ZDNET’s comprehensive review offers several insightful takeaways about the OnePlus Watch 2, a smartwatch that currently retails for around $300. This second-generation wearable delivers a markedly improved user experience compared to its initial predecessor, benefiting from crucial refinements in hardware design, software optimization, and overall battery performance. Nevertheless, it still omits certain advanced functionalities commonly found in competing devices, most notably the absence of built-in cellular connectivity.
When OnePlus first introduced the original OnePlus Watch back in 2021, the product drew significant attention because of its appealing exterior design and competitive $159 launch price. Many early adopters, attracted by its aesthetics and affordability, promptly placed preorders—including the reviewer, who quickly discovered that the device lacked genuinely useful features. As a result, the first edition failed to justify its purchase, resulting in widespread disappointment among enthusiasts seeking a truly capable smartwatch.
The initial model operated on the Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), which, while efficient and lightweight, constrained its ability to integrate advanced functionalities common to premium models. In contrast, the successor—the OnePlus Watch 2—represents a radical evolution in the brand’s approach. It combines both RTOS and Google’s Wear OS 4 in a dual-engine architecture, effectively merging high performance with energy efficiency. This hybrid design allows the watch to deliver seamless transitions between basic function efficiency and the flexibility of a fully featured smartwatch ecosystem. Consequently, the OnePlus Watch 2 stands among the most energy-conscious Wear OS-based devices on the market, achieving a notably extended battery life that surpasses both Google’s and Apple’s flagship timepieces.
Beyond its technical innovation, the OnePlus Watch 2 impresses with its refined craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication. Constructed with a durable stainless steel body complemented by a curved 2.5D sapphire crystal watch face, the design conveys both sleek modernity and resilience. Its silicone strap offers a comfortable, secure fit suitable for daily wear and exercise. The attention to detail extends to its physical controls—two distinct buttons integrated elegantly into the bezel: a refined circular crown at the top and an elongated oval button beneath it, ensuring both functionality and visual harmony.
Durability remains another defining strength of this wearable. The device meets the rigorous 5 ATM waterproof standard and carries an IP68 rating, signifying its ability to withstand submersion and exposure to dust or moisture. In addition, its compliance with MIL-STD-810H military-grade testing underscores its endurance under extreme environmental conditions—placing it ahead of many competitors, including the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Battery performance is exemplary and a standout feature of this model. OnePlus claims that the device sustains up to 100 hours in Smart Mode, approximately 48 hours under heavy usage scenarios, and can extend to an impressive 12 days when set to power-saving mode. Housing a 500mAh battery, the watch demonstrates real-world endurance: during an intensive two-week testing period involving continuous 24/7 wear, regular GPS-enabled workouts, and health monitoring, the device needed recharging only once every three to four days. Although enabling the always-on display increases power draw, the efficient lift-to-wake function mitigates this concern, ensuring responsive screen activation only when needed.
Moreover, the inclusion of 7.5W VOOC rapid-charging technology provides a significant convenience advantage. A complete charge from empty to full capacity requires roughly an hour, granting users a full day’s worth of operational time after only a short top-up. This excellent combination of long-lasting endurance, optimized processor efficiency, and rapid power recovery makes the OnePlus Watch 2 particularly attractive for those who dislike constant recharging.
Positioning accuracy is another area where the watch performs admirably. By supporting dual-frequency satellite positioning—L1 and L5—the device ensures precise route tracking, aided by compatibility with major global navigation systems such as Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and QZSS. In field tests, the watch’s location data closely matched that of professional-grade dedicated GPS sports watches. The integration with Wear OS also allows users to install third-party tracking or fitness applications beyond OnePlus’s proprietary options if they wish.
Health monitoring remains a major focus of the OnePlus ecosystem. The watch relies on a companion Android application, OHealth, to manage all data synchronization, system settings, and activity tracking features. Notably, the device does not pair with the Apple iPhone, as its software ecosystem has been designed specifically for Android. Within OHealth, users can monitor diverse physiological metrics—heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, stress levels, sleep quality, and a broad spectrum of workouts. The application also allows customization of on-watch features such as face designs and layout configurations for Wear OS tiles that appear during swipes.
Many users find the OHealth interface more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing than alternatives like Google Fit or Fitbit. This streamlined usability fosters a smoother experience when exploring an extensive list of customizable health and fitness options: automatic workout detection, continuous heart-rate tracking, sleep-phase breathing analysis, and adjustable display preferences for favored activities. Currently, OHealth stores collected data locally, although OnePlus has publicly stated its intent to enable synchronization with popular third-party platforms like Strava in future updates.
Despite the substantial improvements, the OnePlus Watch 2 retains a few notable shortcomings that prevent it from claiming the title of a truly complete flagship smartwatch. The absence of cellular connectivity limits its independence from smartphones. The single available 47mm case—while elegant and substantial—feels oversized and heavy (approximately 80 grams) on smaller wrists. Other missing capabilities include fall detection, camera control for OnePlus phones (which the company promises in an upcoming software update), women’s health tracking, electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement, and skin temperature sensing. While these omissions may deter certain users, they do not overshadow the device’s otherwise excellent performance and sophisticated design.
Ultimately, the OnePlus Watch 2 delivers a balanced blend of functionality, style, and longevity that positions it as one of the most capable and thoughtfully engineered Android smartwatches available today. For users who value both durability and aesthetic distinction, its polished stainless finish and fluid navigation experience create a sense of premium quality. Those unsatisfied with smaller alternatives, such as Google’s Pixel Watch, which suffers from limited battery life, will find in the OnePlus Watch 2 a compelling, more practical upgrade.
After revisiting OnePlus’s initial attempt at smartwatch design, expectations were understandably low. Yet, through substantial innovation and thoughtful refinement, the brand’s sophomore release has redefined perception. ZDNET’s buying advice concludes that the OnePlus Watch 2 ranks among the strongest smartwatch choices for Android enthusiasts—particularly for individuals already within the OnePlus ecosystem. At present, the 46mm model often appears discounted to around $200 on the official OnePlus website, making it an attractive, high-value purchase. Continued software updates are anticipated, promising further enhancements in functionality and connectivity, which will likely strengthen its longevity in the competitive wearable market.
Prospective buyers should remain aware that deals may fluctuate or expire without notice, as product availability often depends on promotional periods. ZDNET’s editorial team continues to monitor such offers to ensure that readers have access to verified, up-to-date discounts on OnePlus devices and other top-rated technology products. For those seeking expert insights and curated product recommendations, ZDNET Recommends remains a reliable destination to guide purchasing decisions across the constantly evolving world of consumer technology.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-still-prefer-this-oneplus-smartwatch-over-most-other-android-wearables-and-its-100-off/
