The budget smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, with brands like ZTE and Realme vying for wrist space. We're pitting the ZTE Watch Live against the Realme Watch S2 to determine which offers the most compelling feature set and value for money, particularly for first-time smartwatch buyers or those seeking a secondary fitness tracker.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known brand and wired charging convenience, the Realme Watch S2 emerges as the slightly better choice. While the ZTE Watch Live's specific features remain largely unknown, Realme's established ecosystem and confirmed charging method provide a more predictable user experience.
| 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 | - |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 27. Released 2020, December 03 | 2024, July 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, August 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 40.6 x 34.6 x 10.8 mm (1.60 x 1.36 x 0.43 in) | 46.5 x 46.5 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 35.7 g (1.27 oz) | 41 g (1.45 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels (~261 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.3 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | TFT LCD | AMOLED, 600 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | No |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Phonebook | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | Unspecified |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | No |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | Email, IM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wired |
| Type | Li-Ion | 380 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Gray, Silver |
| Models | ES43C | - |
| Price | About 30 EUR | About 60 EUR |
ZTE Watch Live
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer unique features not found in Realme
- Lightweight design (speculation based on market segment)
- Lack of publicly available specifications
- Uncertain charging method
- Limited brand recognition in wearables
Realme Watch S2
- Reliable wired charging
- Established brand with wearable experience
- Predictable software experience
- Basic feature set compared to higher-end smartwatches
- Limited app ecosystem
- May lack advanced health tracking features
Display Comparison
Given the lack of display specifications for the ZTE Watch Live, we can only infer its display quality based on its price segment. The Realme Watch S2 likely features a color TFT LCD display, common in this price range. The absence of details regarding the ZTE Watch Live’s panel type (IPS, AMOLED) or resolution suggests a more basic display experience. Users prioritizing vibrant colors and outdoor visibility will likely find the Realme Watch S2 more appealing, assuming it offers a typical brightness level for its class.
Camera Comparison
Neither the ZTE Watch Live nor the Realme Watch S2 include camera functionality, a common omission in budget smartwatches. This simplifies the comparison, as neither device caters to users seeking on-wrist photography.
Performance
Without chipset details for the ZTE Watch Live, performance analysis is speculative. The Realme Watch S2, while not a powerhouse, benefits from Realme’s software optimization. The absence of RAM specifications for both devices suggests limited multitasking capabilities; both are likely designed for basic notification handling and fitness tracking rather than running complex apps. The Realme Watch S2’s software experience, while basic, is likely more refined due to Realme’s broader software development resources.
Battery Life
The Realme Watch S2’s wired charging is a significant advantage over the unknown charging method of the ZTE Watch Live. Wired charging offers a more predictable and generally faster charging experience. While the mAh capacity of the Realme Watch S2 isn’t specified, typical battery life for similar devices is around a week with moderate use. The ZTE Watch Live’s battery performance is entirely unknown, making it difficult to assess its longevity relative to the Realme Watch S2.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Watch Live if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with a less-established brand, accepting the risk of limited information regarding its full feature set. Buy the Realme Watch S2 if you value a brand with a proven track record in wearables, require reliable wired charging, and appreciate a more readily available support network.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What type of charging does the ZTE Watch Live use, and how long does it take to fully charge?
Unfortunately, the charging method for the ZTE Watch Live is currently unknown. This lack of information makes it difficult to compare its charging convenience and speed to the Realme Watch S2's wired charging.
❓ Does the Realme Watch S2 support music playback or phone calls directly from the watch?
The Realme Watch S2 does not typically support direct music playback or phone calls. It primarily functions as a notification relay and fitness tracker, displaying alerts from your paired smartphone.
❓ Is the ZTE Watch Live compatible with both Android and iOS devices?
While compatibility information is scarce, it's reasonable to assume the ZTE Watch Live aims for broad compatibility with both Android and iOS, similar to most budget smartwatches. However, feature parity between platforms cannot be guaranteed without official specifications.
