I’ve often found myself frustrated with dead smartwatches or the constant need to recharge them every couple of days. Most WearOS devices I’ve used struggle to last beyond 48 hours, making it a hassle to keep them charged. However, OnePlus seems to have cracked the code with their latest release, the Watch 2R.
I’ve been using the OnePlus Watch 2R for the past month, and here’s how it has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine.
Looks and functions like a proper smartwatch
The Watch 2R has a flat display with an IP68 rating. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
Most modern smartwatches look great but often lack functionality unless you opt for a premium device. The OnePlus Watch 2R, despite its Rs 17,999 price tag, stands out in this regard as a full-fledged smartwatch that won’t leave you wanting for more, even if you’re switching from a Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch.
The Watch 2R is a toned-down version of the OnePlus Watch 2 (review), but I prefer its look and feel. While I do miss the rotating dial from my Watch 4 Classic, features like extended battery life and fast charging make the 2R my preferred choice. The silicon strap is comfortable and can be easily swapped for a third-party 22mm strap.
The Forest Green variant looks classy, and the 1.43-inch circular display is big, bright, and protected by 2D glass with an aluminium casing. Despite a month of use, the screen remains unscratched, though I would have preferred the Watch 2’s Sapphire Crystal glass for added durability.
Hardware and software of two smartwatches in one
OnePlus Watch 2R runs on WearOS 4. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The Watch 2R is an engineering marvel, packing hardware for two smartwatches while weighing only 59 grams (with the strap). It’s powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip and runs on both WearOS 4 and Real Time Operating System (RTOS). In smart mode, it offers a complete WearOS 4 experience, while in power saver mode, RTOS extends battery life.
Even in power saver mode, you get a near-complete smartwatch experience, including calls, notifications, step tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and blood oxygen saturation monitoring. However, you can’t reply to notifications directly from the watch in this mode.
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Switching from smart mode to power saver mode is quick, but restarting the watch is required to go from power saver to smart mode. I also appreciate the auto-lock feature when the watch is removed from the strap, adding a layer of security.
Works with most Android phones, not compatible with iPhone
The watch offers accurate fitness tracking. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
While the Watch 2R is excellent, it’s designed for OnePlus and Android users and isn’t compatible with iPhones. I paired it with both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Nord 4 smartphone, and it worked flawlessly in both cases. The OnePlus OHealth app is required for setup and use.
Accurate fitness tracking with valuable insights
OHealth app is available only for Android phones. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The Watch 2R’s fitness and health-tracking data matched that of my Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and iPhone 15 (review). I particularly like the insights it provides, such as sleep scores, breakdowns of sleep cycles, breathing risk levels with improvement tips, and it also has a snoring monitor. It can also monitor heart rate and stress levels when your phone is nearby.
Personal navigator, WhatsApp on the wrist, and more
The watch can be used as a navigator. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The Watch 2R has become my personal navigator with Google Maps, and I’ve even used WhatsApp on it. There are plenty of custom watch faces and games available on the Play Store. It can also store your music via YouTube Music or Spotify, and you can access notes through Google Keep. Do note that running WhatsApp natively on the Watch can quickly drain the battery.
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Almost a week-long battery life
Even in smart mode, the Watch 2R consistently delivers four to five days of battery life, and in power saver mode, it can last over 12 days. It fully charges in about an hour using the charger that came with the Nord 4 (review).
Perfect smartwatch for most Android users
A perfect smartwatch for Android users. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
While I usually recommend previous-generation Galaxy Watches, I can now confidently suggest the Watch 2R. It performs as expected in smart mode and offers long battery life and more features than most entry-level smartwatches in the power saver mode.
If you want a proper WearOS smartwatch that’s affordable and has excellent battery life, the OnePlus Watch 2R is the best choice for under Rs 20,000.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable full-fledged smartwatch with premium features (Rs 16,999). |
Lacks rotating dial found in some premium models. |
| Preferred look and feel over the OnePlus Watch 2. |
2D glass protection, less durable than Watch 2’s Sapphire Crystal. |
| Big, bright 1.43-inch circular display. |
Not compatible with iPhones. |
| Lightweight (59g) yet powerful with Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip. |
Requires restart to switch from power saver to smart mode. |
| Dual OS: WearOS 4 and RTOS for extended battery life. |
Running WhatsApp natively can drain battery quickly. |
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Excellent battery life (4-5 days in smart mode, 12+ days in power saver). |
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Fast charging (full charge in ~1 hour). |
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Accurate fitness and health tracking with valuable insights. |
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Personal navigator with Google Maps, WhatsApp on the wrist, and more. |
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Plenty of custom watch faces and games available. |
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Auto-lock feature for added security. |
