Asus ZenWatch 2 reviews: Reviewers comment on new wearable device
With all the recent wearables that consumers are going crazy for, the entry from Asus this year is being meticulously reviewed by many tech news outlets and experts.
Many outlets note that the ZenWatch 2's most significant selling factor is its affordability compared to the rest of wearables offered by competitors.
Mark Burstiner of Techno Buffalo says the Asus wearable's look is "striking" most probably because of the huge bezels and the rounded corners with subtle corners.
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Burstiner notes that he hoped for the ZenWatch to somehow level with the rest of wearables out there in terms of battery life. While the tech reviewer says it is close to the new Moto 360, he did appreciate the wearable's ability to last through a day and a half with some life left.
Looking into the display, Burstiner says it is much smaller than that of Moto's 360 but he finds the colors good and the screen as responsive as most devices he has tried, adding that he thinks the accelerometer just may be "too responsive."
Asus omitted the heart rate monitor that most wearables have, but Burstiner says he is okay with it, unlike some other reviews that find the omission a disappointment. He also says the device is still amazing since it is tagged at $129, about half the price of other wearables.
Meanwhile, Kyle Wiggers of Digital Trends says the ZenWatch 2 was unable to defeat the original from Asus, just like other device sequels.
Wiggers says the wearable cannot boast of an amazing package since it comes with an "uncomfortable" wrist strap, adding that the decision was an "unfortunate concession." He said, "...the substitution of cheaper materials and the omission of a heart rate monitor, work to undermine the vision."
The tech reviewer also mentions the fact that the device is nothing more than a slightly revamped version of its predecessor, adding that the addition of a crown-shaped power button, as well as the primary microphone's move to the opposite side, is probably the only change, thus making it hard to tell the new and old apart.
On the other hand, Wiggers says he likes the solid and sturdy look of the ZenWatch 2, which is common to the original ZenWatch. He also commends the wearable for its outstanding battery life and fast-charging ability.
