Review of smart watches ASUS ZenWatch 2



    In May of this year, the first smartwatch from ASUS - ZenWatch - was released . Not much time has passed, and now on the eve of the new, 2016, a new model, ASUS ZenWatch 2 (factory index WI502Q), came to our review.

    Specifications


    You need to clarify right away: there are two varieties of ZenWatch 2 watches: with factory indexes WI501Q (for men) and WI502Q (for women). They have a different case design, different straps, and also some characteristics differ. The review was model WI502Q, and in the list of its technical characteristics in parentheses will be the data for WI501Q. If nothing is specified, then these parameters are the same for both models.

    Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
    Operating system : Android Wear
    RAM : 512 MB RAM
    Data storage : 4 GB eMMC
    Display :
    AMOLED 1.45 "(1.63")
    280x280 (320x320)
    273 ppi (278 ppi)
    Sensors : 6- axial gyroscope and accelerometer
    Sound : built-in microphone
    Battery : 300 mAh (400 mAh)
    Features :
    Gorilla Glass 3 curved safety glass
    IP67 waterproof
    4.1 Bluetooth 4.1
    WiFi
    Dimensions : 45.2x37.2x10.4-11.9 (49.6 x 40 , 7 x 9.4 ~ 10.9) mm (L x W x H)
    Weight : 50 (60) g with a strap.

    Appearance


    Despite the “smartness”, the watch remains a watch - first of all it is an accessory, and already in the second - a watch and an electronic assistant. Therefore, for smart watches, the exterior is no less important than for “classic” ones.

    The watch comes in a small neat box.





    Like the first-generation model, ZenWatch 2 does not look like an electronic gadget at all. The case lines became even smoother, and in terms of design, the watch is more like a "classic" one. This similarity is further enhanced by the appearance of a small power button in the center of the right side. And on the left side is the microphone hole.







    The review was a copy of the watch with a leather strap in light beige color. In total, three options for finishing the case and nine types of straps are on sale.



    Despite positioning as a “female” model, this watch does not look out of place on a man’s hand at all.





    The first ZenWatch strap buckle was a rather sophisticated design. This time, the manufacturer chose a time-tested, familiar option.



    The watch comes with a USB cable for charging with a four-pin connector. In the first ZenWatch model, a special cradle came in the kit, in which the clock was invested, and the cradle itself was connected to a power source. Now everything is much simpler and more compact, the wiring is connected to the watch directly. The plug is equipped with fairly powerful magnets that do not allow you to connect the connector with the wrong side, and at the same time reliably hold the connection.







    At the same time, the manufacturer claims that ZenWatch 2 charges 36% faster than the first generation. At the same time, 50% of the charge is achieved in the first 36 minutes. I did not check this statement with a stopwatch, but it feels very similar to the truth.

    Display


    Both models - WI501Q and WI502Q - use AMOLED displays, covered with a curved protective glass Gorilla Glass 3 with an oleophobic coating. However, the WI501Q has a slightly larger display diagonal and a resolution of 1.63 '' and 320x320 versus 1.45 '' and 280x280. Moreover, the pixel density is almost the same. In fact, the WI501Q's display is similar to that used in the first generation ZenWatch. The brightness is enough to comfortably use the watch even in bright light.

    Software


    The watch is running the most popular operating system to date - Android Wear.



    When turned on for the first time, the watch was asked to connect a power source:





    One of the main features of smart watches is the ability to change the design of the dial. On Google Play, you can download dozens of various designs , which are exhaustively described in the ZenWatch review . And if you wish, you can create your own dial design from various components.







    For example, in the design presented below, the charging indicator is a tiny lightning bolt located above the number 12.



    A crossed-out cloud means that the watch is not yet paired with a smartphone:

    Interaction with the clock and many settings can be controlled through the ZenWatch Manager application:



    Thanks to the built-in gyroscope and accelerometer, ZenWatch 2 can be controlled not only “manually”, but also by gestures. For example, to wake up the device, you can either touch the display or sharply twist your wrist towards you. If you spin from yourself, then the following message opens in the notification ribbon.



    And if you cover the clock with your palm for a short time, then they will again fall asleep. With the same gesture, you can turn off the ringer or alarm on your phone.

    I must say that since the first ZenWatch, the operating system has changed little. All the same separate menu with some of the most popular functions:





    Settings menu:





    Settings for the joint work of the watch and smartphone:



    Applications and functions:











    In addition to the function of a personal assistant, the watch also serves as a fitness tracker. For example, the Google Fit application considers the steps you have taken:



    The Wellness application has the same functionality:



    And the third pedometer is the UP application:



    Please note that none of these applications offers a measure of the pulse - in ZenFone 2, developers abandoned the heartbeat sensor.

    For hours, you can control your voice over a wide range. First, you must say the spell the phrase "OK Google", after which the clock goes into standby mode of voice commands. With their help, you can launch applications, initiate calls, write SMS and notes, search for information on the network, etc.



    Duration of work


    The filling in ZenWatch 2 is the same as in the first generation watches. Even the battery capacity, according to some reports, is comparable to 300/400 mAh for ZenWatch 2 and 369 mAh for ZenWatch. This is a determining factor and a similar duration of ZenWatch: about a day. But they charge much faster.

    Conclusion


    We can say that ZenWatch 2 is an improved, brought to mind version of ZenWatch. The design has become even more stylish and “classic”, the strap got rid of the bulky clasp. Watches no longer try to compete with full-fledged fitness trackers, and rightly so - they are inappropriate for training or jogging, but this is not a sports model. ZenWatch 2 charges faster and without any cradles. And the variety of straps and cases is pleasantly pleasing, you can choose a combination for almost every taste. In general, this is a beautiful and high-quality watch that uses all the features of Android Wear, which is not embarrassing to wear at an evening party, an important meeting or presentation. At the same time, they will not look pretentious and gathering with friends.

    Recommended retail price: from 14 990 rubles.

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