Motorola unveils Moto Watch 70 & Watch 200: a smartwatch for every budget

Motorola has formally introduced the Moto Watch 70 and Watch 200 smartwatches, several months after their initial appearance on online retail platforms. These smartwatches offer a variety of features, designed to appeal to a diverse range of users. The Moto Watch 200 positions itself as the higher-end option, whereas the Moto Watch 70 serves as a budget-friendly, entry-level device.

In early 2021, CE Brands unveiled their roadmap, which indicated that the Watch 100 would be succeeded by the Moto Watch 200 and Moto Watch 100S. These devices were initially slated for release in the first quarter of 2022. However, we are only now witnessing the debut of the first of these two models, accompanied by a lower spec model. It is conceivable the latter serves as a substitute for the originally planned 100S.

Motorola has announced the duo earlier today. However, we are till waiting for word on when they will be available for purchase.

Moto Watch 200 – a AMOLED packing square timepiece

Moto Watch 200 had received the approval from the FCC back in October. It is not clear why it took so long to launch but it is listed now on Motorola’s website.

Unlike its predecessor, Moto Watch 200 is a square timepiece with a large 1.78 inch AMOLED display and two physical buttons on the right-hand side. The straps are removable so you can swap them around.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The watch comes in a 45 mm body and two case colour options – a Warm Gold and Phantom Black. Both retail for around 100 US dollars.

The listing states the following:

Accelerate your progress with the Motorola Motorcycle Watch 200. Designed for your active lifestyle, it is filled with functions such as step and distance tracking, heart rate and Sp02 monitoring, 28 sports modes and much more. It effortlessly connects to your smartphone so that you can receive instant notifications for text messages, phone calls and other important alerts.

As far as the other specs, here are the highlights.

• 45mm AMOLED touchscreen with 348 x 442 pixel resolution
• Aluminum case and silicone bracelet for increased durability during your most intense workouts
• Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter, heart rate monitor and SpO2 sensor to monitor your steps, distance, running, elevation, calories burned, heart rate, and more
• Fall detection
• Built-in GPS
• Integrated microphone and speaker
• 28 sports modes supporting your active lifestyle by helping you establish routines and surpass yourself
• Battery life with typical use: up to 14 days. Fully recharges in just 60 minutes via 60 cm black USB-A charging base. 355mAh battery.
• Water resistance up to 5 ATM allowing you to wear the watch in the shower or when swimming
• Bluetooth 5.3 LE support

Smart functions seem to be pretty standard. They include notifications (message and call), camera controls, music controls, Find My Phone, calendar, alarm, vibration and weather information. The device does not have Google Assistant or Alexa compatibility. Also no support for ANT+, WiFi or NFC, only Bluetooth 5.3.

Moto Watch 200 is both iOS and Android compatible. As far as the operating system, the listing mentions “other”. So presumably the device is running on Moto Watch OS rather than Google’s Wear OS. The same was the case for Moto Watch 100.

Moto Watch 70 – a lower spec option

Then we have the Moto Watch 70. That one received the FCC approval back in January this year. As its name indicates, this is a lower specs timepiece that retails for $70. Check it out on Motorola’s website.

It also comes in a square design but with only one physical button. The build is a zinc alloy case rather than Aluminum. On-board is a lower spec ACL 1.69″ color screen with 240 x 280 pixels resolution. The water resistance is also not as good – only IP67. There appears to be only a single Black iteration of Watch 70.

Other differences from Watch 200 include Connected rather than built-in GPS, battery life of 10 days and support for 23 sports modes. Also, you don’t get the SpO2 sensor, altimeter and fall detection, but you do get the addition of a temperature sensor.

Moto Watch 150 – a circular timepiece

Interestingly, there was no mention today of Moto Watch 150. To remind, that one also appeared in the retailer leak a few months ago. Perhaps it was not announced because the company is still waiting for regulatory approval. But we already know its specs.

Moto Watch 150 is a circular timepiece. It comes in two combinations – a Rose Gold/Brown Leather and a Black/Black Leather. Both retail for 199 Canadian dollars.

This one uses the same fitness sensors as Watch 200 but with Connected rather than built-in GPS. The number of sports modes is 24.

As far as battery life, this is unchanged at 14 days. The same applies to quick charging.

The highlight of the device is the 30.5mm full-colour AMOLED which boasts a 390 x 390 pixel resolution. Which means you should get something that is crisp, clear and easy on the eyes. Beyond that you get a stainless steel case and a silicone strap which should be good for even the toughest of workouts.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!