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Verdict
The Emporio Armani Connected has a lot going for it. It looks great on the wrist and while the Armani flourishes are small, they are welcomed.
There is enough here to make sure the watch isn’t just a fashion statement, but not enough to make this a must-have purchase.
A lack of true fitness functionality and no Google Pay lets down what is one of the smartest-looking smartwatches around.
Who’s this for?
The Emporio Armani Connected is for those who want their smartwatch to stand out on their wrist, from a fashion and not tech point of view.
This is a smartwatch that takes its looks from traditional watches but has enough smarts inside to satiate a casual gadget user. Wear OS works well on the device, but dig too deep into the features and you will be disappointed.
Should you buy it?
If you are buying a smartwatch on looks alone, then you should definitely consider the Emporio Armani Connected.
It’s a lovely looking, well-made smartwatch that does the Armani brand justice on the outside. It's not cheap by any means, but compared to something like a Tag Heuer smartwatch you are getting fashion for a modest price.
On the inside, though, it’s lacking too many things for it to be a must buy. Google Pay is a big loss, as is GPS and heart rate measuring (though we’d question if whether these were on board, whether you would consider wearing this to the gym).
First reviewed: May 2018
The competition
The Emporio Armani Connected is great looking but there are other options out there:
Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45
The pricier option for the more fashion conscious, the Tag Heuer Connected Modular is a fine-looking smartwatch that has some smarts but, again, there’s not enough there to pull you away from the might of the Apple Watch…
Read our Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 review
Apple Watch 3
It’s the best smartwatch around now and for good reason. The Apple Watch 3 offers out-and-out functionality and raw power - there is just so much you can do with it. And those who are after something fashionable, the endless straps you can buy for the thing, will certainly be a bonus.
Read our Apple Watch 3 review
Mont Blanc Summit
If you want premium looks and not much else when it comes to the features department, then the Mont Blanc Summit may well be for you. Mont Blanc Summit is a statement. It’s meshes art and technology. Yes, it's a device from Mont Blanc that’s expensive for the normal user but not for those who already have a Mont Blanc on their wrist!
Read our Mont Blanc Summit review
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