When comparing Asus Zen Watch vs Sony SmartWatch 3, the Slant community recommends Sony SmartWatch 3 for most people. In the question“What are the best smartwatches?” Sony SmartWatch 3 is ranked 10th while Asus Zen Watch is ranked 13th. The most important reason people chose Sony SmartWatch 3 is:
Wi-Fi takes more power than bluetooth, but it helps extend the working range of the watch past bluetooth capabilities. For example, you can still receive notifications or control music from across the house.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Amazing value
This smartwatch has powerful hardware (for a watch) and costs only $99. It's the best value smartwatch out there that doesn't compromise much on design - arguably the most important factor when choosing a smartwatch.
Pro Screen fits more content
The Amoled display provides rich colors are true blacks which is even more important on a watch (likely it will be displaying black very frequently). From a functionality standpoint, a square display fits more content on it, especially when the entire UI is based on rectangular cards.
Pro Android Wear
Pro Bio sensor
The bio sensor measures your pulse, and keeps track of your relaxation level throughout the day (a lower pulse means you are more relaxed). It's neat to see what part of the day you are stressed out during, and if you notice patterns during high stress times you can change that.
Pro Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi takes more power than bluetooth, but it helps extend the working range of the watch past bluetooth capabilities. For example, you can still receive notifications or control music from across the house.
Pro Built-in NFC
Pro Water proof
While it can't deal with deep water pressure, you have nothing to worry about when washing your hands or getting it wet in the rain thanks to the IP68 rating. You can also wash the band and unit off to remove any dust or debris that can accumulate on the underside of the central unit or in the cracks between the unit and the band without worrying at all about water damage.
Pro Transflective display
The display on the Smartwatch 3 doesn't require a backlight. Instead, it reflects ambient light. This makes it easily visible in ambient mode even when outside in direct sunlight (as a matter of fact, that's when it is easiest to see in ambient mode), and also saves a lot of power in ambient mode.
In a dark room, you won't be able to see the time...although this can also be counted as a pro because your wrist won't glow in dark rooms like OLED or IPS watches will.
Pro Running companion
The built-in GPS will drain the battery quickly, but it allows you to track activity more precisely. If you go on walks or runs, apps can track them without needing to bring your phone.
Android Wear lets you sync some music onto the watch, which can be paired to bluetooth earbuds/headphones. This fully lets you leave your phone at home, and use the watch for GPS and music at the same time.
Pro Uses a regular charger
You can charge the SmartWatch 3 using the same charger that you use to charge your phone - micro USB. This means that if you brake/lose your charger, it is easy and cheap to replace. It also means that if you go traveling, you can only bring one charger instead of a different one for your phone and watch.
Cons
Con Clingy clasp
The clasp is as thick as the watch itself, and can easily get caught on clothing
Con Poor battery life
During a heavy day (with ambient mode enabled for the convience), the Zen Watch's battery could clunk out after just 14 hours. You could put it into flight mode to stretch the battery time to about 20 hours, to keep the always-on mode enabled but then it isn't performing the functions of a smartwatch anymore.
Con Propriety straps
The device pops out and you can put in in a new band, although only certain bands will fit it. These bands tend to be expensive, and there only a few options (different colored silicon or stainless steel).
Con Poor screen colors
The display is a transflective display, and the colors it produces are greatly muted when compared to OLED or even IPS displays.
Con Unattractive design
The watch doesn't look at all like a traditional watch, and looks much like a mini computer on your wrist.