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

ZTE Axon Watch review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£120Screen size:1.40 inchBattery life:24 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

ZTE Axon Watch Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 2 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

ZTE Axon Watch
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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 73% of models
Score components

35%

5.8

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.8

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 73% of smartwatches
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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 73% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 73%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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 64% of models
Score components

24%

3.7

Health

21%

7.3

Fitness

16%

6.1

Battery

14%

6.3

Smart features

12%

5.1

Connectivity

9%

7.3

Display & Design

4%

5.7

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 64%
5.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.8/ 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 74% of models

5.8

Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

5.7

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 reviews, average 7.5/10. We use 5 reviews; the 3 missing count as the category's typical 8.0: (7.5 × 2 + 8.0 × 3) ÷ 5 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 74%
?

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
  • zte-axon-watch
zte-axon-watch
Where to buy
    N/A~ £120
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch ZTE Axon Watch

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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 64% of models
Score components:

24%

3.7

Health

21%

7.3

Fitness

16%

6.1

Battery

14%

6.3

Smart features

12%

5.1

Connectivity

9%

7.3

Display & Design

4%

5.7

Hardware

5.8
Reviews score
5.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.4
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
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
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% 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
24 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 24 days on a charge, which is longer than 93.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.7% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
4 h
Market range: <6 h – >46 h
This smartwatch lasts 4 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 95.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.9% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
244 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 244 mAh battery, which is smaller than 74.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.1% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
Operating system
Tencent OS
This smartwatch runs Tencent OS, which is less advanced than the system in 99.2% 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
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% 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
1.4 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen, which is larger than 48.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 6.7% 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
400x 400
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 400x400 which is higher than that of 65.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.5% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
404 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 404 ppi, which is higher than 69.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.6% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
CPU speed
?
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

ZTE Axon Watch vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 17 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (24 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    24 days vs 7 days
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • 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, metal for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather, metal vs silicone
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 78 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (404 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    404 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 17 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (24 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    24 days vs 7 days
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • 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, metal for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather, metal vs silicone
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 78 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (404 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    404 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • 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.
  • 17 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (4 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    4 h vs 21 h
  • 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
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • 17.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.8/ 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 74% of models

    5.8

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    5.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews, average 7.5/10. We use 5 reviews; the 3 missing count as the category's typical 8.0: (7.5 × 2 + 8.0 × 3) ÷ 5 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.8 vs 7.0
  • 4.3% worse value for money
    ZTE Axon Watch has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.44 vs 7.8).
    7.44 vs 7.76
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • 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.
  • 6 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2015 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 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 coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • 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 exercise tagging
    This smartwatch does not support exercise tagging, the average smartwatch does. 94.2% of smartwatches support exercise tagging.
  • 17 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (4 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    4 h vs 21 h
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 61 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (244 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    244 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • 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
  • 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
  • 4 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (49 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    49 g vs 45 g
  • 4 mm wider strap
    This smartwatch has a wider strap than the average smartwatch (26 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    26 mm vs 22 mm
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • More basic operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more basic operating system than the average smartwatch (Tencent OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Tencent OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 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

7.0
TechEdit
≈ estimated
25/02/2016
First impressions · hands-on at a trade show
Verdict
ZTE Axon Watch looks good, but the price feels high and app support is uncertain.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
techadvisor.com
≈ estimated
03/03/2016
Hands-on test · MWC 2016 preview
Verdict
The ZTE Axon Watch is a good-looking round watch with a sharp screen, but its Chinese OS has no Google services, so it stays China-only.
8.0
digitaltrends.com
≈ estimated
07/09/2015
Hands-on test · Prototype preview
Verdict
The ZTE Axon Watch is light, comfortable and sharp, but it runs Tencent's OS, so it will only be sold in China.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ZTE Axon Watch

  • Premium design with a high-quality stainless steel body and sapphire-coated display.
  • Bright and crisp 1.4-inch circular AMOLED display with high pixel density (286ppi).
  • Snappy and responsive user interface performance during general menu navigation.
  • Comprehensive health tracking features, including a heart rate monitor and activity tracking.
  • IP67 certification provides reliable protection against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter.

What customers don't like about ZTE Axon Watch

  • Software is limited to the Tencent TOS+ platform, which lacks Google Services and Android Wear support.
  • Availability is primarily restricted to the Chinese market, making it impractical for international users.
  • The watch body is considered somewhat 'chunky' or thick compared to some competitors.
  • Standard leather straps are reported to feel thin and of lower quality than the watch itself.
  • Battery life of 300mAh is only average, typically requiring daily charging with regular use.

Verdict

The ZTE Axon Watch is a premium smartwatch featuring a 1.4-inch circular AMOLED display with a 400x400 resolution (404 ppi), protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and a sapphire crystal coating. It is powered by a quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, all encased in a stylish IP67-certified stainless steel body. Key characteristics include a built-in heart rate monitor, barometer, GPS, and Bluetooth 4.1 for connectivity. Main pros are its crisp, high-resolution screen, responsive performance, and elegant design similar to flagship rivals; however, its primary cons are the use of the proprietary Tencent TOS+ instead of Android Wear, the lack of Google Services, and its limited availability outside of China.

Compare ZTE Axon Watch with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of ZTE Axon Watch and other Smartwatches

No results found