First Impressions of the OnePlus Watch 2R

After a long wait, OnePlus has decided to revive its smartwatch lineup in 2024 with the launch of the all-new OnePlus Watch 2. The device arrived with a number of new features. Chief among them was its unique dual-engine architecture (two processors paired with two operating systems), driven by a desire to deliver better battery life to a Wear OS-powered device. Despite being the brand’s first “smartwatch,” it proved to be a very reliable health and fitness tracker in our review, especially considering its attractive price tag. It turns out that this is just the beginning for OnePlus, as the company has already begun expanding its watch lineup with a new, affordable offering called the OnePlus Watch 2R.

Everyone was excited when a watch with a new design from OnePlus appeared on various certification sites and leaks. The one that appeared on the Chinese certification site also featured LTE connectivity. So it seemed that OnePlus had a new smartwatch ready that also had cellular connectivity, making for a well-rounded offering.

The OnePlus Watch 2R certainly looks like a premium smartwatch, despite being made of aluminum

It turns out that this was a model made exclusively for the Chinese market, as OnePlus today announced that it will be the similar-looking OnePlus Watch 2R for global markets (including India). The OnePlus Watch 2R is priced at Rs 17,999 and will go on sale from July 20.

It looks identical to the OnePlus Watch 2 (eSIM) launched in China, but OnePlus’ offering for the global version of the Watch 2 (eSIM) is quite different for the global market. The Chinese brand won’t offer LTE or cellular connectivity with this watch, but will instead market it as an affordable offering to the more premium OnePlus Watch 2, which is currently available in India for Rs 24,999. And so, we now have a more affordable OnePlus Watch 2 in India with a fitting ‘R’ name that fits in with the brand’s ‘R’ series of smartphones that offer high-end performance at an affordable price.

The OnePlus Watch 2R’s back cover and sensors remain the same as the Watch 2

The OnePlus Watch 2R shares the same hardware as the Watch 2, making it a bargain considering its affordable price tag. However, the main difference is the new design. While I prefer the more traditional design of the Watch 2R over the modern design of the Watch 2, OnePlus has kept the cost down by opting for an aluminum casing instead of the stronger stainless steel one for the latter.

The OnePlus Watch 2R has a body made of aluminum with a natural brushed metal finish. It has flatter and more pronounced sides compared to the more beveled look of the Watch 2. Because it’s made of aluminum, it’s also lighter, weighing in at 59 grams (with the strap) compared to the Watch 2’s 80 grams. This was immediately noticeable as soon as I took it out of the box, given its large 46mm case size, which remains the same as the Watch 2.

Compared to the Watch 2 button layout, the appearance of two buttons has been changed

Similar to the new case design, the straps have also changed. There is a delicate diamond-shaped embossed pattern that gives it a premium look.

Inside, the hardware oddly remains identical. OnePlus even confirmed to us that the sensors used to monitor heart rate and SpO2 are the same as those used in the Watch 2. What also remains the same is the 500mAh battery capacity, as well as the dual-engine architecture that still has the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor and BT2700 to power the auto-switching WearOS 4 and RTOS software experiences.

The affordable Watch 2R model (left) looks completely different compared to the premium Watch 2 model (right)

So, aside from the switch to an aluminum case, not much has changed, as even the 1.43-inch circular AMOLED panel remains the same as the Watch 2. However, it does have a painted bezel with lettering. The Watch 2’s 5ATM+ IP68 dust and water resistance rating (minus the MIL-STD-810H certification) can also be found on the Watch 2R.

Technically speaking, it’s easy to say that the OnePlus Watch 2 is a solid, affordable WearOS alternative, but we’ll have to put it through its paces to find out if it’s as capable as the Watch 2 (as OnePlus claims). And if it is, it’ll prove to be a very affordable Wear OS smartwatch indeed. Stay tuned for our full review, coming soon.