Google and LG Unveil the Watch Sport and Watch Style, Powered by Android Wear 2.0

Launch week saw LG impressively debut not one, but two smartwatches: the LG Watch Sport, a flagship device packed with features, and the LG Watch Style, a sleeker model focused on design. Both watches come equipped with the groundbreaking Android Wear 2.0 platform, offering enhanced performance and new functionalities.

Let us delve deeper, starting with the LG Watch Sport. It boasts an impressive 1.38-inch high-resolution P-OLED display and a robust 430 mAh battery. Connectivity options include standalone LTE for making calls and sending texts, and GPS for fitness tracking, all housed in a sturdy 45.4 x 51.2 mm chassis about 14mm thick. You can personalize your watch further by choosing from a deep silver case with a dark grey wristband or a dark blue case with a chic black wristband. Starting February 10, 2017, the LG Watch Sport was available for $349.

Adding to its versatility, the LG Watch Sport features a PPG heart rate sensor, perfect for monitoring your physical activity and making it a truly lean, mean, fitness machine.

The other equally elegant timepiece is the LG Watch Style. Slimmer than its counterpart, the Watch Style comes with an intimate 1.2-inch display. Though compact, it does not compromise on functionality offering standalone LTE and GPS connectivity within its 10.8 mm thick chassis. It is available in silver, titanium, and rose gold color options and offers a more fashion-forward look.

Because both smartwatches run on Android Wear 2.0, they come equipped with the Android Pay feature and can independently install apps. This Android update also debuted Google Assistant on the wrist, allowing for voice-activated controls without the need for a phone at hand.

CARriers and retailers from countries including Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, UK, South Africa, and Canada can expect to stock these smartwatches shortly after their US launch. For other regions, such as Nigeria and other African countries, direct purchases from retail stores will be possible.

Since their launch, the LG Watch Sport and Style have set the benchmark for Android Wear (now Wear OS) devices, praised early on for their comprehensive connectivity and stylish design. Available software updates have continued to refine their functionality with features like improved notification, voice-controlled utilities, and the ability to automatically detect workout sessions.

Unfortunately, despite the initial excitement, LG quietly exited the wearables market in 2022 with no direct successors to their smartwatch line-up. Other brands like Fossil, Mobvoi, and Samsung have since taken the lead with more advanced hardware, extended battery life, and tighter integrations with their respective ecosystems.

That being said, the LG Watch Sport and Style continue to hold their own in the market. They offer a slew of functionalities, from fitness tracking to displaying notifications, and generous community support ensures current owners have access to performance improvements and security updates.

In certain markets such as Nigeria and other African countries where LTE-enabled wearables are premium items, the LG Watch Sport, given a local eSIM or carrier-unlocked SIM, still functions as a stand-alone streaming and calling device. Since these are 2017 models, check for recent battery replacements to avoid loss of capacity and explore community forums for ROM updates that can rejuvenate these pioneering smartwatches.

This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.