The Ultimate Review of the OnePlus Watch 2R

The OnePlus Watch 2R emerges as a compelling option in the smartwatch market, offering a blend of impressive features and value that's hard to ignore. As the more affordable sibling to the OnePlus Watch 2, this device maintains many of the strengths that made its predecessor stand out while making some calculated compromises to achieve a more accessible price point.

As a company that loves OnePlus and OnePlus Watch straps, we are always excited when the tech giant releases a new model, especially with their tendency to push the boundaries of what is possible while also creating smartwatches that are fun to wear. Below, you will find our comprehensive review of the product, where we will do our best to hide our excitement and remain as unbiased as possible - tag along! 

Design and Build Quality

The Watch 2R sports a circular design that's reminiscent of traditional timepieces. While it may not exude the same premium feel as its stainless steel counterpart, the aluminum construction keeps the watch lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. The 24-hour markings on the bezel and the silver semicircular ring along the bottom half give it a distinct, somewhat retro aesthetic that sets it apart from other smartwatches.

Durability is a strong suit for the Watch 2R. With an IP68 rating, it's well-equipped to handle swimming sessions and rainy days without issue. The sapphire glass protecting the display adds an extra layer of robustness, ensuring the watch can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Display and Interface

The Watch 2R features a crisp, vibrant AMOLED display that's easily readable in various lighting conditions. While not as bright as some premium offerings, it holds its own for most everyday scenarios. The interface, powered by Wear OS 4, is notably fluid and responsive. OnePlus has made minimal customizations to the operating system, resulting in a clean and intuitive user experience that's a joy to navigate.

One of the standout features is the "bubbles" interface for applications, which adds a playful and efficient way to access your favorite apps. The overall smoothness of the interface is impressive, with some users noting that it even surpasses the fluidity of the Pixel Watch.

Performance and Features

Under the hood, the Watch 2R packs enough power to ensure a lag-free experience. The ample storage (32GB / 2GB RAM) allows users to store music and watch faces directly on the device, adding to its versatility. While it lacks some advanced health features found in competitors like ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and wrist temperature sensing, it covers the basics of fitness tracking adequately.

The watch offers standard smartwatch functionalities such as notification handling, app support, and music control. However, it's worth noting that some features may be limited when using third-party watch faces, as the device warns that it may not enter Smart Mode, potentially impacting battery life.

Battery Life and Charging

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the OnePlus Watch 2R is its exceptional battery life. This longevity is a significant advantage over many competitors in the smartwatch market, as it has a powerful 500 mAh battery. For reference, in case you’re not up-to-date on battery technology, a modern smartphone, which handles a lot more processes than a smartwatch, usually has a battery between 3000 and 5000 mAh, whereas a calculator might have a 100 mAh battery. 

Charging is equally impressive, with the watch able to fully replenish its battery in about an hour using its 7.5W charging capability. The compact charging puck is USB-C compatible, making it convenient for travel. However, the lack of readily available spare chargers from OnePlus could be a concern for some users.

Software and Ecosystem

The Watch 2R runs on Wear OS 4, providing access to a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store. OnePlus has integrated its health tracking features into a single app, OnePlus Health (OHealth), simplifying the user experience compared to some competitors that require multiple apps.

OnePlus promises two Wear OS updates and three years of security updates for the Watch 2R. While this is on par with Google's support for the Pixel Watch, it does fall short of some other competitors, and something we wish OnePlus would expand on. 

Health and Fitness Tracking

The health and fitness tracking capabilities of the Watch 2R are adequate for casual users but may leave fitness enthusiasts wanting more. It covers the basics like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. The watch lacks some advanced health features found in similarly priced competitors, such as ECG, skin temperature sensing, and fall detection. For users who prioritize these advanced health metrics, this might be a significant drawback but for the casual user (which the OnePlus Watch 2R gears itself towards), we would say that it offers more than enough. 

Accessories and customization

While a strap for OnePlus Watch is included when you purchase the OnePlus Watch 2R, people tend to love customization for different reasons. It can be because you prefer a certain material over another, or because you want to be able to match the watch strap with your outfit or style - either way, much like previous editions in the series, the Watch 2R has exchangeable straps so that you can pick and choose your favorite one.

The same is true for other popular accessories in the marketplace, such as covers and screen protectors, and shows OnePlus willingness to meet users where they are, and help them make their smartwatch truly feel like their own. 

Conclusion

The OnePlus Watch 2R is a compelling option for users seeking a capable smartwatch with outstanding battery life at an affordable price. Its fluid interface, durable design, and long-lasting battery make it an attractive choice for everyday use. While it may not boast the most advanced health features or the premium look of its more expensive sibling, it excels in delivering core smartwatch functionalities with impressive efficiency.

However, potential buyers should consider their priorities. If advanced health tracking or a more premium aesthetic are must-haves, they might want to look at other options. But for those who value battery life, performance, and value for money, the OnePlus Watch 2R stands out as a strong contender in the smartwatch market. The Watch 2R represents OnePlus's commitment to offering feature-rich devices at competitive prices. It successfully balances performance and affordability, making it a worthy consideration for anyone in the market for a new smartwatch. As OnePlus continues to refine its wearable offerings, the Watch 2R sets a solid foundation for future iterations, promising an exciting road ahead for the brand in the smartwatch space.