I've often been annoyed by smartwatches that don't work or that need to be charged every couple of days. The majority of WearOS devices I've used have trouble staying charged after 48 hours. I've been using the OnePlus Watch 2R for the past month, and here's how it has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine. OnePlus appears to have solved the problem with their latest release, the Watch 2R.
Looks and works like a proper smartwatch
The Watch 2R has an IP68-rated flat display. Image source: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) The majority of contemporary smartwatches are beautiful, but unless you choose a high-end model, they frequently lack functionality. Even though it costs Rs 17,999, the OnePlus Watch 2R stands out as a full-featured smartwatch that won't leave you wanting more, even if you're switching from an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch.
Although the OnePlus Watch 2R (review) is a less flashy model, I prefer the way it looks and feels. Even though my Watch 4 Classic had a rotating dial, I prefer the 2R because it has faster charging and longer battery life. The 22mm strap from a third party can be easily substituted for the comfortable silicon strap.
The Forest Green model has a refined appearance, and the 1.43-inch circular display is large, bright, and covered in aluminum with 2D glass. The screen hasn't been scratched in a month of use, but I would have preferred the Watch 2's Sapphire Crystal glass for more durability.
Two smartwatches in one:
The hardware and software The OnePlus Watch 2R runs on WearOS 4. Image source: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) The Watch 2R is an engineering marvel that only weighs 59 grams (with the strap) and contains hardware for two smartwatches. It runs on both WearOS 4 and the Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), and it is powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip. It provides a comprehensive WearOS 4 experience in smart mode, and in power saver mode, RTOS extends battery life.
You can use the smartwatch for calls, notifications, step tracking, heart rate, and oxygen saturation monitoring even when it is in power saver mode. In this mode, however, you are unable to respond to notifications directly from the watch.
The watch must be restarted to switch from power saver to smart mode, which can be done quickly from smart mode. I also like that the watch automatically locks when it is taken off the strap, making it more secure.
Compatible with the majority of Android phones, but not the iPhone.
The watch provides precise fitness tracking. Image source: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) The Watch 2R is excellent, but it is not compatible with iPhones because it is made for OnePlus and Android users. It worked perfectly when I paired it with the Nord 4 smartphone and the Galaxy S23 Ultra. For setup and use, the OnePlus OHealth app is required.
Accurate fitness tracking and useful data
The eHealth app is only available for Android smartphones. Image source: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) The fitness and health tracking data on my Watch 2R and iPhone 15 were comparable (review). It has a snoring monitor and offers insights like sleep scores, breakdowns of sleep cycles, and levels of breathing risk with suggestions for improvement. When your phone is nearby, it can also keep track of your heart rate and stress levels.
WhatsApp on the wrist, personal navigator, and more
The watch can be used as a navigator. Image source: The Watch 2R has become my Google Maps navigator, and I've even used WhatsApp on it. Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express The Play Store offers a plethora of games and custom watch faces. It can also store your music on Spotify or YouTube, and Google Keep lets you access your notes. Keep in mind that the Watch's native WhatsApp application can quickly deplete the battery.
Battery life that lasts almost a week
Even in smart mode, the Watch 2R can last four to five days, and in power saver mode, it can last over 12 days. Using the charger that came with the Nord 4, it can be fully charged in about an hour (review).
The ideal smartwatch for the majority of Android users
This is the ideal smartwatch for Android users. Image source: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) Although I usually recommend Galaxy Watches from previous generations, I can now confidently recommend the Watch 2R because it performs as expected in smart mode, has a long battery life, and has more features in power saver mode than most entry-level smartwatches.
The OnePlus Watch 2R is the best option for under Rs 20,000 if you want a true WearOS smartwatch with excellent battery life.
The OnePlus Watch 2R is a solid and versatile smartwatch that offers exceptional value, delivering features typically seen in more expensive models. The highlight of this device is its dual operating system: it primarily runs on RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) for power efficiency, but when more advanced functions are needed, such as notifications or apps like Google Maps, it switches to Wear OS. This system provides impressive battery life, offering up to 100 hours in smart mode, making it one of the longest-lasting smartwatches in its category.
The watch features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, perfect for viewing notifications, tracking activities, and monitoring health metrics. However, it does have a few usability quirks. For example, when the system switches between RTOS and Wear OS, there is a slight delay in displaying notifications or opening apps. While not a dealbreaker, this brief lag can interrupt the smoothness of the user experience.
In terms of fitness and health tracking, the Watch 2R delivers a broad range of metrics, including heart rate, sleep monitoring, stress levels, and SpO2 (blood oxygen). It also supports over 30 workout modes, making it suitable for both casual and serious fitness enthusiasts. However, it falls short of more premium offerings like the Samsung Galaxy Watch series, as it lacks advanced features like ECG and body composition measurements.
The eHealth app, which is used to manage the device, provides an intuitive interface for tracking health data and customizing settings. The app does a good job of breaking down activity data and offers basic features for fitness goals, but it lacks the depth of some other health platforms like Fitbit or Samsung Health. For instance, there is no mood tracking or features tailored for weight loss or fitness coaching.
The build of the OnePlus Watch 2R is sleek and comfortable, although its 46mm size might feel too bulky for those with smaller wrists. Despite this, it's relatively light, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The watch also features 7.5W VOOC fast charging, allowing the 500mAh battery to charge quickly in just under an hour.
One area where the Watch 2R could improve is wireless charging, as it only supports wired charging, which might be inconvenient for some users. However, the inclusion of fast charging mitigates this limitation somewhat.
