ZTE's upcoming smartwatch runs Android Wear 2.0, lacks some useful features

An anonymous source has provided to Android Police new images and details on the upcoming ZTE Quartz. The Quartz, first hinted at just before CES, is ZTE's first smartwatch. Unfortunately, it seems to be missing some features that are available on other smartwatches. There isn't much detail available, but what the leak reveals provides some insight into the Quartz's design and capabilities (or lack thereof).

The leaked images show a design very similar to another previously-leaked image, with an uncomfortably thick, round metal body and what seems like a navy blue band with a black rubbery texture. The back of the body holds the Quartz's charging pins; they connect to a four-pin plastic charging cradle. Uniformly-spaced ticks on the bezel frame the smartwatch's display, reminiscent of traditional analog watches. One small button rests on the smartwatch's upper-right side. The source did not mention what type of display the Quartz uses.

Android Police's source also focuses on the Quartz's missing features—there is no LTE, NFC, or heart rate monitor. An FCC filing last month had already revealed 3G connectivity instead of LTE, but the lack of the other features is a surprise. Without NFC, the Quartz can't be used to make contactless payments, for which smartwatches are ideal. Furthermore, people who are interested in buying a smartwatch that doubles as a fitness device will find the lack of a heart rate monitor a deal breaker. The source provides no explanation for ZTE's omission of these features.

One thing that the Quartz does include is the new Android Wear 2.0, which runs on top of Android Nougat 7.1.1. Android Wear 2.0 hosts a bunch of new and expanded features, such as standalone apps, improved fitness tracking, and tap-to-pay. Unfortunately, as Android Police notes, ZTE's design decisions may hinder the Quartz's ability to take full advantage of these and other Android Wear 2.0 features.

No information on pricing or availability is mentioned by the source, but Android Police expects official word on the ZTE Quartz relatively soon.

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