OnePlus has just unveiled their latest smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 2, marking a significant shift by adopting the WearOS platform, which notably enhances its capabilities. This move introduces a plethora of differences when compared to its predecessor, the original OnePlus Watch, signaling a potential game-changer in the wearable tech space.
With advancements in software, hardware, and overall user experience, the question arises: how do the two generations compare, and is it worth upgrading?
Let’s dive in and explore the distinctions between the OnePlus Watch 2 and the original OnePlus Watch, to help you make an informed decision.
OnePlus Watch 2 vs OnePlus Watch: Price & availability
The OnePlus Watch 2 is hitting the market for $300. Starting today, it’s up for pre-order, with general sales kicking off on March 4. You have the option to purchase it through Amazon or directly from OnePlus. The watch comes in two stylish options: Black Steel, which pairs a black case with a matching band, and Radiant Steel, featuring a silver case complemented by an eye-catching green band.
For those looking to save, OnePlus is offering a $50 discount for trade-ins of any watch, smart or traditional, exclusively on their website until the end of March. Additionally, purchasing the watch alongside a OnePlus 12 or OnePlus 12R smartphone nets you a substantial 30% discount ($120 off), though it’s worth noting these two offers cannot be combined.
On the other hand, the original OnePlus Watch is available in a standard 46mm size and a singular Midnight Black color. In the US and UK, it retails directly from OnePlus at $159 / £149, providing a more accessible price point for those interested in the brand’s foray into smartwatches.
OnePlus Watch 2 vs OnePlus Watch: Specs comparison
| Specification | OnePlus Watch 2 | OnePlus Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Stainless steel case and buckle, fluoroelastomer strap | Stainless steel case, fluoroelastomer strap |
| Dimensions | 47 x 46.6 x 12.1mm | 46.4 x 46.4 x 10.9mm |
| Weight | 49g (Without straps) | 45g (Without straps) |
| Display | 1.43-inch AMOLED, 60Hz | 1.39-inch AMOLED |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels | 454 x 454 pixels |
| Brightness | 1,000 nits | 500 nits |
| Physical buttons | 2 (1 crown) | 2 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, HRM, SpO2, geomagnetic, light, barometer | Acceleration sensor, gyroscope sensor, geomagnetic sensor, HRM, SpO2, ambient light sensor, air pressure sensor, capacitance sensor |
| Protection | 5ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810H, 2.5D sapphire crystal glass | 5ATM, IP68 |
| Processor | Snapdragon W5 + BES 2700 MCU | ST32 + Apollo 3 + Cypress |
| Storage | 32GB | 4GB |
| Memory | 2GB | 1GB |
| OS | Wear OS 4 + RTOS | RTOS |
| Battery | 500mAh (100 hours) | 400mAh (Over a week) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS (Dual-frequency L1 + L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS | Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou |
| Charging | Pogo pin | Pogo pin |
| Price | $300 | $159 |
OnePlus Watch 2 vs OnePlus Watch: In-depth comparison
Design & Display
The original OnePlus Watch presented a sleek design with a stainless steel case and a large display, emphasizing comfort and style. Yet, it fell short in terms of innovation, with a dimmer display and no Always-On Display (AOD) option, which limited its usability.
The OnePlus Watch 2, conversely, refines its predecessor’s aesthetics while embracing functionality. It sports a brighter, quicker 1.43-inch AMOLED display, achieving up to 1,000 nits of brightness and a refresh rate of 60Hz, ensuring visibility under direct sunlight and smoother navigation.
The introduction of military-grade protection and sapphire glass enhances durability, catering to the active user’s needs. Despite being slightly heavier and thicker due to its upgraded internals, the Watch 2 maintains a balance between elegance and robustness, featuring a timeless design that appeals to both casual and professional settings.
Software & Features
Transitioning to Wear OS 4, the OnePlus Watch 2 represents a significant software overhaul from the RTOS-based original OnePlus Watch. This shift not only opens up access to a myriad of Play Store apps and Google Assistant but also offers a more integrated and user-friendly experience.
The inclusion of dual-band GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity further enhances its utility, making it a versatile companion for both Android and, to a limited extent, iOS users.
Despite these improvements, the Watch 2 faces its own set of challenges, such as the non-functional crown and lingering RTOS issues that affect user experience.
Nonetheless, the move to Wear OS marks a pivotal step in OnePlus’s strategy, aiming to provide a more competitive and feature-rich device in the crowded smartwatch market.
Health & Fitness Tracking
Both watches offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, and GPS-based activity tracking.
However, the OnePlus Watch 2 elevates the experience with improved accuracy and the addition of dual-band GPS tracking, offering more precise location data during outdoor activities.
While both devices cater to fitness enthusiasts, the Watch 2’s advancements and integration with third-party fitness apps like Strava through the Play Store provide a more rounded and accessible health tracking ecosystem.
Smart Features
The introduction of Wear OS on the OnePlus Watch 2 significantly expands its smart features, including better notification management, on-wrist calls, music playback, and more, directly challenging other high-end smartwatches.
The original OnePlus Watch’s limited OS and lack of third-party app support confined it to basic notifications and fitness tracking, making the Watch 2’s enhanced capabilities a notable improvement for users seeking a more interconnected smartwatch experience.
Battery Life
One of the most critical aspects of any wearable is battery life, where the original OnePlus Watch excelled, offering over a week on a single charge. The OnePlus Watch 2, with its 500mAh battery, promises up to 100 hours of use, which, while shorter than its predecessor, is impressive given its enhanced features and display.
The trade-off between battery life and functionality seems well-balanced, with the Watch 2 providing a more comprehensive smartwatch experience without the constant need for charging.
OnePlus Watch 2 vs OnePlus Watch: Final thoughts
The OnePlus Watch 2’s transition to Wear OS, coupled with its design and performance upgrades, signifies OnePlus’s commitment to carving out a significant niche in the smartwatch industry.
It addresses many of the original OnePlus Watch’s shortcomings, offering a compelling option for users seeking a blend of style, functionality, and affordability.
While not without its flaws, the OnePlus Watch 2 stands as a testament to OnePlus’s ability to listen and adapt to consumer feedback, making it a worthy successor and a strong competitor in the global smartwatch market.
Whether for fitness tracking, connectivity, or simply as a fashion statement, the OnePlus Watch 2 offers a robust array of features that cater to the modern user’s needs, making it an attractive upgrade or a new entry point for smartwatch enthusiasts.
You may also like to see:
- Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Watch 2 Pro: What’s the difference?
- OnePlus Watch vs Amazfit GTR 3 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Fit3 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5: Which to Choose?
- OnePlus Watch vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
