OnePlus Watch 2 Review: Evolution, Not Revolution

DESIGN

The OnePlus Watch 2 is a beautifully crafted timepiece with a sleek round design. There are two buttons, which are both thoughtfully placed to prevent accidental presses.

The watch has 2.5D sapphire crystal glass and a durable stainless-steel chassis, ensuring it can withstand everyday wear and tear. One of the standout features of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its big and bold screen. Considering the watch’s size, this makes it perfect for individuals with larger wrists who may struggle with smaller watchfaces. Additionally, the watch meets IP68 standards, making it the ideal choice for swimmers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is also suitable for those who engage in workout activities.

PERFORMANCE

The OnePlus smartwatch boasts an interesting feature – the Dual-Engine architecture. Essentially, this feature means that the watch is powered by not one but two processors. OnePlus has named this feature as Dual-Engine Architecture. The watch is equipped with two independent chipsets – one is the BES2700 chipset, which efficiently handles light tasks from the RTOS (Real-Time Operating System). The other chipset is the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform, which handles the more complex tasks involved in running the WearOS. The Dual-Engine architecture of my device has significantly improved its battery life. In Smart mode, the device automatically switches to different modes depending on usage, and I could squeeze out 92 hours of battery life.

I’m also impressed with the Always-On display feature of the OnePlus smartwatch in its default mode. Surprisingly, after using the Always-On feature for 24 hours, the battery only dropped by 24%, which is quite impressive for a smartwatch. All this is possible due to OnePlus’s clever trick of using RTOS, which consumes low energy and offers basic features like displaying the time and tracking multiple workouts.

The menu on the Watch 3 is quite similar to that of an Apple watch, featuring round icons arranged in a grid format. It’s powered by Google’s latest WearOS, which means it has a built-in Play Store. You can download apps and watch faces on the Watch 3. 

Also read: MWC 2024 Wrap-up

FITNESS TRACKING

The OnePlus Watch 2 is a perfect fitness partner for anyone who wants to keep track of their physical activities and performance. The brand has invested a lot in fitness tracking. For instance, the watch comes equipped with dual GPS capabilities, which help improve location accuracy during workouts. Additionally, a Dual processor efficiently handles complex fitness tracking tasks and an extensive set of sensors that monitor your every movement. There is a dedicated button that you can use to open different sets of workouts ranging from simple outdoor runs to extreme mountain hiking. With over 100 different sports modes and 6 different modes of physical activity, you can choose the perfect workout that suits your needs. 

However, the OnePlus Watch 2 does much more than just track your fitness performance. It even shows me how to improve sleep quality, manage stress levels, or increase your workout intensity.

VERDICT

The OnePlus Watch 2 has a lot going for it, but it also comes with some compromises that are hard to overlook. While the watch has some great features, such as a long battery life, a vibrant screen, and convenient shortcut buttons, some drawbacks cannot be ignored. One of the main issues is the size of the watch. Even though I have relatively thicker wrists, people with thinner wrists will find it a deal-breaker. However, if you prioritize a big screen, long battery life, and a variety of workout options, the OnePlus Watch 2 could be a good fit for you.

 

OnePlus Watch 2 Set to Steal the Show at MWC 2024

OnePlus gears up to unveil the highly anticipated OnePlus Watch 2 at the Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024) in Barcelona. Recent leaks suggest a game-changing upgrade for this next-gen smartwatch — the integration of Wear OS. While its predecessor adhered to a simpler operating system, the OnePlus Watch 2 is set to embrace the limitless possibilities of Wear OS, promising a plethora of advanced features.

Renowned tech insider Max Jambor’s (@MaxJmb) revelation on X (formerly Twitter) has set the stage for the grand debut of the OnePlus Watch 2 at MWC 2024. The tantalising prospect of a February release aligns perfectly with the annual mobile-centric trade show’s schedule, commencing on February 26 and concluding on February 29.

Interestingly, this revelation sheds light on OnePlus’s strategic silence regarding the smartwatch in the lead-up to the global launch event for the OnePlus 12 series on January 23. As anticipation builds for the OnePlus 12 flagship, the OnePlus 12R, and the OnePlus Buds 3 TWS earphones, the absence of any smartwatch teasers becomes a deliberate tactic, hinting at a jaw-dropping surprise.

Cast your minds back to April 2021 when OnePlus unveiled its inaugural smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch, priced at ₹14,999. With a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, 5ATM water resistance, and IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, it was a commendable first step. However, it deviated from the industry norm by opting for a distinct operating system, eschewing Google’s Wear OS.

Now, Max Jambor’s insider information brings the spotlight back to the OnePlus Watch 2, which promises to run on Wear OS. The question remains: Wear OS 3 or the advanced Wear OS 4? The latter boasts enhanced notifications, safety features, and a sophisticated watch face format, along with seamless data transfers between devices.

Last November, leaked renders of the OnePlus Watch 2 surfaced, offering a glimpse of the device’s 1.43-inch AMOLED screen and the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip under its hood. With a model number (OPWWE231) spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards website, it’s clear that India is also in line for the OnePlus Watch 2 experience. As the countdown begins, the tech world eagerly awaits the unveiling that could redefine the smartwatch landscape.

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