The OnePlus Watch 2R positions itself as an excellent, cost-effective choice in the Wear OS smartwatch market. While it may not boast the most luxurious materials, it balances price, performance, and functionality effectively.

Design and Build Quality

The Watch 2R retains the large form factor seen in its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch 2, which might be too bulky for smaller wrists. It uses a combination of aluminum for the frame and Panda Glass for the screen, which helps keep the weight down and makes it more affordable. The overall design is sleek, though it lacks the premium feel of more expensive models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.

Display

The 1.43-inch OLED display offers vivid colors and sufficient brightness, making it readable even under direct sunlight. The option to have an always-on display is available but significantly impacts battery life.

Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and BES2700 chipsets, the Watch 2R delivers smooth performance, although it’s slightly slower than watches with newer chipsets. The dual-chip setup allows the watch to operate efficiently in two modes: a full Wear OS mode and a low-power RTOS mode for basic tasks. This setup is effective in extending battery life without compromising too much on performance.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the OnePlus Watch 2R is its impressive battery life. Under typical use, it lasts about four days, significantly more than most Wear OS competitors. In power-saving mode, the battery can last up to 12 days, making it a great option for users who don’t want to charge their watch daily. Charging is also quick, with the ability to get a full charge in about an hour and enough power for a day’s use in just 10 minutes.

Features

The watch supports all standard smart features, including app notifications, Google Wallet for payments, music playback, and even call handling via Bluetooth. However, it lacks an eSIM option, which limits its standalone capabilities. The health and fitness tracking features are robust, offering continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurements, and automatic workout detection, similar to more expensive alternatives.

Software and Usability

Running on Wear OS 4 with ColorOS Watch 6.0, the software experience is solid but not without its quirks. The interface is not as polished as some competitors, and the watch can feel a bit sluggish at times. However, the ability to install apps from the Play Store adds significant flexibility.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Watch 2R strikes a compelling balance between price, performance, and battery life. While it may not be the most premium option, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable smartwatch that doesn’t need daily charging. Its size might be a drawback for some, but if you’re looking for a practical, well-rounded Wear OS watch that won’t break the bank, the OnePlus Watch 2R is worth considering.