The smartwatch market is packed with options, from premium Apple Watches to Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, but OnePlus has decided to throw its hat in the ring once again with the OnePlus Watch 2. The first OnePlus Watch had a decent start but left users wanting more in terms of software and smart features. With the OnePlus Watch 2, the company seems to have listened to its audience, and the biggest talking point? That insane battery life.
So, does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Design and Build: Premium Look, Comfortable Feel
At first glance, the OnePlus Watch 2 looks like a serious upgrade over its predecessor. It sports a round stainless steel case, giving it a premium feel that rivals more expensive smartwatches. The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is crisp, bright, and easy to read even under direct sunlight. It also gets Gorilla Glass protection, which should help against those accidental bumps and scrapes.
OnePlus has stuck to a classic design with two buttons on the right side, making navigation simple. The watch comes with a comfortable silicone strap, but you can swap it out for something fancier if you like. It’s also rated IP68 and MIL-STD-810H, meaning it can survive dust, water, and the occasional rough handling.
One of the biggest changes in the OnePlus Watch 2 is the move to Google’s Wear OS 4. Unlike the original model, which had a more limited RTOS-based system, this one gives users full access to Google apps, Play Store, and third-party apps. If you were frustrated with the software limitations of the first watch, this is a breath of fresh air.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, paired with OnePlus’s custom co-processor, keeps things running smoothly. There are no major lags, and navigation feels responsive. Plus, with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and even Google Wallet, the watch finally feels like a proper smartwatch instead of just a fitness tracker with extra features.
Fitness and Health Tracking: Covers All The Basics
For fitness enthusiasts, the OnePlus Watch 2 comes with a solid set of tracking features. It covers over 100 workout modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and even yoga. The watch also includes SpO2 tracking, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, and sleep analysis. While it’s not on the same level as dedicated fitness trackers like Garmin or Fitbit, it does a good enough job for everyday users.
GPS accuracy is decent, though not perfect. Runners might find minor discrepancies in route mapping, but for casual tracking, it’s more than sufficient. The watch also integrates with Google Fit and other health apps, making it easy to sync your data.
Battery Life: The Showstopper
Here’s where the OnePlus Watch 2 truly shines. Smartwatches running Wear OS usually struggle with battery life, but OnePlus has cracked the code. With its dual-chip architecture—one processor for everyday tasks and another for high-performance needs—the watch delivers up to 100 hours in Smart Mode and even more in power-saving modes.
Most Wear OS watches barely make it through two days, but the OnePlus Watch 2 can easily go four days on a single charge, even with active notifications, workout tracking, and sleep monitoring. That’s impressive. And when it does need charging, the fast-charging feature ensures you’re not stuck waiting for long.
If you’ve ever had the frustrating experience of your smartwatch dying before the day ends, this is the fix you’ve been waiting for.
Connectivity and Extras
The watch supports Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi, ensuring stable connectivity with your smartphone. Unfortunately, there’s no LTE variant, so you’ll still need your phone nearby for calls and data. NFC is present, meaning contactless payments via Google Wallet are an option.
The haptic feedback is strong and satisfying, which makes notifications feel more refined. Speaking of notifications, they’re easy to read and respond to, thanks to Wear OS 4. You can reply to messages using voice, keyboard, or preset replies, which is always a plus.
What’s Missing?
While the OnePlus Watch 2 gets a lot right, it’s not perfect.
- No rotating bezel or digital crown for easier navigation
- No LTE variant, so it’s not fully independent
- Some fitness tracking features could be more accurate
- Limited third-party app support compared to Apple and Samsung
None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth considering if you’re looking for a fully loaded smartwatch experience.
Verdict: A Solid Wear OS Contender
The OnePlus Watch 2 is a massive improvement over its predecessor. The switch to Wear OS makes it a much smarter device, the build quality is top-notch, and the battery life is leagues ahead of the competition. While it lacks LTE and some high-end fitness tracking features, it nails the basics and does so with style.
If you want a Wear OS smartwatch that doesn’t need to be charged every night, this might just be the best option right now. OnePlus has taken user feedback seriously, and it shows. The OnePlus Watch 2 isn’t just a good smartwatch—it’s a great one.
