The OnePlus Watch 2 marks an evolution in the OnePlus smartwatch series with advancements in software, health tracking, performance features, and battery life over the original OnePlus Watch.
The OnePlus Watch 2 and its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch. OnePlus has certainly set a benchmark in the smartwatch industry, aiming to outshine competitors like Samsung, and Pixel by significantly enhancing battery life.
To assist in selecting the ideal smartwatch for your wrist, we have thoroughly compared both devices based on various criteria. Whether you prioritize in-depth health monitoring as a fitness enthusiast or seamless smartphone integration as a tech-savvy individual, this comparison aims to facilitate your next purchase decision.
Table of Contents
Specifications
| OnePlus Watch 2 | OnePlus Watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon W5 + BES 2700 | ST32 + Apollo 3 + Cypress |
| Memory | 2GB RAM, 32GB storage | 1GB RAM, 4GB storage |
| Software | Wear OS 4 + RTOS | RTOS only |
| Screen | 1.43-inch, 1000 nits | 1.39-inch, 500 nits |
| Body & Strap | Stainless steel, tougher strap | Stainless steel, regular strap |
| Water Protection | Better protection with MIL-STD | Basic: 5ATM, IP68 |
| Buttons | 2 (including 1 crown) | 2 |
| Battery Life | Long: 100 hours | Longer: Over a week |
| Charging Type | Pogo pin | Pogo pin |
| Connectivity | More ways: Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth | Less: Bluetooth, GPS |
| Sensors | Heart rate, oxygen, etc. | Heart rate, oxygen, etc. |
| Colors | Black Steel, Radiant Steel | Midnight Black, Moonlight Silver |
Key Features:
- The OnePlus Watch 2’s price starts at $299, whereas the original was $159.
- OnePlus Watch 2 runs on Wear OS and supports Google and third-party apps, while the original uses OnePlus native apps.
- Watch 2 offers a better dual-engine architecture for optimized performance and supports Health Connect for health data syncing.
- The new model promises a battery life of up to 100 hours with moderate use and up to 48 hours with intensive use, in contrast to the original’s 14-day battery life.
Pricing: The OnePlus Watch 2 is set at a higher price point than its predecessor, retailing at $299 compared to the OnePlus watch’s $159. The new Watch 2 runs on a customized Wear OS, allowing for access to Google Apps and support for third-party apps, in contrast to its predecessor, which was limited to OnePlus native apps.
Design and Size
The OnePlus Watch 2 comes with a premium, larger sapphire crystal AMOLED display that stands out without overwhelming the wrist. It features customizable buttons that make it sleek and functional.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Watch, with its 46mm circular screen, aims for elegance without being bulky, rendering a minimalist design that appeals to many. If size is a factor for you, the OnePlus Watch offers a single size option, which some may find overwhelming, while the OnePlus Watch 2 comes with a more moderate but still substantial size.
Display
Both watches offers quality displays suitable for a variety of tasks, including checking your schedule, the weather, or even your workout data.
The OnePlus Watch 2 equips a sapphire crystal display, a feature associated with high-end watches that provides exceptional scratch resistance, while the OnePlus Watch features a durable, scratch-resistant design that stands up to daily use.
Performance
Performance-wise, the Watch 2’s dual-engine architecture, incorporating the Snapdragon W5 and the best 2700 efficiency chips, significantly improves the user experience. This upgrade facilitates the use of Google Apps and optimized background operations. The OnePlus Watch 2 introduces compatibility with Health Connect, allowing users to synchronize their health data across various apps, and offers over 100 workout modes compared to the original watch’s 14.
Battery
The OnePlus Watch 2 charges quickly, achieving a full charge in just an hour, and delivers up to 100 hours of moderate use. While the original watch promised up to 14 days of battery life, actual tests showed impressive endurance with minimal drain over 10 days.
Overall, the OnePlus Watch 2 brings substantial improvements in software compatibility, performance, health tracking, and battery life, making it a substantial upgrade and aligning with OnePlus’s commitment to innovation in the Smartwatch market.
Features
Smart features like mobile payments, third-party apps, and seamless integration are crucial for many users. The OnePlus Watch 2 improves considerably in this area, now running on Google’s Wear OS 4 platform, which promises a broader app selection and smoother operation.
In comparison, the original OnePlus Watch lacks NFC for mobile payments, and its connectivity with smartphones has been reported as inconsistent. If you require features beyond basic notifications and calls, the OnePlus Watch 2’s upgraded ecosystem might better meet your needs.
Software & Compatibility: Unlike the original OnePlus Watch, the new OnePlus Watch 2 utilizes Wear OS, offering broader compatibility with essential Google Apps and third-party applications, greatly expanding its usability.
Health Tracking & Performance: The Watch 2 introduces a dual-engine architecture and supports Health Connect, allowing users to sync health data with various apps, contrasting the original OnePlus watch’s limited O Health app compatibility. Additionally, the Watch 2 has over 100 workout modes, a significant upgrade from the OnePlus watch’s 14.
Overall, the OnePlus Watch 2 offers meaningful improvements across several domains, especially for those seeking a smartwatch with extensive health tracking and broad software compatibility. It positions itself as a strong contender in the market, justified by the enhancements detailed above.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Watch 2 stands out as the new generation Smartwatch from OnePlus, with considerable upgrades in design, functionality, and technology compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch.
Comparative Analysis:
- The Watch 2 is slightly heavier and thicker due to the added components necessary for enhanced functionality over the original model.
- OnePlus Watch 2 features a MIL-STD-810H rating for durability and sapphire glass for scratch resistance.
- It introduces an always-on display, with a brighter screen (1,000 nits) and a 60Hz refresh rate, improvements on the original’s display.
- The OnePlus Watch 2 includes a Snapdragon W5 chipset for superior performance, dual-frequency GPS for accurate location tracking, and swift recharging capabilities (full charge in an hour).
Overall, the OnePlus Watch 2 offers substantial enhancements such as advanced health tracking with over 100 workout modes, an upgraded display, a more robust build, and the convenience of Google services integration, justifying its place as a worthy successor in the OnePlus Smartwatch lineup. Users looking for a feature-rich, durable, and performance-oriented smartwatch will find the OnePlus Watch 2 to be an appealing upgrade.
