The smartwatch market continues to thrive, with tech giants like Apple and Samsung dominating the space. However, OnePlus has emerged as a formidable competitor, delivering impressive wearables such as the OnePlus Watch 3. Now, its more affordable sibling, the OnePlus Watch 2R, is proving to be a standout choice—especially for those prioritizing battery life over premium health features.
Design and Display: Sleek but Limited
The Watch 2R closely resembles its flagship counterpart, the Watch 2, with a few key differences. It features a 46mm aluminum alloy case (lighter than stainless steel) and a matte finish, omitting the glossy look of the Watch 2. The 1.43-inch AMOLED display delivers sharp visuals with a 466×466 resolution and 1,000 nits of brightness, though it doesn’t quite match the vibrancy of higher-end models.
Available in matte black/gray or silver with a green band, the Watch 2R offers a minimalist aesthetic. However, its large case size may not suit those with smaller wrists, and the lack of color options could be a drawback for some buyers.
Performance and Software: Smooth and Efficient
Powered by Wear OS 4.0, the Watch 2R provides a seamless user experience. While OnePlus hasn’t heavily customized the interface, it includes custom watch faces and first-party apps. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip ensures smooth performance, handling multitasking and notifications without lag.
Wear OS has matured significantly, offering robust functionality through the Play Store and intuitive navigation via the Tiles interface. Though not as polished as Apple’s WatchOS, it remains a strong alternative for Android users.
Battery Life: A Clear Standout
OnePlus has replicated the impressive battery efficiency seen in the Watch 2. Thanks to a dual-chipset design (Snapdragon W5 + co-processor) and a 500mAh battery, the Watch 2R lasts up to three days on a single charge—outpacing many competitors, including Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra. Recharging is quick, taking just about an hour with the included puck.
Health and Fitness: Basic but Reliable
The Watch 2R lacks advanced health features like EKG, menstrual cycle tracking, and skin temperature monitoring. Its OHealth app provides fundamental metrics but lacks in-depth analytics. However, heart rate, GPS, and SpO2 sensors have improved in accuracy, making it suitable for casual fitness enthusiasts rather than serious athletes.
Durability and Missing Features
Unlike the Watch 2, the 2R lacks military-grade drop resistance and sapphire glass protection. However, it retains 5ATM water resistance (safe up to 50 meters). Another notable omission is LTE support, which may disappoint users who prefer leaving their phone behind.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The OnePlus Watch 2R is an excellent choice for Android users seeking long battery life and smooth performance without premium health tracking. Priced at $229 (currently on sale), it’s a compelling alternative to pricier models—as long as you can live without LTE or advanced fitness metrics.
