The ZTE Watch Live and Honor Watch ES represent the entry point into the smartwatch market, targeting users seeking basic fitness tracking and smartphone notifications without a premium price tag. Both devices aim to deliver core functionality, but differ in their approach to design, features, and overall user experience. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing simplicity and extended battery life, the Honor Watch ES emerges as the slightly better choice. Its larger display and potentially more refined software experience, typical of Honor’s ecosystem, outweigh the ZTE Watch Live’s unknown specifications. However, the ZTE Watch Live may appeal to those seeking a more minimalist design.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 27. Released 2020, December 03 | 2020, September 04. Released 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 40.6 x 34.6 x 10.8 mm (1.60 x 1.36 x 0.43 in) | 46 x 30 x 12.3 mm (1.81 x 1.18 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 35.7 g (1.27 oz) | 21 g (0.74 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant | 5ATM water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels (~261 ppi density) | 280 x 456 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.3 inches | 1.64 inches |
| Type | TFT LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 4GB |
| | - | eMMC |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion 180 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Meteorite Black, Coral Pink, Icelandic White |
| Models | ES43C | - |
| Price | About 30 EUR | About 60 EUR |
ZTE Watch Live
- Potentially lower price point
- Minimalist design (assumed)
- Simpler user interface (potentially)
- Unknown specifications
- Likely less refined software
- Potentially lower display quality
Honor Watch ES
- Larger, more vibrant display (likely)
- Established brand reputation (Honor)
- Potentially more comprehensive fitness tracking
- Higher price point
- May have more complex software
- Larger size may not suit all wrists
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display specs, we can infer differences based on brand tendencies. Honor typically prioritizes larger, more vibrant displays. The Honor Watch ES likely features a larger AMOLED screen with better color reproduction than the ZTE Watch Live, which may utilize a simpler LCD panel. This impacts outdoor visibility and overall visual appeal. The Honor ES’s rectangular form factor suggests a focus on information density, while the ZTE Watch Live may opt for a circular design prioritizing aesthetics. Bezels are likely to be more prominent on the ZTE Watch Live to maintain a lower cost.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, focusing instead on core smartwatch functionality. This is a common cost-saving measure in the budget segment.
Performance
Without chipset details, performance analysis relies on brand positioning. Honor, backed by Huawei’s silicon expertise, likely incorporates a more efficient processor in the Watch ES, resulting in smoother animations and faster response times. The ZTE Watch Live, aiming for cost-effectiveness, may utilize a less powerful chipset, potentially leading to occasional lag. RAM capacity is also a key factor; the Honor Watch ES likely has more RAM, enabling it to handle more apps and data simultaneously. Thermal management is unlikely to be a significant concern for either device given their limited processing power.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical differentiator. While specific mAh ratings are unavailable, the Honor Watch ES, with its larger display, likely employs more aggressive power management techniques to achieve comparable or better battery life than the ZTE Watch Live. Honor’s history suggests optimized software for power efficiency. Charging times will depend on the charging technology used; the Honor Watch ES may support faster proprietary charging, while the ZTE Watch Live may rely on slower, standard charging methods. Real-world usage will dictate the actual battery performance, but the Honor ES has a potential advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Watch Live if you need a discreet, potentially more affordable smartwatch and prioritize a minimalist aesthetic. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, assuming a lower price point. Buy the Honor Watch ES if you prefer a larger, more vibrant display, a more established brand reputation for software stability, and a wider range of fitness tracking features, even if it means a slightly higher initial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor Watch ES compatible with iPhones?
While Honor devices generally offer Bluetooth connectivity, full feature parity with iPhones may be limited compared to Android devices. Expect basic notification support and potentially limited data synchronization. Check Honor’s official compatibility list for specific iPhone models.
❓ Does the ZTE Watch Live support music playback?
Given its budget positioning, the ZTE Watch Live likely lacks onboard music storage and direct music playback capabilities. It may, however, be able to control music playback on a connected smartphone.
❓ Can I customize the watch faces on the Honor Watch ES?
Yes, the Honor Watch ES offers a selection of pre-installed watch faces and allows users to download additional faces through the Honor Health app. Customization options typically include data fields and color schemes.
❓ What type of heart rate sensor does the Honor Watch ES use?
The Honor Watch ES utilizes an optical heart rate sensor for continuous heart rate monitoring. While generally accurate for resting heart rate, accuracy during intense exercise may vary depending on fit and skin tone.
