The OnePlus Watch 2 marks a significant step forward in the world of smartwatches. With its sleek design and enhanced fitness tracking capabilities, it’s designed to keep pace with the top contenders in the market. It runs on Wear OS 4, making it a versatile accessory for any Android phone user, though it shines brightest when paired with a OnePlus smartphone.
Priced at $299, the OnePlus Watch 2 offers a compelling mix of features and affordability. Its battery life really makes it stand out, lasting up to 100 hours in Smart mode and extending to 12 days in Power Saver mode. This endurance, combined with military-grade durability and water resistance, positions the OnePlus Watch 2 as a robust option for the adventurous and the active.
Here are the smart watch’es best features and key takeaways from Gadget Mates:
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Watch 2 sports a sleek design that catches the eye. It features a rounded digital crown-like home button and a flat multifunction button on its side. These buttons are not just for show; they serve specific purposes. A double press on the top button brings up the most recent app, and a long press activates Google Assistant. The bottom button, on the other hand, is a shortcut to workouts and Google Wallet.
Despite its stylish appearance, the OnePlus Watch 2’s design isn’t perfect. The watch’s digital crown, though it rotates, misses out on a key feature—scrolling. Currently, it only adjusts volume during music playback. This limitation feels like a missed opportunity, especially since software updates could potentially add scroll functionality.
Durability is a strong suit for the OnePlus Watch 2. It meets the MIL-STD-810H military standard, which means it can handle a lot of rough and tumble. Additionally, it’s equipped with IP68 water and dust resistance, making it a solid choice for outdoor adventurers. The watch can also withstand pressure up to 5 atmospheres, making it suitable for divers—though its diving durability and military-grade resilience are claims that most users will hopefully never need to test.
OnePlus clearly aimed to create a watch that not only looks good but can also stand up to the elements. Whether you’re caught in a downpour or diving into a pool, the OnePlus Watch 2 is built to endure. However, its design is not without its flaws. The inability to scroll using the digital crown is a noteworthy oversight that may frustrate some users. Nevertheless, its robust build quality ensures it remains a competitive option for those seeking a smartwatch that balances style with durability.
Fitness Tracking Capabilities
When it comes to staying fit, the OnePlus Watch 2 aims to be a helpful buddy. This smartwatch offers a mix of features designed for people who love to exercise. It can track various workouts, from running and biking to swimming, because it’s water-resistant. Users can start their favorite workout with just a few taps.
The watch also keeps an eye on health stats like heart rate and sleep. This means it not only watches how much you move but also monitors how well you rest. Good sleep is key to a healthy lifestyle, so this feature can be quite handy. The OnePlus Watch 2 tries to offer a full picture of the user’s health.
Another cool thing about the OnePlus Watch 2 is its ability to measure stress levels. During a busy day, the watch can suggest breathing exercises to help calm down. It’s like having a personal wellness coach on your wrist.
However, the accuracy of the fitness tracking is something to think about. While the OnePlus Watch 2 does well in tracking the basics, users have reported some issues with tracking exact steps and heart rate during intense workouts. It’s good for general fitness tracking, but those who need precise data might find these glitches a bit bothersome.
Battery life also plays a big part in its fitness tracking capabilities. With the ability to last three to four days on a single charge, users don’t need to worry about it dying in the middle of a workout. This is a big plus for those who are always on the move and don’t want the hassle of constant recharging.
Despite the minor hiccups in tracking accuracy, the OnePlus Watch 2 still stands as a solid choice for people looking to manage their health and fitness without breaking the bank. Its range of features and durable design make it a versatile fitness tracker for everyday use.
Operating System
The OnePlus Watch 2 moves a step forward with its operating system. It runs on Wear OS 4. This is a big change from its predecessor. The first OnePlus Watch used a simple system, but now it’s got the power of Google’s tech. This puts it in line with big names like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Google Pixel Watch 2.
Wear OS 4 provides more apps and features. Users can expect a smoother experience. They get things like detailed notifications and a wider range of apps directly on their wrist. This upgrade makes OnePlus Watch 2 versatile in its use. Whether for fitness tracking or managing tasks, it covers more ground.
The use of the BES 2700 chip is also worth noting. It runs a lighter load on the battery. This chip specifically helps with prolonging battery life. It handles notifications and uses GPS without draining much. Because of this setup, the OnePlus Watch 2 can last a lot longer on a single charge. Reports claim it can go up to 100 hours. This is much longer than competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 6.
This unique chip and operating system combo also aid in fast charging. The OnePlus Watch 2 has a 75W charging speed. Getting from 13% to 75% battery happens in just 20 minutes. A full charge takes around 40 minutes. This means less time tethered to a charger and more time going about your day.
The integration of Wear OS 4, with the new chip technology, makes the OnePlus Watch 2 stand out. It not only matches up to competitors in terms of battery life but also offers a rich feature set and user experience. The pairing of these technologies pushes the boundaries of what we expect from smartwatches.
Battery Life and Power Modes
One major plus for the OnePlus Watch 2 is its battery life. Users get two options: “Smart mode” and “Power Saver mode.” In Smart mode, the watch runs Wear OS and can last up to three days on one charge. If you need more time away from the charger, switching to Power Saver mode extends the battery life significantly. In this mode, the watch can go for up to 12 days.
In Power Saver mode, OnePlus Watch 2 shuts off Wear OS and switches to a simpler RTOS system. Even without Wear OS, users still have access to key features. These include health and fitness tracking, the weather app, alarms, timers, and notifications. While it looks similar to Wear OS, remember, features like the always-on display, access to Wear OS apps, and Google Assistant won’t work in this mode.
The switch between these two modes offers flexibility. Users who prioritize longer battery life over smart features might find themselves using Power Saver mode more often. Meanwhile, those who can’t do without their apps and Google Assistant might stick to Smart mode, despite the shorter battery life.
The OnePlus Watch 2’s approach to battery life and power management is smart. It allows the watch to adapt to different user needs without sacrificing too much functionality. Whether you’re wearing it for day-to-day tasks or for tracking long hikes, the watch’s battery modes cater to a broad range of scenarios.
Durability and Water Resistance
The OnePlus Watch 2 is built tough, meeting both MIL-STD-810H military standards and IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance. This means it’s designed to handle rough conditions without breaking a sweat. The watch can also resist pressure up to 5 atmospheres, which is a fancy way of saying it’s safe for swims and even diving up to 50 meters deep.
With its robust build, the Watch 2 also sports a 2.5D sapphire crystal glass covering the display. This is the same strong glass used by top brands like Apple and Samsung for their devices. It’s made to keep the screen safe from scratches and cracks, ensuring it stays sharp and clear through daily use.
Additionally, the OnePlus Watch 2’s design is not just about toughness. It comes in two colors: Black Steel and Radiant Steel. Black Steel has a sleek, gunmetal look, while Radiant Steel stands out with its silver finish and green silicone band. Both options offer the same level of durability, including the 5 ATM water resistance and drop protection, ensuring they’re not only stylish but also rugged enough for any adventure.
The Watch 2’s AMOLED display is another highlight. It features vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness levels, making it easy to read in any light. The always-on mode is a nice touch, allowing users to quickly check the time without having to wake the device. This combination of visual quality and durability makes the OnePlus Watch 2 a strong contender in the smartwatch market.
Key Takeaways
- The OnePlus Watch 2 introduces significant improvements over its predecessor, featuring Wear OS 4, a sleek design, enhanced fitness tracking, and compatibility with any Android phone, especially OnePlus smartphones.
- With a $299 price tag, it offers a strong mix of features, boasting up to 100 hours of battery life in Smart mode and 12 days in Power Saver mode, combined with military-grade durability and IP68 water resistance, making it capable of withstanding challenging adventures.
- The design features a digital crown and a multifunction button but lacks scrolling functionality through the crown, a deficit that may disappoint some users, though its military-grade resilience and water resistance cater to the needs of the outdoor enthusiast.
- Fitness tracking capabilities include monitoring various workouts, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels, with some reports of inaccuracies in step and heart rate tracking during intense activities, yet it remains a commendable choice for general fitness management.
- The integration of Wear OS 4 and the BES 2700 chip ensures a smoother user experience with extended battery life, making the OnePlus Watch 2 competitive by offering fast charging and a rich set of features against other high-end smartwatches.
- Its durability is notable, meeting MIL-STD-810H standards and featuring 5 ATM water resistance and a 2.5D sapphire crystal glass display, ensuring ruggedness for adventurous activities without compromising on style or clarity of the display.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Watch 2 stands out as a robust companion for those who lead an active lifestyle or seek a durable smartwatch. With its military-grade durability and water resistance, it’s built to endure challenging environments while maintaining a sleek, stylish appearance. The watch’s AMOLED display, enhanced by 2.5D sapphire crystal glass, ensures a visually stunning experience that’s both functional and fashionable. Whether for everyday wear or adventurous outings, the OnePlus Watch 2 proves to be a reliable and impressive choice.
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