Asus is stepping up when it comes to the smartwatch industry. The Taiwanese tech company’s latest release, the Asus ZenWatch 2, has impressed many users when it made it to the retail markets last month.
The latest wrist device outperforms and outdoes its predecessor, the Asus ZenWatch, in so many ways, reports claim. And the best thing about it is that it proves itself a tough match against the Samsung Gear S2 and the Apple Watch.
Reports say that Google Play Store quickly ran out of stock of the latest smart wearable just days after its launch. As per Latin Post, many interested buyers who wanted to get their hands on the smartwatch were not fortunate to get one because supply on the Google Play Store was immediately exhausted.
According to Stuff, the Asus ZenWatch 2 has vastly improved from its predecessor in terms of its impressive hardware. The device is available in two sizes, namely, the 1.45-inch Wren and the 1.63-inch Sparrow. Simply put, the former is aptly designed for women while the latter is for men.
Both variants come housed in a casing with a khaki or leather strap. Customization comes from the three stainless-steel colors for the body such as Gunmetal, Silver, and Rose Gold, along with 18 colors and material combos for the straps, Tech Times reports.
The catch here is the smartwatches cost at $129 and $149 depending on what strap users want, a far cry from Samsung Gear S2 and Apple Watch which are priced at about $400-$1000. An additional strap for the Asus ZenWatch 2 cost $39.
It’s also important to note that the current price for the Asus ZenWatch 2 is lower than when the first model of the device came out last year. The Asus ZenWatch debuted with a price tag of $199.
Aesthetically, the latest smartwatch did not sway from the design of the Asus ZenWatch, having retained its square-shaped face with curved corners and sporting a wide bezel.
Just like its predecessor, the Asus ZenWatch 2 still sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. Reports say that the Taiwanese tech company opted to retain the original specifications so that it can keep the price of the device low.
Asus’ latest innovation is equipped with a durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 AMOLED display. Pixel density for the device is at 273 ppi. It’s also IP67 water-resistant and has an IP6 rating, which means it’s dust-proof as well.
Realty Today notes that the Asus ZenWatch 2 now has a six-axis gyro meter accelerometer instead of the nine-axis of the Asua ZenWatch. The gear is also lighter by 15 kilograms compared to its predecessor.
When it comes to power, the Asus ZenWatch 2 is powered by a 300 mAH battery. The smartwatch has been rated with a two-day battery life.
Charging the device is done through a magnetic connector that latches on easily to the watch. Reviews claim that charging takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
The smartwatch comes with a list of apps and software features ready to assist its user. One great feature is the FaceDesigner app that lets users create unique watch face. There is also a Remote Camera function which turns the watch screen into a viewfinder for the smartphone’s camera.
The Wellness app is also a great feature, especially for the sporty ones. It contains fitness tracking as well as a built-in pedometer and other activity sensors. Business-wise, the Do It Later app makes the watch more than just a simple notification accessory.
Asus has leveled up user experience by making the latest smartwatch compatible with Android and iOS handsets. Reviews say that once paired with an Asus smartphone, users will discover a deeper integration with the Zen UI. The seamless communications make the interaction between the Asus ZenWatch 2 wearers easy and enjoyable.
As great a device as the Asus ZenWatch 2 is, it still has its shortcomings and downsides. Phone Arena comments that the removal of the heat sensor from its predecessor model should not have been done.