Unparalleled effectivity
The OnePlus Watch 2 blows previous the outdated 80-hour commonplace of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro for a Wear OS watch. Now that it has correct Play Store apps and Google Assistant, the Watch 2 offers Android watch followers a brand new possibility to contemplate. That stated, it nonetheless makes use of OnePlus’ personal proprietary software program behind the scenes, with some issues consequently.
For100-hour battery life6mm additional show areaMore rugged metal casingDual-band GPSAgainstQuite heavy, no smaller optionUnreliable well being & sleep dataBuggy notificationsCrown is just for present
Wear OS polish & Fitbit instruments
Google lent its experience to the OnePlus Watch 2’s software program, however its greatest Wear OS expertise remains to be reserved for its personal Pixel Watch 2. If you possibly can settle for the 24-hour battery life — and that is a giant if, with the OnePlus Watch 2 overshadowing it — you may favor it for its superior well being information and extra easy software program instruments.
ForMild and comfy designMore polished Wear OS softwareBetter/ extra well being & sleep informationOnly LTE optionAgainstSmall, thick-bezeled displayMUCH shorter battery lifeMore costly
The OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch 2 is an surprising new Wear OS rivalry that offers Android followers two dependable watches with totally different strengths. That stated, we nonetheless assume there’s one clear winner.Google and OnePlus labored collectively to assist develop the Wear OS hybrid software program behind the OnePlus Watch 2. It runs Wear OS 4 off the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 CPU — identical because the Pixel Watch 2 — nevertheless it handles most background duties by an energy-efficient co-processor operating OnePlus’ proprietary OS, serving to it hit a 100-hour battery life.The Pixel Watch 2 may also profit from this new software program system with its personal Cortex M33 co-processor down the highway. Right now, it sometimes solely lasts in the future per cost with AOD energetic, whereas the OnePlus Watch 2 lasts practically three with AOD. In alternate, although, the Pixel Watch 2 measures way more helpful well being information, and it has different upsides that you could be recognize, like speedier Wear OS updates and higher syncing along with your Android telephone. Can the OnePlus Watch 2 be part of the Pixel Watch 2 among the many greatest Android watches out there this 12 months? Here’s what it’s good to learn about how OnePlus’ first Wear OS watch compares to Google’s second.OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch 2: Design and show(Image credit score: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)Both the OnePlus Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 2 have 2.5D, edge-to-edge shows with decently noticeable bezels, although Google’s is barely thicker and way more rounded. Compared to a flatter Android watch with thinner bezels just like the Galaxy Watch 6, these watches have an unmistakable model that we recognize, but additionally a good quantity of wasted area. Unfortunately, in contrast to the Galaxy Watch 6, they each are available in one set measurement as an alternative of providing bigger and smaller choices. That robotically makes the Pixel Watch 2 higher fitted to folks with smaller wrists, whereas the OnePlus Watch 2 fits those that favor a bigger show at the price of a heavier design. Specifically, the OnePlus Watch 2 weighs 18g greater than the Pixel Watch 2 earlier than taking the strap under consideration. Of the 2 Android Central staffers who examined the OnePlus Watch 2, one known as it “quite comfortable despite the size,” whereas the opposite famous that it “has a good heft to it, and doesn’t feel light.” (Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)By distinction, the Pixel Watch 2 is comfortably gentle for any wrist. Google took the unique Pixel Watch design and switched from stainless-steel to aluminum to make it extra comfortably gentle. Considering not a lot of the metallic really exhibits on the Pixel Watch 2, this looks like a superb determination in our minds. With the OnePlus Watch 2, nonetheless, the stainless-steel casing is extra plainly seen, giving it an expensive look that we recognize. More importantly, it has a MIL-STD-810H score and sapphire glass for sturdiness, whereas the Pixel Watch 2, with its rounded Gorilla Glass 5 show, is extra susceptible. Both watches ship with a fluoroelastomer band, a cloth we like way more than silicone for its consolation and resistance to sweat and dirt. (Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Both the Pixel Watch 2 and OnePlus Watch 2 have a dual-button format, with a crown and a again button. Frustratingly, OnePlus’ crown is “purely for aesthetics,” as you “can’t actually use the digital crown to navigate the interface.” We surprise if OnePlus disabled this performance for a cause, and if it is going to finally patch it again in.Until that is fastened, the Pixel Watch 2 has the benefit for navigation. The crown juts out sufficient that it is fairly straightforward to show, with some good texture to it that helps you identify how a lot to show it. The solely adverse is that it might probably stumble upon your wrist throughout sure workouts the place it bends inward. (Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)As for these watches’ respective shows, the OnePlus Watch 2 show is 0.23 inches bigger in diameter (1.43in. vs. 1.2in.), however the precise distinction in pixels per inch (PPI) is barely six (326 vs. 320 PPI), and each match each other in brightness (1,000 nits) and refresh charge (60Hz). You’ll must determine if the OnePlus Watch 2’s additional show area for notifications justifies the opposite trade-offs — whereas potential Pixel Watch 2 patrons should determine if they’ll settle for a smaller show and shorter battery life in alternate for a extra comfy design. OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch 2: Hardware, battery, and healthSwipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryOnePlus Watch 2Pixel Watch 2ProcessorSnapdragon W5 + BES 2700 MCUSnapdragon W5 Gen 1 + Cortex M33 MCUMemory2GB RAM + 32GB storage2GB RAM + 32GB storageOSWear OS 4 + RTOSWear OS 4Display1.43-inch (466×466) AMOLED1.2-inch (384×384) AMOLEDRow 4 – Cell 0 326ppi, 1,000 nits, 60Hz320ppi, 1,000 nits, 60HzMaterialsStainless metal case and buckle, fluoroelastomer strapAluminum case, fluoroelastomer bandProtection5ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810H, 2.5D sapphire crystal glassGorilla Glass 5; 5ATM; IP68NavigationTouchscreen, haptic crown, aspect buttonTouchscreen, inactive crown, aspect buttonBattery500mAh (100 hours)306mAh (24 hours w/ AOD)ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS (Dual-frequency L1 + L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSSLTE (elective), Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, NFC, GPS L1, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSSChargingPogo pinWirelessSensorsAccelerometer, altimeter, ambient gentle, compass, gyroscope, HRM, SpO2Accelerometer, altimeter, ambient gentle, cEDA, compass, ECG, gyroscope, magnetometer, optical coronary heart charge, pores and skin temperature, SpO2Dimensions47 x 46.6 x 12.1mm41 x 41 x 12.3mmWeight49g with out strap31g with out strapColorsBlack Steel, Radiant SteelMatte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne GoldThe Pixel Watch 2 and OnePlus Watch 2 share the identical Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. The key distinction is of their co-processors, or effectivity chipsets: Google makes use of a Cortex-M33 MCU that runs background duties in the identical Wear OS interface, whereas OnePlus makes use of a BES 2700 MCU Efficiency chipset that is based mostly in RTOS, OnePlus’ working system used for the unique OnePlus Watch. The OnePlus Watch 2 might have an additional 194mAh of battery capability in comparison with the Pixel Watch 2, nevertheless it’s pretty commonplace for bigger shows to require additional energy to hit the identical hourly estimate. For context, the 1.4-inch Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (590mAh) lasts 80 hours, as does the 1.43-inch TicWatch Pro 5 (628mAh), whereas the 1.3-inch Galaxy Watch 6 (300mAh) lasts 40 hours with the identical capability because the 24-hour Pixel Watch 2. (Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)OnePlus’ watch runs extra effectively than the competitors to hit its 100-hour estimate, whereas the Pixel Watch 2 is not particularly environment friendly. That might change with Google’s new Wear OS hybrid software program, however we do not know that for sure. Once the battery runs out, the Pixel Watch 2 takes 75 minutes to climb again to full cost; the OnePlus Watch 2 can take as little as an hour, however you may want a OnePlus model charging brick to hit increased speeds.In phrases of efficiency pace, our Pixel Watch 2 reviewer described it as “noticeably snappier” than its Exynos-based predecessor, with virtually no delay when opening apps. Our OnePlus Watch 2 reviewer, in the meantime, known as it “a Nissan Leaf with a V8.” It largely runs very effectively, however often switches to overdrive, and also you “don’t really notice the switchover” between the primary Wear OS processor and energy-efficient RTOS chip as a result of it is persistently speedy.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Turning to sensors, the Pixel Watch 2 and OnePlus Watch 2 every have an accelerometer and gyroscope for exercise and step monitoring, an altimeter for elevation information, and a compass for navigation. They additionally measure your coronary heart charge, blood oxygen, and stress ranges. Only the OnePlus Watch 2 helps dual-band GPS monitoring that pulls from a number of satellite tv for pc frequencies, higher pinpointing your location for operating, biking, or mountain climbing.The Pixel Watch 2, alternatively, gives each energetic and passive AFib detection for coronary heart well being, together with pores and skin temperature readings at night time. It additionally has a devoted physique response (cEDA) sensor that detects electrodermal adjustments in your pores and skin that point out stress, providing you with extra correct information than the OnePlus Watch 2’s optical HRV information.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Here’s the place issues began to collapse for our OnePlus Watch 2 reviewer. The RTOS software program that makes the Watch 2 so long-lived is accountable for well being sensor logging, and our reviewer famous some critical inconsistencies consequently. It was “off by a margin of 15% at measuring calories burned” in comparison with the Apple Watch Series 9, it logged a “lower percentage of time in deep sleep” than was correct, and the stress outcomes had been “hilariously bad.” This wasn’t an remoted expertise: our different OnePlus Watch 2 tester discovered the watch would inform him he was “awake” for over an hour throughout sleep as an alternative of frivolously sleeping. After a CrossFit exercise carrying each the Pixel Watch 2 and OnePlus Watch 2, he discovered that OnePlus grossly underreported the period of time spent in anaerobic or threshold coronary heart charge zones, as if it could not correctly choose up coronary heart charges above a sure stage. We suspect that the OnePlus Watch 2 won’t ballot your coronary heart charge as usually or as shortly, in its try to make the battery final 100 hours. We’d be a lot happier if it lasted half that point however gave extra correct outcomes. Lastly, solely the Pixel Watch 2 has an LTE possibility for $50 extra, whereas OnePlus informed our reviewer that it “made the decision to not launch a cellular version as sales of these models are usually lower than that of the standard Wi-Fi variants.”OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch 2: Software(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)One of one of the best adjustments from the OnePlus Watch to the OnePlus Watch 2 is that the newer watch added Wear OS, whereas the first-gen mannequin solely had a proprietary RTOS interface that did not assist third-party apps. With full entry to Wear OS 4’s Play Store of apps and Google Assistant, the Watch 2 offers Android watch followers a brand new possibility apart from Samsung and Google, now that Fossil has deserted Wear OS and Mobvoi stays caught on Wear OS 3. That stated, the OnePlus Watch 2 continues to depend on RTOS for a lot of fundamental functions like notifications, which pissed off our reviewer, saying it “needlessly makes things complicated.”Specifically, he discovered that some notifications would buzz your wrist however not seem on the show; that the watch does not robotically import your telephone’s Do Not Disturb or Sleep settings, sending you notifications when it should not; you need to manually toggle sleep mode ever night time, so it might wake him up if her forgot; and it did not correctly work with Google Pay, making the NFC performance ineffective.You will not have any such points with the Pixel Watch 2. It’s pure Wear OS 4 with Google’s trademark software program polish and the promise of extra speedy updates down the highway. We can hope OnePlus will resolve a few of its points with time, however you recognize with Google that you just aren’t caught with a less-advanced OS behind the scenes to start with. (Image credit score: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)The different key software program distinction between these two watches is expounded to well being and health. The Pixel Watch 2 comes with six free months of Fitbit Premium, defaulting to sending your whole information there. OnePlus has its personal proprietary well being app for checking your sleep and exercise summaries, nevertheless it’s way more fundamental than what Fitbit’s paid program brings to the desk (like guided exercises and well being stories). Both watches do have automated pausing and resuming throughout exercises, in addition to automated exercise recognition in a number of classes. OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch 2: Which do you have to purchase?(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The OnePlus Watch 2 retails for $299, $50 lower than the Pixel Watch 2 — although you possibly can regularly discover the latter on sale for about the identical value. Add in its epic battery life, bigger show, and sturdy design, and the items are in place for the OnePlus Watch 2 to turn out to be an awesome Android smartwatch. It actually has its upsides over the Pixel Watch 2, which feels prefer it’s nonetheless a era behind the competitors in some areas.That being stated, it is exhausting to get previous the RTOS software program points with well being information and notifications, the basics of any smartwatch that you just need to be easy and invisible. The Pixel Watch 2 will correctly measure your sleep high quality, stress, and coronary heart well being, with Fitbit sensors packed right into a extra comfy design. Plus, it is extra more likely to get Wear OS 5 earlier than every other Android model, OnePlus included.With their comparable efficiency and total high quality, your OnePlus Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch 2 determination might come all the way down to longevity and magnificence versus consolation and polish.
Battery first, polish second
If OnePlus can repair a number of the basic software program points with the OnePlus Watch 2, equivalent to higher well being information sampling throughout exercises or higher notification settings, this might simply be among the finest Android watches out there as we speak. For now, we primarily suggest this look ahead to its unbelievable battery and magnificence.
Polish first, battery second
Can you settle for having to cost your smartwatch as soon as a day, and studying notifications on a petite, thick-bordered show? The Pixel Watch 2 has its trade-offs, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly among the finest Android watches out there proper now, with the Galaxy Watch 6 as its closest competitors. If you need a bigger show, the Pixel Watch 3 is rumored to get one.