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OnePlus Watch 2 has been on the market for a couple of months now, and after extensive testing, we are ready to debut our in-depth review. This second-generation OnePlus smartwatch follows up on its predecessor, which faced challenges in competing with devices like the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch series, and Google Pixel watch. The previous generation struggled notably with poor battery life but aimed to stand out by offering similar features at a more affordable price point.
With this latest generation of OnePlus watches, the second iteration appears to address many of the shortcomings of its predecessor. True to the company’s style, it also introduces a few unconventional features and a contemporary design.
Table of Contents
Design
The OnePlus Watch 2 features a modern brushed steel housing that is noticeably heavier than its predecessor, imparting a more premium feel. The tactile buttons and dial are well-constructed and surround the watch’s 46mm AMOLED display. It comes with a fluororubber wrist strap connected by a stainless steel buckle, with the option to switch to a leather/rubber strap available in various colors. The watch itself is offered in two case color variants: “radiant steel” or “black steel.”
Our review unit came with the fluororubber strap in emerald green, which we found comfortable during workouts and easy to clean.
Including the wrist strap, this smartwatch weighs nearly 80g, while without the strap it weighs 49g. For comparison, the Google Pixel Watch 2 weighs 31g (without a strap), the Apple Watch Ultra 2 weighs 61.4g, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic weighs 59.0g.
Connectivity
This smartwatch supports a range of wireless connections including WiFi (5G/2.4G, supporting 802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth (HFP v1.6, HSP v1.2, A2DP v1.3, AVRCP v1.6, SPP v1.1 and later versions), and various GPS systems (Dual Frequency L1+L5; Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS). It also includes NFC support for contactless services.
One notable omission here is cellular connectivity, as OnePlus does not currently offer a cellular-connected option. Opinions among users we’ve spoken with are mixed regarding the necessity of cellular connectivity. Given that most users typically have their smartphones with them most of the time, we generally consider this a peripheral feature rather than a critical one, though its absence is noteworthy.
The watch charges using a proprietary 4-pin magnetic connector, ensuring easy and secure connections. However, it does not come with a charging brick included. Charging speeds are notably fast, especially when using a separate super-VOC connector from OnePlus.
Display and Performance
All variants of the OnePlus Watch 2 come equipped with a 600nit AMOLED display boasting 326PPI, ensuring excellent readability even in bright lighting conditions. When compared to the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic, we strongly favor the OnePlus Watch 2 for its superior brightness and vibrant colors.
With dual onboard chipsets, this smartwatch achieves an impressive balance between battery life and performance. It features the Snapdragon W5 and BES2700 chipsets, intelligently switching between them to optimize performance based on workload. This dual-processor setup results in a smooth, responsive interface that handles tasks effortlessly. Storage capacity is notably generous at 32GB ROM + 2GB RAM, providing ample space for seamless operation, particularly beneficial for fitness tracking activities.
Battery Life
One standout feature of this device is its battery life. Typically, we managed to get a full two days of usage from its 500mAh battery. However, this varied depending on the extent of fitness tracking and whether “smart mode” was activated or not. OnePlus claims that with “smart mode” enabled, users can achieve up to 100 hours of battery life. While we think the 100 hours is achievable, most users will find that isn’t consistently practical.
Pricing and offers
OnePlus prices this watch at $399.99 CAD and sells directly from their website. The company has regular offers directly and offers bundles for combining the purchase of this device with other OnePlus products. Compared to Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($1,099.00) and the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic ($589), this watch is much more affordable. Value wise, we think OnePlus has really hit a sweet spot.
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