OnePlus Watch 2 unveil now set for February 26th
OnePlus has teased the second generation of its smartwatch earlier today, with a launch expected before MWC, specifically on February 26. The device, initially speculated for a January reveal alongside the OnePlus 12, is now poised for a grand debut ahead of the Mobile World Congress in Spain. This is in line with the release date of the original OnePlus Watch, which was also released in February.
Here’s the official tweet.
The accompanying image confirms leaked renders of the device. So a circular device similar to the design of the original OnePlus Watch, but with a few refinements along the way.
OnePlus Watch 2 renders
A few months ago MySmartPrice, in collaboration with @OnLeaks, dropped renders of the upcoming watch. According to this, the second generation device has a stainless steel chassis, and buttons on the right for UI navigation (digital crown plus one physical button). 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 1.43-inch AMOLED display and be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset. This along with 1GB RAM and ample internal storage promises smooth performance. The device will also include essential health sensors and a charging connector.
There is conflicting info on which operating system the watch will run one. Some sources indicate that OnePlus has decided to continue using its custom RTOS-based operating system for the Watch 2. Others are saying it will be using Google’s WearOS.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
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. On paper, it offered good value for money.
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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