Asus Zenwatch 2 WI501Q Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Zenwatch 2 WI501Q boasts a sleek and premium design, featuring a stainless steel frame that gives it both elegance and durability. The dimensions are 49.6 x 40.7 x 10.9 mm, making it comfortable to wear for users with varied wrist sizes. The watch face is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Display

The smartwatch is equipped with a 1.63-inch AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep contrasts. With a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 278 PPI, the display is sharp enough for reading texts and viewing notifications with ease. The Gorilla Glass 3 protection ensures that the screen remains free from scratches and other potential damage.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Asus Zenwatch 2 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 chipset with a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU. This combination offers smooth performance for day-to-day tasks such as navigating through menus, checking notifications, and using various apps. The smartwatch comes with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which is adequate for storing essential applications and data.

Operating System

Originally, the Zenwatch 2 runs on Android Wear OS 2.1, which provides a range of customizable watch faces and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The operating system also offers a variety of apps that are optimized for wrist-based use, enhancing the overall functionality of the smartwatch.

Connectivity

The Zenwatch 2 does not have cellular connectivity, which means it needs to be paired with a smartphone for network-related functions. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 4.1, allowing users to connect wirelessly to their mobile devices. Unfortunately, there is no GPS or NFC support, which might be a limitation for users looking for those features.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 400 mAh battery. Given the efficient use of power by the Snapdragon 400 chipset and the AMOLED display, the Zenwatch 2 generally offers a decent battery life, lasting a full day on a single charge under regular usage. However, users may need to charge it nightly for optimal performance.

Features and Sensors

The watch includes an accelerometer, which helps in tracking basic fitness metrics and providing data on movement and step count. While it lacks advanced sensors like heart rate monitoring, the device caters to users looking for basic fitness tracking and smartwatch capabilities.

Sound and Audio

The smartwatch comes with a built-in loudspeaker, allowing users to engage in calls directly from their wrist. However, there's no 3.5mm headphone jack, so users will need to rely on Bluetooth earphones for private listening if needed.

Color Options and Pricing

The Asus Zenwatch 2 was available in a variety of colors, including Gunmetal, Silver, and Rose Gold, catering to different style preferences. At launch, the price was around 150 EUR, making it an affordable option within the smartwatch market.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenwatch 2 WI501Q is a well-rounded smartwatch offering a blend of style, functionality, and affordability. It is ideally positioned for users seeking a basic smartwatch featuring essential capabilities and a stylish design. While it lacks some advanced features found in higher-tier smartwatches, such as GPS and advanced health monitoring, it remains a competent and practical choice for users who need a reliable and stylish accessory for their connected life.