OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

ASUS ZenWatch review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£180Screen size:1.63 inchBattery life:1 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

ASUS ZenWatch Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 61 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS ZenWatch
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

35%

5.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.2

Reviews score

10%

9.6

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 74% of smartwatches
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

24%

3.3

Health

21%

7.3

Fitness

16%

4.7

Battery

14%

7.8

Smart features

12%

3.1

Connectivity

9%

6.7

Display & Design

4%

2.8

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 79%
5.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models

5.2

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.6

Average grade

20%

9.2

Popularity

Grades by review (61)
39 reviews + 22 videos, average 7.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 87%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the ASUS ZenWatch

Based on 10 · 10

Reviewers adore the elegant design and comfortable strap, but complain about short battery life and buggy software.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the ASUS ZenWatch

Based on 74 owners sharing their experience in online comments

66%positive10%mixed24%negative

Owners mostly praise its stylish design and battery life, while the bulky bezels and clunky software draw the clearest complaints.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners call the watch ugly, pointing to its brown-orange color, and find other watches more attractive.4
  • Owners find the menus clunky, with small app icons and many swipes that often do not register, and say most apps are useless.4
  • Owners say the bezels around the screen are huge and take up space, and some ask what they are for.3
  • Owners report the watch disconnects from the phone often, sometimes stays offline after pairing, which stops Ok Google from working.3
  • Owners say the buckle where the band attaches keeps breaking, and the band stays stiff and does not soften over time.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch ASUS ZenWatch

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

24%

3.3

Health

21%

7.3

Fitness

16%

4.7

Battery

14%

7.8

Smart features

12%

3.1

Connectivity

9%

6.7

Display & Design

4%

2.8

Hardware

5.2
Reviews score
5.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.3
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
no
This smartwatch does not support HRV tracking. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
1 day
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 1 day on a charge, which is shorter than 88.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 8.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
18 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 18 h on a charge, which is shorter than 53.8% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
365 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 365 mAh battery, which is larger than 65.7% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Wear OS
This smartwatch runs Wear OS, which is more advanced than the system in 80.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 15.8% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 46.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 53.9% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 30.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 59.8% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
Screen size
1.63 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.63 inch screen, which is larger than 77.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
320x 320
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 320x320 which is lower than that of 59.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.4% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
278 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 278 ppi, which is lower than 72.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.6% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1.2 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1.2 GHz which is faster than that in 61% of smartwatches and equal to that in 4.6% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Snapdragon 400
This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon 400 processor model.
RAM
0.5 GB
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 0.5 GB of RAM, which is less than 71.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 22.7% of Smartwatches.
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 25.5% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

ASUS ZenWatch vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Fingertip sensor
    This smartwatch includes a fingertip sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 0.8% of smartwatches include a fingertip sensor.
    Front-bezel biosensor supports finger-contact measurements.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Supported through Wear OS or third-party apps.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 2.3 mm slimmer
    This smartwatch is slimmer than the average smartwatch (9.4 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    9.4 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 0.23 inch larger display
    This smartwatch has a larger screen than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.63 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 28.0% higher sentiment score
    9.6 vs 7.5
  • 28.0% higher sentiment score
    9.6 vs 7.5
  • Fingertip sensor
    This smartwatch includes a fingertip sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 0.8% of smartwatches include a fingertip sensor.
    Front-bezel biosensor supports finger-contact measurements.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Supported through Wear OS or third-party apps.
  • 60 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery than the average smartwatch (365 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
    365 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 2.3 mm slimmer
    This smartwatch is slimmer than the average smartwatch (9.4 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    9.4 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 0.23 inch larger display
    This smartwatch has a larger screen than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.63 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather vs silicone
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • 49 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1 m vs 50 m
  • 25.7% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models

    5.2

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (61)
    39 reviews + 22 videos, average 7.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.2 vs 7.0
  • 25.7% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models

    5.2

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (61)
    39 reviews + 22 videos, average 7.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.2 vs 7.0
  • 6.1% worse value for money
    ASUS ZenWatch has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.31 vs 7.8).
    7.31 vs 7.76
  • 63.6% more expensive
    ASUS ZenWatch is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£180 vs £110).
    £180 vs £110
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 66.8% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No smart scale support
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • 7 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2014 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    November 2014
    2014 vs 2021
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 77% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 62.6% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 76.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • No route support
    This smartwatch does not support route support, the average smartwatch does. 54.4% of smartwatches support route support.
  • 6 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (1 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 49 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1 m vs 50 m
  • Weaker ingress protection
    This smartwatch has weaker ingress protection than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).
    IP67 vs IP68
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 30 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (75 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    Weight refers to watch case without strap/band.
    75 g vs 45 g
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 6 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (51 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    51 mm vs 45 mm
  • 48 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (278 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    278 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 10 °C lower heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a lower temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45 °C.
    35 °C vs 45 °C
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 320x320, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    320x320 vs 360x360
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 50% less RAM
    This smartwatch has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.5 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM.
    0.5 GB vs 1 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
underKG
≈ estimated
03/02/2015
Quick review · daily use and battery test
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is comfortable and good-looking, but its battery life is short and the software is glitchy.
8.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
12/01/2015
Hands-on review · display, heart rate and app tests
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is a good-looking, comfortable Android Wear watch, but the heart rate needs tuning and it's pricey.
8.0
TechEdit
≈ estimated
23/12/2014
Hands-on review · box contents, app and comparison
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is thicker than hoped, but elegant enough to consider for buyers who want a stylish smartwatch.
9.0
DetroitBORG
≈ estimated
27/11/2014
Unboxing and hands-on review · design, camera and battery tests
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch has a stylish curved design and a day-and-a-half battery, but it is weak outdoors and only splash resistant.
8.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
27/11/2014
Hands-on review · design, display and battery tests
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is a stylish, affordable Android Wear option with visibility and battery drawbacks, but a good pick if you want Android Wear now.
9.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
20/11/2014
Hands-on review · design, features, battery and price
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is an elegant, premium-feeling Android Wear watch and a serious competitor at its price.
4.0
MakeUseOf
≈ estimated
24/06/2015
Short hands-on review · features and heart rate
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is mostly a stylish Android Wear watch, but there is little reason to buy it over the Sony SmartWatch 3.
7.0
Tech Advisor
✓ explicit
07/04/2015
Short hands-on review · design, touchscreen and battery
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is not the most impressive smartwatch, but it is stylish, with decent battery life and enough sensors.
8.0
SourceForge
≈ estimated
02/04/2015
Hands-on review · pros and cons
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is not perfect, but it is a solid budget Android Wear pick, especially if design matters more than features.
7.0
SourceForge
≈ estimated
20/03/2015
Unboxing and first impressions · Android Wear setup
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is well built and affordable for Android Wear, but the missing ambient light sensor is a clear drawback.
6.0
Jon Rettinger
≈ estimated
15/03/2015
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch has an attractive strap and design, but its large bezels around the screen are a clear drawback.
9.0
Unbox Science
≈ estimated
15/11/2014
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch is a solid, premium-feeling watch that looks very good on the wrist, according to first impressions.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
03/09/2014
Hands-on review · Design and software
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch is a stylish watch with a strong screen and good battery life, but Android Wear's clunky, buttonless controls hold it back.
9.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
27/03/2015
Hands-on review · Comfort and battery
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch is comfortable, good-looking and easy to read, but its battery needs charging at least every two days.
7.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
07/04/2015
Hands-on review · Moto 360 comparison
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch is a good-looking, slim watch with decent battery life, but its hard-to-see screen and buttonless controls make it awkward.
7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
20/06/2016
Hands-on review · Stylish smartwatch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch is a stylish, well-built Android Wear watch for basic use, but its pixelated screen and lack of a light sensor hold it back.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
18/12/2014
Hands-on review · Design and screen
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch is a sleek, responsive Android Wear watch with a bright, clear screen, best suited to people happy to charge it nightly.
9.0
androidcentral.com
≈ estimated
29/04/2019
Month-long review · Square smartwatch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch is an attractive first-generation watch with the best-looking square design so far, though its screen and bezel hold it back.
7.9
theverge.com
✓ explicit
10/12/2014
Hands-on test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch looks like a real watch and is comfortable to wear, but its step and heart-rate readings are erratic and it needs nightly charging.
7.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
09/01/2015
Quick review · Design and battery
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch looks like a proper watch, with a bright screen and water resistance, but its battery barely lasts a day and needs a clip-on dock.
8.0
notebookcheck.net
≈ estimated
22/01/2015
Lab test · Smartwatch features
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch is a well-made, good-looking Android Wear watch with useful camera and PowerPoint remotes, but it is hard to read in sunlight.
3.4
gadgetguy.com.au
✓ explicit
03/06/2015
Hands-on review · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch has plenty of stylish watch faces and a classic look, but frequent crashes and a battery that lasts one day make it hard to rely on.
8.0
mobiletechreview.com
≈ estimated
15/01/2015
Hands-on review · Everyday wear
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch looks like a real watch and keeps a stable Bluetooth link, but it has no WiFi and a weak vibration motor.
8.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
13/05/2015
Hands-on test · Premium smartwatch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch feels premium and lasts almost 20 hours in a heavy test, though it needs its own charging cradle.
9.0
heise.de
≈ estimated
12/12/2014
Hands-on test · Style-focused smartwatch
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch is a beautifully made, handsome Android Wear watch, but its thick screen frame and battery that lasts about one working day hold it back.
7.0
computerbase.de
≈ estimated
12/12/2014
Lab test · Design and display
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch has a premium steel look and an excellent screen, but its oversized case and IP55 rating limit who it suits.
8.0
futurezone.at
≈ estimated
24/02/2015
Hands-on test · Compact metal watch
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch is a discreet metal watch with a full day's battery and handy camera remote, but its thick bezel and awkward button hold it back.
8.0
notebookcheck.com
≈ estimated
12/01/2015
Lab test · Smartwatch features
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch is a good-looking Android Wear watch with handy camera and PowerPoint remotes, but it struggles in sunlight and needs nightly charging.
7.0
spiegel.de
≈ estimated
02/01/2015
Hands-on test · Design and features
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch looks like a real watch with a soft leather strap, but its battery rarely lasts beyond 12 hours, so charge it nightly.
8.0
nextpit.de
≈ estimated
21/07/2015
Hands-on test · Elegant smartwatch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch has an elegant design that works both dressed up and casual, but its ZenUI software is still a little unstable.
8.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2023
Hands-on test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch is a stylish Android Wear watch with a well-finished case, but it's uncomfortable on small wrists and barely lasts a day.
5.0
quechoisir.org
≈ estimated
01/01/2015
Consumer test · Fitness watch
Verdict
The Asus ZenWatch looks classy with its leather strap, but its heart-rate reading and step counter are not reliable enough for fitness use.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS ZenWatch

  • Elegant and premium design that looks more like a traditional watch than a gadget
  • Competitive pricing, often being one of the more affordable Android Wear options
  • Comfortable to wear with high-quality leather straps
  • Bright and crisp AMOLED displays across most models
  • Reliable voice recognition for 'OK Google' commands
  • Quick-release pins on straps allow for easy customisation with standard 22mm bands (on most models)

What customers don't like about ASUS ZenWatch

  • Battery life typically requires daily charging, especially with the 'Always On' display enabled
  • Heart rate monitoring is often described as inaccurate or awkward to use
  • Lack of an ambient light sensor in earlier models makes the screen hard to read in bright sunlight without manual adjustment
  • Proprietary charging cradles are required; losing one makes the watch unchargeable
  • Sluggish performance reported following updates to newer versions of Android Wear (now Wear OS)
  • Limited fitness features compared to dedicated trackers, often lacking GPS or continuous tracking

Verdict

The original ASUS ZenWatch is a stylish Android Wear-powered smartwatch featuring a 1.63-inch AMOLED display (320x320 resolution) protected by curved Gorilla Glass 3. It is built with a premium stainless steel frame and a 22mm genuine leather strap, powered by a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. Its main pros include a slim, elegant design that mimics a traditional watch and a bright, vibrant screen with deep blacks. However, it suffers from a low IP55 water-resistance rating, lack of an ambient light sensor for auto-brightness, and an awkward heart rate sensor located on the bezel rather than the back.

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