OnePlus is making waves in the smartwatch market with the release of the OnePlus Watch 2. This iteration aims to address shortcomings of its predecessor and solidify its position in the wearable tech arena.
This review dives deep into the Watch 2, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s a good fit for your active lifestyle.
Design and Build
The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a sleek and sophisticated design. The stainless-steel chassis exudes quality, and the 2.5D sapphire crystal display offers excellent scratch resistance. It comes in two classic color options: silver and black. Both variants feature a comfortable fluoroelastomer strap that’s sweat-proof and secure during workouts.
However, transparency is key. The Watch 2 is noticeably heavier than many competitors. While the build quality is undeniably impressive, the weight can feel cumbersome on smaller wrists and during extended wear. It’s important to consider this aspect, especially if comfort is a top priority.
Dual Chipset for Power and Efficiency
The Watch 2 takes a unique approach with its dual-chipset setup. It utilizes a powerful Snapdragon Wear 5 processor for handling demanding tasks like app usage and GPS tracking.
But for basic functions like displaying the time or tracking heart rate, a low-power Bes 2700 chip takes over, leading to improved battery life. This innovative approach ensures smooth performance when you need it most while maximizing battery efficiency for everyday wear.
Display
The 1.43-inch AMOLED display on the Watch 2 is a delight. It delivers crisp visuals with vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles.
The Watch 2 offers various watch face options to personalize your experience, allowing you to prioritize information that matters most to you.
Fitness Tracking
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Watch 2’s comprehensive tracking capabilities. It boasts over 100 workout modes, built-in GPS for accurate distance tracking, and continuous heart rate monitoring.
The watch also offers blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring and sleep tracking, providing valuable insights into your overall health and fitness.
However, transparency is key. The data collected by the Watch 2 (such as heart rate, GPS location during exercise, and sleep patterns) is stored on the device and your smartphone. You have control over this data through the OnePlus Health app and can choose to share it with third-party applications, but only with your explicit consent.
Smarter Features: Improved OS, Seamless Connectivity
The Watch 2 runs on Google’s Wear OS 4, a significant upgrade from the previous model. This new iteration offers a smoother user experience, better app compatibility, and improved notification management.
Additionally, the watch seamlessly integrates with your Android smartphone, allowing you to make contactless payments, control music playback, and access various notifications.
OnePlus Health App: Functional but Lacks Polish
The OnePlus Health app acts as your central hub for all health and fitness data collected by the watch. While it provides clear visualizations and allows for setting goals, it feels less polished compared to apps from established players like Garmin or Fitbit.
There’s room for improvement in terms of user interface and offering more in-depth analysis of health metrics.
Battery Life: Impressive for Wear OS
The dual-chipset system pays dividends in terms of battery life. The Watch 2 can comfortably last for up to 3 days on a single charge with moderate usage.
This duration can be extended further by turning off features like the always-on display. While not class-leading, the battery life is impressive for a Wear OS smartwatch, especially considering the power it packs.
The Verdict
The OnePlus Watch 2 is a significant step forward for the company. The premium build quality, powerful dual-chipset setup, and improved Wear OS experience make it a compelling option for active users. However, the weight and a slightly underwhelming app might deter some.
Who Should Buy the OnePlus Watch 2?
- Active users seeking a well-built and feature-rich smartwatch with transparency in data collection.
- Those who prioritize long battery life and Wear OS functionality.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Users with smaller wrists who prioritize comfort.
- Athletes requiring advanced metrics beyond basic tracking features.
- Users seeking a sleek and lightweight design.
Overall, the OnePlus Watch 2 is a feature-packed wearable for fitness enthusiasts. It offers a great combination of performance, functionality, and battery life, while adhering to transparency requirements.
If you can get past the weight and are looking for a powerful and data-conscious smartwatch, the Watch 2 is a strong contender.
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