What's it like using the LG G smartwatch and Android Wear? Let us tell YOU

Having one off the wrist: What's it like, physically?

The LG G smartwatch itself is a somewhat chunky device, at 37.9 by 46.5 by 9.95mm and 63 grams, but not oppressively so. It costs $229, £159 in the UK, and has a 200 by 200 resolution 1.65-inch LCD screen that's perfectly readable, even in bright sunlight.

Inside there is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor running at 1.2GHz with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. Wireless connectivity comes from Bluetooth 4.0, and the 400 mAh battery lives up to the manufacturer's claim of a 36-hour battery life. The watch's strap is a rather ugly grey plastic thing, but the device can use any 22mm-wide strap.

There are no buttons on the outside of the case, available in black or white, which LG says is dust-proof and waterproof to a depth of 1 metre (IP67 rating). On the underside there are five metal contact patches where the watch draws power from when placed in its charging cradle. The cradle itself uses a supplied microUSB cable for power.

While the charging cradle means the watch is waterproof – by having no microUSB port itself – there are significant downsides

Not being able to charge the LG G directly from a standard port is a major downside in terms of usability. Given you'll have to recharge this watch more or less every day - a process that takes about an hour - having to lug around the small charging cradle is a pain, particularly as it comes with a sticky base to affix it to a desk or nightstand.

For day-to-day wearing, the smartwatch is comfortable enough thanks to its smooth flat base, and not so chunky that it catches on sleeves or cuffs. The styling is minimalist and isn't going to wow anyone – my wife's view was that it looked "nerdy as hell" – but the LG G is by no means an ugly device.

But would you buy it?

But is its smarter descendant going to replace the sort of wristwatch most of us grew up with? Based on this early first look, I'm inclined to say no – or at least not yet.

A key problem is battery life. My last wristwatch was self-winding and solar powered and kept perfect time for eight years, and most battery-powered wristwatches will go at least a couple of years before running out of juice.

Having to constantly recharge the device is a bit of an inconvenience; particularly with the cradle system LG has decided to use. Putting the watch on a night stand and powering it overnight is the best solution to this, but on holidays or business trips you now have yet more charging equipment to drag around in the suitcase.

Having phone notifications appear on your watch is handy enough to be sure, and it definitely means you pull your phone out less. But it's doubtful if it's worth paying $229 for the privilege, particularly since you practically always have to have your phone in Bluetooth range anyway.

However, that purchasing equation may change if developers can come up with applications that make the LG G and Wear much more attractive to folks. Fitness enthusiasts may be tempted right now, although there are cheaper wearables designed specifically for sports. What this needs is applications worth justifying the cost and inconvenience of the concept.

Google has also said that the next major Android upgrade - the L release currently on developer preview - will contain the option to make Wear devices open smartphone locks automatically to save all that swipe code access. More integration is logical.

I'd certainly recommend waiting to see what programmers can come up with after the July 7 launch. Both hardware and software need more work, but there is potential, based on an early tryout. ®