OnePlus Watch 2 gets first reveal, release date in the weeks ahead
OnePlus is, reportedly, gearing up to introduce the OnePlus Watch 2 alongside the OnePlus 12 flagship smartphone with a release date before the end of this year. The device is expected to pack a large AMOLED, the latest wearable processor and a continued focus on the company’s lightweight operating system.
Ahead of the upcoming launch, MySmartPrice, in collaboration with tipster @OnLeaks, has dropped renders of the watch. As you can see from the images in this article, the design of the OnePlus Watch 2 remains consistent with its predecessor. The second generation device has a circular dial, stainless steel chassis, and buttons on the right for UI navigation. It will be available with simple rubber straps in black and white.
The leaked specifications of the OnePlus Watch 2 suggest it will have a 1.39-inch AMOLED display and be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset. This along with 1GB RAM and $GB storage promises smooth performance. The device will also include essential health sensors and a charging connector.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
However, OnePlus has decided to continue using its custom RTOS-based operating system for the Watch 2. This might limit its appeal compared to competitors using Google’s WearOS.
WearOS offers a fully fledged smartwatch experience with features like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to the Google Play Store. It also supports a wide range of third-party apps through its App Store. In contrast, RTOS is a more lightweight system, primarily used in fitness-oriented smartwatches, with limited app support. An important benefit of this is that is allows for long battery life.
The original watch is plagued with issues
The original OnePlus Watch, launched in March 2021, appeared promising with its specifications. This watch features an OLED display, integrated GPS, a robust two-week battery life, and a comprehensive range of fitness tracking sensors. Additionally, it operates on a proprietary version of WearOS. For a price tag of around $160, these features are generally considered impressive.
However, the device encountered several issues. The accuracy of its fitness and sleep tracking capabilities was questionable, and it lacked an always-on display feature. Users were also unable to wake the watch by tapping the screen. While firmware updates resolved some of these issues, it gave the impression that OnePlus had hurried the product to market.
In comparison, the OnePlus Band, a more budget-friendly wearable, performed slightly better. Priced at just $34, it offers a color display, a variety of sports modes, an SpO2 sensor, and up to two weeks of battery life.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how the next OnePlus wearable will be received. In a highly competitive market, it’s challenging for new products to stand out. OnePlus, however, benefits from its established brand recognition, which may give its future wearables a competitive edge.
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