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 2 review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£130Screen size:?Battery life:2 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

ASUS ZenWatch 2 Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 80 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS ZenWatch 2
7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

35%

5.3

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.2

Reviews score

10%

9.5

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 54% of smartwatches
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 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–² Better than 56% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 56%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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 78% of models
Score components

24%

2.0

Health

21%

6.3

Fitness

16%

5.7

Battery

14%

7.8

Smart features

12%

4.8

Connectivity

9%

7.2

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 78%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 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–² Better than 66% of models

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

9.5

Popularity

Grades by review (80)
40 reviews + 40 videos, average 7.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 66%
?

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 2

Based on 10 · 13

Apps, watch faces and battery life earn praise, but reviewers widely criticise the dim screen and weak fitness tracking.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the ASUS ZenWatch 2

Based on 132 owners sharing their experience in online comments

50%positive20%mixed30%negative

Owners value its useful features and affordable price, though weak battery life and connection problems frustrate many.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners say the software feels slow or unstable, with laggy touch, sluggish performance, and occasional crashes; a Wear 2.0 update can take a long time to install.10
  • Some owners say battery lasts only about a day or a day and a half, and it drains faster after the Wear 2.0 update.9
  • Owners on Android and iPhone report the watch repeatedly losing connection to the phone, sometimes within a few steps of distance or after months of use.8
  • Some owners say contact sync fails, texting and calls do not work, and some features stop when apps are removed from the phone.6
  • Some owners say the step counter misses steps or over-counts, including counting steps while sitting at a desk.5
  • Owners say the included leather band is stiff, and the metal clasp sits off center and digs into the wrist; some switch to a metal or silicone band.5
  • Owners say the bezel is large and the case looks bulky, especially on a slim wrist.4
  • Some owners report a touchscreen that stops responding or goes fully black, and one reports screen burn-in with a red line.4
  • Some owners say notifications arrive late by several seconds or do not arrive at all.3
  • Some iPhone owners say the watch wouldn't stay connected, the Android Wear app did not pair properly, and notifications work but apps and watch faces are missing.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch ASUS ZenWatch 2

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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 78% of models
Score components:

24%

2.0

Health

21%

6.3

Fitness

16%

5.7

Battery

14%

7.8

Smart features

12%

4.8

Connectivity

9%

7.2

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

5.3
Reviews score
8.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 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–² Better than 56% of models
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.9
Heart rate monitor
no
This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor. 90.7% 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
2 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 2 days on a charge, which is shorter than 81.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.4% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
400 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 400 mAh battery, which is larger than 70.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.5% 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.
OS detail: Wear OS (2).
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
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
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
?
Pixel density
?
Display brightness
302 nits
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch has a screen brightness of 302 nits, which is lower than 98% of Smartwatches.
Lab-measured brightness figure.
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
What reviewers say

ASUS ZenWatch 2 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).
    OS detail: Wear OS (2).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 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
  • 17.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 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–² Better than 66% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    9.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (80)
    40 reviews + 40 videos, average 7.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.0
  • 26.7% higher sentiment score
    9.5 vs 7.5
  • 95 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery than the average smartwatch (400 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
    400 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • 17.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 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–² Better than 66% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    9.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (80)
    40 reviews + 40 videos, average 7.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 7.0
  • 26.7% higher sentiment score
    9.5 vs 7.5
  • 95 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery than the average smartwatch (400 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
    400 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 0.8 mm slimmer
    This smartwatch is slimmer than the average smartwatch (10.9 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    10.9 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Wear OS (2).
    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 multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • 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 heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • 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.
  • 6 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2015 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2015
    2015 vs 2021
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 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 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.
  • 87 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (3 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    3 vs 90
  • No live tracking
    This smartwatch does not support live tracking, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches support live tracking.
  • 5 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (2 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    2 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
  • 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.
  • 448 nits dimmer screen
    This smartwatch has a dimmer screen than the average smartwatch (302 nits vs 750 nits). The average smartwatch peaks at 750 nits.
    Lab-measured brightness figure.
    302 nits vs 750 nits
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 4.6 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (49.6 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    49.6 mm vs 45 mm
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 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

9.0
Galaxy Tech Review
≈ estimated
02/08/2017
Hands-on review · Google Assistant, navigation and settings tour
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a capable smartwatch with a great overall experience, recommended at its refurbished price.
8.0
Inspire2Rise
≈ estimated
31/07/2016
Unboxing and hands-on review · battery, music and app tests
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a decent budget smartwatch with good battery life, but the lack of calling and a speaker is a major drawback.
8.0
Saiyan From Area 51
≈ estimated
10/07/2016
Hands-on review · speakers, voice and gesture tests
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 is an elegant, well-priced Android Wear watch with loud speakers and a good display, though not exceptional.
10
wwjoshdew
✓ explicit
08/07/2016
Long-term test · several months of daily use
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 has every feature I'd want for its price range, and I definitely recommend it.
9.0
TMG Josh
≈ estimated
04/04/2016
Long-term test · daily use for a couple of months
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 offers great value for money and does everything needed for daily use, especially with its strong battery.
10
TechteamGB
✓ explicit
18/03/2016
Hands-on review · daily use and navigation
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 offers great value and is a very good watch, clearly recommended for Android users wanting a smartwatch.
9.0
Dr Earbuds
≈ estimated
11/03/2016
Battery test · full day of use with screen on
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 has strong battery life even with the screen on, and its looks make it worth buying.
8.0
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
≈ estimated
23/12/2015
Hands-on review · three weeks of daily use
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 is great value for Android Wear fans, especially those with smaller wrists, though men may want to try it first.
7.0
RRooooooNNNN
≈ estimated
12/12/2015
Hands-on review · one month of daily use
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a decent little smartwatch for the price, but it needs a factory reset and has charging and strap issues.
8.0
Dr Earbuds
≈ estimated
24/11/2015
Hands-on review · screen brightness and battery tests
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 is recommended for its good looks and build, though the dim screen and short battery are weak points.
9.5
UBeeNStryKeD
≈ estimated
22/11/2015
Long-term test · five weeks of daily use
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 is strongly recommended as a reliable, long-lasting Android Wear watch worth buying at its price.
8.0
Linus Tech Tips
≈ estimated
17/11/2015
Hands-on review · trial period and daily use
Verdict
ASUS ZenWatch 2 is not perfect, but a good-looking, well-built wearable worth buying if you can put up with its glitches.
More graded video reviews (21)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
20/06/2016
Hands-on review · Compact smartwatch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 isn't the best smartwatch, but it's comfortable, comes in two sizes including one for smaller wrists, and its screen is sharp but small.
6.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
18/11/2015
Full review · Battery and design
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a light watch with a two-day battery, but its large bezel and reflective screen hold it back, and Android Wear feels cumbersome.
8.0
notebookcheck.net
≈ estimated
20/06/2016
Lab test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a sturdy Android Wear watch that makes calls from the wrist, but it skips the heart-rate monitor and light sensor.
7.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
13/11/2015
Hands-on review · Watch faces and apps
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a water-resistant Android Wear watch whose FaceDesigner app stands out, but its bulky 1.63-inch case and busy Manager app are drawbacks.
8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
07/03/2016
Hands-on review · Gesture control
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a sleek upgrade with smoother scrolling and wrist-flick notifications, but it lacks a heart rate monitor and lasts only about a day of heavy use.
7.0
computing.co.uk
≈ estimated
25/02/2016
Full review · Battery and performance
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a durable watch that lasted the longest of the Android Wear models tested, but stuttering performance and a dated square design count against it.
9.0
starkinsider.com
✓ explicit
03/11/2015
Hands-on review · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a strong first Android Wear watch with a vivid screen, long battery life and Wi-Fi, but its stock strap and outdoor readability let it down.
9.0
androidauthority.com
≈ estimated
28/09/2015
Full review · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a thin, comfortable watch with a palm-tap screen-off gesture, though large bezels and a weak early battery hold it back.
7.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
17/11/2015
Full review · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 suits people who want to personalize a basic Android Wear watch, but its thick bezel, lag and missing GPS limit it.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
04/02/2016
Full review · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a handsome watch with a traditional look, but its oversized bezels dwarf small wrists and the screen can be slow to wake.
7.0
gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
01/10/2015
Hands-on review · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a good starter Android Wear watch with about two days of battery, but accidental taps and many steps to reply make it fiddly.
7.0
hardwareluxx.de
≈ estimated
12/11/2015
Hands-on test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is an elegant, well-built dress watch with about two days of battery, but no heart-rate sensor and a dim, glary screen hold it back.
5.8
netzwelt.de
✓ explicit
12/11/2015
Hands-on test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a sturdy, waterproof Android Wear watch that suits people who skip heart-rate tracking, though its display frame is oversized.
4.6
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
03/02/2016
Hands-on test · Apple-style design
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a fast, waterproof watch with an Apple-like look, but its short battery life and non-turning crown are weak points.
8.0
notebookcheck.com
≈ estimated
15/06/2016
Test · Android Wear smartwatch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a solid Android Wear watch for calls from the wrist, but without a heart-rate sensor it suits athletes poorly.
7.0
futurezone.at
≈ estimated
16/09/2015
Quick test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is an elegant, sturdy Android Wear watch in two sizes that suits thin wrists, though it drops the heart-rate sensor.
9.0
nextpit.de
≈ estimated
05/09/2015
Hands-on test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a well-finished, stylish Android Wear watch with a quick-reacting screen, though this early hands-on can't judge its long-term performance.
9.0
techkrams.de
≈ estimated
22/12/2015
Long-term test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a solid, well-made watch that lasts about a day and a half, with a strong FaceDesigner app but no heart-rate sensor.
8.0
smartworld.it
≈ estimated
20/04/2026
Hands-on review · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a sound all-round Android Wear watch with plenty of faces and one charging cable for travel, but its battery and front design fall short.
7.0
tuttoandroid.net
✓ explicit
06/05/2016
Follow-up test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a basic Android Wear watch whose speaker handles calls well, but its low-resolution screen and stiff strap hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS ZenWatch 2

  • Extremely affordable price point, often cited as the best value for an Android Wear device
  • Strong battery life, frequently lasting 1.5 to 2 days with normal use
  • Fast charging capabilities, reaching 50% in approximately 30 minutes
  • High level of customisation via the ZenWatch Manager and FaceDesigner apps
  • Standard watch strap lugs (18mm or 22mm) make it easy to swap bands
  • Vibrant AMOLED display that is generally readable in most lighting conditions

What customers don't like about ASUS ZenWatch 2

  • Large, thick bezels that make the screen appear small for the watch's overall size
  • Lack of a built-in heart rate monitor and GPS, limiting its use for fitness tracking
  • Occasional software lag and sluggish responsiveness in the Android Wear interface
  • Limited functionality and feature set when paired with iPhones compared to Android
  • Reflective glass can pick up fingerprints easily and may struggle in direct sunlight
  • Stiff or lower-quality leather bands included in some base models

Verdict

The ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a value-focused Android Wear smartwatch available in two sizes: a 1.63-inch (320x320) or a 1.45-inch (280x280) AMOLED display protected by curved Gorilla Glass 3. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and features IP67 water resistance along with a built-in speaker and microphone for calls. Main pros include its highly affordable price point, a smooth user interface, a wide variety of customisable watch faces via the FaceDesigner app, and a battery life that can stretch up to two days with fast-charging capabilities. However, notable cons include its significantly large screen bezels that give it a dated look, the absence of a heart rate monitor and GPS, and poor outdoor visibility in direct sunlight due to a reflective screen.

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