The third generation of smart watches Asus ZenWatch

In 2016, the market of wearable devices significantly subsided, as interest in smart watches has dried up somewhat, and many manufacturers have stopped making some loud announcements and trying to compete in this area. In addition, at that moment Google was constantly postponing the release of the second version of the OS for smart watches Android Wear. The salvation was the smart watch Asus ZenWatch 3, which appeared on sale at the end of 2016. Below is an overview of this device.

general information

The second version of the Asus ZenWatch watch was primarily produced as an inexpensive model. The official price tag for a device with a simple plastic strap was about 15 thousand rubles. The third version is a fusion of price and style. The model has become more expensive, but they also look much more interesting and attractive. The second version is a good device with an amateur design.ZenWatch 3 is much more likely to be liked by the general public. A significant difference in comparison with previous models of Asus ZenWatch is a round display and case against a rectangular shape with rounded edges in past models.

Below are the characteristics of 3 versions of watches from the manufacturer from Taiwan:

• quad-core Qualcomm Wear 2100 processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz;
• display - 1.39 inches, Amoled technology, coating Gorilla Glass 3, resolution 400 * 400;
• operational and permanent memory - 512 MB and 4 GB, respectively;
• battery 340 mAh;
• protection against moisture and dust - IP67;
• removable leather belt.

If you compare the smart watch Asus ZenWatch 3 with the previous version, you can see that there are no significant differences in technical specifications here. The memory is the same, the processor is newer, but its performance is the same, the battery has become a little worse, but considering the fact that the display is smaller, this is not critical. Here is the same version of the Android Wear OS.

As for the display, it can be noted that the density of pixels in it has increased, that is, the image will be better.

Protection class remains the same. The model now has 2 microphones - used to be 1. Removable belts are made from leather, before it was leather, metal or plastic. Conclusion - fundamental changes affected only the design.

Appearance

The third-generation Asus Watch is delivered in a square blue box. Inside, users can directly find a watch, an instruction manual, a power supply and a USB cable with a magnetic cradle, which serves to charge the device.

In order to charge the device, you need to combine the charging with the contacts on the clock. In terms of convenience, it is not too happy, but this technology supports Quick Charge technology, that is, fast charge. The competitors in 2016 use inductive charging, which works on the principle of simple pairing of watches with a charging platform. It's easier, because you do not need to “aim”, but the charging of the device lasts longer.

On a note! In the second version of the Asus watch was also a cradle, but without fast charging. In the first version of USB, the connector hid in the strap, which caused the need to throw out the watch if the latter broke.

So, the third generation ZenWatch smart watch looks like a classic round stainless steel case. Belt - Italian leather, stitched along the edge. The watch case turned out to be thinner than the previous version, and taking into account the smaller display, they look much nicer on the hand. To achieve thin size It was possible due to the fact that the screen is recessed into the body, and the lower part is rounded, that is, it is also a visual effect. To achieve greater effect, the bezel around the glass is golden in color, which generally gives a very pleasant overall picture.

Unlike the previous model, on the right side of the watch is located three buttons. The top one can be programmed to any application, the central one can be switched on and “home”, the bottom one starts the power saving mode. At the same time reviews say that a small number of users really actively use all three buttons.

Important! The movement of the buttons is quite tight, which is an undoubted advantage. Accidental clicking here can not be.

Another difference from previous models is the absence of a heartbeat sensor on the bottom panel.. In addition, the bottom panel has charger contacts and device information. The hinges are round and tilted to the case, the leather strap is attached with a knitting needle.

Important! Despite the possibility of removal, it is impossible to replace the strap with a similar one from third-party manufacturers, and it is quite difficult to find branded versions for sale.

The color of the strap is beige or dark brown.In previous versions, colors were more like the materials from which they were made. Why Asus decided to abandon this variety is not clear, but the available options look quite logical and beautiful. The material is pleasant to feel. The clasp is traditionally metal, the number of holes is enough to fit under any hand.

Management and software

Asus Smart Watch from the factory equipped OS Android Watch, it is the same for all manufacturers, and there are no significant differences here. You can download applications directly through the clock. The connection with the smartphone is via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In general, the filling is not much different from the second version of the watch. This is not surprising, because the OS is still the same. The difference is new proprietary applicationwhich is assigned by default to the top button. It is called ZenFit. In fact, it is a very simple fitness program that starts a workout mode, counts steps, distance traveled, and the number of calories spent. If you run it on your smartphone, then using the back camera you can calculate the pulse. The second version of the watch was not equipped with such an application and was able to measure the pulse.

Functional

In terms of functionality, the third and second versions differ slightly. These are all the same smart watches that can inform the user about notifications on a smartphone, help to organize the daily routine, you can make a unique dial setting, use the device as an alarm clock, download games and other applications.

Changes in functionality in fact minimal - appeared power saving mode. When activated, all network interfaces are disabled, that is, smart watches become regular watches with a pedometer.

Another additional feature is fast charging. The manufacturer promises 60% in 15 minutes, provided that the device has been completely discharged. Real tests showed 53% in 15 minutes, which is also not bad. For 30 minutes, the model charges up to 70 percent. Taking into account the fact that the device needs to be charged every day, a maximum of once every two days (if it is not used actively), fast charging will surely please users.

Advantages and disadvantages

The third-generation watch from the Asus brand turned out better than previous versions. Taking into account the fact that the software and functionality were already worthy in the second version, in Asus ZenWatch 3 they didn’t change much.Added a couple of applications, energy saving mode.

The design has changed for the better. He became more vivid and remarkable, while not screaming. Such watches can wear under any clothes. The small choice of color solutions is embarrassing, but the two proposed options are universal and are more pleasing than discontent. Belts have become more comfortable. Above it was said that the thickness of the case was less, and the clock does not look so cumbersome.

Minus - autonomy. Day work with active use - this is not very much, and competitors were able to offer more time. However, smart watches are made on an updated Snapdragon processor, which was developed specifically for wearable devices. It is possible that the second version of the OS, which in any case will rise after its release on this unit, in conjunction with the processor will be able to give increased operating time due to greater optimization.

On a note! The average price tag for Asus ZenWatch 3 watches is in the area of ​​13-14 thousand rubles. You can buy the device through the Internet - shops. In large networks, the device is temporarily absent, but you can track its appearance.