I am on the lookout for a new Android Wear (now Wear OS) watch so I’ve been looking at quite a few and thought it would be helpful for myself and you to have an easy to follow comparison guide of some of the most popular Android Wear / Wear OS watches out there right now. Just know that I focused on non-LTE versions and only 3 on this list are upgrading to Wear OS from Android Wear 2.0. I’ll be discussing the Ticwatch E & S, Huawei Watch 2, Misfit Vapor, and Asus Zenwatch 3.
Ticwatch E & Ticwatch S
The Ticwatch E and Ticwatch S from Mobvoi are the most affordable Wear OS watches available right now. Their best selling point is their affordable price tag with the full retail of the Ticwatch E at $159 US and the Ticwatch S at $199 US. The difference between the E and S is that the E has a less sporty design and the bands are easily changeable. The S has a strap with a GPS antenna built into it so the strap can’t be changed.
The S is supposed to have a more accurate GPS because the antenna is larger, though I haven’t found any tests to confirm that is truly the case.
  Ticwatch E on Amazon |  Ticwatch S on Amazon |
Ticwatch E & S Specs
Diameter: 45 mm (S); 44 mm (E)
Thickness: 13 mm (S); 13.55 mm (E)
Weight: 45.5 g (S); 41.5 g (E)
Operating System: Wear OS
Glass: Anti-scratch
Display: Touch, 1.4″ OLED, 400×400, 287 dpi
Bluetooth & Wifi
GPS: GPS + GLONASS + Beidou, Agps supported
Mic: Yes
Speaker: Yes
Sensors: Heart rate, proximity, accelerometer, gyroscope, e-compass
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Battery Life 48 hrs (with normal usage about 24-28 hrs)
Huawei Watch 2
The Huawei Watch 2 is a step up from the Ticwatch E & S in build quality and specs. It is available in several different styles. It is available in an all plastic version and a more classy stainless steel version. Prices vary quite a bit depending upon which seller you choose and style.
The Huawei Watch 2 has many of the same features as the Ticwatch E & S but is an upgrade in build quality with Gorilla Glass for the display, a higher IP68 waterproof rating, and NFC support. The classic version also features stainless steel for a more premium look and feel.
  Huawei Watch 2 Classic Black, Leather Strap, Ceramic Bezel on Amazon |   Huawei Watch Stainless Steel on Amazon |
Huawei Watch 2 Specs
Diameter: 45 mm
Thickness: 12.66 mm
Weight: 40 g (Sport); 47 g (Classic)
Operating System: Wear OS
Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass
Display: Touch, 1.2″ AMOLED, 390×390, 326 ppi
Bluetooth & Wifi
GPS: GPS + GLONASS
Mic: Yes
Speaker: Yes
Sensors: 6 axis A + G sensor, 3-axis compass, heart rate, barometer, capacitive sensor, ambient light display sensor
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Battery Life: Abt 1.5 days
Misfit Vapor
This is a Wear OS watch that has caught my eye because of its looks. While I love using my Ticwatch E, sometimes I’d prefer a more traditional build quality. I’m talking metal here and the Misfit Vapor features a brushed stainless steel watch casing in several different colors.
While the Vapor has a lot going for it, it is missing some key features that I prefer such as built-in GPS (it uses connected GPS) and a speaker. It does have a mic but no speaker. However, it does have a very good waterproof rating, 5 ATM (up to 50 meters) and a nice look to it.
 Misfit Vapor in Black on Amazon |   Misfit Vapor in Rose Gold on Amazon |
Misfit Vapor Specs
Diameter: 44 mm
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Weight: ? I looked and looked and haven’t found this info yet but it is a heavier watch than your typical plastic ones
Operating System: Wear OS
Glass: Not sure what type but I have read reviews recommending a screen protector
Display: 1.3″ AMOLED, 326 ppi
Bluetooth & Wifi
GPS: Connected
Mic: Yes
Speaker: No
Sensors: Acceleromter, altimeter, gyroscope, heart rate sensor
Waterproof Rating: 5 ATM
Battery Life: 24 hours or so
My Recommendations
Right now, I’ll be sticking with my Ticwatch E. For one, I already own it and it’s paid for and the other watches just don’t offer tons more features to convince me I should make a switch right now.
Still, the Huawei Watch 2 is a very good option and it has many positive reviews and a better build quality than the Ticwatch, so if you don’t already have a Wear OS watch I’d look closely between the Ticwatch E & S due to their affordability and the Huawei Watch 2.
Just know that a Huawei Watch 3 is probably in the works and might be released later this year but I can’t say for certain when.
I love the looks of both the Misfit Vapor and Zenwatch 3 but both are missing key features I would prefer any smartwatch to have. The Vapor lacks a speaker and only has connected GPS and the Zenwatch 3 lacks a heart rate sensor and also built-in GPS.
If you’re just wanting a smartwatch that supports Google Play apps then I’d take a look at those refurbished units of Asus. The Zenwatch 2 is still a cool watch if you don’t need fitness tracking.
What I’m really waiting for is the Ticwatch 3, assuming one is coming. I sure hope one is coming! If it has a better HR sensor, more accurate built-in GPS, better battery life and runs Wear OS to boot, it’ll be exactly what I’m wanting in a new Wear OS watch. My Ticwatch E is fun and reliable but I still prefer the build quality and looks of the Ticwatch 2, even though it doesn’t support Wear OS.
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