Mobile World Congress is one of the primary gadget shows in the world. In years past the biggest focus–if you couldn’t guess from its name–was the smartphone. While MWC still sees plenty of flagship smartphones debuted at the event, in recent years an increasing number of smartwatches have also seen their launches there. And this year is no exception. Plenty of smartwatch makers have had their latest 2017 offerings on show at MWC. Here are some of the best smartwatches that have been previewed so far that you should look forwards to this year.
Huawei Watch 2
The first of Huawei’s smartwatches show off at MWC 2017 looks to be everything the Apple Watch is not: “Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Wear 2100 processor HUAWEI WATCH 2 (4G supported version) has independent connectivity, allowing users to send messages or make calls independently of a mobile phone,” the company said in a press release. “It also features compatibility for the latest smart living applications. Featuring support for cellular networks and running on the new Android WearTM 2.0 ensures connectivity for both AndroidTM and iOS users and means the HUAWEI WATCH 2 embodies the spirit of openness and exploration for all.”
That 4G connectivity means you can leave your phone at home– the Watch 2 can work completely independently, whether it's receiving text messages or calling an Uber. What’s even better is the SIM support built into the Watch 2, meaning you can make and receive calls on the device–without your phone.
“HUAWEI WATCH 2 is also a high specification fitness device that uses multiple sensors with advanced algorithms to provide fitness solutions and make working out more efficient and effective,” the company says. “Built-in smart sensors collect comprehensive data on user activity, including distance, speed, steps, heart rate, heart rate range, calories, gait, route and more.”
The Huawei Watch 2 is aimed at fitness enthusiasts, with a sporty rubberized band and bigger bezel around the screen. It comes in a number of colors, including bright orange and black.
Huawei Watch 2 Classic
The Huawei Watch 2 Classic features all the specs of the Huawei Watch 2, but in a much more stylish design. It features a ceramic bezel with a number of strap options, including leather. Both the Huawei Watch 2 Classic and Huawei Watch 2 will also come in a cheaper option that only includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and not 4G.
LG Watch Sport
LG also announced two new Android Wear smartwatches. The first is the LG Watch Sport and is meant to appeal to fitness enthusiasts. It features a 316L stainless steel case with a digital crown for navigation. It’s chunky and sporty design measures 45.4 x 51.21 x 14.2mm and features IP68 water protection and comes in titanium or dark blue colours. There’s no switching out straps with the Sport as it comes with a fixed elastomer strap–and inside that strap is an integrated 4G antenna, so this puppy can operate independently of a smartphone. The Sport features a 1.38in, 480 x 480 pixel display (348 ppi), LTE, GPS, HRM, and NFC. It also has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 chipset, 768MB of RAM, 4GB of storage and a battery capacity of 430mAh.
LG Watch Style
The second LG smartwatch aims to capture the imagination of the fashion conscious. It features a 1.2in, 360 x 360 pixel display (299 ppi). Is has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 chipset, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage and a battery capacity of 240mAh. Unlike the Sport, the Style features swappable straps. It comes with an Italian leather strap and the device measures 42.3 x 45.7 x 10.79mm overall. Color options include rose gold, silver, and titanium and each features IP67 water protection. Unlike the Sport, the LG Watch Style only features digital crown navigation–it has no other buttons.
