OnePlus Watch 2: Real Review from a Real User
Have you ever found a smartwatch more uncomfortable than comfortable? I do. It seems like I’m looking for a charger every day, and frankly, I often feel like the hassle isn’t worth it. So when the OnePlus Watch 2 appeared on my desk, I was skeptical, to say the least. Could they really make a difference?
First Impressions: Not Your Average Smartwatch
Unpacking the OnePlus Watch 2 was a pleasant surprise. The packaging was elegant and the watch itself was solid and luxurious. The stainless steel case with a round design looks stylish, not like a bulky high-tech gadget. I opted for the black steel version and found this understated elegance very appealing: the sapphire crystal covering the AMOLED display is durable and scratch-resistant. The interchangeable strap is also a nice touch and makes it easy to change the look. It feels like a real watch and not just a plastic toy.
Key Features and Real Performance
Now let’s talk about the real deal. Two processors and two operating systems. It’s like a hybrid machine on your wrist: a Snapdragon W5 chip running Wear OS 4 and a BES 2700 chip with RTOS for basic processing. This means a low-power system is used when checking notifications or tracking your heart rate. When you need to launch Maps or start a workout, Wear OS kicks in and the 1.43-inch AMOLED display is bright and crisp, even in direct sunlight, which is a real bonus when you’re on the go. Responsiveness to touch is good, and navigating the interface is smooth.
- Dual Chip System: The unique dual processor system and operating system makes this watch special.
- AMOLED display: Clear, bright and easy to read in any light.
- Fitness Tracking: Full range of workout modes, including unexpected ones like badminton.
- OHealth app: The companion app is well organized and easy to use. It synchronizes all the data without any problems.
- Battery life: The claimed 100 hours of battery life is a big plus. When turned off, the 100 hour mark can be achieved.
Everyday Use and Practicality
How did this watch fit into my daily life? Pretty well, actually. I’m not a marathoner, but I like to keep track of my activity. I’ve used the tracker for daily walks and basic weightlifting. I really like that you have to press and hold the button and tap to complete a workout. The notification system is also useful and keeps you up to date without having to constantly hold your phone in your hand; the dual frequency GPS is accurate, something I think other watches lack. The watch is also pretty durable, I’ve bumped it a few times and still not a scratch.
Not So Good Points
Not everything is so rosy. There are a couple things that bother me. First, there is a weird lag when you lift your wrist to look at notifications. When you feel the watch vibrate, there is a two second pause before the notification appears. It’s not anything out of the ordinary, but it’s noticeable and a little annoying. It’s as if the watch needs to wake up the Snapdragon chip before it can display anything. The tactile feel isn’t bad and not as complicated as some of the more expensive watches I’ve used. Also, the rotating crown on the side button. It doesn’t do anything. It rotates, but it doesn’t change the volume or scroll through menus. An odd choice, apparently in favor of durability. The charger is also an ugly block of plastic.
There Are Other Smartwatches
Apple Watch is a big name, but it’s also expensive and incompatible with Android phones; Samsung Galaxy Watch is a solid choice, but battery life isn’t as good as the OnePlus Watch 2; Pixel Watch has great integration and is a good candidate, but it lacks battery endurance; OnePlus Watch 2 is a good choice, but it lacks battery life. The OnePlus Watch 2 doesn’t claim to be the most feature-rich watch, but its functionality is surprisingly good. It’s a reliable and durable device with basic smartwatch features.
Final Thoughts
So, does this mean you should buy the OnePlus Watch 2? If you’re tired of charging your watch every day and want a watch that keeps up with your busy life, then definitely yes. The delayed notifications and non-functional crown are a bit disappointing. However, the dual-chip system, amazing battery life, and solid construction make this watch an outstanding choice: at $239.99, it’s well worth the price. It’s a watch that’s a pleasure to use, not a high-tech device that needs a good luck charm. If battery life and high performance are important to you, this watch should be on your radar. You might be as surprised as I was.
