OnePlus Watch 2: The Wear OS smartwatch with battery to spare
OnePlus has unveiled the second iteration of its flagship timepiece, the OnePlus Watch 2, at MWC 2024 in Barcelona. This much-anticipated device boasts significant improvements over its predecessor.
A sleek and premium Look
The OnePlus Watch 2 packs a sleek and premium design, crafted from high-quality stainless steel with a plastic bottom and a 2.5D Sapphire Crystal cover plate for added durability. The device comes with a comfortable fluororubber strap, but users can also choose from a variety of other straps to personalize their look. The watch face is a vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, offering excellent clarity and visibility even in bright sunlight.
Powerhouse dual-engine architecture
One of the most notable advancements in the OnePlus Watch 2 is its innovative Dual-Engine Architecture. This system utilizes two chipsets: the Snapdragon W5 performance and the BES 2700 MCU Efficiency for low-power operations. This intelligent switching between chipsets ensures optimal performance while conserving battery life. For instance, the watch can seamlessly switch to the low-power chip for basic tasks like timekeeping and step tracking, and then effortlessly transition to the more powerful chip for GPS navigation or using resource-intensive apps.
A focus on well-being
The OnePlus Watch 2 takes your fitness tracking to the next level with a comprehensive suite of health and wellness features. The watch boasts an optical heart rate sensor, an optical pulse oximeter, a geomagnetic sensor, a light sensor, and a barometer, allowing you to monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress levels, and more. It also includes sleep tracking, which provides insights into your sleep quality and patterns. Additionally, the watch boasts over 100 sports modes, catering to a plethora of activities.
For those who demand precision in location tracking, the OnePlus Watch 2 features Dual Frequency GPS, capable of receiving L5 signals in addition to the standard L1. This results in improved positioning accuracy, making it an ideal companion for outdoor activities.
Wear OS by Google
As far as the operating system, the OnePlus Watch 2 runs on the latest version of Wear OS by Google, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface. This integration grants you access to a wide range of popular Google apps and services, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Wallet, right on your wrist. Additionally, the watch comes with several pre-installed apps, such as a workout app, a music player, and a weather app, further enhancing its functionality.
Long-lasting power for everyday use
The highlight of this timepiece, however, is its battery life. Thanks to its Dual-Engine Architecture, it offers up to 100 hours in smart mode with the always-on display turned off. In heavy use scenarios, the watch can still last up to 48 hours, and in power saver mode, it can stretch its life to an incredible 12 days. Those are really great figures for a wearOS watch.
The inclusion of 7.5W VOOC Fast Charging means that its 500mAh battery can be fully charged in just 60 minutes. This ensures that you’re always ready to go.
A comparison with the OnePlus Watch
The OnePlus Watch 2 marks a significant leap forward compared to the original OnePlus Watch. Here’s a quick comparison of their key specifications:
Feature | OnePlus Watch 2 | OnePlus Watch |
|---|---|---|
Display | 1.43-inch AMOLED, 466 x 466 pixels | 1.39-inch AMOLED, 454 x 454 pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and Apollo 4 Plus | ST32 + Apollo 3 + Cypress |
Battery | 500 mAh | 402 mAh |
Water resistance | 5 ATM, IP68 | 5 ATM, IP68 |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H | N/A |
GPS | Yes (Dual Frequency) | Yes |
NFC | Yes | No |
Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.6 |
Storage | 16GB | 4GB |
RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
As you can see, the OnePlus Watch 2 offers a larger and sharper display, a more powerful and efficient processor, improved durability, and access to the vast ecosystem of apps. These advancements position the OnePlus Watch 2 as a formidable contender in the Wear OS arena.
Price, availability
The original OnePlus Watch provided the company’s foray into the smartwatch market. However, the device faced criticism for its limited app support and reliance on proprietary software. The introduction of the OnePlus Watch 2 addresses these concerns head-on, showcasing significant improvements in both hardware and software. Let’s hope the real-world experience lives up to the promise of this compelling upgrade.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
The OnePlus Watch 2 is set to hit the market on March 4, priced at $300 in the US. It will be available in Radiant Steel or Black Steel colorways, offering users a choice to match their style. In certain countries it can already be picked up for pre-order on the OnePlus website.
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