OnePlus Watch 2: Bridging the Gap Between Smarts and Battery Life
In the realm of smartwatches, the choices have been stark: opt for a Wear OS or Apple Watch for smart features and app support, but sacrifice battery life; or choose an RTOS-running smartwatch or Garmin for exceptional battery life, but miss out on the “smarts.”
The OnePlus Watch 2 boldly steps in to bridge this divide, introducing a revolutionary “Dual-Engine Architecture” that seamlessly integrates the smarts of Wear OS with the extended battery life of RTOS. This ingenious design features two chipsets: the Snapdragon W5 performance SoC running Wear OS 4 and the BES 2700 efficiency chipset powering RTOS.
No longer do you have to compromise between hardware, battery life, and smart features. The OnePlus Watch 2 empowers you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Unparalleled Battery Life: A Game-Changer
As a smartwatch user, I’ve often found myself yearning for extended battery life. The constant need to charge my watch daily was a major inconvenience. The OnePlus Watch 2 has been a refreshing change, offering me the freedom to go two nights and three days on a single charge, even with sleep tracking and Always on Display (AOD) enabled for eight hours daily.
With AOD turned off, you can easily stretch the battery life to three nights of sleep tracking and four days of daily use. And when you do need to charge, the OnePlus Watch 2 rapidly powers up from 10% to 100% in just 60 minutes.
Seamless Transition Between Smart and Power Saving Modes
The OnePlus Watch 2 seamlessly transitions between Smart mode (Wear OS) and Power Saving mode (RTOS) in just three to five seconds. This allows you to effortlessly switch between the full-fledged Wear OS experience and the extended battery life of RTOS, depending on your needs.
In Power Saving mode, you can still receive notifications, track fitness and sleep data, and access sports modes for activities like swimming, cycling, and badminton. The tracked data remains safe and accessible when you switch back to Smart mode.
Innovative Charging Solution: Simplicity at its Finest
One of the most frustrating aspects of owning a smartwatch is the additional charging cable it requires. The OnePlus Watch 2 elegantly solves this issue with a magnetic charging puck that supports a removable Type-C cable. This means you can conveniently charge your watch using the same cable as your phone, eliminating the need for multiple chargers.
Accuracy and Features: A Mixed Bag
The OnePlus Watch 2 delivers accurate sleep tracking data, comparable to the metrics provided by the RingConn Smart Ring. However, it could benefit from improved workout tracking, as it sometimes fails to prompt workout triggers during outdoor walks.
The watch boasts Dual Frequency GPS for precise outdoor running tracking, offering suggestions to optimize movement behaviors. Additionally, it features IP68 and 5 ATM certification, making it suitable for swimming.
OHealth App: Room for Improvement
The OnePlus Watch 2 connects to Android phones via the OHealth app. The setup is straightforward, but the app’s functionality needs refinement. For instance, while it displays a graph of workout time, it lacks details about the specific workouts performed.
Design and Comfort: A Matter of Taste
The OnePlus Watch 2 sports a large 47mm case, which may not suit everyone’s preferences. While I personally enjoy big watches, I recognize that it might be too large for individuals with smaller wrists. The watch’s unconventional right edge design adds a unique personality, but the lack of scrolling support on the crown-shaped button is a missed opportunity.
Despite its size, the OnePlus Watch 2 is surprisingly comfortable to wear. I experienced no discomfort during my week of use.
OnePlus Watch 2: A Solid Choice for Smartwatch Enthusiasts
Priced at $299.99 / 24,999 Indian Rupees, the OnePlus Watch 2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a smartwatch that offers both smart features and extended battery life. Its innovative Dual-Engine Architecture, brilliant battery life, and convenient charging solution make it a standout in the smartwatch market.
While it has room for improvement in terms of workout tracking and app functionality, the OnePlus Watch 2 delivers an impressive overall experience. Its classy design, bright display, responsive UI, and comfortable form factor make it a compelling option for those who value both style and functionality.