Returning after a series of failures, OnePlus introduces its latest wearable device, the OnePlus Watch 2. This new entrant is the most advanced wearable device the company has produced so far, promising to avoid the issues faced by its predecessors.
The OnePlus Watch 2 is a feature-packed smartwatch powered by Google’s Wear OS. What sets it apart is the inclusion of a second, undisclosed operating system with its own chipset to manage low-level tasks and extend battery life. But before diving into the details, let’s explore its design.
Design
The OnePlus Watch 2 showcases a significant redesign, opting for a bulkier, more purposeful look compared to its predecessor. The flattened edges and straight lines give it a more masculine appeal, diverging from the unisex design of the original model. The watch comes in Black Steel and Radiant Steel variants, both crafted from stainless steel with a mix of brushed and polished finishes.
Protected by a 2.5D sapphire crystal glass, the display features a subtle curve along the edges. The prominent side buttons, resembling a crown and a flat surface, offer a satisfying click with minimal resistance to prevent accidental pressing.
Offered with two fluoro rubber straps in black and seafoam green, the OnePlus Watch 2 attaches with a standard latch mechanism, enabling compatibility with various strap options. While the design upgrade is debatable, the increased dimensions and weight of the watch are noticeable, impacting comfort, especially for extended wear.
Display
The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466×466 pixels, refreshing at 60Hz. With vibrant colors, inky blacks, and good viewing angles, the display falls short in intense sunlight, making certain watch faces challenging to read. Despite this drawback, readability remains intact under various lighting conditions.
Software, Features, and Performance
The highlight of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its hybrid software design. Running Wear OS on the Snapdragon W5 chipset and a dedicated RTOS on the BES 2700 chipset, the watch efficiently manages low-level operations while conserving power. Switching between Smart and Power Saver modes allows users to strike a balance between full smartwatch functionality and extended battery life.
Offering a familiar software experience, the watch navigates smoothly through menus and applications, with gestures working seamlessly. While performance remains decent, occasional slowdowns are experienced, especially in Power Saver mode. Limited compatibility with Android smartphones and the absence of certain features like cycle tracking for women are notable downsides.
Connectivity
Equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS, the OnePlus Watch 2 ensures reliable connectivity, particularly with improved GPS performance over its predecessor. The absence of cellular connectivity hinders standalone functionality, relying solely on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for data transfer.
Battery and Charging
Fueled by a substantial 500mAh battery, the OnePlus Watch 2 delivers impressive battery life under Smart and Power Saver modes. The magnetic puck charging mechanism, while convenient, poses limitations in positioning the watch and handling the cable during charging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 2 emerges as a significant upgrade over its forerunner, offering a compelling mix of design, functionality, and battery life. Priced at $299.99 / £299 / €329 / ₹24,999, it stands out as a competitive option in the smartwatch market, delivering a complete feature set at a reasonable cost.
The OnePlus Watch 2 carves its niche with a balance of features and pricing, making it a worthy contender against its more expensive counterparts.
