Asus Zenwatch & Asus Zenfone 2: an ecosystem for everyone

Equipment

Let's start our review of Asus ZenWatch 2 with components. The device is packaged in a dark blue rectangular cardboard box. Inside, the watch itself is tightly fixed on a cardboard holder. This gives you confidence that even if the box falls, it will not be damaged. Under the holder, in the internal compartment, there is a cable with a magnetic connector, a power supply, and documentation.

Early verdict

Asus is arguably sitting on the best smartwatch on the market. ZenWatch 2 has almost the same hardware as the Moto 360 (2015), but is much more affordable. Although the design of the Taiwanese manufacturer's smartphone leaves some disappointment, the ZenWatch 2 manages to keep the price low without sacrificing its elegant appearance.

Based on my first impressions, I'd say that if you're planning to enter the world of wearables, the Asus ZenWatch 2 might be the best place to start.

Do you think the ZenWatch 2 could be the best choice for an Android smartwatch? Let us know in the comments below.

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Design and ergonomics

The Asus ZenWatch - 2 smart watch is available in two versions: a rougher, men's version is called WI501Q and has a diagonal of 1.63 inches, and the women's version, WI502Q, has a 1.45-inch screen. The thickness and dimensions of the models turned out to be different, as well as the design. The smaller version is 1.5 mm thinner, it will look on a thin and elegant female hand, while the male version is designed for a wide wrist.

The case in both cases is made of stainless metal, available in 3 colors. The module is rectangular in shape, but the area where information is displayed is square. The back side is made of plastic, well screwed with 4 bolts, and there are contacts for connecting the charger.

The smartwatch strap is made of genuine leather, silicone, or metal, depending on the model, can be easily removed and changed if necessary. Wearing it does not cause any inconvenience, the device is lightweight, you do not need to take it off when it rains or when you need to wash your hands. The IP7 standard provides reliable protection from dust and splashes, but deep dives are undesirable.

Test and review: ASUS ZenWatch 2

Sleek and high-quality, but with compromises on battery life and fitness features: this is the impression we had of the first generation ZenWatch after testing it in late 2014. Now the second generation has entered the market. Interestingly, ZenWatch 2 has undergone significant changes, which you will learn about in our review.

But they concern the hardware filling to a lesser extent. In many ways, both models, the compact WI502Q and the larger WI501Q, are identical to the first ZenWatch (WI500Q). Let's say the watch uses the previous 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC, the RAM capacity is 512 MB, and 4 GB of flash memory is available for the OS, applications and music. And the display is again implemented with an AMOLED panel.

ZenWatch 2 is available in two sizes, they differ in battery life

The changes are in the details. ZenWatch 2 supports WLAN (802.11g), and new batteries are also installed. The first generation had a capacity of 369 mAh, now we get 300 or 400 mAh (WI502Q / WI501Q). In addition, Bluetooth protocol support has been increased from version 4.0 to 4.1. This allows us to hope for increased battery life due to lower power consumption. Unfortunately, there is no GPS receiver or additional sensors; ASUS installed only an accelerometer.

Adherents of the first ZenWatch will have to give up the heart rate sensor. It was integrated into the frame, leading to inaccurate results. ASUS refused not only this solution, but also any heart rate sensor at all. But there is a speaker again - although Android Wear does not yet support it.

Dark displays

The larger ZenWatch 2 has an unchanged display. The 1.63-inch AMOLED panel has a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. The “junior” model is content with 280 x 280 pixels on a 1.45-inch screen with a density of 273 ppi, which is almost identical to the “senior” watch model (WI501Q: 278 ppi). Both displays pleased us with excellent saturation and contrast, which cannot be said about brightness and color temperature.

Both displays are too dark, what's worse is that the panel is glossy

For the large ZenWatch 2 watch, we got a maximum brightness of 287 cd/m² and a color temperature of about 7,250 K, for the “junior” watch - 261 cd/m² and almost 7,100 K. So it will be very difficult to work with the screen in bright lighting conditions, not to mention about sunlight, when glare on a glossy panel also gets in the way. It is better to choose a dial with good readability. Both watch models produce a color rendering with a noticeable blue tint. Also disappointing was the poor screen-to-bezel ratio. In both watch models, less than half of the panel area is allocated for the screen. You have to put up with quite large frames on all sides.

Good body again

High quality workmanship has been carried over from the original ZenWatch. The transitions between components were made carefully, and we did not find any uneven gaps. The “crown” on the right panel is fitted very neatly. But her work is annoying at first. The fact is that only the inner area of ​​the button is activated; due to its curved shape, large ZenWatch 2 will take some getting used to. In the case of the “younger” ZenWatch 2 model, everything is simpler, since the surface is flat. The upper part of the case of both models is made of stainless steel, the lower part is plastic. You can buy the watch in three colors, but this only applies to the steel part of the case. Thanks to IP certification (IP67), the watch is protected from moisture and dust.

Familiar design, new details: “crown” makes the watch easier to operate

With dimensions of 45.2 x 37.2 x 11.8 mm or 49.6 x 40.7 x 10.9 mm, the difference between the two versions of ZenWatch 2 is noticeable. If we compare the first and second (large) versions of ZenWatch, the difference in size is striking, despite the identical display. The first generation had a longer body, but slightly narrower and thinner. But in terms of weight, ASUS has noticeably moved forward. Instead of 75 grams with the bracelet, we got only 59 grams (WI502Q: 49 g).

Stainless steel at the front, plastic at the back: in terms of materials, the second generation is similar to the first

Depending on the included straps, impressions vary. In the case of the large ZenWatch 2, the leather strap remained very stiff and uncomfortable; nothing changed during the test period of more than a week. For the “younger” model ZenWatch 2, everything turned out differently. The leather quickly became soft, although the strap here has a slightly different shade and texture. In both cases, you can install alternative bracelets (18 and 22 mm).

A gadget for everyday use, but not for sports

Like the previously tested Moto 360 2nd Gen or Huawei Watch, the ZenWatch 2 comes with the latest version of Android Wear. It not only added synchronization via WLAN and work with iOS (still very limited), but also the Together function. It allows you to link a SmartWatch to another person’s watch, after which you can exchange current status, photos or emoji. Working with the interface is similar to other watches on Android Wear; we’ll look at it a little lower.

The ZenWatch 2 has become a classic accessory, and not only because of the lack of a heart rate sensor

The bottom line is this: compared to the previous version, Android Wear performs much better, although the operating system still does not reach the convenience of the Gear S2 or Apple Watch. In particular, confusing navigation in everyday work is annoying. However, ZenWatch 2 is still easier to use than its predecessor. For quick access to the watch face or to applications, you can dispense with the “crown” with an integrated button.

There are other improvements to ZenWatch. Note the improved step counting; a large error was one of the shortcomings of its predecessor. Although the accuracy is still inferior to (semi-)professional accessories, we saw a noticeable improvement. Since there is no heart rate sensor, SmartWatches are not suitable for recording fitness data.

Charging via magnetic plug

But the missing heart rate sensor has an advantage: it was quite power-hungry, so now the battery lasts longer. With moderate use of the watch (medium brightness level, the display is not constantly active), we got about 52 and 46 hours (WI501Q / WI502Q). If the display is constantly active, the battery life is reduced by twelve and nine hours. With maximum brightness you will have to subtract about ten more hours. If you use the watch intensively all day, by evening the charge level will be from 25 to 30%. Compared to the first generation of ASUS watches, we have received a serious improvement.

ASUS also changed the charging principle. If in the first generation of SmartWatch a small dock was connected to the watch from below, now it is replaced by a plug with a magnetic fastening. This solution is more convenient, albeit less elegant. Take a look at the Moto 360 2nd Gen wireless charging dock, for example.

Conclusion

The first ZenWatch we tested almost a year ago was more of a concept model than a finished gadget. The appearance was pleasant, the quality of the case was not satisfactory, and the dials were also beautiful. However, behind the beautiful shell there was a rather “raw” filling. With the second generation everything looks much better. ASUS hasn't abandoned the basic design, which is good. There are some changes in details, the watch can be given an elegant or more youthful look - if you choose the right case color and strap.

With ZenWatch 2, ASUS is moving in the right direction

But the changes are not perceived unambiguously. ASUS has revised the hardware of the watch, limiting its scope of application. Many users expect a smartwatch to support health and fitness features, but the ZenWatch 2 lacks a heart rate sensor. Otherwise, the watch is similar to other Android Wear models, so there isn't much room for differentiation. The good build quality of the ZenWatch 2 is shared by other manufacturers, and the same can be said about the elegant design. We also see improvements in battery life compared to last year in other new smartwatch models.

Since ASUS cannot offer anything unique, you begin to find fault with minor shortcomings. The bezel around the display on the front panel is too wide, the body is too large and the leather strap is too hard (in both cases, WI501Q). Maybe it's worth removing ZenWatch 2 from your wish list? Not at all.

Technically, smartwatches are not perfect, but ZenWatch 2 provides a good price/quality ratio.

ASUS decided to win at a price. For a smartwatch in Europe you will only have to pay 149 or 169 euros (small and large model, respectively). The price is significantly lower than the first generation (about 200 euros), as well as almost all Android Wear competitors. Only LG G Watch is cheaper - about 6.4 thousand rubles or 80 euros. For Sony SmartWatch 3 and Motorola Moto 360 you will have to pay 11.5 thousand rubles or 13.3 thousand rubles (140 euros); other models, such as Watch Urbane or Moto 360 2nd Gen, are even more expensive. In Russia, at the time of publication, we found only the “older” model ZenWatch 2 at a price of 20 thousand rubles. But watches have just begun to appear on our market, so the price should drop to the European level.

As a result, the ZenWatch 2 is the first Android Wear watch to receive our recommendation - but only for its price/performance ratio. If you are not ready to spend a large sum on a SmartWatch, then ASUS models are worth a closer look.

Update

ASUS ZenWatch 2 is expected to arrive on the Russian market in December. The first to go on sale will be models with a 1.63-inch display (WI501Q) at the following prices: 14,990 rubles – with a gray-brown rubber strap, 15,990 rubles – with a dark blue leather strap.

Advantages of ASUS ZenWatch 2:

• Alternative bracelets can be used
• Battery life is slightly above average
• High quality workmanship

Disadvantages of ASUS ZenWatch 2:

• No heart rate sensor
• Display too dark

Synchronization with smartphone and functionality

Connection to Asus Zenwatch 2 can be made by a smartphone based on Android version 4.3 or higher, or an iPhone. When working with an iPhone, the functionality of the watch is not yet fully revealed; you cannot install additional applications. A set of dials, receiving calls and notifications is available.

To get started, download the Android Wear application, from which you can change the settings of your Asus watch, download watch faces, install games and programs.

Control:

1. Swiping from bottom to top reveals information about the user's latest actions. Here you can view the weather, recently sent files or open alerts.
2. Swiping from top to bottom loads the zenwatch watch parameters. This is the brightness setting, notifications, sound.
3. By swiping from right to left, you can open a list of saved phone numbers. There will also be shortcuts to installed applications.

Now about the functions. The gadget allows you to pick up the phone on your smartphone when you receive an incoming call. If you receive an SMS or notification, you can read it directly on the watch screen without taking out your phone. The built-in assistant allows you to reply to a message with voice input, and also performs spoken actions. For example, saying “set the alarm for 8 o’clock” will immediately be put into action. There is a reminder about physical inactivity for a long time.

Installing Google Fit will help you track some health indicators, such as the number of calories burned, duration and quality of sleep, mileage traveled, and others.

"Smart" companion

The ASUS ZenWatch 2 smart watch uses the latest version of the Android Wear operating system and supports Android or iOS smartphones. The watch display displays information about incoming calls and messages, various notifications and other information that can be viewed without removing the smartphone from your pocket or bag. The overall functionality of the watch has been significantly expanded with new applications implemented in the ASUS ZenUI user interface, such as Business Helper, FoneHelper, Remote Camera and ZenWatch Message.

When paired with an ASUS smartphone running ASUS ZenUI, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 offers optimized versions of apps like What's Next and Do It Later. The What's Next app is a smart organizer that shows you the next important thing or event, as well as the weather forecast. The Do It Later app provides reminders for new emails, missed text messages, and missed calls, so you can focus on your main activity without being distracted by unimportant tasks.

“Business Helper” is a convenient and simple application for solving practical problems: checking the agenda, managing email, viewing the call manager. The new version of the FoneHelper application provides quick access to smartphone functions such as settings (Quick Settings), quick mute of an incoming call (Cover to Mute), unlocking a mobile device without entering a password (Unlock My Phone) and a warning that you have forgotten your phone (Forgot Phone Warning).

Thanks to the Remote Camera feature, which duplicates the image from your smartphone's viewfinder on the ZenWatch 2 watch screen, you can easily take a good photo even in an awkward position, for example, during a concert or other public event when you have to hold your phone above the crowd. In addition, the application allows you to easily take a group selfie, switch between the front and rear cameras, compose the frame and be in it at the same time, and also control the shutter button.

The ZenWatch Message application helps ZenWatch 2 owners communicate with each other without using a smartphone: send messages, emoticons and drawings.

In addition to software improvements, ZenWatch 2 also has hardware improvements. The watch boasts an extended battery life of up to two days. The new power adapter reduces the charging time of their battery by 35% and allows you to charge the watch by 50% in just 36 minutes. This capacity is enough for a whole day of watch use.

"Filling"

The work is provided by a 4-core processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz, it is complemented by 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory.

The signal of a call or notification is vibration. It is impossible to miss it; the built-in vibration motor is quite strong. The built-in microphone is sensitive, the personal assistant recognizes speech well, but if a person is on the street, due to extraneous noise, you need to bring the watch closer to your lips and speak louder.

The accelerometer and gyroscope activate the backlight when you move your hand. This is convenient if you need to check the time in the dark and your hands are full. However, when writing, such a function will be distracting, and while driving it can create an emergency situation.

About the speed of work. The response to touch is immediate, without delay, you can even play games. The only thing is that you can only close applications from your smartphone, so if you open several of them on the watch, they will slow down.

Autonomous operation

The men's and women's versions of the watch have different battery capacities, in the first case it is set at 400 mAh, and in the second - 300 mAh. Despite this, the battery life of the devices is approximately the same. Of course, the indicator will depend on the frequency of use and the installed parameters. With automatic display backlighting and 20 notifications, the device can withstand a day without recharging. If used less frequently, you can expect 1.5-2 days from the watch.

The Asus Zenwatch is fully charged in 1.5 hours, using a special Asus connector.

conclusions

Although the manufacturer tried to improve the first generation device, the inconvenient margins around the screen remained. The same can be said about system speed and battery life - these factors have remained unchanged, although they may well compete with other devices from other companies.

Among the positive aspects of asus zenwatch 2:

• ease of use;
• high-quality assembly;
• IP67 standard protection;
• presence of a button;
• Possibility to choose from 2 designs.

Among the negative things, the owners noted the wide margins around the display and the unstable operation of the software when opening several games or applications. Also, the silicone strap in the men's version of the watch is hard and rubs your hand. It is also noted that a heart rate monitor is missing from a full-fledged fitness bracelet.