The Asus ZenWatch 2, which starts at $129, is relatively inexpensive in the realm of Android Wear-based smartwatches. It's a slightly more refined take on its predecessor, and could be a decent choice if you're looking to get into the world of wearables, though some caveats apply. You must be comfortable with a small, reflective display, a much-too-large bezel, and most of all, with Android Wear's cumbersome user interface.

Design and Availability

The Zenwatch 2 comes in two sizes. The face on the smaller 1.45-inch version measures 1.78 by 1.46 by 0.41 inches (HWD), weighs 2.12 ounces, and features 280-by-280-pixel resolution. The larger 1.63-inch version comes in at 1.96 by 1.46 by 0.37 inches (HWD), weighs 2.5 ounces, and has 320-by-320-pixel resolution.

Similar to the Motorola Moto 360, you can choose the color of your case (which is essentially the frame for the watch face) and the type of band you want. Cases come in dark gray, rose gold, or silver, while strap options include a stainless steel link bracelet, or a leather band in blue, brown, gray, orange, or taupe. Prices vary depending on your case and strap combination. A silver case with a brown leather band will cost you $129, for instance, while a rose gold case with a taupe leather band costs $169. A dark gray case with a link bracelet costs $199. I reviewed the 1.63-inch version of the watch with a silver case and a blue leather band, which costs $129.