Budget Android Watch Overview: OnePlus Watch 2R Review Reveals Solid Performance, Now Offered at $50 Discount
Looking for a smartwatch with long-lasting battery life? I'm all about the OnePlus Watch 2R, a sleeper hit that's making waves in the Android world. Last year, OnePlus impressed me with this watch, delivering 3-4 days of battery life and the full Wear OS experience, including Assistant. Plus, it's now even cheaper - down from $229 to just $179 on OnePlus's site with the discount code "JUNE25".
Compared to the Galaxy Watch 7, which sets you back $199, the OnePlus Watch 2R is worth a second look. For half the price, you get all the performance you'd expect from other Wear OS watches, plus a unique coprocessor that's super efficient at running background tasks.
The Watch 2R is a bit chunky, but at 22g/0.8oz lighter than the OnePlus Watch 3, it's still a tempting option. Its sporty look, featuring a silver case and 24-hour GMT scale bezel, is a winner in my book.
Want proof? I hosted a smartwatch beauty pageant with my family last Christmas, and the Watch 2R stole the spotlight from the Pixel Watch 3, several Galaxy Watches, an Apple Watch, and some fitness watches - it even beat a hybrid watch, which barely counts!
So, what about the OnePlus Watch 3? While it costs double the 2R ($349), you get upgraded features like a functional crown, new health sensors, a brighter display with faster refresh rates, an extra year of software support, and an upgraded coprocessor. But the Watch 3 is quite heavy compared to the 2R. OnePlus is launching a smaller Watch 3 43mm on July 8, although we don't know the price or battery life yet. If you're on a budget, you'll have to choose between the Watch 3's best experience for $319 or the Watch 2R's efficiency and speed-charging for $179.
If you're an Android fan, I'd recommend the OnePlus Watch 2R over the Galaxy Watch 7, especially due to its impressive battery life and compatibility across all Android devices. You could also go for the Galaxy Watch FE or TicWatch Pro 5, both heavily discounted on Amazon right now. However, the Pro 5's slow updates and lack of Google Assistant make it a bit harder to recommend, while the Samsung Fan Edition hardware feels outdated. But the choice is yours - consider your options, but give the Watch 2R a chance.
Enrichment Data:
Comparison: The Galaxy Watch 7 and OnePlus Watch 2R offer similar features, but there are differences to consider.
- Display: The Galaxy Watch 7 boasts a brighter, sharper display than the OnePlus Watch 2R, available in various sizes.
- Water Resistance: Both watches are durable and water-resistant, but the OnePlus Watch 2R meets MIL-STD-810H standards and has an IP68 rating, making it more resilient than some competitors.
- Health and Fitness Tracking: Both watches offer robust health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring and GPS.
- Software and Compatibility: The Galaxy Watch 7 runs on Wear OS and offers seamless integration with Samsung devices, while the OnePlus Watch 2R works well with any Android device.
- Battery Life: The OnePlus Watch 2R boasts a longer battery life than the Galaxy Watch 7, featuring fast charging capabilities and efficiency from its unique coprocessor.
When it comes to smartwatch options, the OnePlus Watch 2R stands out for its balance of features, battery life, and price. The Galaxy Watch 7, on the other hand, offers superior display quality and exclusive features for Samsung users. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, device compatibility, and preferred features.
The OnePlus Watch 2R, with its sleek design and long battery life, showcases the perfect blend of technology and affordability. Comparatively, the Galaxy Watch 7, while offering a brighter display, might be worth the investment for Samsung users who require greater display clarity and are willing to pay a premium.
