Asus ZenWatch 2 Quick Charge Edition Smartwatch Review

For the original German review, see here.

Everyone who remembers the 80s shares a common dream: To speak to their watch and actually be heard by someone who maybe even answers. Well, it might not yet be a speaking car, but it is possible to talk to the watch itself or even a phone contact – when a smartwatch is strapped around the wrist.

Asus’ ZenWatch 2 (we are testing the Quick Charge Edition) is a smartwatch based on Android Wear that can be connected to both Android and iOS smartphones. It is available in two versions: The bigger, 1.63-inch model for men and the smaller, 1.45-inch model for women. Different watchband materials are also offered: Starting with the classic black leather band over silver metal up to an orange rubber watchband. The price depends on the watchband: The price for Asus’ ZenWatch 2 WI501Q ranged from 169 to 239 Euros (~$191 to ~$270) on the Internet at test time.

The differences to the former Asus ZenWatch do not seem very big when looking at the spec sheet. In any case, the ZenWatch 2 is still offered for a really low price compared with other smartwatches: LG’s Watch Urbane, Motorola’s Moto 360 or Huawei’s Watch are all priced at far over 300 Euros (~$339). Not to speak of Apple’s watch that is sold over the counter for at least 749 Euros (~$847).