Asus zenwatch review - Internet 2024

In this decade we are seeing the furor with smartphones and tablets, establishing its consecration in the final consumer. Now is the time when Smartwatches must take hold, Asus knows this and has launched its first smartwatch: the Asus ZenWatch with high-end features and a very daring design. After two weeks of use, we have drawn our own conclusions. Let's go there!

Technical characteristics

ASUS ZENWATCH
Dimensions and weight	51mm x 39.9mm x 7.9-9.4mm; 75 grams
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
Memory	512 MB
Storage	4GB
screen	AMOLED, 1.63 inches.
Resolution	320 x 320 pixels, 278 ppi
Connectivity	Bluetooth 4.0
Sensors	Accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, heart rate
Connection	Micro USB with proprietary adapter
Battery	360 mAh
Durability	IP55 waterproof
Compatibility	Android 4.3 or higher
Price	229 euros

Asus ZenWatch: Unboxing and first impressions

We find a PREMIUM presentation in a compact black box with an image of what we are going to find inside. On the sides we have all the technical characteristics of this gagdet. Once we open the box we find the following bundle:

Asus ZenWatch watch.Charger.USB cable and power adapter.

The design is very elegant, with a rectangular shaped dial and metallic edges with a rose gold hue that is quite pleasing to the eye. We have a leather / leather strap with a closure quite similar to that of a traditional watch, it allows us to adjust the watch to the size of our wrist. Its screen has dimensions of 1.63 inches and a resolution of 320 x 320 with AMOLED panel, a density of 300 dpi and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. During tests in broad daylight it was difficult to see all the content on the screen, the reason is because it does not automatically regulate the brightness.

We stand at the back of the ZenWatch. It is strange to find the power button in this position, to turn it on we must leave it pressed for a few seconds. We also visualized a sensor in charge to recharge the watch's battery (360 mAh).

Among its features we find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core Cortex A7 processor at a frequency of 1, 200 MHz and an Adreno 305 graphics card (GPU), obviously this chip will have no problem moving the Android Wear operating system along with the 512 MB of RAM. Although it is not very relevant, it has a storage capacity of up to 4 GB that is not expandable, we can always play with Google Drive and other file upload systems.

To establish synchronization with our smartphone we will use the traditional means, the Bluetooth 4.0 connection. A vital function to exploit all the possibilities of Zenwatch since, like most smartwatches, it does not have its own connectivity to the mobile network. It also has sensors intended to monitor physical activity such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass and a heart rate sensor that does not integrate in the back of the body, instead it is located on the front of the device (for its use you have to put two fingers on the screen frames). In addition to an integrated microphone that will allow us to give orders or record messages to instant messaging apps.

I did not like that it does not include the integrated GPS, on autonomy it is difficult to endure the day of use. Point in favor is the incorporation of IP55 waterproof and dirt resistant technology, be careful, this certificate does not allow us to submerge it in water. But yes, shower or wash your hands with it, although I do not recommend it if you decide to leave the standard leather strap.

software

Zenwatch informs the user of relevant information in real time and allows to carry out a number of tasks with a simple touch on the screen or a voice command ("Ok Google"). Furthermore, it offers full integration with the ASUS ZenUI interface as I have checked with the Asus Zenfone 2. It is also compatible with the What's Next and Do It Later applications.

We are obliged to mention the Remote Camera application, which allows viewing the viewfinder of the smartphone camera on the phone screen.

Final words and conclusion

It is our first contact with a smartwatch and the general feeling is that they are going in the right direction. It is very comfortable to view all the information on our wrist instead of taking our mobile phone out of our pocket.

Among its strongest points we find high-end design and finishes. With a leather strap that gives top-notch status, IP55 certification and top-notch hardware. The experiences with Android Wear and the ergonomics of wearing it are fantastic.

As I have commented in the analysis I would have liked the autonomy to be greater, we arrived at the day well, but if we forget to charge it… it does not arrive in the morning. It also does not incorporate GPS, although it seems that with the new Asus VivoWatch these two premises will be corrected.

In short, if you are looking for a classy smarwatch, a rectangular dial and fairly refined software. The Asus ZenWatch will be among your chosen ones. Its store price is around € 229. ADVANTAGE

	DISADVANTAGES
+ DESIGN AND FINISHES.	- NO GPS.
+ LEATHER STRAP.	- BATTERY DOES NOT LAST MUCH MORE THAN THE DAY.
+ INCORPORATES MICROPHONE.
+ FIRST CATEGORY HARDWARE.
+ IP55 CERTIFICATE.