ASUS ZenWatch 2 is the second-generation offering in its maker’s ZenWatch series of smartwatches. Largely similar to its predecessor in terms of specs, this wearable aims to compete with other offerings on the market with its amazing price and impressive personalisation options.
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Design and Build
ASUS ZenWatch 2 shows off a decent build with a body fashioned mainly from stainless steel and complemented by a plastic rear plate. Unlike the original ZenWatch that was made available in one design, this sequel is made to appeal to different tastes, coming in two sizes (45 mm and 49 mm).
It is available in three colour variants of rose gold, silver and gun metal. The two sizes of the smartwatch are both thinner and lighter than the amazing Huawei Watch.
You have an impressive 18 straps, ranging from leather bands to sporty silicon bands and metal link bracelets, to select from. A sliding mechanism makes it seamless swapping out straps.
The Display
The same 1.63-inch AMOLED display with 320 x 320 pixels resolution and 278ppi pixel density seen on the first-generation smartwatch is retained on the larger version of the ASUS ZenWatch 2 (the Zenwatch 2 WI501Q).
The smaller model (the Zenwatch 2 WI502Q) packs a 1.45-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 280 x 280 pixels and pixel density of 273 ppi. The display is protected by rugged Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The bezel remains rather thick and that may be considered a bit disappointing.
Performance and OS
The ZenWatch 2 is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor used on its predecessor. The chip is still paired with 512 MB of RAM and the onboard storage is 4 GB. But this is a decent enough configuration to deliver smooth performance similar to what you get on dearer offerings like Huawei Watch.
The wearable runs Android Wear version 5.1 as would be expected. You will be able to customize the screen choosing from about 50 watch faces available or creating yours with Asus’ FaceDesigner app.
Other Features
A 400mAh battery supplies power to the larger ASUS ZenWatch 2, while the smaller variant is served by a 300mAh battery. Fast charging technology allows you get up to 50% battery capacity in just 36 minutes; you will even get a full charge of the juicer on the smaller watch in just about 45 minutes.
The timepiece offers two-day battery life.
ASUS ZenWatch 2 comes with an integrated Wi-Fi chip and is compatible with Android and iOS devices. There is also Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless connectivity. The IP67-certified smartwatch has a microphone for using OK Google voice commands.
Pricing and availability
The price and availability of the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is not yet known.
ASUS ZenWatch 2 Specs
Here are a few specs of the ASUS ZenWatch 2 Smartwatch:
General Features
- Platform: Android Wear
- Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core Processor (Snapdragon 400)
- GPU: Adreno 305
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Colours: Gunmetal, Silver, Rose gold
- Dimension: 45.2 x 37.2 x 11.8 mm
- Weight: –
- SIM Slot: No
- Water Resistant: Yes (IP67), Water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes
- Dustproof: Yes
- Bands: Yes, Changable Straps
- Standalone Calls & SMS: No
- Sync with Phone: Yes
Display & Camera
- Display: 1.63-inch AMOLED Touch Display, 320 x 320 pixels (278ppi) or 1.45-inch AMOLED Display, 280 x 280 pixels (273 ppi)
- Display Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Camera: No
Storage
- Built-in Storage: 4GB
- Memory Card Support: No
- Bundled Cloud Storage: –
Network Support
- 2G GSM: No
- 2G CDMA 1X: No
- 3G WCDMA: No
- 3G CDMA EVDO: No
- 4G LTE: No
Internet & Connectivity
- GPRS: No
- EDGE: No
- 3G/WCDMA/HSPA: No
- HSPA+: No
- CDMA EVDO: No
- 4G LTE: No
- WLAN: No
- Wi-Fi Hotspot: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
- Bluetooth: Yes, Bluetooth 4.1 LE
- NFC: No
- Infrared Blaster: No
- USB Port: –
Messaging
- SMS/MMS: Via Notification
- Instant Messaging: Notification
- Push Emails: No (Shows Email Previews from Phone)
- Email Protocol: No
Entertainment
- Music Player: Yes (Phone not required)
- Video Player: –
- FM Radio: No
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm Jack: No
Navigation
- Navigation: No
- Maps: –
Sensors & Control
- Digital Compass: –
- Accelerometer: Yes
- Proximity Sensor: –
- Light Sensor: –
- Barometer: –
- Pedometer: –
- Gyroscope: Yes
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Galvanic Skin Response: –
- Skin Temperature Sensor: –
- Capacitive Sensor: –
- UV Sensor: –
- Microphone: Yes
- Hepatic Vibration Motor: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
Other Features
- Fitness Apps: Yes
- Push to Talk: Yes
- Image Editor: No
- Video Editor: No
- Image Viewer: Yes
- Video Viewer: Yes
- Maximum Operating Altitude: –
Battery
- Battery: 400 mAh or 300 mAh rechargeable Battery
- Battery Life: –
- Average Charge Time: up to 48 hours