ASUS has introduced the ZenWatch 2, the company's second smartwatch, which promises to deliver better performance and more advanced features.
The ZenWatch 2 is rumored to be released in October, almost a year following the release of its predecessor, the original ZenWatch. The latter is widely praised for its handsome premium design while keeping the price point relatively low. The new ZenWatch 2 echoes the same design and pricing principles while adding more customized options for users at the same time.
While it is true that newer models are expected to perform better than their older siblings, the debate on whether to upgrade or not always haunts users who, just like everyone else, want to have the best devices.
Let's take a closer look at the original ZenWatch and the soon-to-be-released ZenWatch 2 and how they stack up against each other.
ASUS ZenWatch
The ZenWatch is the ASUS' first Android Wear device. Though it is the company's first venture into wearables, ASUS seemed to have started on the right track. The ZenWatch is described as one of the most stylish smartwatches, while also providing comfort when worn.
Priced at a mere $200, the ZenWatch has attracted those who want functionality coupled with affordability in their smartwatches. It features a 1.63-inch AMOLED display with 320 by 320 resolution and 278 ppi in pixel density. Other notable features include voice recognition, Google Now cards and notification, and tap-and-swipe friendly navigation.
ASUS ZenWatch 2
The ZenWatch 2 uses the same Snapdragon 400 processor found on its predecessor. It also features 512MB of RAM and internal memory of 4GB. It runs on the latest version of Android Wear and is designed to support both devices from Android and iOS.
The ZenWatch 2 will launch in two models, one with a 1.63-inch display and another that measures 1.45 inches. Customers can also choose from three color options (rose gold, silver and gunmetal) and 18 strap choices that come in a wide range of materials and colors. The ZenWatch 2 has been referred to as the Apple Watch of Android Wear, thanks to the number of customization options.
Both models of ZenWatch 2 are IP67 water resistant, which is slightly higher than the IP55 rating of its predecessor. The reason for the increase is that ASUS wanted its customers to wear the ZenWatch 2 all the time even when they are using the shower.
According to ASUS, the ZenWatch 2 "refines the ZenWatch design." In other words, users who have the penchant for designs in their wearables should easily choose the new ZenWatch 2 over its predecessor.
One thing that's missing in the ZenWatch 2 is the heart rate monitor. However, the lack of it does explain its budget-friendly price, which is speculated to be around $170. ASUS decided to discontinue the feature for the simple reason that issues about its mediocre performance had never been resolved.
Customers who still can't decide whether to upgrade or not should be able to at least know whether they want something that both looks good on their wrist and offers great functionality or they simply want something they can afford. Whatever the case may be, both the ZenWatch and the ZenWatch 2 have tried to cover all situations, which could be the most prominent reason why coming up with a decision can be very tricky.
