Sony Smartwatch 2

Sony's new SmartWatch 2 doesn't get as much attention - and doesn't do as much - as Samsung's Galaxy Gear computerised wristwatch. But for the things it does, Sony's version performs better.

The SmartWatch 2 is also 33 per cent cheaper, at about $200, and works with a variety of Android phones, not just Sony's. Samsung's Galaxy Gear sells for $300 and is compatible only with a handful of high-end Samsung phones.

These wrist-bound gadgets are supposed to free you from constantly pulling out your phone to check for messages. But I found myself checking the watch more often than I would pull out a phone. That proved more distracting - and less private - over dinner, for instance.

Sony hasn't exactly gone overboard on design, with the SmartWatch 2 a relatively uninspired square slab of glass, metal and plastic. That's not to say it's ugly, it just doesn't break any new ground.

It feels solid and there is a certain premium appeal about the SmartWatch, plus it's waterproof (sort of) so you won't need to take it off when you wash your hands, or cover it up when the rain comes down.

The SmartWatch 2 carries an IP57 certificate, meaning it will happily last up to 30 minutes in fresh water up to a depth of 1 metre - plus it also means it's dustproof too. Although we've heard reports that this might not be the case, so don't go jumping into the swimming pool just yet.


It's been a while since we gazed upon a 220x176 colour screen, but the SmartWatch 2's touchscreen boasts a respectable 176ppi given its 1.6in span. That's not a patch on Samsung's glorious 278ppi Galaxy Gear screen, mind you, so icons, text and yes, the time, will all look a bit fuzzy and jagged to nerd eyes. It's easy to forgive, considering the price difference: £130 to the Sammy's £300.

Straight on, colours are vibrant and it's a clear, bright display. Fingerprints blight it, though, and viewing angles aren't great either: if you tilt the watchface away from your body, it starts to look like an overexposed photo.

You also get a trio of touch sensitive keys below the 1.6-inch "Transflective" LCD display, and if you're an Android user you'll instantly recognise these as the back, home and menu keys.

On the left is a covered microUSB port to allow you to charge to the SmartWatch 2, with the flap obviously being a vital part of making the watch waterproof.

If you've got some nails then it's relatively easy to flick open, although those lacking any length may find it a little trickier. The slender rubber connection between flap and watch doesn't exactly fill us with any great hope - we can see this is something which could break off pretty easily

We've bemoaned the strap on the Galaxy Gear for being rather tricky to adjust, while the Qualcomm Toq offers just one size which really isn't overly helpful.

Thankfully the SmartWatch 2 employs your standard watch strap, with a peg and a number of holes to ensure a snug fit to your particular wrist size.

There's a number of colours to pick from too, with two leather finishes in black and light brown, plus five plastic offerings comprising of black, pink, purple, turquoise and yellow.

Sony's SmartWatch 2 seems to tread a fine line between the simple (like the Pebble) and the overblown and tricksy (like the Galaxy Gear). The design is solid, if a little drab-retro for our liking, the screen is a useful size and battery life is good enough to keep us using the device. It focuses on being a second screen to your super-capable Android phone, and doesn't try to replicate what it can do. That's to be applauded.