Photo: OnePlus
OnePlus acknowledges the missteps of its inaugural smartwatch venture, an experience that still lingers three years later. Yet, with the impending release of the OnePlus Watch 2, there's a glimmer of optimism. This second-generation device promises notable enhancements, boasting Google's Wear OS 4 and a unique dual-engine architecture geared towards achieving up to 100 hours of battery life, alongside the integration of Google Assistant.
A standout feature of the OnePlus Watch 2 lies in its hardware composition. It houses the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 and the BES 2700 MCU chipsets. This innovative dual-OS setup, reminiscent of Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro 5, optimizes performance, with the BES 2700 MCU managing background tasks and the Snapdragon W5 handling more intensive applications. It gets 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
Coupled with a sizable 500mAh battery, the watch aims to deliver extended usage periods, albeit with variations based on usage scenarios. The 100-hour estimate comes from regular use in smart mode, meaning the always-on display is disabled and 30 minutes of recorded GPS activity. If you have AOD on and use it more frequently, that usage drops to 48 hours. It supports fast charging via OnePlus' proprietary cradle and pogo pin charger, with a full charge taking around an hour.
In terms of design, the OnePlus Watch 2 embraces a timeless analog aesthetic, featuring a circular face, sapphire crystal lens, and stainless steel chassis. With 5ATM and IP68 ratings, it ensures durability against water and dust. It also has an action button for quick access to fitness modes.
Health and fitness enthusiasts will appreciate its extensive tracking capabilities, spanning over 100 sports activities and augmented by advanced metrics like ground contact time and VO2 max.
Equipped with an optical eight-channel heart rate sensor and dual-frequency GPS, the watch excels in delivering accurate data even in challenging environments.
On paper, the OnePlus Watch 2 appears poised to fill the void left by Fossil in the third-party Android watch market. The transition to Wear OS 4, coupled with its competitive feature set, attractive pricing, and refined design, positions it as a compelling option. However, the ultimate judgment rests on its real-world performance.
The OnePlus Watch 2 will be available to purchase in Canada starting on March 4 at $399.99. It will be available in Radiant Steel or Black Steel colourways. In addition, you can trade in ANY watch in ANY condition on OnePlus.com for an additional $60 off. The OnePlus Watch 2 will be sold on both OnePlus.com and Amazon.