Motorola's premium smartwatch adopts Wear OS but lacks rugged features
Motorola has unveiled the Moto Watch Ultra, its first smartwatch to run Google's Wear OS, powered by a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chip. The device offers access to a wide range of apps, NFC payments, and support for Gemini and Motorola's Qira assistant. However, its battery life is rated at just 50 hours with the always-on display off, and it lacks the outdoor-focused capabilities of rival Ultra models from Samsung and Apple.
The Moto Watch Ultra marks Motorola's shift from its proprietary operating system to Google's Wear OS platform, pairing it with a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 processor. The 46mm stainless steel case houses a 1.5-inch OLED display with reduced bezels, and buyers receive four interchangeable 22mm straps—two leather and two silicone—matched to either the black or silver finish.
Motorola's partnership with Polar continues for health tracking, covering heart rate, sleep, stress, blood oxygen, and recovery metrics, supplemented by an AI running coach. The device carries IP68 and 5ATM water resistance ratings with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Priced at $349.99 with an September 10th release date, it sits between the $149.99 Moto Watch and the roughly $800 premium Ultra competitors.
This launch could reshape consumer expectations for mid-tier smartwatches, offering Wear OS app access and NFC payments at roughly half the cost of flagship Ultra models. Buyers seeking outdoor adventure features may feel underserved, potentially steering them toward pricier alternatives or reconsidering whether "Ultra" branding implies rugged capability. The battery trade-off—50 hours versus the previous model's 13 days—may influence purchasing decisions for users prioritizing longevity over app ecosystem access.