The original OnePlus Watch 2 review was a dud, and I’ll be the first to admit it. Unfortunately, OnePlus’s initial effort was unsuccessful in the overflowing market for high-quality smartwatches that are compatible with Android. However, after a period of indecision, the business has released the OnePlus Watch 2, an almost incomparable $299 watch.
Finally, OnePlus has delivered on its promise of a companion smartwatch with the OnePlus Watch 2. The combination of class and longevity makes it competitive with more expensive options. Wear OS 4 powers popular flagships like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Google Pixel Watch, and OnePlus has also integrated its RTOS (real-time operating system) with it.
The OnePlus Watch represents a new chapter in the company’s history, and although it may be missing some features seen in more recent smartwatches like LTE compatibility and fall detection it generally holds its own against the top smartwatches I’ve tested. For a more in-depth explanation, see my comprehensive review of the OnePlus Watch 2 down below.
Oneplus Watch 2 Review Design
The original OnePlus Watch was crude, but the updated version is a stylish wristwatch that stands out from the crowd. You may choose the stainless steel chassis in two different finishes: Radiant Steel and Black Steel. It looks and feels like it belongs on the flagship level. The digital crown and action button are not flush with the watch’s curve but rather protrude somewhat from the casing. Not only does this style of button layout look good, but it also helps to avoid inadvertent presses, at least in my experience.
However, the sophistication is deceiving. With the same MIL-STD-810H durability grade as many of the top Garmin watches for outdoor sports, the OnePlus Watch 2 is ready for rough and tumble activities. Plus, it can endure water pressure equal to 50 meters, making it water resistant and suitable for swimming. Even the display is constructed of sapphire crystal, the same substance utilized by the far more expensive Garmin Epix Pro and Apple Watch Ultra timepieces.
Solid Build with Enduring Durability
However, the Watch 2 does carry over one of its predecessors’ shortcomings: it is available in just one enormous size, measuring 47mm in diameter. This puts it somewhat larger than the original OnePlus Watch (46.4mm) but smaller than the notoriously giant Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm). There are two sizes available for the Galaxy Watch 6: 40mm for the small and 44mm for the large. On the other hand, the Watch 6 Classic is available in 43mm for the small and 47mm for the large. Only a 41 mm band width is available for the Pixel Watch 2.
Unlike its predecessor, the Watch 2, which was exclusively offered in black, the Watch 2 now comes in a variety of colors. I put the Radiant Steel model through its paces; it has a green band and a sleek silver-tone case. Darker hues and a black ring characterize the Black Steel variety.
The stainless steel frame and huge 1.43-inch screen gave it an air of refined sophistication, and the sporty fluoro rubber synthetic rubber strap was comfortable all day long. If you want to change up the style, just use any regular 22mm quick-release band instead of the factory one. The 2.8-ounce with strap or 1.7-ounce without strap weight was just right for me. Even though I’m a large dude, I really appreciate how the Watch 2 looks on my wrist. You might want to keep searching if your wrist is on the smaller side.
Battery Life & Fast Charging
The second-generation smartwatch from OnePlus has a two-week power-saving mode and a hundred hours of typical “smart” mode battery life, according to the company. The battery life is still significantly longer than that of other flagship smartwatches, but I did find that I needed to recharge it just shy of three days while using Google Maps for navigation or when monitoring workouts. Both the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Galaxy Watch 6 require charging on an almost daily basis.
The watch has an impressive charging time: 10 minutes to power up for a day, and just an hour to fully charge the battery. A OnePlus charging brick and USB-C cable are included in the unique charging station. Although the charging brick is the way to go for rapid charging, the base is compatible with USB-C connectors, so you could theoretically bring less cords on your trip. One distinct benefit of the OnePlus Watch 2 over other smartwatches is its built-in charger.
Wear OS 4 Software
The top Android smartwatches use Google’s Wear OS software, which OnePlus has elected to use instead of its own RTOS. Despite its resemblance to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch, the OnePlus Watch 2 retains some features and applications that are exclusive to the company. A combination of Wear OS 4 and RTOS, made possible by two adaptive chipsets, is the end product.
But the OnePlus is a reliable friend because of the Google apps. With the usage of my wrist, I was able to utilize Google Calendar to see when my appointment was, Google Maps to find my way to the location, and Google Pay to pay for my subway fare. Although I discovered that the built-in apps address the most typical wristwatch demands, there are other third-party options accessible in the Google Play Store.
Great Fitness Tracking
The fitness tracking capabilities of the OnePlus Watch 2 fell short of my expectations as I’ve never really thought of OnePlus as a health brand. In contrast, I hold Apple and Samsung in high esteem in this regard. The watch may seem like it won’t have any sporting capabilities, but it really has an activity-tracking app that lets you easily keep tabs on your daily movement (including step count). Additional wellness data is provided by the apps that monitor sleep and stress, which can be accessed through the wrist or the accompanying OHealth app for Android.
Google Pixel Watch 2, which has one of the most accurate heart rate sensors, was compared. Accurate measurements were taken by the OnePlus Watch 2. Even while I enjoy the fitness information that Google provides through Fitbit, the OnePlus watch does offer some sophisticated features for some sports, such as jogging. Consider: VO2 max, vertical intensity, stride length, landing duration, cadence, and pace.
No Option for LTE
Many modern wristwatches also include long-term evolution (LTE) connectivity, which allows the user to connect an additional cellular line to the device at a price, of course. You can stay connected even when you’re not near your phone by taking advantage of features like mobile payments, directions, and texting.
Many buyers opt for the LTE-enabled versions of the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, and Pixel Watch. You can maximize your smartwatch experience with its help. It’s not a deal-breaker per such, but I do believe it would strengthen the argument that the OnePlus Watch 2 deserves to be considered among those flagship competitors.
A Top Android Smartwatch
The OnePlus Watch 2 is a great option for anyone looking for a new wristwatch that is compatible with Android phones, regardless of whether you’re a fan of the OnePlus brand or not. In addition to Wear OS’s many benefits, it has the class-leading battery life, precise activity and sleep tracking, and more.
The Watch 2 has a single size that can be too big for smaller wrists, and it doesn’t have all the fancy health tracking capabilities that other models have. Choose the Pixel Watch 2 if you want the purest Wear OS experience, or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 if you want the most powerful sensors and smarts. If you’re looking for a smartwatch with a long battery life, go no further than the OnePlus Watch 2.
Conclusion
One affordable smartwatch that can hold its own against more costly alternatives is the OnePlus Watch 2. A sapphire crystal display and a stainless steel chassis make it unique. The timepiece is offered in a rainbow of hues and two distinct finishes. It comes with a fluororubber strap and a big 1.43-inch screen. Along with rapid charging and a power-saving mode that lasts for two weeks, the battery life is just remarkable. Wear OS 4 powers the watch, which provides access to both official Google apps and third-party alternatives. It doesn’t have LTE connectivity, but the fitness tracking features are good.
FAQs
What can the OnePlus Watch 2 do?
Wear OS 4 on the OnePlus Watch 2 is an exceptional experience for many reasons, including effortless health tracking, fast sync with compatible peripherals, and keeping connected. Additional capabilities, like the ability to sync alarms and weather data, are available to OnePlus phone users as well.
How accurate is the OnePlus Watch 2?
On the Watch 2, the GPS works fairly well, but the other sensors don’t. When it comes to tracking my heart rate and calories burned during exercises, the OnePlus Watch 2 appears to be significantly less accurate than my Apple Watch Series 8 with Whoop band.
Will the OnePlus Watch 2 have ECG?
Although it tracks your health well, the OnePlus Watch 2 is missing some advanced health features that rival products have, such the ability to detect falls, monitor your electrocardiogram ECG, and sense your temperature.