How do you carve a niche in the bustling world of smartwatches? How can you bring something fresh and inventive to the wearable scene in 2024, amidst a sea of competitors? OnePlus has taken up this challenge with the OnePlus Watch 2, and it’s safe to say, they’ve made some intriguing strides. The OnePlus Watch 2 isn’t flawless, but it stands out as one of the more captivating Wear OS devices we’ve seen lately, largely thanks to its innovative hybrid design that breaks new ground.
A Conversation with Justin Liu about the OnePlus Watch 2
Digital Trends recently sat down with Justin Liu, the head honcho of OnePlus’ wearable division, to delve into what sets the OnePlus Watch 2 apart. And what we uncovered are some truly fascinating secrets behind this smartwatch.
The standout feature of the OnePlus Watch 2 is its dual-silicon, dual-OS setup, akin to hybrid cars. Essentially, it houses two processors, each running its own operating system, with the ability to seamlessly switch between them depending on the task at hand. For demanding functions like mapping and contactless payments, it relies on Wear OS apps powered by the robust Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor. But for everyday tasks like checking notifications or monitoring heart rate, it gracefully transitions to the low-power Bestechnic BES 2700 chip.
This innovative hardware-software combo aims to address a common pain point in smartwatches: battery life. And according to OnePlus, that was precisely their driving force behind this endeavor. Liu emphasized, “We didn’t implement the dual systems just for show.”
The development of this Dual-Engine architecture was no small feat, involving over 200 OnePlus team members and a year of meticulous work. But the end result speaks volumes, with Digital Trends’ own Joe Maring praising the OnePlus Watch 2’s battery life as “stupendous.”
OnePlus has managed to streamline the OS + silicon switching process to a millisecond level, ensuring a seamless user experience. Tasks are automatically allocated to the appropriate processor based on their frequency, with recurring tasks utilizing the low-power silicon and more demanding ones tapping into the Wear OS prowess.
And while there are some limitations, particularly with third-party apps, OnePlus is committed to expanding its ecosystem and collaborating with developers to enhance the user experience.
In terms of battery endurance, the OnePlus Watch 2 shines, boasting up to 48 hours of heavy use and an impressive 100 hours with more moderate usage. Even with the always-on mode enabled, it comfortably lasts two days, surpassing competitors like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch.
However, the OnePlus Watch 2’s larger size may not appeal to everyone, but it’s a trade-off for the substantial battery capacity. Nonetheless, OnePlus is open to exploring different size options in the future to cater to diverse preferences.
Looking ahead, OnePlus envisions its smartwatch not just as a standalone device but as an integral part of its ecosystem, seamlessly complementing its flagship products. The goal is to create a comprehensive experience that fosters user loyalty and satisfaction.
Ultimately, the OnePlus Watch 2 represents a significant leap forward in smartwatch innovation, offering a compelling blend of performance, battery life, and functionality. As OnePlus continues to refine its wearable offerings, the future looks promising for those seeking a truly exceptional smartwatch experience.
But innovation doesn’t stop at the product level. OnePlus is committed to creating a seamless ecosystem where all its devices work together seamlessly, offering users a cohesive and intuitive experience across their entire digital lives.
At its core, OnePlus is driven by a passion for technology and a dedication to improving the lives of its users. With the OnePlus Watch 2 and beyond, the company is on a mission to inspire, empower, and delight users around the world.
So, as we look to the future, one thing is clear: OnePlus is not just a tech company; it’s a visionary force shaping the future of wearables and beyond.