The OnePlus Watch 2R is a fitness-centric smartwatch designed to encourage users to embrace a healthier lifestyle. This review explores its features, performance, and overall user experience, offering a comprehensive assessment for both casual fitness enthusiasts and dedicated athletes.

Design and Build

Lightweight and Comfortable

Unlike its heavier predecessor, the OnePlus Watch 2, the 2R boasts a significantly lighter design weighing approximately 59g, including the wrist strap. This weight reduction contributes to a comfortable wearing experience, making it suitable for all-day wear, including during sleep.

Sporty Aesthetics

Despite its comfort, the Watch 2R is clearly designed for athletic purposes. The large dial with numbered bezels evokes a distinctly “sporty” look, making it less suitable for formal settings or events. The two prominent buttons on the side further reinforce its sports-oriented design.

Durable Construction

The Watch 2R demonstrates impressive durability, handling bumps, scrapes, accidental falls, and prolonged swimming sessions without any visible damage. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular athletic activity.

Features and Performance

Comprehensive Fitness Tracking

The OnePlus Watch 2R is equipped with a range of features specifically designed for fitness tracking. It supports various workout modes, including running styles, swimming, snow activities, and freestyle exercises. The smartwatch monitors vital health metrics such as blood oxygenation, heart rate, calorie burn, active movement sessions, stress levels, and steps taken. The readings are generally accurate, providing users with valuable insights into their workout progress and overall physical condition.

User-Friendly Interface

The Watch 2R offers a smooth user experience. While the display requires deliberate pressure to switch between screens, the responsiveness is adequate for navigating menus and accessing information. However, accessing certain features such as Maps requires a Google account sign-in, which can be frustrating for users who prefer a more seamless experience.

Integrated OHealth App

The OnePlus Watch 2R integrates seamlessly with the OHealth app, offering a comprehensive platform for data analysis and insights. The app’s user-friendly interface presents information through appealing graphics, making it easy to understand and share with healthcare professionals or trainers. Users can also track their progress over time using provided charts and graphs.

Battery Life and Charging

Extended Battery Life

The Watch 2R boasts an impressive battery life, lasting between 3 and 4 days on a single charge. This lifespan is sufficient for most users, allowing them to comfortably monitor their activity without constantly needing to charge. However, the battery life may be reduced when using the smartwatch for navigation or checking emails, texts, and other smartphone notifications frequently.

Fast Charging Capabilities

The Watch 2R supports fast charging, reaching a full charge in approximately 60-70 minutes. Users can stop charging the device before reaching 100% and still have enough battery power to last an entire day.

Overall Assessment

Strengths:

• Lightweight and comfortable: The OnePlus Watch 2R offers a comfortable wearing experience, making it suitable for everyday use.
• Durable construction: Its rugged design can withstand physical stress and exposure to water, making it a reliable companion for workouts and outdoor activities.
• Comprehensive fitness tracking: The device monitors various health metrics, providing users with valuable insights into their fitness journey.
• User-friendly interface: The intuitive design and the OHealth app offer a seamless experience for data management and analysis.
• Extended battery life: The long-lasting battery ensures users can stay connected and track their progress without frequent charging.
• Fast charging capabilities: Quick charging ensures minimal downtime when recharging.

Weaknesses:

• Sporty design: The bold design might not appeal to users looking for a more subtle or elegant smartwatch.
• Limited features without Google sign-in: The functionality of some apps is restricted unless users have a Google account, limiting the seamless user experience.
• Google Wallet unavailable: Google Wallet is not yet supported in all regions, limiting the smartwatch’s use for mobile payments.
• Limited display responsiveness: The display requires deliberate pressure to switch between screens, slowing down navigation.

Takeaway Points

The OnePlus Watch 2R emerges as a promising smartwatch for individuals who prioritize fitness tracking and a healthy lifestyle. It combines a lightweight design with a comprehensive suite of fitness features, including detailed activity monitoring and accurate heart rate measurement. While its design might not appeal to all users, its extended battery life, fast charging capabilities, and reliable water resistance make it a compelling choice for active individuals.