Motorola Moto Sport 360 Review Good Display but limited functionality

Motorola Moto Sport 360 Review Good Display but limited functionality

In preparation for marathons and half-marathons, we train us in recent months by making use of several watches, the Garmin Forerunner 235/630, the TomTom Spark, the Fitbit Surge and Polar M400. They are all equipped with GPS to track distance and speed. Some (Forerunner 235/630, Polar M400, Surge) can even display notifications from the smartphone for email and SMS, but we do not consider them as far as real connected watches. Here comes the Moto 360 Sport. This version of the second generation of the Moto 360 is oriented toward physical activity. It runs on Android Wear and can receive notifications from terminals Android or iOS. It is also one of the few watches connected to have a GPS (the other is the Sony Smartwatch 3 and Samsung Gear S2).

We compared the 360 ​​Sport watches dedicated to running (Garmin, Polar and TomTom) and were surprised by its qualities. It has an optical heart rate sensor and provides a good amount of post-training data. In addition, it is not necessary to use a third party application or the Runkeeper Strava type because the MotoBody application manages all data in addition to daily activities.
Unfortunately, the Moto 360 Sport is penalized by its poor battery life and design with a single button which is not convenient for running. It is also too expensive: 300 euros. Better buy a special running watch Garmin or Polar view for the same price cheaper.

The differences with the Moto 360?

As its name suggests, the 360 ​​Sport offers a more sporty design. Leather and metal bracelets are replaced with a non-detachable silicone bracelet. The watch is comfortable to wear, but be aware that you cannot bathe or wash with. Competing models from Garmin, TomTom or Polar are waterproof to 5 atmospheres. While the Moto 360 is content to count steps and distance traveled in a day, the 360 ​​Sport is equipped with a GPS that allows it to do a lot without needing a smartphone.

Apart from this, the Sport is not very different from other Android Wear watches. Instead, it uses a Motorola technology "AnyLight Hybrid Display" unprecedented. The display combines a conventional backlit LCD system with a reflective front lighting system. This will make the screen readable even in bright sunlight. The result is impressive with bright colors inside and clarity that does not fade once outside. Moto hat. But the screen is however not perfect. There is an effect of deformation on the edges that we had already discussed with the Moto 360.

Train with a 360 Moto Sport

We have come a little more than 160 km with this watch. Its operation is relatively simple and reminds us that the Fitbit Surge. We used the original application MotoBody but Android users can download Runkeeper, Strava or others. Side of iOS, Android Wear is unfortunately not compatible with third-party applications.

MotoBody automatically records every kilometer as a tour, but we cannot do manual registration or changing the distance. There is no interval or auto pause function when you stop running, which is yet practical when you're in town and you need to stop at traffic lights.

Regarding the GPS, the tests we did in New York are at other watches we have tested. It takes between 30 seconds and two minutes to lock a satellite signal. The acquisition is a little faster when moving in less densely populated areas and that the sky is clear. But overall, there is no particular problem with the GPS.

After completing the training, the watch displays plethora of data: time, distance, average speed, maximum speed, average and maximum heart rate, total calories consumed, calories consumed per minute, time spent in different heart zones. However, it does not measure the tempo (number of steps per minute), or the height difference which is curious given that the specifications mentioned an altimeter. The MotoBody application can view a map of the journey performed accompanied by various data, but only on Android. One can also share data with Google Fit, Under Armour Record, MapMyRun, Strava and Fitbit.

Battery Life

After 30 minutes of training with the GPS enabled, the battery level has dropped to 85% and 60% after one hour. It's pretty annoying. Motorola does not specify what is the battery of the 360 ​​Sport with GPS, but we're sure it does not exceed 4 hours. The Forerunner 235 from Garmin that costs fifty euros more can hold 11 hours with GPS on and 9 days with activity tracking, notifications smartphone and detecting the heartbeat. In short, there must be recharged Moto 360 Sport daily. It can take up to 24 hours of battery life if you do not use the GPS, but in this case there is no point in investing in this model. Better to take the classic Moto 360 or the Huawei Watch.

Moto 360 output last year was a very good show for those interested in Android Wear. Unfortunately, this sports version is not up to par and nothing leads us to recommend it in its present configuration.

If you are looking for a running watch that can receive notification of a smartphone, look at the side of the Surge Fitbit or Forerunner 235 from Garmin. They are equipped with a GPS, heart rate sensor and can broadcast notifications for SMS, emails and incoming calls. These are not real connected watches, but they offer a good compromise either during training or in common use. And if you do not need notifications, Forerunner 225 from Garmin is always our preferred choice.