In the competitive landscape of smartwatches, the OnePlus Watch 2 has emerged as a strong contender, particularly for Android users. Priced at $250 on Amazon—$50 off its usual retail price of $299.99—this smartwatch offers a compelling mix of features, style, and performance. Having faced criticism for its initial smartwatch offering, OnePlus has clearly turned things around with the Watch 2. Let’s explore what makes this smartwatch stand out and how it compares to other offerings in the market.
What’s the Deal?
Currently, the OnePlus Watch 2 is available on Amazon for $250, making it an attractive option for anyone in the market for a smartwatch. The device has received positive feedback for its elegant design, impressive battery life, and seamless performance powered by Wear OS 4. This makes it one of the best and most accessible smartwatches available today.
Key Features
- Operating System: Dual-engine architecture featuring both Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and Wear OS 4.
- Battery Life: Up to 100 hours in Smart Mode, 48 hours with heavy use, and up to 12 days in power-saver mode.
- Durability: 5 ATM water resistance and IP68 rating, compliant with MIL-STD-810H standards.
- Charging: 7.5W VOOC fast charging, capable of charging to 100% in one hour.
- Health Tracking: Monitors heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, sleep, and workouts via the OHealth app.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $250 (discounted from $299.99) |
| Display | 1.39-inch AMOLED, 454 x 454 pixels |
| Battery | 500 mAh |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (IP68) |
| Weight | 80 grams |
| Compatibility | Android (iPhone not supported) |
Elegant Design and Build Quality
OnePlus has taken a significant step forward in the aesthetics and build quality of the Watch 2. The smartwatch features a stainless steel body complemented by a 2.5D smooth sapphire crystal watch face, making it both durable and visually appealing. The device is designed with style in mind, featuring buttons that are seamlessly integrated into the bezel, enhancing its overall elegance.
The watch is also built to withstand various environmental conditions. With a 5 ATM water resistance rating and an IP68 certification, users can wear it while swimming or during outdoor adventures without any concerns. Furthermore, it meets MIL-STD-810H standards for military-grade durability, outclassing many competitors, including the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Performance and Battery Life
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its exceptional battery life. The smartwatch is equipped with a 500 mAh battery that can last up to 100 hours in Smart Mode and around 48 hours with more intensive usage. For users who prefer longer intervals between charges, the power-saver mode can stretch battery life up to an impressive 12 days.
During my two weeks of testing, I found that I could wear the watch continuously, charging it every three to four days. Activities included GPS tracking for running, heart-rate monitoring during indoor rowing, and general day-to-day usage. The watch also supports 7.5W VOOC fast charging, enabling users to charge it to 100% in just one hour, or gain a full day’s use with just a short charging session.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The OnePlus Watch 2 provides a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features through the OHealth app. This app offers a user-friendly interface for monitoring various health metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, sleep patterns, and stress levels. Additionally, it includes workout tracking capabilities for numerous activities, from running to yoga.
OHealth App Features
The OHealth app is designed to manage health data efficiently, and it also allows users to customize watch faces and navigate Wear OS tiles. Some key features include:
- Heart-Rate Alerts: Notify users when their heart rate exceeds or drops below specific thresholds.
- Sleep Monitoring: Track sleep quality and provide insights for better rest.
- Auto-Workout Detection: Automatically recognize when you start a workout, simplifying the tracking process.
- Breathing Assessments: Evaluate stress and provide recommendations for breathing exercises.
While the watch does offer impressive health features, it’s worth noting that it currently lacks advanced options like ECG readings and women’s health tracking. The watch does not support fall detection or the ability to control a OnePlus smartphone camera, though future updates may address these gaps.
Software Experience
The OnePlus Watch 2 operates on a dual-engine architecture, allowing it to leverage the benefits of both RTOS and Wear OS 4. This unique setup offers enhanced efficiency, longer battery life, and smoother performance compared to traditional Wear OS devices.
The OHealth app is integral to the experience, as it serves as the main hub for health data and watch settings. While the watch is not compatible with Apple devices, its performance and features make it an excellent choice for Android users.
Comparison with Competitors
When placed alongside other smartwatches, particularly those powered by Wear OS, the OnePlus Watch 2 offers a compelling package. Its battery life outshines many competitors, such as the Google Pixel Watch, which is often criticized for its shorter battery life. Furthermore, the elegant design and robust durability make the OnePlus Watch 2 a solid alternative to pricier options like the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long battery life | No cellular connectivity |
| Elegant design and build quality | May be too large for smaller wrists |
| Excellent health tracking capabilities | Lacks advanced health functions (ECG, etc.) |
| Fast charging capability | Limited app compatibility with iPhones |
FAQs
1. Is the OnePlus Watch 2 compatible with iPhones?
No, the OnePlus Watch 2 requires the OHealth app on an Android device for full functionality.
2. How long does it take to charge the OnePlus Watch 2?
With 7.5W VOOC fast charging, it takes about one hour to fully charge the device.
3. What are the main health tracking features?
The watch tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, stress levels, and workouts, among others.
4. Does the OnePlus Watch 2 have GPS?
Yes, it includes dual-frequency GPS for accurate location tracking during activities.
5. Will future updates improve the watch’s capabilities?
OnePlus has indicated plans to add features like camera control and syncing with other fitness apps, so users can expect improvements over time.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender for Android Users
The OnePlus Watch 2 is a noteworthy upgrade from its predecessor, boasting an impressive range of features at a competitive price point. With its elegant design, exceptional battery life, and comprehensive health tracking, it’s an appealing choice for Android users seeking a reliable smartwatch
While there are areas for improvement, the OnePlus Watch 2 has set a new standard in the budget smartwatch category, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their digital lifestyle