2014/09/11

Apple Watch vs ASUS ZenWatch vs Moto 360


This is Apple’s week. Their biggest and baddest products are unveiled and we know many of you are going nuts over the brand new Apple Watch. Is it all we were hoping for? The Apple Watch has its advantages and downsides, so we thought we would compare it to our favorite smartwatches around – the ASUS ZenWatch and the Moto 360.
Apple Watch vs ASUS ZenWatch vs Moto 360
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We fell in love with the ZenWatch at IFA, which you can clearly see in our hands-on coverage. It is elegant, sleek and capable. If the Apple Watch will compete with any device, in terms of design and quality, it has to be ASUS’ ZenWatch.
On the other hand, Motorola’s Moto 360 is among the most popular smartwatches around, which makes it an obvious competitor.

Apple Watch specs

  • 38mm and 42mm Retina Display
  • Apple S1 processor
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • Magsafe wireless charging
  • Accelerometer and heart-rate sensor
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ASUS ZenWatch specs

  • 1.63-inch 320x320p AMOLED display
  • 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
  • 512 MB of RAM
  • 4 GB of internal storage
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • USB charging (cradle)
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Moto 360 specs

  • 1.56-inch 320x290p IPS LCD display
  • Texas Instruments OMAP 3 processor
  • 512 MB of RAM
  • 4 GB of internal storage
  • Bluetooth 4.0 LE
  • 320 mAh battery
  • Heart rate sensor
Motorola Moto 360 04 Apple Watch vs ASUS ZenWatch vs Moto 360

Design

Of course, there is much more to this comparison than specs. These three smartwatches are very different, by nature. Let’s start with what could be the most important factor to many of you – looks.
This is a very subjective topic, so you should give them a closer look yourself, as well. The Apple Watch has a very flexible design. There is a plethora of wrist bands and different colors you can get the Apple Watch in. You can make it look sporty, elegant, techy or even tough. I will say it looks a bit too thick, though.
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The ASUS ZenWatch comes with a very traditional leather strap, making it look very conventional and elegant. ASUS may not offer you all these cool straps and color options, but the device does have a standard strap compatibility. You can go to any watch store and get whatever strap you may like.
The Moto 360 comes with either a leather or metal strap, but it’s very unique in that it’s one of the very few smartwatches to come with a circular display. In fact, it’s the very first Android Wear product to have the round form factor.
Motorola Moto 360 05 Apple Watch vs ASUS ZenWatch vs Moto 360
Though it’s also very thick, people love the circular displays because it seems to resemble traditional watches, making it much easier to go unnoticed in a crowd. We happen to dislike it a bit, but we understand why others would love it.

Special features

One area where Apple wins is certainly in features. Apple’s smartwatch can do much more than just notifications and simple voice actions. The Apple Watch has a heart rate sensor, helping you track your health and fitness.
I love that the Apple Watch can be used for paying via Apple Pay. While some may find it unnecessary to pay with a smartphone, no one can deny it will be convenient to pay without even reaching for your pockets.
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Of course, there is Siri and Apple Maps. We can also be sure developers will be making great apps with this device.
ASUS and the Moto 360 are much simpler smartwatches. There’s no crazy features or unique specs, but they work. Many of you will prefer the simplicity and classic design it offers. You will get your notifications and have some voice actions. Not to mention, the Moto 360 also supports wireless charging and has a heart rate sensor.

Software

Now this is one of the most important sections if you are looking into buying one of these three devices. Sadly, software and compatibility is what will matter the most when you start shopping for a new smartwatch.
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The Apple Watch has its iOS-based, wearable-optimized, exclusive software. Which by the way, is compatible only with iOS smartphones. Meanwhile, the ASUS ZenWatch and Moto 360 use Android Wear, which is only compatible with Android devices.
We doubt you will be choosing your smartphone based on your smartwatch preferences, so odds are you are stuck with either one or the other. At least for now.
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Price and availability

Oh, and there is one other issue. Those who don’t like waiting will be really upset about the Apple Watch release date. It won’t be coming until the 1st half of 2015! To make matters a bit worse, it will be among the most expensive smartwatches at $350.
Meanwhile, ASUS is selling the ZenWatch for 199 Euros (probably $199 USD, too). The release date is still unknown, but it’s expected to come this year.
apple0224 Apple Watch vs ASUS ZenWatch vs Moto 360
If you hate waiting, though, you can buy the Moto 360 right now straight from Motorola’s website and other retailers. It costs $250, which was considered pricey until Apple came busting all the doors.
I believe the ZenWatch will be taking all my money. It’s a beautiful, simple, elegant and cheaper (which is the most enticing part). If you use an Android device, you may prefer the interesting Moto 360 design. And if you use an iOS device, well… you are stuck paying $350 for an Apple Watch.
Which one are you signing up for?

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