You have two options when it comes to smartwatches: either you develop your own OS or simply use what’s available on the market. The Movado Connect 2.0 was built using Google’s WearOS. This is an advantage for app-accessibility and compatibility across a range of smartphones.
Movado’s second smartwatch is two years old. It aims to improve upon the original smartwatch and make it stylish but practical.
Movado Connect 2.0 prices and availability
Movado Connect 2.0 can be purchased directly from Movado’s website. It comes in a 40mm or 42mm model. Both models start at $450 (AED 1,652, AU$659). The price goes up to $795 for the stainless steel or leather versions (AED 2,920, PS615, AU$1,165).
The Huawei Watch GT2 is comparable at $275 (AED849, PS220, and AU$405). However, you will not be able to access the Google app store. The Apple Watch is similarly priced at $399 but can be upgraded to $799 for leather or a Milanese Loop bracelet. This is comparable to Movado Connect2.0’s more expensive models.
Design and display
Movado has done a great job with the Connect 2.0 design. It looks great on the wrist, regardless of whether you choose the 42mm or 40mm watch face (which we chose), and it doesn’t feel bulky despite its appearance.
Rotating crowns on the watch allow you to navigate menus and turn off/on the screen. You can also customize the buttons to launch apps or features quickly.
The Connect 2.0 features a heart rate monitor integrated into the ceramic case back. This allows for quick readings. GPS is finally available, so you can track your movements even if your watch isn’t paired with your smartphone. You can also launch Google Maps to get quick directions without reaching for your phone.
The watch’s back is magnetized to a charging pad. Although it would have been more convenient if Connect 2.0 supported Qi wireless charging, we are hoping that this feature will be added to the next version.
Although the display is clear and sharp, the bezels around it are too large. The watch face has already been reduced to 38mm. This leaves you with only 38mm of screen space. This can make things difficult when you need to poke at the screen to dismiss notifications and launch apps.
The Connect 2.0’s fashionable vibes allow for interchangeable watch straps that come in many textures and prices. For more formal occasions, we prefer the mesh bracelet. The fabric sport strap is perfect for casual wear and workouts. It is easy to swap the straps. Simply flip the watch upside down and slide the release levers on the straps to remove them.
Specs-wise, you get 1GB RAM and 8GB onboard storage. All powered by a Snapdragon Wear3100 processor. You can also use Google Pay to make quick payments by simply tapping the Connect 2.0 against your card reader.
Performance and features
Movado Connect 2.0 is compatible with Android and iOS, but it’s best to pair it with an Android phone. After you have downloaded WearOS to your smartphone and followed the t
The Connect 2.0 is available in the WearOS App.
You can adjust various settings, change or download additional watch faces. Movado claims that Connect 2.0 will have over 100 watch faces, but we were only able to access four of them when we downloaded the app.
You don’t have to wait for the screen to turn on or off to see the time. This feature can be turned off to save battery, but the difference in our experience was minimal.
You can activate several workouts through the Google Fit app and keep track of them. All your workouts, from weight lifting to running to aerobics, are just a few clicks away. The Connect 2.0 is not IPX8 certified, so it can be used in water splashes and sweat but it cannot be worn while swimming.
The Connect 2.0 is a great smartwatch for tracking your workouts and monitoring heart rate. For gym use, we recommend switching to leather or stainless steel straps. Connect 2.0 does not allow for sleep tracking, but third-party apps can be enabled. However, we don’t think Connect 2.0 would be something we’d like to use at night.
The Connect 2.0 is not the most stylish device, but it does suffer from poor performance. This has less to do with Movado than WatchOS. The Connect 2.0 just doesn’t feel fluid once you get started using it. You’ll find yourself tapping furiously at your wrist when swipes and taps are not registered. Although the built-in Google Assistant can be useful for quick queries and voice recognition is good if the watch is not held up straight to your lips like a secret agent, it isn’t very good at recognizing voices.
Battery Life
Battery life is dependent on the functions you use, as with all smartwatches. You’ll be able to last the day if you turn on GPS tracking frequently or set the brightness to high, but not Auto.
We were able to get around three days of use out of the Connect 2.0 with notifications on and minimal tracking of our fitness, which isn’t bad.
You can also activate the battery-saving mode if you are in an emergency. This disables all functions and displays only the time using an analog watch face. To restore normal functionality, you will need to reboot the watch.
Final verdict
Movado Connect 2.0 smartwatch is a stunning watch that looks great on your wrist. It is lightweight and easy to wear. It has a decent battery life and can track your workouts easily.
WatchOS is where things get a little stale. It doesn’t feel fluid enough to match Connect 2.0’s look, and there were definitely times when we were tapping at a screen that didn’t respond to our taps.
The MovadoConnect 2.0 is a great recommendation if you can overlook the thicker bezels, slowdowns, and sometimes slowdowns. It has trendy looks and a wide range of apps that make it an excellent choice for fashion-conscious users.
