## Apple Watch Series 8 vs. ONEPLUS Watch 2: Detailed Comparison
Choosing the right smartwatch can seem like a maze. The sleek Apple Watch Series 8 and the feature-rich ONEPLUS Watch 2 have their pros and cons, so let’s take a look at a detailed comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs.
The Apple Watch Series 8 features a familiar minimalist design focused on seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. The watch is made of aluminum or stainless steel and is available in a variety of colors and band options. The always-on display is a real convenience, allowing you to check the time and notifications without lifting your wrist. However, the aluminum screen is a bit disappointing as it is prone to scratches. I’ve bumped it a few times and it has already developed a few small scratches. The digital crown is useful, but sometimes fails, causing the volume to change unintentionally.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2, on the other hand, has a more traditional and luxurious design, with a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal. When worn on the wrist, the watch feels solid and luxurious; the AMOLED display is bright and clear, even in direct sunlight. The watch is also quite rugged, with IP68 dust and water resistance and durability that meets US military standards. However, the rotating crown is purely decorative and serves no function, so it feels like a missed opportunity. The charger is also a bulky block of plastic and is not very sleek looking.
The Apple Watch Series 8 has a lot of features including fast charging, advanced fitness tracking, comprehensive health monitoring, and seamless iPhone integration. The temperature sensor is a new addition designed to help with cycle tracking, but its usefulness is somewhat limited as you can’t access temperature history in the Health app. Fitness tracking is excellent, especially after the watchOS 9 update, with customizable workout and heart rate zones. The always-on display, which allows users to check notifications and the time without lifting their wrist, is a must-have for convenience. However, battery life is limited to about one day of normal use and requires daily recharging.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2 offers excellent battery life of about 100 hours in Smart mode and up to 12 days in Power Saver mode by utilizing a dual OS and processor with Wear OS and RTOS, Snapdragon W5 and BES 2700 chip. This hybrid system ensures efficient performance and battery saving. The dual-frequency GPS is highly accurate and ideal for outdoor activities. However, there is a noticeable delay when you raise your wrist to view notifications, which can be a bit frustrating. The haptic feedback is also not too advanced. It’s also important to note that the ONEPLUS Watch 2 doesn’t work with iPhones, which is a significant drawback for Apple users. In addition, step tracking is inconsistent and sometimes too optimistic compared to other trackers.
In everyday use, the Apple Watch Series 8 shines with its seamless integration with iPhone. Notifications, calls and Apple Pay work seamlessly, and the integration with Apple Fitness+ is also a huge advantage, offering coach-led workouts. I use it for running, hiking, and various strength training and it works flawlessly. It has become my primary means of receiving notifications and controlling music. However, the limited battery life means I have to charge it daily and sometimes twice a day, which is a bit annoying. The aluminum screen is prone to scratches, so a screen protector is a must.
On the other hand, the ONEPLUS Watch 2 is a solid and reliable device with the basic smartwatch features. Amazing battery life - several days without recharging. The dual-chip system is impressive and ensures smooth and efficient operation. The notification system is useful and allows users to stay up-to-date without constantly holding a cell phone. However, the delayed notifications and non-functional crown are somewhat disappointing. The charger is also an ugly piece of plastic and is not very useful.
Apple Watch Series 8 Pros:
Disadvantages of Apple Watch Series 8:
Benefits of ONEPLUS Watch 2:
Disadvantages of ONEPLUS Watch 2:
The Apple Watch Series 8 and ONEPLUS Watch 2 are great smartwatches, but they fulfill different needs: the Apple Watch is ideal for iPhone users who want seamless integration and a wide range of features, while the ONEPLUS Watch 2 is ideal for those who prioritize battery life and durability. The Series 8 is recommended for Apple users, while the ONEPLUS Watch 2 is recommended for Android users who want a watch that can last for days. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences and priorities.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | ONEPLUS Watch 2 |
|---|
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a great choice for iPhone users who want seamless integration and a wide range of features.
The ONEPLUS Watch 2 is ideal for those who prioritize battery life and durability, especially for Android users.
