OnePlus is finally taking a shot at the premium smartwatch market with the OnePlus Watch 2, a device that seeks to challenge the dominance of the Samsung Galaxy Watch series. After two previous attempts that were more akin to fitness bands than full-fledged smartwatches, OnePlus is aiming to impress with a device boasting a robust design, dual-chip architecture, and an impressive battery life. But does the OnePlus Watch 2 have what it takes to truly compete with Samsung’s established legacy in the smartwatch space? Let’s delve into the key features that make this new smartwatch stand out and explore whether it has the potential to make a significant mark in the competitive world of wearables.
Sturdy Design That Appears Elegant
The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a striking design that blends durability with a sophisticated aesthetic. Its 47mm stainless steel case houses a 1.43-inch AMOLED round display, protected by a 2.5D sapphire crystal face. While its overall look is undeniably sleek, the watch stands out with two strategically placed pushers on the left side of the case, adding a touch of unique character. Beyond aesthetics, the watch is built to withstand the rigors of everyday life. OnePlus claims it can withstand pressures of 5 ATM underwater, making it suitable for swimming up to 50 meters. It also boasts IP68-certification for dust and water resistance and has been designed to meet MIL-STD-810H US military standards, ensuring its durability even in harsh environments.
It’s Got Two Processors
One of the standout features of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its innovative Dual-Engine Architecture. This architecture involves two independent chipsets that work in tandem, seamlessly switching between operating systems to optimize performance and battery life. The watch utilizes a BES2700 chipset for running the RTOS portion of the software, responsible for managing essential background tasks and fitness tracking. Simultaneously , the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform powers the Wear OS portion, enabling smoother operation of more demanding applications. OnePlus asserts that this intelligent switching process is seamless and doesn’t impact the user experience. This clever system aims to extend battery life and deliver a more efficient performance overall.
There’s Two Operating Systems As Well
The OnePlus Watch 2 employs a dual-operating system (OS) strategy, combining the user-friendly Wear OS 4 with a more power-efficient RTOS. According to OnePlus, the RTOS manages essential background activities like fitness tracking and everyday tasks, ensuring that the watch operates smoothly and consistently. By contrast, Wear OS 4, designed for more power-intensive apps, kicks in only when necessary, conserving battery life for when you need it most. This innovative software approach, reminiscent of the successful Color OS and Wear OS combination found in the Oppo Watch, optimizes performance and battery longevity, making this watch a promising contender in the smartwatch market.
Aims For Above Average Battery Life
Perhaps the most ambitious feature of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its claim to offer market-beating battery life. OnePlus promises that its Dual-Engine Architecture combined with its software switching system will deliver an impressive 12 days of battery life in Power Saver Mode. While other smartwatches do offer power-saving modes, they often come with a significant sacrifice in fitness tracking functionality. OnePlus, however, confidently asserts that its hardware and software collaboration will deliver impressive battery life without compromising health tracking features, making this smartwatch a strong contender for those who prioritize both functionality and longevity. The watch also packs a generous 500mAh battery, considerably larger than most Wear OS wearables, providing further reassurance of its long-lasting capabilities.
OnePlus Watch 2 Connectivity
While the OnePlus Watch 2 packs promising features, it does lack cellular connectivity or eSIM, meaning users will need a connected Android smartphone for features such as receiving notifications and making calls when not within range of a Wi-Fi network. This omission might frustrate users accustomed to the freedom offered by standalone smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch 6 or Apple Watch Series 9, which both feature built-in cellular connectivity. OnePlus defends this decision, citing user feedback which indicated a lack of demand for cellular features. Additionally, the watch currently lacks NFC payments, specifically Google Pay support, limiting its functionality within the Indian market.
Closing Thoughts
The OnePlus Watch 2, with its impressive design and innovative dual-chip architecture, holds immense potential to make a serious mark in the smartwatch market. The device’s promise of exceptional battery life without compromising key features makes it an appealing option for users who prioritize both performance and longevity. However, the absence of cellular connectivity and NFC payment capabilities, especially in India, might be a letdown for users seeking a truly standalone experience. As we delve deeper into the OnePlus Watch 2, we’ll be meticulously analyzing its performance, fitness tracking prowess, and overall user experience to definitively determine whether this smartwatch lives up to the lofty expectations set by OnePlus and truly delivers a premium smartwatch experience. It will be interesting to see how the OnePlus Watch 2 stacks up in the competitive smartwatch landscape, and whether it can break into the dominant position held by Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series. Stay tuned for our in-depth review, which will provide a comprehensive evaluation of this much-anticipated smartwatch and reveal whether it delivers on its promises.
