Smartwatches may experience varying waves of popularity, but there are still plenty of users who want to buy one of the ones available on the market right now. We already talked about the Galaxy Gear, but now it's the turn of the Japanese watch, the Sony SmartWatch 2, which we've been able to test and analyze in depth. These are our conclusions with real evidence and an expanded review of his proposal.
It is a watch
It may seem extremely obvious to start here, but the truth is that it must be done. A clock should always tell the time, and that should be its main function. If we have a device we call a SmartWatch, or smart watch, and it doesn't display the time correctly, we're already off to a bad start. We say this because, for example, there are models that don't display the time at all times, but the Sony SmartWatch 2 does thanks to a 1,6-inch transflective display with a resolution of 220 by 176 pixels. This panel takes advantage of ambient light to make the time visible without backlighting.
Thus, the clock screen normally displays the time without consuming much power. With a touch of the only physical side button We activate the lighting to better view content indoors or in low-light conditions. Below the screen, the frame integrates three capacitive buttons (Back, Home and Menu) that facilitate navigation through the interface without adding extra physical buttons.
Little clock customization
One thing we didn't like as much is that the watch doesn't have too many customization options when it comes to the look of the watch. We have a few dial designs available. with some variations, and it doesn't allow for full customization of the time display like some other watches do. The Samsung Galaxy Gear, for example, allowed you to install an app to change the watch face, offering an even greater degree of customization. With a little work, you could achieve something similar to some classic brands. In that sense, the Sony SmartWatch 2 is more limited: It is a good idea to check that their styles suit you. because they can't be freely transformed. As an added bonus, it's possible to install themes from Google Play that change certain visual elements, although the base of the clock remains fixed.
Good design
Another thing we liked about the Sony SmartWatch 2 is its design. From my point of view, at least, the Sony watch has a sober and well-resolved appearance Compared to other rivals, it's completely square, with rounded corners, and fits in with the design of the Xperia family. The side is metallic, the front frame is black, and the circular power button is reminiscent of the brand's smartphones. It is not excessively striking, something positive for those seeking discretion.
In addition, it offers the possibility of using a wide variety of straps: silicone in various colors, metallic, or leather. It is compatible with standard 24mm straps, something really important and remarkable, as it gives the user total freedom to choose the strap they want. In hand, the anodized aluminum body feels solid and comfortable. In terms of size, its approximate measurements are 42 x 41 x 9 mm, and with the metal strap the set is around 122,5 grams, within what is expected in square case watches.
Waterproof
We certainly loved that it was water and dust resistantAlmost as soon as I put it on, I went to wash my hands before eating. I accidentally got the watch wet. It didn't matter. It has IP57 certification. This means it's dust-resistant and can withstand occasional immersion in fresh water (up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes) as long as the microUSB port is properly sealed. In everyday use, quick showers or splashes aren't a problem, though salt water is not recommended nor prolonged baths in the pool.
The microUSB connector cover incorporates a small hatch to maintain the seal. It's important to secure it after charging. Compared to alternatives that require a proprietary base, This watch charges with a standard microUSB, which makes it faster to use.
Strong and well made, but somewhat flimsy
It's a subtle point to explain. On the one hand, we find a clock that It seems well made: Aluminum case, sturdy glass front, and proper assembly. We haven't performed an extreme shock test, but the brand indicates that the assembly withstands daily use, which is important because a watch always takes a beating.
However, the back cover is plastic, and although it's not visible, its choice somewhat detracts from the premium feel. The included silicone strap, while comfortable, leaves an impression that could be improved when attached to the case: the fit could be more robust. The physical on/off button also has a slight play in some units, which doesn't affect operation, but feels less solid than expected for its price range.
A watch to always be connected
The main use that I have found in this watch is that it allows be permanently connected without taking your phone out of your pocket. For example, we can configure our Twitter account to display tweets from users we choose on screen, with a subtle vibration. At a glance, we decide whether to ignore them, retweet or favorite, or send it to your phone to respond calmly. This dynamic extends to Gmail and email, Facebook, text messages, or missed calls, with concise information cards on your wrist.
If there is one thing worth understanding, it is their approach: acts as a second screen for the mobile. It's not intended to replace it. It vibrates to alert you of events and displays key data to help you decide if you need to take out your phone. With compatible apps, it also controls music playback or serves as a remote Switch from the smartphone camera (photos and video, automatically), a function that is surprisingly useful in a group or on a tripod.
Great autonomy
It has been a great surprise Sony SmartWatch 2 autonomyCompared to watches that require charging daily, this model can last up to up to six days if we use it in watch mode without connection to the phone. With normal use and active connectivity, it is usual to reach three or four days per charge. All of this while permanently displaying the time thanks to the transflective display, which consumes very little power when idle.
In our tests, with medium brightness and active notifications (Gmail, SMS, Twitter, and calls), we averaged between 72 and 84 hours per charge. A full recharge with a standard 5V 1A charger takes around an hour and a halfThe difference between pairing via NFC or Bluetooth doesn't affect daily usage (NFC is only used for the initial pairing), so the key factors are the number of notifications and the screen-on time.
Technical sheet and connectivity
To understand his proposal it is worth reviewing the hardware keys and connectionsas the NFC for pairing, which explains its good balance of autonomy and functions:
- Screen: 1,6-inch, 220 x 176 pixel, sun-readable transflective LCD with always-on time display.
- Dimensions: approx. 42 x 41 x 9 mm; weight around 122,5g with metal strap.
- Resistance: IP57 (dust and fresh water, up to 1 m/30 min with sealed port).
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0 for everyday connection and NFC for one-touch pairing; microUSB for charging.
- Compatibility: Works with Android phones from version 4.0 onwards.
- Processor: single core sufficient for a responsive interface and low power consumption.
- Audio and sensors: No microphone or speaker; relies on the phone for advanced functions.
Compatible software, interface and apps
All watch settings are managed from the app. Smart connection from Sony (Smart Connect), where we installed extensions for notifications and feature control, and Sony released part of the code. The clock desk shows app icons in rows, with side navigation; they can be reordered by usage or alphabetically, but not manually. At the top, we see the battery and time. Touch response is fast and stable.
There are official extensions for Gmail, Mail, SMS, Calls, Facebook, and Twitter, as well as music, stopwatch, countdown, weather, calendar, and image viewer apps. There are also integrations with sports apps like Endomondo or Runtastic, which reflect pace, distance, or time, useful when it's hard to get your phone out during a run. On the social front, some popular platforms require third party extensions to display notifications, with mixed results. There's no keyboard or voice typing, so no response from the wrist (beyond simple actions like retweeting or bookmarking).
One point to keep in mind: the Notification synchronization is not bidirectionalIf you read something on your watch, it doesn't always get marked as read on your phone, and vice versa. It's a compromise you can accept if you accept that its purpose is to provide instant information, not manage inboxes.
Pairing and user experience
Initial pairing is done by bringing the watch close to your phone with NFC enabled or searching for the watch via Bluetooth. From there, reconnection is automatic and quite reliable after sleeping or moving away from the phone. Alerts arrive with a subtle vibration, adjustable in intensity. Outdoors, the idle screen is clearly visible thanks to its transflective nature; indoors with low light, it's a good idea. touch the button to activate the backlight.
The wrist gesture doesn't wake up the screen, so interaction relies on the side button and taps. Navigating lists requires getting used to. modest resolution, which limits the amount of text per screen. In return, the interface remains fluid, and the battery appreciates every saved pixel.
Sport, quantification and health
The Sony SmartWatch 2 is not intended to be a pure activity bracelet, but serves as an auxiliary panel for sports. With apps like Endomondo or Runtastic, it displays pace, time, and distance while you run or cycle, so you don't have to take your phone out. For steps and calories, it relies on the smartphone accelerometer, not a high-precision device. In tests against a dedicated wristband, the variations in steps of 25, 50, and 100 steps were within reasonable ranges for recreational use, but it is not a clinical measuring device.
Security and privacy
The clock allows you to set a Security PIN to block access if it's separated from your phone or if you take it off your wrist. Additionally, you can hide apps in the menu so they don't appear without having to uninstall them. It doesn't capture voice or store sensitive data itself, which reduces exposure. As always, it's a good idea to carefully manage which notifications appear on the screen.
Testing methodology and what we measure
To evaluate the performance of the Sony SmartWatch 2, we ran a series of tests focused on real-world notification usage, battery life, and connectivity. These were the main points:
- Autonomy: Standby time, screen on, notification volume (full and normal), and brightness effect.
- Load: Charging time via microUSB with different chargers and comparison with charging from a computer USB port.
- Notifications: Delivery, readability, available actions, and limits by app type (email, networking, messaging).
- Number of unreads: : Global counter check and message limits visible on the wrist.
- Connectivity: : stability with Bluetooth, pairing via NFC and reconnection after moving away from the phone.
- Resistance: Exposure to splashing, hand washing and brief shower with sealed port.
Not useless, but maybe a little expensive
The watch itself is not useless. It has its clear usefulness and it can be very interesting depending on your routine. The biggest debate is whether the price compensates for its use as a second screen. For those who already want a simple smartwatch, it's a great option: not only is it usually cheaper than alternatives with a camera or microphone, but it's also compatible with Android of multiple brands from 4.0 onwards, and it's not limited to a single manufacturer. If you prioritize autonomy, durability, and reliable notifications, its proposal still makes sense.
The Sony SmartWatch 2 is designed with the philosophy of doing little, but doing it well: always show the time, endure for several days, alert with vibration of what's important and give quick access to music and camera. In return, it accepts limitations such as inability to respond from the wrist, a low-resolution display, and a more limited ecosystem of extensions. If you accept that minimalist approach and value battery life, IP57 resistance, and broad compatibility, delivers what it promises with a consistent experience.
