After many years, OnePlus has decided to revive its smartwatch lineup with the launch of the all-new OnePlus Watch 2 in 2024. The device arrives with many firsts, the most important of which is its unique dual-engine architecture (a combination of two processors and two operating systems), driven by the company’s pursuit of offering longer battery life on its Wear OS-powered devices. Despite being the brand’s first “smartwatch,” our review found it to be a very reliable health and fitness tracking wearable, given its attractive price. This is just the beginning for OnePlus, and the company has already started expanding its watch lineup with a new affordable offering called the OnePlus Watch 2R.
Everyone was excited when a new design watch from OnePlus appeared on various certification websites and leaks. The one that appeared on a Chinese certification website also came with LTE connectivity. So, it seems OnePlus was preparing a new smartwatch that also has cellular connectivity, providing a well-rounded offering.
The OnePlus Watch 2R certainly looks like a premium smartwatch, despite the switch to aluminum
It turns out this is a model exclusive to the Chinese market. OnePlus today announced that it will be launching the similar looking OnePlus Watch 2R for global markets (including India). The OnePlus Watch 2R will be priced at Rs 17,999 and will be available from July 20.
While this appears to be identical to the OnePlus Watch 2 (eSIM) launched in China, OnePlus’ pitch for the global version of the Watch 2 (eSIM) is very different for the global market. The Chinese brand won’t offer LTE or cellular connectivity with the watch, but will instead market it as an affordable alternative to the more premium OnePlus Watch 2, which currently retails for Rs 24,999 in India. So, in India, you’ll get the more affordable OnePlus Watch 2, aptly named with an “R” as befits the brand’s “R” series of smartphones that offer high performance at an affordable price.
The caseback and sensors on the OnePlus Watch 2R remain the same as the Watch 2.
The OnePlus Watch 2R has the same hardware as the Watch 2, making it a great buy given its affordable price, but the main difference is the new design. While I prefer the more traditional look of the Watch 2R to the modern design of the Watch 2, OnePlus has cut costs by opting for an aluminum case rather than the latter’s more durable stainless steel case.
The OnePlus Watch 2R’s case is made from aluminum with a natural brushed metal finish, with flatter, more pronounced sides compared to the more beveled look of the Watch 2. Because it’s made from aluminum, it also weighs less, at 59 grams (with strap) compared to the 80 grams of the Watch 2. This was immediately apparent the moment I took it out of the box, given the larger case size of 46 millimeters, the same as the Watch 2.
The design of the two buttons has changed compared to the Watch 2’s button layout.
Like the new case design, the strap has also been changed, featuring a delicate diamond-shaped embossed pattern that gives it a premium look.
Under the hood, the hardware remains curiously identical. OnePlus confirmed that the sensors used for heart rate monitoring and SpO2 are the same as those used in the Watch 2. Also remaining the same are the 500mAh battery capacity and the dual-engine architecture, which still has the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor and BT2700 to power the auto-switching WearOS 4 and RTOS software experience.
The affordable Watch 2R (left) looks very different from the premium Watch 2 (right).
So, apart from the switch to an aluminum case, not much else has changed, as even the 1.43-inch circular AMOLED panel remains the same as the Watch 2, except for the engraved painted bezel. The Watch 2’s 5ATM + IP68 dust and water resistance (except MIL-STD-810H certification) is also carried over to the Watch 2R.
Technically, it’s easy to conclude that the OnePlus Watch 2 is a solid, affordable WearOS alternative, but we’ll need to do some regular testing to see if it performs on par with the Watch 2 (as OnePlus claims). If so, this will prove to be a very affordable Wear OS-powered smartwatch indeed. Stay tuned for our full review coming soon.
