{"id":675903,"date":"2026-09-06T21:40:23","date_gmt":"2026-09-06T21:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/675903\/"},"modified":"2026-09-06T21:40:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T21:40:23","slug":"i-just-went-hands-on-with-motorolas-first-lte-smartwatch-and-google-and-samsung-should-be-worried","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/675903\/","title":{"rendered":"I just went hands-on with Motorola’s first LTE smartwatch \u2014 and Google and Samsung should be worried"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the biggest surprises out of IFA 2026 <\/a>in Berlin, from a wearable tech perspective, is the debut of Motorola\u2019s first LTE smartwatch. The new Moto Watch Ultra boasts some darn impressive features and specs, like support for Gemini AI, detailed sleep insights, and a brushed stainless steel case, but can it really compete with the best smartwatches<\/a> out there?<\/p>\n

I got my first look at the new Motorola Moto Watch Ultra at IFA 2026 and was pleasantly surprised by all that it offers. So, should Google and Samsung be worried? Maybe! Here\u2019s everything you need to know about the Moto Watch Ultra.<\/p>\n

Moto Watch Ultra: price and availability <\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Anthony Spadafora\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

The Moto Watch Ultra will initially debut in European markets for around 429 euros. According to Motorola, it should hit store shelves within the next few weeks.<\/p>\n

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In Uncle Sam’s house, the Moto Watch Ultra will be available starting on September 10th for $349 via Motorola and Amazon. That makes it a better value than other flagship smartwatches, like the Google Pixel Watch 5<\/a> (from $399), Samsung Galaxy Watch 9<\/a> (from $379), and Apple Watch Series 11<\/a> (from $399).<\/p>\n

Moto Watch Ultra: design<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Anthony Spadafora\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Despite its slightly more affordable price, the Moto Watch Ultra features a surprisingly premium design. The case is made entirely from brushed stainless steel and is paired with a 1.5-inch OLED touchscreen. Max screen brightness is 2,700 nits, a little behind the Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9 (3,000 nits) but ahead of the Apple Watch 11 (2,000 nits).<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

Two physical controls adorn one side of the case, including a standard button and a digital crown that doubles as a button.<\/p>\n

The 46mm case is on the chunkier side and is noticeably thicker (12.1mm) than many of the best smartwatches<\/a> I’ve tested. Weighing in at 51 g, it’s also heavier than most full-featured flagships but lighter than rugged models like the Apple Watch Ultra 3<\/a> and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n

Moto Watch Ultra: OS and connectivity <\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Motorola)<\/p>\n

The Moto Watch Ultra runs on Google\u2019s excellent\/refined Wear OS platform, which also means support for useful apps like Google Wallet and Google Translate, as well as Gemini AI features. The smartwatch ships running Wear OS 6, and Motorola promises support for up to two future OS updates.<\/p>\n

An LTE antenna unlocks on-the-go connectivity without a paired smartphone, though you\u2019ll need a data plan to make use of it. The Moto Watch Ultra also boasts an onboard microphone and speaker for taking on-wrist calls.<\/p>\n

Moto Watch Ultra: Health and fitness tracking <\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Anthony Spadafora\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

For health and fitness tracking, Motorola has partnered with the Finnish smartwatch maker Polar<\/a>. Like most modern smartwatches, the Moto Watch Ultra logs your sleep quality, including sleep stages, workouts, productivity, and energy levels.<\/p>\n

What to read next<\/p>\n

Dual-band GPS ensures accurate tracking when logging outdoor activities, without the need to carry a paired smartphone. It also features a personalized running coach to help you train for events like marathons.<\/p>\n

Moto Watch Ultra: Battery life<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Motorola)<\/p>\n

Motorola is a bit vague about battery life, saying only that the Moto Watch Ultra should last up to two days when not using the always-on display mode. The brand also mentioned that a 15-minute charge should provide enough power for 24 hours of use. This seemingly suggests a full recharge takes only 30 minutes (but I will confirm).<\/p>\n

48 hours of battery life without the always-on display puts the Moto Watch Ultra a little ahead of the Apple Watch 11, which lasts roughly 38 hours per charge sans always-on. The Pixel Watch 5, meanwhile, lasts for 72 hours or more without the always-on screen function.<\/p>\n

Moto Watch Ultra: Outlook <\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Motorola)<\/p>\n

I\u2019m always excited to see a new full-featured smartwatch come to market that doesn\u2019t have Apple, Pixel, or Galaxy in its name.<\/p>\n

The Moto Watch Ultra is cheaper than its closest competitors, namely the Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9, while boasting an arguably more premium design.<\/p>\n

Motorola was wise to again partner with Polar for all things fitness and holistic; the brand is a trusted player in the space. Similarly, Google\u2019s Wear OS platform ensures a smooth, bug-free user experience.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, if the Moto Watch Ultra proves as capable as the best smartwatches for Android<\/a>, it could be the perfect antidote to a market currently dominated by Google and Samsung.<\/p>\n

What are your thoughts on the new Moto Watch Ultra LTE smartwatch? Would you consider swapping out your Pixel Watch or Galaxy Watch for it? Are there any important features it\u2019s missing? Let me know in the comments below.<\/p>\n

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