OnePlus Watch 2R, Redefining WearOS Battery Life [Review]

OnePlus Watch 2R, Redefining WearOS Battery Life [Review]

October 3, 2024 11:57 EST • Alexandre Vallières-Lagacé • 6 minute read

OnePlus has made a bold statement in the smartwatch market with the Watch 2R, offering nearly all the features of its premium sibling at a more accessible price point. By cleverly implementing a dual-chip architecture and focusing on essential features, OnePlus has created a compelling option for users seeking a capable WearOS device with exceptional battery life.

Design

The OnePlus Watch 2R features a refined aluminum construction that makes it 25% lighter than its stainless steel sibling, weighing just 1.31 ounces without the strap and 2.08 ounces with it. Available in silver with a green strap or gray with a black strap, the watch strikes an impressive balance between style and functionality.

The 1.43-inch AMOLED display boasts a crisp 466 x 466 resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright conditions. The screen is protected by flat synthetic glass, and the overall construction feels premium despite the more affordable price point.

With 5ATM water resistance and IP68 ratings, the Watch 2R can handle submersion in freshwater up to 5 feet for 30 minutes. While it lacks the MIL-STD-810H certification of its premium sibling, the build quality remains robust for everyday use.

This cannot be overstated, the round design is far superior than the squircle that is the Apple Watch! I really believe this watch is much better looking, even with the screen off, than an Apple Watch. It does not scream “I HAVE A COMPUTER ON MY WRIST” like the Apple Watch does. The 17mm band also allows for and easy swap for a better looking band, like the leather watch bands made by Legacy Goods.

Features

  • Dual-chip architecture (Snapdragon W5 + BES 2700)
  • WearOS 4.0 with Power Saver RTOS mode
  • 1.43-inch AMOLED display (466 x 466, 1000 nits)
  • 32GB storage and 2GB RAM
  • Dual-frequency GPS
  • Comprehensive health sensors
  • Up to 5.5 days battery life
  • Fast charging capability
  • 100+ workout modes
  • Google Play Store access
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Built-in speaker and microphone

Performance

The Watch 2R’s innovative dual-chip architecture sets it apart from competitors. The Snapdragon W5 handles the power-intensive WearOS tasks, while the BES 2700 MCU manages basic functions like notifications and fitness tracking. This clever implementation results in exceptional battery life without compromising functionality.

Battery Life

Battery performance is where the Watch 2R truly shines. With the always-on display enabled, it lasts approximately 79 hours (over three days), and with it disabled, users can expect up to 132 hours (5.5 days) of use. Even more impressive is the charging speed, reaching a full charge in just 49 minutes, with 50% available in roughly 30 minutes.

Some might say that it’s not a daily thing and thus you can forget to charge it. It is true, but having that quick charge on your desk can give you quickly a few more days of battery. So if I do this during the day on a Friday, I have more then enough battery to last over the week-end, back to Monday when I can top it off once more in only 49 minutes!

Fitness and Health Tracking

The watch includes an impressive array of sensors, including an optical heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, and geomagnetic sensor. During testing, heart rate monitoring stayed within 5-10 BPM of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, showing solid accuracy for a wrist-based monitor.

GPS tracking proves reliable for outdoor activities, with dual-frequency support providing accurate route mapping and distance measurements. The watch offers over 100 workout modes, with 12 receiving professional-grade metrics for detailed analysis.

OnePlus Watch 2R

Sleep tracking is particularly impressive, accurately detecting sleep phases and providing detailed analysis through the OHealth app. The watch can also monitor stress levels and SpO2, though it lacks some advanced health features like ECG, skin temperature monitoring, and fall detection.

I wear a CPAP machine at night, and on the first night I did not wear it, the watch alerted me of possible issues with my sleep and that I should consult specialist to get this looked at. This is very important for folks like me that did not have any apparent symptoms of sleep apnea, but still suffered from it.

On days where I would wear my CPAP machines, it would complain about my sleep quality but when I looked at my chart from my CPAP machine vendor, I did not seem to have any issues with the number of apnea events. So I still count this as a plus, as this is the kind of very important health issue you need to know about as early as possible.

My personal experience with indoor activities like walking, running and the step master is very negative. It kept complaining that I had a background exercise going and if I wanted to stop it while I was in the middle of my walk or run. Because I’m not moving in the eyes of the GPS it seemed to not understand I was still very active. Walking at over 4 miles/hour or running also did not stop this alert from poping up.

Software Experience

Running WearOS 4.0, the Watch 2R provides access to the Google Play Store and its extensive app ecosystem. The interface remains responsive thanks to the efficient dual-chip system, with smooth animations and quick app launches. The unique Power Saver mode, powered by RTOS, offers essential functions while dramatically extending battery life up to 12 days.

Navigation is intuitive, with customizable button shortcuts and familiar WearOS gestures. The watch handles notifications well, supporting quick replies and voice input through Google Assistant. The integration with Android phones is seamless, particularly with OnePlus devices.

OnePlus Watch 2R

Real-World Use

In daily use, the Watch 2R impresses with its consistent performance and long battery life. The lighter aluminum construction makes it comfortable for extended wear, while the bright display remains visible in various lighting conditions. The speaker and microphone perform well for calls and voice commands, making it a capable communication tool.

The ability to switch between full WearOS functionality and the battery-saving RTOS mode provides flexibility that many competitors lack. This versatility makes it equally suitable for both power users and those who prioritize longer battery life over advanced features.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Watch 2R represents an excellent value proposition in the WearOS ecosystem. At US$229.99 (299 $CA), it delivers premium features and exceptional battery life in a lightweight, attractive package. While it lacks some advanced health monitoring capabilities found in more expensive competitors, the core smartwatch experience is solid and well-executed.

For users seeking a capable WearOS device with class-leading battery life, the Watch 2R is an compelling choice. It successfully balances features, performance, and affordability, making it a strong alternative to more expensive options from Samsung and Google. Although not perfect for sleep and indoor activities, the OnePlus Watch 2R is the clear choice for users who prioritize battery life and performance over advanced health monitoring capabilities.

Review Summary

Watch 2ROnePlus
Watch 2R

An innovative WearOS smartwatch featuring dual-chip architecture and exceptional battery life in a lightweight aluminum design.

OnePlus Watch 2R

The Good Stuff
  • Outstanding battery life (up to 5.5 days)
  • Elegant lightweight aluminum design
  • Innovative dual-chip architecture
  • Excellent performance and responsiveness
  • Comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities
  • Fast charging (0-50% in 30 minutes)
The Bad Stuff
  • Single 46mm size option
  • No ECG or fall detection
  • No cellular/LTE version
  • Limited holistic health insights
The Ratings
Design
90%
Performance
90%
Features
80%
Value
90%
Overall: 88%
Disclaimers: This product or service was provided by the company or partner for the purpose of this review.
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