The OnePlus Watch 2: A Promising Redemption for OnePlus’ Smartwatch Line
The OnePlus Watch 2 is set to make its debut, and after the disappointment of its predecessor, there is a lot riding on this new release. The original OnePlus Watch was widely regarded as the worst smartwatch on the market, leaving many skeptical about the brand’s ability to deliver a quality wearable device. However, with the switch to Wear OS and some impressive updates, OnePlus is hoping to redeem itself in the smartwatch game.
One of the most exciting features of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its dual-engine architecture. This innovative design incorporates two separate chipsets, the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 and the BES 2700 MCU. The BES 2700 MCU will handle background activity and simple tasks, while the Snapdragon W5 will take care of more intensive tasks like running apps. This dual-OS structure is reminiscent of Mobvoi’s TicWatch Pro 5 and promises to enhance performance and efficiency.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its battery life. With a 500mAh battery and the dual-engine architecture, OnePlus claims that the watch can last up to 100 hours on a single charge in regular use with the always-on display turned off and 30 minutes of recorded GPS activity. Even in heavy usage scenarios with the always-on display enabled, the battery life still reaches a respectable 48 hours. This is a significant improvement compared to other Wear OS watches on the market.
In terms of design, OnePlus has opted for a more classic analog watch look with a circular face. The watch features a sapphire crystal lens and a stainless steel chassis, giving it a premium feel. It comes in two colors, radiant steel and black steel, and boasts 5ATM and IP68 water and dust resistance ratings. The addition of an action button as a shortcut to various fitness modes adds convenience for users.
When it comes to health and fitness features, the OnePlus Watch 2 does not disappoint. It can track over 100 sports and offers advanced running metrics such as ground contact time, ground balance, and VO2 max. The watch also includes an optical eight-channel heart rate sensor and dual-frequency GPS, allowing for more accurate GPS data even in challenging environments. Additionally, it offers stress and sleep tracking, as well as a snoring risk assessment.
The switch to Wear OS 4 is a smart move by OnePlus, as it will come with Google Assistant. This has been a sore spot for Android users, as many third-party Wear OS watches lack this feature. With the OnePlus Watch 2, users can enjoy the convenience of Google Assistant right on their wrist. However, it’s worth noting that unlike Fossil watches, the OnePlus Watch 2 will not be compatible with iOS devices.
Overall, the OnePlus Watch 2 seems to tick off all the right boxes in terms of features, price, battery life, and design. With Fossil no longer in the picture, OnePlus has an opportunity to establish itself as a viable third-party Android watch alternative. The bar has been set so low by its predecessor that simply functioning as intended would be a significant improvement. The true test will be in the execution, and I will eagerly put the OnePlus Watch 2 through its paces to see if it lives up to its promises.
The OnePlus Watch 2 will be available for sale starting March 4th. To sweeten the deal, OnePlus is offering a limited-time trade-in offer where customers can trade in any watch, smart or not, in any condition, for an additional $50 off their purchase. It’s an enticing offer that adds even more value to an already promising smartwatch.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 2 has the potential to redeem OnePlus’ smartwatch line and establish itself as a strong competitor in the market. With its impressive battery life, dual-engine architecture, and sleek design, it offers a compelling option for Android users seeking a quality smartwatch. While the original OnePlus Watch fell short of expectations, the OnePlus Watch 2 has the opportunity to make a significant impact and win over skeptics. Only time will tell if OnePlus can deliver on its promises, but for now, the future looks bright for their smartwatch division.
