Smartwatches have become an essential accessory for many, but finding one that balances style, functionality, and battery life can be a challenge. I’ve tested several wearables over the years, and the OnePlus Watch 2 caught my attention for its promise of up to 100 hours of battery life on a single charge. As someone who’s tired of nightly charging, I was curious to see if it could deliver. The OnePlus Watch 2 isn’t just about longevity, though—it also boasts a sleek design, Wear OS integration, and health tracking features. In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the device, highlighting what it does well and where it falls short.
Design and Build: A Step Up from Its Predecessor
The OnePlus Watch 2 feels like a significant upgrade in terms of design. Its stainless steel frame and 2.5D curved glass give it a premium look, a stark contrast to the plastic build of the original OnePlus Watch. I particularly appreciated the rotating crown, which adds a tactile element to navigation—something I’ve missed on other smartwatches. The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is bright and vibrant, making it easy to read notifications even in direct sunlight. That said, the watch is slightly bulkier than some competitors, which might be a drawback for those with smaller wrists.
Battery Life: The Standout Feature
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the OnePlus Watch 2’s battery life is impressive. In my testing, I easily got 4-5 days of use in Smart Mode, which includes all the bells and whistles of Wear OS. Switching to Endurance Mode extends this to 12 days, though it limits functionality to basic watch features and fitness tracking. This is a game-changer for travelers or anyone who doesn’t want to worry about charging their watch every night. However, it’s worth noting that GPS-intensive activities like running or hiking will drain the battery faster, reducing the overall lifespan to around 2-3 days.
Charging Speed: A Minor Trade-Off
While the battery life is a major win, the charging speed is just average. It takes about 60-70 minutes to fully charge the watch, which isn’t bad but isn’t groundbreaking either. I’d have liked to see faster charging to complement the long battery life, especially for those who forget to charge it overnight.
Performance and Software: Smooth but Limited
The OnePlus Watch 2 runs on a customized version of Wear OS 4, powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset. In my experience, the interface is smooth and responsive, with minimal lag when switching between apps or notifications. However, the app selection on Wear OS still feels limited compared to the Apple Watch ecosystem. Essential apps like Google Maps and Spotify work well, but I missed some third-party options I rely on daily.
💡 Note: If you’re heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, the OnePlus Watch 2 integrates seamlessly with apps like Google Assistant and Google Fit.
Health and Fitness Tracking: Reliable but Not Revolutionary
The OnePlus Watch 2 offers a solid suite of health and fitness features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis. I found the heart rate sensor to be accurate during workouts, and the sleep tracking provided useful insights into my sleep stages. The watch also supports over 100 workout modes, though I primarily used it for running and cycling. GPS locking was quick and reliable, and the workout summaries were detailed enough for my needs.
That said, the health tracking isn’t perfect. The stress monitoring feature felt inconsistent, and the lack of ECG functionality is a notable omission, especially when compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. If you’re looking for advanced health metrics, this might not be the watch for you.
Connectivity and Compatibility: A Mixed Bag
The OnePlus Watch 2 supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC, with the latter enabling contactless payments via Google Wallet. I appreciated the seamless pairing with my Android phone, but iPhone users might find the experience less smooth. Notifications are timely, and the ability to reply to messages directly from the watch is a handy feature. However, call quality through the watch’s speaker was just average, and I often preferred using my phone for longer conversations.
Where the OnePlus Watch 2 Falls Short
While the OnePlus Watch 2 has a lot going for it, it’s not without its flaws. The lack of third-party app support is a significant drawback, especially for power users. The health tracking, while reliable, doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking. Additionally, the watch’s bulkiness might not appeal to everyone, and the charging speed could be improved.
Another issue I encountered was the occasional glitch in the software, such as notifications failing to sync or the watch face freezing momentarily. These were minor inconveniences, but they’re worth mentioning for those expecting a flawless experience.
The OnePlus Watch 2 is a solid smartwatch that excels in battery life and design. It’s a great choice for Android users who prioritize longevity and don’t need advanced health features. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive ecosystem or cutting-edge health tracking, you might want to explore other options. For me, the OnePlus Watch 2 strikes a good balance between functionality and convenience, and its battery life alone makes it a standout in the crowded smartwatch market. If you’re tired of constant charging, this watch is definitely worth considering.
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