The OnePlus Watch 2 is on the horizon, aiming to redeem the shortcomings of its predecessor, the original OnePlus Watch. Launched with promising aesthetics and an attractive price point, the initial release left users underwhelmed due to its unfinished feel and the absence of key features like an always-on display mode at launch.
Will the next one finally impress us? The potential is there, at least according to what we currently know.
The Big Hints
In a nutshell, most info about the release date of the OnePlus Watch 2 points towards an early 2024 launch. Speculation has intensified as the device was spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards website last November 2023, typically indicating an imminent release. Anticipation peaked even further when reliable tipster Max Jambor straight up stated an official unveiling of the product at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) scheduled in late February.
While details on pricing remain scarce, it's anticipated that OnePlus will continue its strategy of offering competitive pricing. The original OnePlus Watch launched at a compelling $159, and the OnePlus Watch 2 is unlikely to see a significant price hike, (hopefully) maintaining its competitive edge.
Leaked Images and Anticipated Specs
Leaked renders provide insights into the design evolution of the OnePlus Watch 2. The circular dial, a signature feature of the original, is expected to be retained. Notably, a distinctive protrusion on the right side of the watch, housing two buttons, has sparked curiosity. The purpose of this protrusion (potentially a digital crown or fingerprint sensor) is yet to be confirmed.
Anticipated hardware upgrades include a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466×466, offering a visual improvement over its predecessor. The OnePlus Watch 2 is also rumored to run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, promising enhanced performance and power efficiency. Additional hardware features may encompass ECG, blood oxygen sensors, stress and sleep monitoring, and a barometer.
A notable shift is expected in the operating system department. The original OnePlus Watch ran on a custom OS based on RTOS, limiting app compatibility. However, the OnePlus Watch 2 is rumored to embrace Wear OS 4, a move that signifies a departure from the proprietary OS and opens the door to a broader range of third-party apps.
What We Should Generally Expect
Improved Design: Leaked renders suggest a refined aesthetic with the intriguing protrusion, hinting at the inclusion of a plethora of new (yet-to-be-announced) features.
Enhanced Hardware: Upgrades in display size, chipset, and additional sensors indicate improved hardware capabilities across the board. Not just a bump, but almost an entire tier boost.
Wear OS Integration: The shift to Wear OS is expected to enhance app support and overall usability, aligning the OnePlus Watch 2 with the broader smartwatch ecosystem.
The OnePlus Watch 2 aims to rectify the shortcomings of its predecessor, presenting users with a more polished and feature-rich smartwatch. The move to Wear OS and the speculated hardware upgrades position it as yet another promising contender in the smartwatch market.
Looking forward to the official reveal at MWC in late February!
