The Moto Watch Surprised Me (Motorola + Polar Review)
In a Nutshell
The Moto Watch (€99) pairs Motorola hardware with Polar algorithms but fails due to poor usability (Android-only, storage issues, frozen exercises), inaccurate heart rate tracking (misses intervals in cycling/running vs. Polar H10), mediocre sleep staging (54% deep/58% light/44% REM accuracy vs. EEG), and severely underestimated GPS distances (often ~half of Garmin/Coros references). Not recommended except for niche users; opt for superior alternatives like Polar Vantage V3, Coros Pace 4/Pro, Garmin Forerunner 970, Suunto Race 2, Whoop, or Oura. Hardware-firmware mismatch undermines Polar's potential, making it inferior to pricier true sports watches.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
What do you get if you combine the hardware experience of Motorola with the software of Polar? You get the Moto Watch. Extensively tested to see if Polar's algorithms work well on Motorola's hardware, potentially creating a budget-friendly Polar device for €99, much cheaper than premium Polar devices like the Polar Vantage V3.
However, many issues found, so only recommend to a small group of people.
Rob, post-doctoral scientist specializing in biological data analysis, focuses review on data quality from the device, plus day-to-day functionality issues.
Couldn't access exercises or connect to Strava, no way to analyze raw data, limiting depth of analysis. Indicates not a fitness-first company, more of a smartwatch than sports and health tracker, despite Polar algorithms.
Only functions on Android (no iPhone app download, possibly region-restricted or general issue). Storage filled up despite syncing with Android phone; exercises wouldn't start due to full storage, even mid-exercise. Countdown froze at 1 multiple times, losing exercises.
Worst usability among recently reviewed devices. Feels like cheaper Chinese hardware (similar to budget Xiaomi) with Polar firmware and algorithms slapped on. Menu resembles Chinese brands.
Couldn't access raw data, only screenshots compared to reference ECG chest strap (Polar H10).
Indoor Cycling Sessions
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