ZDNET’s comprehensive evaluation underscores the primary takeaways regarding the OnePlus Watch 2R, a wearable that usually retails for approximately $230 and can be purchased in two distinct color options: Forest Green and Gunmetal Gray. This smartwatch incorporates nearly every essential element that contemporary users seek—prolonged multi-day battery life, a variety of health and fitness tracking functionalities, and a bright, high-resolution display that enhances readability even in well-lit environments. However, despite these appealing attributes, the device falls short in several significant areas: it lacks certain advanced health metrics that fitness enthusiasts may value, it does not achieve the level of durability the reviewer desires, and OnePlus has not provided an LTE-enabled version that operates independently from a smartphone.
Interestingly, this already affordable device has become even more accessible. For a limited promotional period, the OnePlus Watch 2R is being offered for just $230 directly from the company’s online marketplace—a notable price adjustment in an industry where wearable technology trends tend to evolve rapidly. Among all realms of consumer electronics, few are as dynamic and consistently innovative as the smartwatch market. Global technology giants such as Apple and Samsung continually compete to claim dominance, unveiling fresh designs and enhanced capabilities with almost relentless frequency. Recently, however, OnePlus has distinguished itself as a brand capable of producing competitive, well-rounded wearables, a fact exemplified by the recent success of its impressive OnePlus Watch 3.
While the Watch 3 has garnered much attention, the second model in the lineup, the OnePlus Watch 2R, should not be overlooked. Priced at about $229, it delivers an experience strikingly similar to the premium model, though a handful of advanced features have been omitted to achieve a lower cost. Among these omitted features are EKG support and menstrual cycle tracking functionality. For consumers who regard those particular tools as indispensable, the standard OnePlus Watch 2 would be a better selection. Conversely, users seeking a capable, reliable smartwatch to accompany their Android devices will likely find the Watch 2R to be an excellent and highly practical option.
Visually, the OnePlus Watch 2R closely resembles its more premium predecessor, with a nearly identical form factor. The main distinctions lie in its matte rather than glossy finishing and in the presence of a subtle ‘flat tire’ design element along the right edge. Available exclusively in a 46mm case size, the watch mirrors the dimensions of the Watch 2, yet its lightweight aluminum alloy construction sets it apart. This material choice, as opposed to stainless steel, lends it a noticeably lighter, more comfortable feel during daily wear. The aesthetic appeal is significant—sleek, minimalistic, and refined—but the large form factor may seem cumbersome for individuals with smaller wrists. The color palette remains limited to two combinations: a subdued matte black or gray variant paired with a black strap, and a silver edition complemented by a green band. Buyers seeking bolder tones like blue or gold will not find them here, as this model emphasizes understated elegance over vivid expression.
Its 1.43-inch AMOLED display, though not the most striking panel in existence, performs admirably at this modest price point. Supporting a 466×466 resolution and brightness of up to 1,000 nits, the screen ensures legibility in direct sunlight and faithfully reproduces colors with impressive vibrancy. Contrast levels and saturation are both well-balanced, providing a display quality that aligns well with expectations for mid-tier smartwatches.
Once paired with an Android smartphone—note that iOS compatibility is not supported—the user encounters Wear OS 4.0, Google’s polished operating system for wearable devices. OnePlus has refrained from imposing major modifications on the interface, unlike Samsung’s extensively customized Galaxy Watch software. Nonetheless, OnePlus enriches the experience with thoughtfully designed watch faces, distinctive user interface touches, and several proprietary applications. The result is a streamlined and intuitive digital ecosystem.
Each time Wear OS is revisited, it’s clear that the platform continues to mature. While it might not reach the absolute fluidity characteristic of Apple’s WatchOS, its functionality remains comprehensive. With features such as the Tiles interface—offering at-a-glance access to health stats, appointments, and notifications—and a robust library of downloadable applications via the Google Play Store, the system stands as the most refined version of Wear OS to date. Performance-wise, the Watch 2R impresses across daily tasks thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset. This processor delivers both speed and energy efficiency, supporting smooth multitasking and rapid app switching without discernible lag.
Battery performance remains one of the OnePlus Watch 2R’s most compelling aspects. Following in the footsteps of the Watch 2, which previously set new benchmarks for endurance among Wear OS watches, the 2R sustains operation for up to three days per charge. This longevity stems from an intelligent dual-processor design: the primary Snapdragon chip handles intensive operations, while a secondary co-processor manages minor background tasks that demand minimal energy. Backed by a 500mAh battery, this configuration ensures users can engage in multi-day use without the constant need for recharging. When a recharge becomes necessary, the included magnetic charging puck restores the battery from empty to full in roughly one hour, a pace that suits busy lifestyles.
When it comes to fitness and wellness tracking, the experience offered by the Watch 2R is somewhat mixed. For users in the early stages of developing fitness habits, the fundamentals are admirably implemented, but serious athletes or data-driven health enthusiasts may find it lacking. Absent are specialized sensors and analytical tools such as electrocardiogram (EKG) measurement, menstrual tracking, and skin temperature monitoring. The accompanying OHealth application, while sufficient for tracking elementary metrics like daily steps or heart rate averages, provides only rudimentary insights—it presents simple graphs rather than comprehensive performance analyses or adaptive health guidance.
OnePlus has nonetheless refined the accuracy of core sensors, enhancing the precision of the heart rate monitor, GPS signal tracking, and SpO₂ sensor for blood oxygen assessments. These upgrades make the wearable dependable for general health overviews, even though it remains a step behind higher-end competitors such as Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 and Google’s Pixel Watch 3. Therefore, the OnePlus Watch 2R caters best to users seeking simplicity and dependability rather than an extensive suite of medical-grade analytics.
Another area warranting mention is durability. While the device retains 5ATM water resistance—suitable for everyday exposure and shallow swimming—it lacks the military-grade shock protection and sapphire crystal glass found on pricier models. Consequently, it is best suited for moderate use rather than extreme environments. For instance, it will handle rain and brief submersion up to 50 meters but is not intended for professional diving or high-impact sports.
One notable omission for on-the-go professionals is the absence of an LTE version. This means the smartwatch cannot independently receive calls or notifications when disconnected from a smartphone. For individuals who prefer leaving their phones behind during workouts or errands, this limitation may reduce practicality. Nevertheless, for most users who remain connected via Bluetooth, this constraint may prove negligible compared to the watch’s value proposition.
In conclusion, ZDNET’s buying guidance asserts that the OnePlus Watch 2R is ideally suited for anyone seeking a responsive, affordable smartwatch that excels in performance and endurance without necessitating advanced biometric tools or independent connectivity. Unless you prioritize luxurious materials, a more compact form factor, or LTE capability, the 2R effectively satisfies the core requirements of most smartwatch buyers. The limited-time promotional offer, valid until June 8, 2025, enhances its value even further—though consumers should note that product deals may expire or sell out unexpectedly. ZDNET’s commerce experts regularly review and update curated deals to guarantee reliability, so even if a buyer misses this particular discount, new opportunities for savings will continue to emerge.
A broader economic note accompanies this overview: recently enacted U.S. tariffs on imported goods from manufacturing hubs such as China, Vietnam, and India are poised to influence the cost of consumer electronics. Designed to stimulate domestic production, these policies could nevertheless drive retail prices upward for popular categories including smartphones, laptops, televisions, and—importantly—headphones and wearable devices. With tariffs on Chinese imports reaching approximately 54% and on Vietnamese goods around 46%, consumers may soon experience cost increases nearing 20% across these sectors. Manufacturers are, therefore, exploring relocation strategies to regions with reduced trade barriers, though such transitions are logistically demanding and unlikely to produce immediate benefits. For now, prospective buyers may wish to act sooner rather than later when purchasing electronics such as the OnePlus Watch 2R, as market conditions suggest that price fluctuations are inevitable. This extended analysis encapsulates why the OnePlus Watch 2R continues to represent a well-balanced intersection of affordability, performance, and longevity within the increasingly competitive smartwatch landscape.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-this-year-old-android-smartwatch-is-still-a-prime-option-for-most-people-and-it-looks-great/
