New Gear on the Block: OnePlus Watch 2R Combines Style with Value in Affordable Smartwatch Market

OnePlus appears to have developed another captivating smartwatch with the debut of its new Watch 2R edition. The final character in the product name signifies that the OnePlus Watch 2R is a budget-friendly variant of the Watch 2. This approach mirrors the strategy of the OnePlus 12R smartphone, which provides similar performance to the more premium OnePlus 12, excluding its high-end features (the latest processor, superior cameras). Yet, the Chinese company has made some daring choices with its inaugural ‘R’-branded smartwatch. Priced competitively at Rs. 17,999, it features the same hardware as the earlier model, enabling the OnePlus Watch 2 to provide some leading features. Strangely, this may make the economical Watch 2R a more appealing option for certain users.

OnePlus Watch 2R Review Design and Specifications: Excellent Quality

• Case size — 46mm
• Case material — Aluminium
• Durability — IP68 (up to 5ATM)

If you’ve come across the Watch 2 in our review or seen it in person, one noticeable alteration with the Watch 2R is its aesthetic. OnePlus has shifted from a contemporary to a retro design with the Watch 2R. I find the new brushed aluminum look attractive, as it avoids the confusion of the Watch 2’s design, which integrated elements of both classic and modern watch styles awkwardly.

The OnePlus Watch 2R boasts a retro design

 

Conversely, the OnePlus Watch 2R has a clear design identity, maintaining a classic look with two buttons positioned on the right side (when worn on the left wrist). Resembling a standard chronograph watch, the Watch 2R has a consistent and balanced look in comparison to the Watch 2, allowing it to be comfortably worn with the buttons facing left (the interface is user-friendly in this orientation) without seeming awkward. Both buttons (top: home, bottom: multifunction) offer customization options similar to those of the Watch 2.

As noted in my first impressions, the choice of aluminum instead of stainless steel for the case also results in the Watch 2R being lighter at 59 grams (including straps), significantly less than the 80 grams of the Watch 2. Individuals who prefer the robustness of stainless steel may lean towards the latter. This is due to the Watch 2R foregoing the sapphire crystal glass (often seen in classic watches) in favor of Panda glass (more common in smartphones), which is less scratch-resistant. Beyond weight, a smaller 44mm case option would have been appealing for users with smaller wrists.

The 22m silicon strap is comfortable and features a stainless steel pin buckle clasp

 

While the previous bridge between the pushers is gone, OnePlus has preserved two rounded buttons, which are easier to operate. The lugs have been made thicker, and the new straps (featuring a pleasing texture) fit well, allowing for easier strap changes. The Watch 2’s straps hugged the lugs too closely, leading to a somewhat perplexing modern appearance. The straps are silicone-based, and the pin-buckle system is crafted from stainless steel.

OnePlus has kept the magnetic charging feature from the Watch 2. The watch attaches well to the ingeniously designed magnetic dock, although the exposed flat metal pins on the back might trigger skin reactions for some users.

The OnePlus 2R features a flat 2D Panda glass display

 

Even without the stainless steel casing, the Watch 2R boasts a commendable IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, rated for up to 5 ATM pressure. However, it lacks the MIL-STD-810H certification found in the Watch 2, which would enable it to endure extreme temperatures.

OnePlus Watch 2R Review Display: Spacious and Clear

• Display type — AMOLED
• Resolution — 466 x 466 pixels
• Protection — 2D Panda glass

Although it features the same round 1.43-inch AMOLED display as the Watch 2, OnePlus has opted for a flat Panda display glass that includes numbers imprinted around its edge. While these numbers do not enhance functionality, they lend a sleeker appearance to the bezel (which appeared somewhat bulky on the Watch 2). While the bezel’s thickness remains the same as the Watch 2’s, it is still thicker than that of the earlier Galaxy Watch 6.

The OnePlus Watch 2R’s always-on display is effective and bright enough for outdoor use

 

In terms of brightness, the display performs admirably even in direct sunlight and provides sharp visuals for text and icons. The always-on display feature seems to be slightly brighter than before, making it easier to read essential information on supported watch faces.

OnePlus Watch 2R Review Software and Companion App: User-Friendly

• Companion app platforms — Android
• Watch Software — Wear OS 4 (Android 13) + RTOS

To utilize the OnePlus Watch 2R, users must download Oppo’s OHealth companion app, which is exclusively available for Android systems via the Google Play Store. The app features an intuitive interface (now compatible with foldable devices) that organizes necessary information and customizations in a tidy, straightforward manner across various tabs.

What I appreciate about this setup, especially compared to other wearable companion apps at this price range, is that the settings are not overly complex. Furthermore, the setup process is quick and straightforward (assuming you have an existing OnePlus/Oppo account). The data collected by the app can also sync with external services such as Google Fit, Google Health Connect, and Strava, allowing users to retain their health data when transitioning to different ecosystems or smartwatch brands.

Oppo’s OHealth app is well-designed and can sync data with other platforms

 

The Watch maintains its mixed self-switching interface from the Watch 2. OnePlus’ Dual-Engine architecture seamlessly transitions between RTOS for basic features and fitness tracking and switches to Wear OS 4 for third-party applications or advanced functions. Users can also manually select between the two modes, opting for Smart mode (using both operating systems) or Power Saver (using only RTOS). OnePlus’ rationale for this dual-OS approach is logical; Wear OS 4 consumes more power, whereas the RTOS interface uses minimal energy and resources.

However, utilizing two operating systems leads to some inconsistency. You may encounter various fonts present throughout the watch interface (I spotted three in total). There’s one found deep in Settings (Roboto), another specific to OnePlus (utilized in its Weather, Clock apps, etc.), and a third from Google’s apps (Maps, Gmail, etc.), deriving from the Pixel Watch. Fortunately, the user interface maintains a cohesive theme and common iconography across both systems.

The app drawer presents three layouts when using Wear OS 4 on the OnePlus Watch 2R

 

Another aspect that seems uninspired is the selection of watch faces. The OnePlus Watch 2R includes two new options alongside the existing choices available through the app. The faces in the companion app are customizable (to some extent), but they feel rather mundane compared to those found on a Galaxy Watch or an Apple Watch.

OnePlus Watch 2R Review Performance: Impressive for Its Price

• Processors — Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 + BES2700
• RAM — 2GB
• Storage — 32GB ROM

Throughout my usage, I primarily operated the smartwatch in Smart mode, which automatically transitions between Wear OS 4 and RTOS. Both software interfaces run smoothly with minimal disruptions. Several software issues cited in my Watch 2 review have also been resolved in the Watch 2R.

The OnePlus Watch 2R offers numerous workout modes, with automatic detection for some

 

Bluetooth calling functioned effectively during testing, with the caller able to hear me clearly, even with the wind blowing into the watch. However, the speaker volume is somewhat muted, requiring me to bring the watch closer to my ear to hear the caller distinctly. This could be alleviated by connecting a pair of TWS earphones to the watch.

According to OnePlus, the Watch 2R is equipped with the same health sensors found in the Watch 2. Consequently, performance is comparable to the latter, providing fairly accurate SpO2 readings akin to those of a standalone pulse oximeter, as well as consistent heart rate monitoring. GPS tracking during walks proved accurate, even under tree cover and near tall buildings.

OnePlus could enhance its wearables by offering more lively and contemporary watch faces

 

Similar to the Watch 2, the OnePlus Watch 2R can accurately track short naps, producing reliable statistics. The sleep report also details sleep stages, with the companion app providing tips (such as dietary changes) for enhancing sleep quality. While I couldn’t test the stress readings, they aligned with my mental state upon checking.

OnePlus Watch 2R Review Battery: Outstanding

• Battery capacity — 500mAh
• Charging rate — 7.5W
• Charging adapter — Magnetic (4-pin)

OnePlus’ distinctive Dual-Engine architecture allows the watch to comfortably achieve a seven-day battery life without workouts (AOD OFF, SpO2 OFF) while maintaining daily sleep tracking and notifications. With AOD and SpO2 monitoring activated, plus a daily 5km GPS walk, the battery lasted 2.5 days, consistent with the Watch 2, and still superior to the results I noted with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 during my tests last year. If you’re not using many apps daily (or mainly during workouts), OnePlus suggests that the battery can last up to 12 days in Power Saver mode. Unlike most smartwatches, this mode still retains full health and fitness tracking functionalities.

OnePlus offers a choice between Smart mode and Power Saver mode when operating the smartwatch

 

Charging with a 100W SuperVOOC charger (not included in the package) saw the battery reach 87 percent in just 30 minutes and fully charge in 46 minutes. I appreciate OnePlus’ magnetic charging dock, which firmly holds the watch while connected.

The compact charging dock features a Type-C port and includes a standard USB Type-C to Type-A cable in the box. This means any Type-C cable can be used for charging, making it very practical. Indeed, this aspect sets OnePlus apart from other smartwatch manufacturers, and you can now benefit from this rapid charging technology in a watch that retails for just Rs. 17,999.

OnePlus Watch 2R Verdict

The OnePlus Watch 2R is undoubtedly an intriguing wearable from OnePlus. It targets urban commuters, in contrast to the sturdier Watch 2, which can endure extreme conditions. Unlike previous R-series products, the Watch 2R upholds the performance metrics established by the high-end model (Watch 2), making it a compelling Wear OS-powered device at Rs. 17,999 in India.

Despite omitting certain hardware features (such as a stainless steel casing and sapphire glass face), OnePlus has crafted a smart wearable that performs comparably to the more expensive model. The aluminum casing has even worked in its favor (less weight) and, in my view, visually surpasses the Watch 2.

The OnePlus Watch 2 (Review), with its remarkable battery life at Rs. 24,999, lacked advanced features such as cellular connectivity, blood-pressure monitoring, and BMI measurements that are present in Samsung’s Galaxy Watches at higher price points. However, the OnePlus Watch 2R’s lower price, Wear OS functionality, and impressive battery longevity make the absence of these features less significant, rendering it an upgrade over the OnePlus Watch 2 for some users.