FUJI X70 – LENS REview

Fujifilm X70 review

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PROS

• Large sensor
• Small size
• Manual control
• stylish body

CONS

• Fixed lens
• Can’t use touchscreen for menu navigation
• No viewfinder

KEY FEATURES

1. 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
2. 18.5mm f/2.8 lens (28mm in 35mm format)
3. ISO200-6400 (100-51200 expanded)
4. Raw shooting
5. Full manual contro
6. Electronic shutter for speeds up to 1/32000
7. 8fps shooting
8. Tilting 1040k-dot touch-sensitive screen
9. Manufacturer: Fujifilm
10. Review Price: £499.00

FUJIFILM X70 – DESIGN AND HANDLING

• Fuji has made a name for itself with its X series cameras, bringing the firm out of the doldrums of mediocre compact camera production to make it one of the most desired camera brands of the moment.

The X70 takes the design of the X100T and shrinks and tweaks it to make it more pocketable. As a result, it doesn’t quite have the same level of retro appeal as the larger camera, but it remains a sleek device – one that, crucially, is more likely to fit in your pocket.

The camera sports a relatively simple design, but it provides quick access to most of the settings you’re likely to want to use with any frequency. Around the camera’s lens is a dial for changing aperture – something traditionalist photographers will love. However, what they won’t love so much is that, since the lens is fairly flat in order to keep the size compact, it can be quite difficult to get a decent grip on the aperture ring – and harder still to grip the manual focus ring. With practice, you’ll at least become used to its positioning.

Although the X70 is arguably aimed primarily towards enthusiast and more advanced photographers, it still includes an automatic mode that’s activated via a switch on the top of the camera. With this mode, you can let the camera do everything for you and concentrate on composition. To help here, you can switch on the digital horizon level in the main menu to ensure your shots are straight, which is handy.

In order to set the autofocus point, you can use the touch-sensitive screen – a first for an X series compact. Simply tap the area to select the point as necessary. You can also set the camera to take the shot with a press of the screen, or even switch the touch sensitivity off altogether. If you choose to do the latter, you can set the AF point by first pressing the down directional key, and then using the other directional keys to move to the point you want to use.

By pressing a button marked “Q” you’ll be able to access a group of settings without having to go into the main menu. Here you’ll discover settings such as ISO, white balance, film simulation, aspect ratio and more. It’s a shame that you can’t navigate through this menu using the touchscreen; instead you need to use the physical keys, which although simple can take some time.

On the top of the camera sit a couple of dials that enthusiasts will appreciate, along with the aperture dial around the lens. There’s a shutter speed dial, which reaches shutter speeds of 1/4000. You can also set the dial to automatic. If you do this, but alter the aperture, you’re shooting in aperture priority. Alternatively, you can set the aperture dial to automatic, but set the shutter speed and you’ll be shooting in shutter priority.

If you want to use the electronic shutter for even faster shutter speeds than is represented on the dial, then you can use a small switch found on the back of the camera to move past the 1/4000 speed. It’s useful to use very fast speeds when shooting wide apertures in bright light to avoid overexposure. Fast shutter speeds are also good for freezing fast-moving action, such as sports, but this camera isn’t really designed for such tasks.

There are a couple of other notable buttons on the X70. There’s a function button marked Fn, which can be customised to a particular setting of your choosing; by default it provides access to the X70’s Wi-Fi connectivity. Several other buttons on the X70 are also customisable to different functions, which is great news for those who like to work in a particular way.

Buy Now: Fujifilm X70 at Amazon.co.uk from £499 | Amazon.com from $699

FUJI X70 – SCREEN

Since this camera lacks a viewfinder (electronic or otherwise), you’ll find yourself relying on the screen entirely to compose your images. Alternatively, you could purchase an optical viewfinder at additional expense to slot into the hotshoe.

The good news is that the screen is pretty decent, resisting reflections well and showing a detailed display of images in playback and the view in front of you. Although a fully articulating screen would have been more useful for portrait images, the fact that this screen tilts to face forward or downward helps to move it out of the way of very bright sunlight – and of course facilitates group shots and selfies.

The inclusion of touch-sensitivity speeds up setting the autofocus point, and it’s also useful for swiping through images in playback. The icing on the cake would have been the ability to use the touchscreen to move through menus – but there’s no such provision on the X70.

Related: Canon G7X Mark II review

FUJI X70 – LENS

The fixed-length lens will put off some folk. However, when you consider that mobile phones don’t have zoom lenses, and they’re obviously very popular, it becomes less of an issue.

The X100T has a 35mm equivalent lens, while the X70’s is 28mm. That makes it a little more usable for landscape-style shots, as you can get more of the scene in frame. Some people will argue that 28mm isn’t good for portraits, but it is possible to achieve decent “environmental”-style portraits with the camera, being careful not to get too close to the subject so as to create a distorted effect.

Having a fixed-length lens is a trade off for the large sensor; remember that the sensor inside this tiny camera is identical to those you’ll find in much larger models – including DSLRs. As such, the 28mm lens here is a good performer, with no visible distortion in the corners of image. As previously mentioned, some people will prefer the slightly longer 35mm length of the X100T, but 28mm is satisfactory for landscapes and still usable as a walk-around length.

Xbox One Elite Controller review

PROS

• Tonnes of customisation options
• Mature, refined design
• Reassuringly heavy

CONS

• Expensive
• Accessories could be more secure in case

WHAT IS THE XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER?

When Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One Elite Controller, with all its knobs, sticks and paddles, at E3 2015, we all gasped, oohed and aahed. It's quite the work of art, with its brushed metal accessories and matte black soft touch finish.

And in reality, the Elite Controller's announcement didn't come as much of a surprise, seeing as the rise of eSports and competitive gaming has been huge.

The new Xbox One Elite Controller is a customisable gamepad that’s quite the upgrade over the regular Wireless Controller. It’s primarily aimed at the seriously competitive gamers, in particular the ones that tend to mod out their pads for the aggressive edge.

But with those customisation options comes a steep price – £129.99. So the question is, is the Xbox One Elite Controller worth it?

Related: Xbox One Elite Controller vs Regular Wireless Controller

XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER – DESIGN

For your £130 investment, you’ll get a wonderful box of tricks. Sliding the lid off the box presents you with the Elite Xbox One Controller in its fabric-covered clam-shell case, which protects it when not in use, but also acts as storage for all the accessories.

By looks alone you could be forgiven for thinking this is a standard Xbox One controller with a lick of paint. But the little moulded rubber holder beneath belies its elite status.

The Elite Xbox One Controller comes with a pair of D-Pads – one a metal version of the regular D-Pad, but the other a faceted metal option – and three analogue stick choices. For the analogue sticks you’re looking at the standard concave diamond grip option, a taller version of these, and a domed set that sit between the two in terms of height.

There are also two sets of paddles that attach to the rear of the controller, and a long, braided micro-USB cable, which is a must-have for those competitive sessions.

All of these sit within the moulded rubber holder with the idea that you can store them securely when not in use, even when travelling around. In practice the spare analogue sticks and cross-style D-Pad all fit in securely, but the faceted D-Pad and the paddles come loose very easily, rattling about in the case.

Related: Xbox One vs PS4

When I first picked up the Elite Controller what was immediately noticeable was the increased weight. Due to its upgraded innards and new metal attachments, the Elite Controller has gained some grams. Microsoft says that with all four paddles attached and the AA batteries inserted – there’s no Play and Charge pack included – the Elite Controller weights 348g (give or take 15g for the different attachment combinations). That’s quite the increase on the 280g regular Wireless controller.

Although the weight is initially very palpable, you quickly become accustomed to the increased mass. In fact, it’s reassuringly heavy. The combination of the new matte rubber finish and the diamonised rubber grip on the underside, you’re looking at a controller that moulds into your hands and stays there – regardless of how sweaty your hands get during extended gaming sessions.

You get so familiar with the weight and feel of the Elite Controller, that the regular one makes feels cheap, rough and thoroughly inferior. Microsoft has ensured that by kitting the Elite Controller out with a mature, understated design. The colourful face buttons and plastic finish have been swapped out for a monochrome colour scheme and metal touches that makes the Elite look like a premium product.

Related: Xbox One vs Xbox 360

The triggers, D-Pads and analogue sticks are all now made from metal for durability; while the actual analogue stick sockets have been enhanced with a reinforced ring to make sure they last longer.

Both the D-Pad and analogue sticks are interchangeable, with the current option attached by magnets. While you’re playing, they feel safe and secure, but if you want to change them out for a new version, it’s quick and simple to do.

The only issue with the magnetic attachments that I had was with the rear paddles. The Elite Controller can support up to four rear paddles, which can function as a duplicate of any of the buttons on the pad you want. Or, you can go without them entirely: the make-up of the Elite Controller is up to you.

But these can be easily caught and dislodged as you pick up the controller. It’s a particular pain at first, when you’re getting used to have those extra appendages, but you will get used to it eventually.

I’m just worried what would happen if you lost one of these accessories, as it doesn’t seem like Microsoft will let you to replace them individually at this stage.

Related: Best Xbox One Games 2015

Around the back of the Elite Controller above the slots for these paddles is a green switch on either side. These are associated with the new and improved Hair-Trigger Locks on the triggers. If you push the green switches down (and they operate independently), they’ll physically limit the travel of each trigger. In practice that means you’ll be able to aim and reload faster in shooting games, or whatever you use your triggers for. That’s going to be a massive boon for professional players where every second counts.

Other improvements on the Elite Controller include a standard 3.5mm headphone jack at the base rather than the irritating proprietary port on the regular controller. Next to that is a legacy connection for purpose built headsets.

You’ll also find that the Xbox One Elite Controller has some rather lovely shoulder buttons. Gone are the overly-loud clicky bumpers of the original controller, with the Elite instead offering a quieter, more even response wherever you press them.

Related: Xbox One HDD Upgrade – How to upgrade your Xbox One storage

XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER – XBOX ACCESSORIES APP

But what takes this enhanced Elite Controller even further is the Xbox Accessories app. Available on Windows 10 and Xbox One, the Xbox Accessories app makes sure that the customisation options don’t stop with the hardware.

The app gives you the option to rebind the functionality of every button, trigger and bumper on the Elite Controller (aside from the menu and options buttons). You now have complete control over how your gamepad works, without being confined to customisation on a game-by-game basis if you don’t want to be.

The Xbox One Elite Controller can store two button mapping configurations at once. The controller lets you switch between them using the slider underneath the options and menu buttons. You can store even more configurations in the Xbox Accessories app and load them onto the controller as and when you need them.

Related: Best Xbox Live Games 2015

There are a few pre-made options in the app too, for games such as Halo 5, the Gear of War: Ultimate Collection, new racer Forza 6 and even the classic Sunset Overdrive. Microsoft promises that there are a tonne more en-route too.

They’re great for those among us who find the thought of remapping every single button totally daunting – and trust me I did at first.

The app also goes beyond basic button-mapping too. There’s individual adjustments for analogue stick sensitivity that manage the distance the sticks need to travel before they react as in-game movements. These include: delay (slow start), aggressive (fast start), instant, smooth and default.

You can also adjust the sensitivity and dead zone of the triggers. The app even lets you turn down the haptic feedback and adjust the brightness of the Xbox light. For those among you that like things a certain way, the Elite Controller also lets you swap the sticks over, permanently invert the right or left stick’s Y-axis or swap the triggers around.

Related: Xbox One backwards compatibility – Can I play Xbox 360 games on my Xbox One?

XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER – PERFORMANCE

In practice, for me the customisation started slowly. I began by adding two paddles for Rise of the Tomb Raider – one for sprinting and the other to initialise the Survival Sense.

But the more I used the Elite Controller across a number of games, the more time I spent tweaking and analysing my button mapping.

Take Forza 6 for example – a game where the back paddles really come into their own. Suddenly you’ve got the manual car controls at the press of a finger, which is especially handy because I don’t really want to fork out for a racing wheel that’ll clutter up my home. Instead, I’ve got the Elite Controller to provide me with more of an authentic racing experience, while still providing me with an excellent gamepad for other games.

Elsewhere, I started using one of the Halo 5 presets to make commanding Team Osiris much easier, as suddenly I’m not having to reach down for the D-Pad anymore, but toggling commands using the back paddles.

If you’re a fighting game addict, then the faceted D-Pad will also be a huge success. Although I’m using it because I prefer the feel of it under the thumb and the general look, I’m assured that it makes it a lot easier to pull combos in titles like Mortal Kombat X and co.

Related: Xbox One tips, tricks and secret features

SHOULD I BUY THE XBOX ONE ELITE CONTROLLER?

Although I’m totally addicted to the Xbox One Elite Controller now I’ve used it – God forbid I’m forced to go back to the regular one at this stage – my recommendation comes with some caveats.

If you’re looking to spend £130 on a controller, you need to seriously think about how much you play on your Xbox One and what games you’re playing because it is around £90 more than a regular controller.

However, for your £130 investment you will get the ultimate customisable controller that will no doubt last the entire lifespan of your console – and possibly longer.

VERDICT

The Xbox One Elite Controller really is the one controller to rule them all, with its mature aesthetics, strong customisation options and durability. You might just want to wait for a price drop before you buy.

LG G5 review

PROS

• Lovely screen
• Great wide-angle camera
• USB-C fast charging

CONS

• Dodgy build quality
• Software is on the ugly side
• Expensive modules

KEY FEATURES

• 5.3-inch IPS QHD screen
• Snapdragon 820 processor & 4GB RAM
• 32GB onboard storage and microSD slot
• 2,800mAh battery
• USB Type-C v3.0 port
• Fingerprint sensor
• 16-megapixel rear camera & 8-megapixel front camera
• Additional 8-megapixel wide-angle rear camera
• LG UX 5.0 on Android Marshmallow
• Manufacturer: LG
• Review Price: £529.00

WHAT IS THE LG G5?

There was lot of hype surrounding LG’s quirky modular G5, but it didn’t last all that long. The visions of this Project Ara like device with a wide selection of add-ons that you switch at will hasn’t really happened, leaving us with a good phone that fails to stand out.

LG also probably didn’t count on other brand’s upping their game. The Samsung Galaxy S7 is fantastic, as is the HTC 10, and there’s even budget offerings like theOnePlus 3.

The lack of interesting modules has really hurt the LG G5, and it’s no longer the only modular phone on the market. Moto has the Moto Z and it’s already got a better selection of add-ons. There’s also the LG V20 coming soon, and it’ll be the first phone to run Android Nougat.

LG G5 – DESIGN AND MODULES

Metal body, removable battery, modular system, rear fingerprint sensor, sloped top, 159g

In pictures the LG G5 looks curvy and sleek, but pick up the smartphone and it feels oddly hollow.

LG played up its switch from the plastic body of the LG G4 to a metal one on the G5. However, in the hand the G5 really doesn’t feel like any other metal phone I’ve come across. the handset has an odd finish that feels much more like plastic than the advertised “microdized” metal. I do like the slightly sloping top, though, but it's the only feature that sets it apart.

Related: LG G5 vs Samsung Galaxy S7

The G5's design is very clean too, with only a single volume clicker and SIM-tray present on either side. The volume control suffers from having a very shallow push, but it's usable nonetheless. While LG has ditched the volume keys on the rear, the lock switch remains in the slightly unorthodox position just below the camera sensors.

In my opinion it's far better to have all the buttons in the same spot, be it on the back or sides of a phone. Positioned as they are, I’m forced to move my hands around the G5 more than normal just to reach everything.

Related: LG G5 vs LG G4

The standby switch now also houses a fingerprint scanner – something I consider a must for any 2016 flagship. V10 aside, for which there's been no UK launch, this is the first phone from LG to use a fingerprint scanner.

I'm pleased to report that it does a superb job – it’s fast and accurate. In addition, you don’t even have to press down to unlock the phone; simply glide your digit across and it’ll bypass the lockscreen completely.

As with all back-mounted scanners I’ve tried, it can sometimes go off randomly in my pocket. On more than a few occasions I’d pull it out of my pocket to be met with a message reporting "too many incorrect attempts, fingerprint blocked". But I guess this is a side-effect of it being so sensitive. The scanner itself is also quite small, which might be issue if you have large fingers.

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The LG G5’s modular system is its stand-out feature. Now, it isn’t quite at Google Project Ara levels of customisability – so you won’t be switching out the RAM or CPU – but it’s clever and unique nevertheless.

It works like this. Along the side of the handset there sits an almost indistinguishable button set just almost flush to the body. Press this in with the tip of your nail and the bottom chin of the phone will pop out; pull it off and out comes the battery.

The battery comes apart from the bottom unit – which can feel like you’re breaking the device – and then you can attach it to other modules, or "Friends" as LG calls them. At launch, there are two modules available and neither are going to be a draw in themselves to sell the phone.

The camera grip adds a touch more battery, a separate shutter button for both photos and video, and a jog dial for zoom. The second module is a DAC powered by some B&O tech. The DAC gives you 32-bit audio and an extra headphone jack.

Related: 5 modules for the LG G5 we'd love to see

I find myself wishing that LG had started off with slightly more enticing accessories. The DAC is a nice idea – I’m all for ways to improve smartphone audio – but the camera grip doesn’t actually make the camera any better; it just makes the shooting process "easier". I also don’t like the fact it encourages people to use digital zoom – photo tech that universally produces terrible photos on all the smartphones I’ve tested, including the G5.

These two modules are also much pricier than I'd anticipated. The B&O DAC costs £150, while the camera grip will set you back £79. Problems will also likely arise when you’re ready to upgrade to the LG G6 – will the new device support the same modules? I'm not convinced.

LG is encouraging third parties to make their own Friends, so hopefully they’ll be a few more to choose from in the coming months. However, if the LG G5 fails to sell in large enough numbers then maybe there won't be much incentive to build a costly module.

The modular system also hampers the build quality of the device. Both parts of the phone don’t quite fit flush together; there’s an ever-so-slight gap between the two. It’s minimal, but wide enough that I can see light filtering through.

LG G5 – SCREEN

5.3-inch, IPS LCD, quad-HD display with always-on mode

LG’s past few flagship devices have benefited from impressive displays.

While they can't be described as perfect, they’ve always adopted new tech and utilised it well. LG was one of the first manufacturers to really bring quad-HD, 2,560 x 1,440 panels to the mainstream, for example, and since the G3 it has gone from strength to strength.

I’m happy to say that the display on the LG G5 is the best yet – even though on the surface it appears that not a whole lot has changed.

LG hasn't made the switch to a 4K display; it remains quad-HD. Although in my opinion this isn't a bad thing – quad-HD is the highest resolution a phone needs to be unless it will be used for VR. The display on the G5 remains a IPS LCD panel too, rather than the AMOLED panels favoured by Samsung and Google.

The biggest change here is that the screen is actually marginally smaller than before – 5.3-inches as opposed to 5.5-inches. But the number of pixels remain the same; they're simply crammed into a smaller surface area.

The display is ridiculously sharp, far more true-to-life and softer than the Galaxy S7 display. This isn't necessarily a positive, though – it’s all down to personal taste, with some preferring accurate colours over vibrancy. Viewing angles are on point.

LG has also improved the brightness of the screen, not that the G4 suffered much in this area. At its highest, it's at 900 nits, but there will be few instances in which it will need to be set so high. Around 50% is right, or you can opt for auto-brightness.

I'm not a fan of auto-brightness on Android devices, and it's no different here. It’s too obvious, results in a stuttering motion and is rarely accurate in its judgements.

Related: Android N hands-on

The G5 display's black level – an area in which many IPS displays struggle – is solid. While not as deep as those on the Samsung Galaxy S7, blacks on the LG G5 are suitably inky and deep, and mean the display has a great contrast ratio.

Just like the Samsung Galaxy S7, the LG G5 has an "always-on" display mode, so the time and your notifications remain visible even when the phone is locked.

LG’s implementation is much better than that of Samsung in just about every way. It uses less battery, about 12% a day (8am to midnight) as opposed to the Galaxy S7’s 15%. The LG G5’s always-on screen also displays all your notifications, including those from WhatsApp and Gmail. This makes it far more useful than the S7, which pushes alerts from only a limited selection of apps.

The display on the G5 is less customisable, however, and since it isn’t AMOLED, it lights up every pixel rather than just the clock. This means it’s far more noticeable, and more distracting, in low light.

Best smartwatch 2016

Best smartwatch 2016: Apple, Pebble, Samsung, Sony, Tag and more

We help you pick the perfect companion for your wrist

Picking the best smartwatch for you is now a good problem to have, given the breadth of choice on offer. With Samsung and Apple innovating and a strong field of Android Wear watches from big designers like Fossil, Nixon and Casio, there's never been a better time to buy.

There are plenty of new models in the pipeline too. The Apple Watch 2 will land sometime in 2016 and the likes of Nixon's The Mission and Michael Kors Access are on their way.

We've completely overhauled our best smartwatch guide to try and help those looking to make the right decision.

Stop press!

Before you make your decision, bear in mind that two new Pebbles have just landed on Kickstarter. Read our first look Pebble Time 2 review and first impressions of the Pebble 2 before you buy.

Best smartwatch

Samsung Gear S2

As easy to live with as a Pebble, as slick as an Apple Watch and with a tactile, rotating bezel as its secret weapon, the S2 is the kind of smartwatch you'd kick yourself for leaving at home. You'll have to pay extra for the cellular version to make the most of the GPS features but even the standard version feels like a leap forward.

The battery life is better than most rivals; we've used Android Wear watches day to day and Samsung's smartwatch beats these hands down. The lack of apps is a niggle, but we don't think it impacts the overall experience enough to recommend rivals over this device.

The full verdict: Our Samsung Gear S2 review

From $299.99, samsung.com | Amazon

Best for iOS

Apple Watch

Whether you find the Apple Watch the leading example of fashion blended with tech or a boxy abomination is really down to personal taste. But for our money, it's one of the best looking smartwatches made to date (especially when paired with a quality Apple Watch strap) and, coming in two sizes, is one of the most unisex as well.

The build quality is superb, and the footprint of both the 38mm and 42mm watch is much smaller than you'd expect. Despite its flaws (poor sports features and the lack of GPS), the Apple Watch was one of the first wearables that was actually a pleasure to wear. The Apple Watch 2 is set to arrive soon though…

Wareable rating: Apple Watch review

From $349, apple.com | Amazon

Best for outdoors

Casio Smart Outdoor WSD-F10

Until Nixon's The Mission comes along this autumn, Casio should be your first pick if you want an outdoorsy smartwatch. Okay it doesn't have GPS – and that's a problem – but it (somewhat) makes up for it with a host of sensors, modes for hiking, biking and fishing, two displays and the fact that it's dustproof and waterproof to 50m.

Just be warned this is a bit of a beast on slender wrists, though it does only weigh 92g with the bulky rubber strap.

Read our full Casio Smart Outdoor review to see how we got on with it.

$500, shopcasio.com

Best if money's no object

Tag Heuer Connected

It doesn't take long before you realise this Intel powered Tag smartwatch is the best built, and highest quality, Android Wear device to date. From afar it genuinely looks like a regular Tag Heuer watch – it's only when you get up close that you notice it's quite a bulky beast. Now available in rose gold, its watch faces are another delightful addition and after two years, you can trade it in for a mechanical Tag watch.

Tested: Tag Heuer Connected review

$1,500, tagheuerconnected.com

Best Android Wear option

Sony SmartWatch 3

An old choice but a good choice, the Sony SmartWatch 3 has built-in GPS connectivity, which means you can leave your smartphone at home when you go for a run. (The Moto 360 Sport has matched it on that front now.)

The sports styling makes it perfect for a weekend jog, and while the screen is a little dull compared to some of its rivals, the latest Android Wear update means it can pair with wireless headphones for beats on the go. The Steel edition adds a touch of class to the smartwatch that we at Wareable (well,almost all of us) agree offers the most bang for your smartwatch buck.

Must-read: Sony SmartWatch 3 review

From $138.40, sony.com | Amazon

Best for budget 

Asus ZenWatch 2

The focus of the ZenWatch 2 is choice, and Asus is approaching the evolving smartwatch market in a mature way. The second gen ZenWatch comes in two sizes – essentially male and female models. There's also a wealth of strap options including rubber, steel, leather and even a Swarovski covered one. This makes it a nice first step for potential Android Wear buyers.

While little has changed on the hardware front for the ZenWatch 2, the Taiwanese company has installed a Wi-Fi chip to make use of the new features in Android Wear, and fast charging tech means you can juice up 50% of the battery in around 30 minutes.

Check out our full ZenWatch 2 review.

From $149.99, asus.com | Amazon

Best for techies

Pebble Time

Everything that made the original brilliant is still on board: that affordable price, an impressive seven-day battery life and both iPhone and Android compatibility. There are also some serious upgrades to both the software and hardware, the most notable of which are the new colour e-paper screen and the revamped Timeline OS. Plus with the Pebble Time 2 on its way, this watch has dropped in price.

Wareable verdict: Pebble Time review

$99.99, pebble.com | Amazon

Best for battery life

Vector Watch

When it comes to smartwatch battery life, it doesn't come much longer than the Vector watch. With around 30 days from a single charge, the Vector will out-last most business trips and holidays, meaning you don't have to pack a separate charger for your travels. It's a competent smartwatch with notifications, fitness tracking and a clever way of visualising your day through rings placed around the watch face. Of course, 30 days of battery doesn't come without sacrifice, and the low-power screen does ruin the aesthetic. We'd also advise looking beyond the basic models for a far more pleasing finish.

Read the full verdict: Vector Luna review

Prices from $205.99, vectorwatch.com | Amazon

Most customisable

Moto 360 2

The Moto 360 2 comes in two sizes – 42mm and 46mm (with two different sized displays: 1.37 or 1.56-inch) – in fact, it's three sizes if you count the different band sizes on offer. Using Moto Maker, you can choose between hundreds of different combinations of straps, bezels, finishes and colours.

Put the new Moto 360 next to the first-gen Motorola watch and you can really see the subtle differences that turn this design into a watch rather than last year's circle on a strap.

Take a look at our Moto 360 review here.

From $299.99, motorola.com | Amazon

Best for sports

Garmin Vivoactive HR

This second gen Garmin smartwatch has the same 24/7 activity tracking and support for smartphone alerts as its predecessor, the Vivoactive. What it adds is Garmin's own Elevate heart rate tracking technology which monitors your HR continuously and gives accurate indications of calorie burn through the day and night. And it's better looking.

There's GPS and dedicated apps for cycling, swimming, running and golf plus support for skiing and paddle boarding too. Connect IQ adds apps while battery life is eight days, 13 hours with GPS. Look out for our full, in-depth review coming soon and check out our Garmin Vivoactive review for the last gen model.

First look: Garmin Vivoactive HR hands on

$249.99, buy.garmin.com | Amazon

Best for running

Moto 360 Sport

At last, an Android Wear device to match the Sony SmartWatch 3's GPS skills – the Moto 360 Sport is actually a better running aid thanks to the Moto Body app already built in.

The Moto 360 Sport boasts an AnyLight LCD display that is naturally adaptable, meaning it should be nicely backlit in dim lighting situations but be easily readable when out running in sunnier conditions.

Read our full Moto 360 Sport review.

$299, motorola.com | Amazon

Best for affordable style

LG Watch Urbane

There's no missing the Urbane, whether it's the silver or gold model you're sporting; that fully round bezel is seriously eye- and light-catching. It's a smartwatch that looks like a traditional timepiece, and unlike the more premium-looking Urbane LTE, with its classic watch shape and extra physical buttons, the regular Urbane looks much more fashionable and feminine.

It's pretty pricey though. If you really want to go all out, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe features a 23-karat gold watchcase and handcrafted alligator leather strap. It's $1,200 mind.

Check out: Full LG Watch Urbane review

$249, lg.com | Amazon

Best for display

Huawei Watch

The stunning AMOLED display on Huawei's Android Wear debutant is a 1.4-inch, 400 x 400, one with a 286ppi count – the highest density on an Android Wear smartwatch so far.

The screen is made all the more impressive thanks to a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Side by side with the smaller Moto 360 2 – its closest rival in terms of aesthetics – it's obviously a much clearer display. Not only because it offers genuine 360-degree visuals, but because everything just looks sharper.

Have a look at our Huawei Watch review.

From $399, consumer.huawei.com | Amazon