OnePlus Watch 2: Worth the hype?

• The OnePlus Watch 2 is now official, running on Wear OS and another OS.
• It offers health tracking, stress monitoring, sleep tracking, and more, all tracked through the OnePlus OHealth app.
• It is expected to receive two years of full software support and is compatible with any Android device.
• It is currently available for pre-order and will be available for open sale on March 4.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the launch of the OnePlus Watch 2. The anticipation was high, especially with rumours swirling that it would run on Wear OS. Now that it’s officially out, I can confirm that it does indeed run on Wear OS and another OS, making it the watch we’ve all been hoping for from OnePlus. I’ve had the pleasure of testing it out, and I must say, it’s quite impressive.

The OnePlus Watch 2 is a high-end smartwatch that ticks all the boxes. It boasts a large, round AMOLED display, sapphire cover glass, Qualcomm’s latest W5 chipset, a durable steel case, and all the necessary health sensors to keep track of your daily activities.

Here’s a quick rundown of its specs:

• OS: Wear OS 4
• Display: 1.43″ AMOLED (round, 466×466), 2.5D sapphire cover
• Case: Stainless-steel chassis
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 + BES2700
• Battery: 500mAh, PIN charging
• Memory: 32GB ROM + 2GB RAM
• Durability: 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC
• GPS: Dual-frequency L1+L5
• Sensors: Optical heart rate, pulse oximeter, Barometer
• Size: 47.0 x 46.6 x 12.1mm, 80g (with strap)
• Colours: Black Steel, Radiant Steel

But what sets the OnePlus Watch 2 apart is its battery life. It can last up to 100 hours on a single charge, thanks to a dual-engine architecture that runs both Wear OS 4 and RTOS. OnePlus has designed a system that uses the Snapdragon W5 chip for heavy tasks and apps, and then switches to a low-power chip for daily tasks.

After testing the watch for over a week, I’m sold on this system. It’s hard to tell which OS the watch is running at any given time, but that’s the beauty of it. It handles notifications and apps without delay, yet it lasts for days on a single charge. It’s a perfect blend of software and chipset wizardry.

The OnePlus Watch 2 is more than just its specs. It offers health tracking, stress monitoring, sleep tracking, and much more. All of these features are tracked through the OnePlus OHealth app, which so far, seems to be doing a great job. It even tracks snoring, much like the Galaxy Watch series.

Despite its large size of 47mm, the watch’s sleek design makes it comfortable to wear. The finishes are top-notch, and I personally find the Radiant Steel model to be the most attractive.

On the software front, the OnePlus Watch 2 is anticipated to receive two years of full software support. It’s compatible with any Android device, and there are no missing features if you don’t pair it with a OnePlus phone. Unfortunately, it’s not compatible with the iPhone.

The OnePlus Watch 2 is priced at $299 and is currently available for pre-order. It will be available for open sale on March 4. As a launch promo, OnePlus is offering a $50 discount if you trade in any watch in any condition. That brings the price down to a very reasonable $249.

So, if you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 2 is definitely worth considering.