20 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • Fixed band
    This smartwatch does not include a replaceable band, the average smartwatch does. 98.7% of smartwatches include a replaceable band.
  • 6.2 mm taller watch height
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (51.2 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    51.2 mm vs 45 mm
  • 0.02 inch smaller screen size
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.4 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.38 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • Basic band material
    This smartwatch uses tpu, plastic for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    tpu, plastic vs silicone
  • 3.4 mm wider watch width
    This smartwatch is wider than the average smartwatch (45.4 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    45.4 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 4 year/s older release date
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    February 2017
    2017 vs 2021

Video reviews

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

9.0
AshooYashar TV
✓ explicit
03/03/2018
Long-term review · one year of use
Verdict
LG Watch Sport earns high marks for features, smooth performance and screen, though battery life and fixed bands hold it back.
9.0
Captain TechReview
≈ estimated
11/02/2018
Long-term test · one year of daily use
Verdict
LG Watch Sport is still a very good Android Wear watch after a year, especially for Google users, despite a few drawbacks.
9.0
Jabber Tech
≈ estimated
06/09/2017
Long-term test · 4 months of daily use
Verdict
LG Watch Sport still pleases the reviewer after four months, who has no plans to switch to another watch.
8.0
Dr Earbuds
≈ estimated
15/06/2017
Battery life test · one long day of heavy use
Verdict
LG Watch Sport lasted 18 hours of heavy use, a respectable result, though the vibration motor drains battery.
9.0
Sunnyside Gaming
≈ estimated
20/04/2017
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
LG Watch Sport grows on you over time despite its bulky looks and is one of the best Android Wear watches available.
4.0
Jeff Springer
≈ estimated
12/03/2017
Full review · one month of daily use
Verdict
LG Watch Sport is not the best choice right now, mainly because LTE battery life is poor and phone call handling is unreliable.
6.0
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
01/03/2017
Size comparison · wrist fit and heart rate check
Verdict
LG Watch Sport is very large on the wrist, especially for smaller wrists, though it is solid as an Android Wear watch.
8.0
Marc The Geek
≈ estimated
01/03/2017
Hands-on review · one week of daily use
Verdict
LG Watch Sport is a feature-complete Android Wear watch, though the reviewer advises trying it before buying.
8.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
23/02/2017
Full review · Android Wear 2.0 features and daily use
Verdict
LG Watch Sport is a good smartwatch and a strong showcase for Wear 2.0, though its size and price are hard to accept.
5.0
Droid Life
≈ estimated
23/02/2017
Hands-on review · battery, size and price tests
Verdict
LG Watch Sport has smooth software, but it is too big, weak on battery and too expensive, so the reviewer suggests waiting.
7.0
TheUnlockr
≈ estimated
23/02/2017
Hands-on review · LTE, battery and app tests
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is too bulky and smartwatch-looking for personal taste, though few alternatives offer LTE.
7.0
Captain TechReview
≈ estimated
19/02/2017
Battery life test · daily measurements over several days
Verdict
LG Watch Sport's battery life is okay to good, about a day with mixed use; two days is unrealistic.
More graded video reviews (12)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers like the software, controls and cellular connection, but it's bulky and heavy and the battery drains fast.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
13/11/2018
Full review · Standalone smartwatch
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is a big but capable fitness watch that works without a phone, held back by short battery life and missing apps.
5.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
23/05/2017
Full review · Cellular smartwatch
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is an accurate step tracker that works without a phone, but its heavy, bulky case makes it impractical for everyday wear.
8.0
techgearlab.com
✓ explicit
Not Dated
Lab test · Android Wear 2.0
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is easy to use and a good pick for Android users, with solid call sound and crown navigation, though its battery is unimpressive.
9.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
21/10/2017
Long-term review · Android Wear 2.0
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is a powerful, fast Android Wear watch with built-in LTE and GPS, but its bulk and short battery life hold it back.
6.0
theverge.com
≈ estimated
23/02/2017
Feature review · Fitness tracking
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is a capable fitness watch with accurate GPS and strength logging, but its poor fit and weak battery make it hard to wear all day.
6.0
nextpit.de
≈ estimated
04/03/2017
Hands-on test · LTE smartwatch
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is feature-packed and has its own SIM, but its 14.2mm case is bulky and suits only people with large wrists.
7.0
frandroid.com
≈ estimated
20/09/2023
Two-week test · Android Wear 2.0
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport has advanced sensors and smooth software, but it needs daily charging, so skip it if battery life matters most.
9.0
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
23/02/2017
Full review · Android Wear 2.0
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is a full-featured Android Wear 2.0 watch that works without a phone, but it needs charging every evening.
5.0
androidworld.nl
≈ estimated
01/03/2017
Hands-on test · Sport and Style
Verdict
The LG Watch Sport is far too big for slimmer wrists, and its handy side crown and Android Wear 2.0 changes don't fully make up for it.

Third-party reviews

What we like about LG Watch Sport

  • Comprehensive connectivity with built-in LTE, GPS, and NFC for mobile payments
  • Vibrant 1.38-inch P-OLED display with high resolution (480x480)
  • Intuitive rotating crown that makes menu navigation easier and keeps the screen fingerprint-free
  • Standalone functionality allows use without a phone, including a dedicated on-watch Play Store
  • Solid build quality with a stainless steel case and IP68 water resistance
  • Customizable physical buttons for quick access to preferred apps like Google Fit or Android Pay

What we don't like about LG Watch Sport

  • Large and bulky design that is often uncomfortable, especially for those with smaller wrists
  • Disappointing battery life that rarely lasts a full day, especially when using GPS or LTE
  • Non-interchangeable straps because the antennas are integrated directly into the bands
  • Water-resistant but not recommended for swimming or immersion in saltwater
  • Inconsistent performance with reports of lag, stuttering, and slow voice assistant responses
  • Limited compatibility and buggy experience when paired with iPhones

Verdict

The LG Watch Sport is a feature-rich, standalone smartwatch featuring a 1.38-inch P-OLED display (480 x 480 resolution, 348 ppi) protected by Gorilla Glass 3, a 1.1GHz Snapdragon Wear 2100 quad-core processor, 768MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage. Its primary characteristics include extensive connectivity with LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi, and NFC for mobile payments via Android Pay, alongside a full suite of sensors such as an optical heart rate monitor, barometer, and IP68 water resistance. Main pros are its high-resolution screen, a functional rotating digital crown for easy navigation, and the ability to operate independently of a phone for calls and music streaming. However, significant cons include its large, bulky 14.2mm thick stainless steel chassis that may be uncomfortable for small wrists, limited battery life from the 430mAh cell that often fails to last a full day, and integrated rubber straps that cannot be replaced because they house the antennas.

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