OnePlus Watch 2 Review

OnePlus Watch 2 Review: The Redemption Arc We Were Waiting For

The original OnePlus Watch was an exercise in missed potential. It was a beautiful piece of hardware crippled by simplistic software that left users wanting more. Three years later, OnePlus is back for a second attempt, and the OnePlus Watch 2 isn’t just an improvement; it’s a fundamental rethinking of what a Wear OS smartwatch can be. By tackling the platform’s biggest weakness head-on—battery life—OnePlus has delivered a device that feels less like a sequel and more like a statement.

A Tale of Two Processors

The magic behind the OnePlus Watch 2 lies in its “Dual-Engine Architecture.” This isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s a genuinely innovative solution. The watch houses two separate chipsets running two different operating systems. The powerful Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 runs Google’s feature-rich Wear OS 4 for all your demanding tasks—launching apps, navigating with Maps, or talking to Google Assistant.

Simultaneously, a hyper-efficient BES2700 co-processor runs a real-time operating system (RTOS) in the background, handling notifications, health tracking, and the always-on display. The watch intelligently switches between these two engines, sipping power for basic tasks and only firing up the big guns when necessary. The result? A claimed 100 hours of battery life in Smart Mode. In my testing, I consistently achieved a solid three to four days of use with sleep tracking, workouts, and the always-on display enabled. This isn’t just good for Wear OS; it’s revolutionary, finally freeing users from the daily charging anxiety that plagues its competitors.

Built Like a Premium Timepiece

OnePlus didn’t skimp on the build materials. The watch case is forged from stainless steel with a beautifully brushed finish, and the flat display is protected by a slab of 2.5D sapphire crystal, offering exceptional scratch resistance. It feels substantial and durable on the wrist, exuding a confidence that cheaper aluminum watches simply can’t match.

However, this robust construction comes with a caveat: size. The Watch 2 comes in a single, rather large 47mm case that is over 12mm thick. While it looked perfectly at home on my larger wrist, those with smaller wrists may find it bulky and overpowering. It’s a handsome, somewhat rugged design, but its unisex appeal is limited. The inclusion of a standard 22mm strap mount is a welcome touch, allowing for easy customization beyond the comfortable and high-quality fluoro-rubber band included in the box.

Software Smarts Meet Fitness Fundamentals

Running the latest Wear OS 4, the OnePlus Watch 2 provides the full-fat Google experience. You get access to the Play Store, Google Maps with on-wrist navigation, Google Wallet for contactless payments, and a responsive Google Assistant. Performance is flawlessly smooth, with apps launching instantly and animations gliding without a hint of stutter—a testament to the capable Snapdragon W5 chip.

For health and fitness, OnePlus uses its own OHealth app, which is clean and comprehensive. It tracks over 100 workout types, with advanced metrics for activities like running (ground contact time, vertical oscillation) and even badminton. The inclusion of dual-frequency GPS provides impressively accurate location and distance tracking, a boon for runners and cyclists. Heart rate, SpO2, and stress monitoring are all on board and proved reliable in my tests. While it lacks more advanced medical sensors like ECG or skin temperature found on some rivals, it more than covers the essentials for the vast majority of users.

The Verdict: A New Wear OS Champion?

The OnePlus Watch 2 is a triumphant return to the wearable market for the company. It’s a device that fundamentally understands the modern smartwatch user’s biggest pain point and solves it with elegant engineering. By delivering a true multi-day battery life without compromising on the power and versatility of Wear OS, it sets a new benchmark for the entire Android ecosystem.

While its large size will be a deal-breaker for some, and the absence of an LTE option feels like a missed opportunity, these are minor complaints in the face of its core achievement. If you’re an Android user who has been waiting for a premium, full-featured smartwatch that doesn’t need to be charged every single night, your wait is over. The OnePlus Watch 2 is not just a great second attempt; it’s one of the best smartwatches you can buy today.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon