Smartwatches

LG G Watch R vs. Asus ZenWatch

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Gizmag compares the features and specs of the LG G Watch R (left) and Asus ZenWatch
Battery
Build
Colors
Compatible phones
Display (resolution)
Display (size)
Display (size)
Gizmag compares the features and specs of the LG G Watch R (left) and Asus ZenWatch
Price
RAM
Release
Size
Software
Standalone wireless
Storage
Swappable band
Voice control
Water resistance
Weight
Heart rate sensor
Buttons
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Both Asus' and LG’s new smartwatches are designed to appeal to analog watch lovers, but they go about it in different ways. While the ZenWatch focuses on a luxury build and premium feel, the G Watch R makes a more obvious attempt to emulate a traditional time piece, with a circular display and classic looks. Read on, as Gizmag delves into the key differences between the two new smartwatches.

Software

Software

Both devices run Google’s Android Wear platform. The software leans heavily on the company’s Now service, pushing notifications, reminders and more to your wrist.

Voice control

Voice control

The devices feature built-in microphones, giving them the same Google Now voice control functionality you’ll find on an Android smartphone. It’s worth noting that the watches aren’t fitted with speakers, meaning they won’t talk back.

Size

Size

LG has yet to release stats for the G Watch R, but we’ve estimated its dimensions based on the size of its display. The ZenWatch definitely feels smaller on the wrist, and while LG’s smartwatch is a little bulkier, it does a great job of mimicking the look and feel of a traditional time piece.

Build

Build

Asus’ wearable features a solid, premium feeling build. The device itself is constructed from stainless steel with an attractive silver finish and rose gold detail on the side.

The G Watch R is built mostly from stainless steel, but there’s some aluminum in there as well. The back of the device is plastic.

Swappable band

Swappable band

Both smartwatches are fitted with a standard 22 mm strap, meaning you can easily swap them out for something more suited to your personal tastes.

When it comes to stock bands, the Asus watch wins out with a premium Italian leather offering.

Weight

Weight

LG hasn’t announced the weight of the G Watch R, but we found that despite its bulkier nature, it still feels light on the wrist.

Colors

Colors

The Asus product features a silver finish with a rose gold band around its edges. The G Watch R will be available in a choice of black and brushed metal finishes.

Display (size)

Display (size)

Though the LG product’s display may look a little smaller than the ZenWatch’s on paper, they actually provide almost exactly the same amount of screen real estate.

Display (resolution)

Display (resolution)

Neither display packs a particularly impressive resolution, but the ZenWatch’s offers 13 percent more pixels per inch.

Display (type)

Display (size)

The ZenWatch opts for an AMOLED panel, while the LG device makes use of the same plastic OLED tech we saw in the company’s G Flex phablet.

Battery

Battery

The G Watch R’s battery has a similar capacity to the original G Watch’s 400 mAh offering, and according to an LG representative at IFA, we can expect 36 hours on a single charge. That’s similar to what the company says about the G Watch – and in reality, it runs for about a day of standard use.

Asus has only provided a Watt-hour rating for the ZenWatch, which doesn't directly match up with the capacity (measured in milliampere hours) listed for the G Watch.

Water resistance

Water resistance

The LG G Watch R offers the same IP67 dust and water resistance we’ve seen on most recent smartwatch releases. Interestingly, and perhaps because of its luxury watch-first mentality, the ZenWatch only offers IP55 certification, making it a little less durable than its rival.

An IP67 rating means the watch is dust tight and can be submerged in up to 1 m (3.3 ft) of water for 30 minutes, while IP55 means the device is dust protected and can withstand splashes and water jets.

Heart rate sensor

Heart rate sensor

The G Watch R features a standard heart rate monitor on the rear of the device, while the Asus has integrated the tech into the bezel of the ZenWatch, meaning you’ll have to hold a finger on the front edge of the wearable to get a reading.

Compatible phones

Compatible phones

Both smartwatches are compatible with devices running Android 4.3 and up.

Standalone wireless

Standalone wireless

There’s no built-in wireless on either device, meaning you’ll have to link it to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

Buttons

Buttons

The LG watch features a single button on its right side which can be long pressed to reach the setting menu. The ZenWatch has a similar (but very incognito) button on the right side of its back.

Storage

Storage

Both devices are fitted with 4 GB internal storage.

RAM

RAM

Both watches pack half a gigabyte of memory.

Release

Release

Neither company has announced a release date for their latest wearables, but they’re both expected before the end of the year.

Price

Price

Similarly, there’s no word yet on US pricing, though an Asus representative at IFA did confirm that the ZenWatch will ship for €199 (US$260) in Europe.

If you’d like to read more about Asus and LG’s latest smartwatches, then you can read our hands-on preview of the G Watch R and our full review of the Asus ZenWatch.

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3 comments
David Anderton
if its a standard 3.6V lithium battery its a bit under 400mAh
Oliver Hamilton
"Asus has only provided a Watt-hour rating for the ZenWatch, which doesn't directly match up with the capacity (measured in milliampere hours) listed for the G Watch."
Actually watt-hour rating is exactly the capacity. Watts are joules/second and obviously time (hours) is in seconds. So this is exactly the energy storage capacity in joules. All battery capacities should be rated in watt-hours.
Simon Matthews
If they have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, they both have wifi. It just isn't enabled yet.