OnePlus returned to smartwatches with a bang in 2024, and now offers two solid Wear OS models to pick between.
Despite some obvious similarities in key specs, software features, and the overall design language, there are also plenty of differences between the OnePlus Watch 2 and the OnePlus Watch 2R.
After extensive testing of each watch, we’ve covered these in detail to help you discover the better OnePlus device for your wrist.
Price comparison and competition
Price-wise, these smartwatches both sit in the mid-range of Wear OS smartwatches, though the Watch 2R’s RRP is set at $70/£60 cheaper than its sibling.
We’ve added live price widgets above and below to help you gauge the current difference, but the $300/£280 Watch 2 (owing to some of the differences in the builds discussed below) will likely always cost slightly more than the 2R ($230/£220).
If you’re after something cheaper (that also works with Android), consider the Xiaomi Watch 2. And for those who want something even more premium than the Watch 2, the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) or Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra are your best bets.
Design, display, and build
The build is the key difference between the Watch 2 and Watch 2R. There are minor variances if you squint – such as the Watch 2’s jutted edge, or the Watch 2R’s indices – but, fundamentally, both are two-button, 47mm cases featuring 1.43-inch AMOLED displays.
Instead, it’s the materials that make these two feel like very different watches on the wrist.
The lighter Watch 2R’s case (47.6 x 46.6 x 12.2mm) comprises an aluminum alloy, clocking the scales at 60g with the strap attached. That’s compared to the ultra-heavy – but much more premium-feeling – stainless steel Watch 2 case (47 x 46.6 x 12.1mm), which comes in at 80g total.
In testing, we found the latter more uncomfortable to wear during workouts and sleep tracking, whereas the weight distribution on the Watch 2R was much friendlier.
While it loses on comfort, the Watch 2 does beat out the Watch 2R in screen durability due to the inclusion of a sapphire crystal 2.5D glass covering.
We haven’t had any issues with scratches or scrapes with the Watch 2R’s standard 2D glass, and it does have a higher peak brightness (1000 nits vs. 600 nits on the Watch 2), but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Smart features, tracking, and battery life
Despite their differences in design, these are virtually identical watches in terms of features. Both have Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 chip powering the Wear OS 4 software, with OnePlus’ trump card being the battery efficiency this creates.
In testing, we found that both the Watch 2 and Watch 2R were capable of reaching four days with the always-on display disabled, and around 48 hours with it enabled. Only Samsung’s Ultra model and the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 series have been able to boast the same figures, which means you’re getting the pinnacle of Wear OS battery life no matter which you pick here.
The OnePlus ‘O Health’ Android app is also the home of the most in-depth graphs and summaries of your tracking history, with this given a lick of paint in line with the Watch 2R’s summer launch. It’s not the most compelling app to spend time in, but the brand has rolled out several updates to elements like workout tracking and layout in 2024.
Aside from this, the smart experience is identical. Disappointingly, neither watch can offer the option of cellular connectivity, and basics like watch faces and Tiles are much better on rival watches, yet the menus, third-party apps like Spotify, and Google services like Maps are all smooth-running.
With tracking, we had a slightly better experience with the heart rate monitoring on the Watch 2R – though both are passable in this regard and GPS tracking compared to the market’s gold-standard watches.
In health and sleep tracking, things are again solid – if not in any way spectacular. You won’t find any huge issues with the data, which means they’re recommendable to those who want a basic insight into these areas, but the feedback is relatively barebones and there are no novel inclusions like you’ll find with Samsung and Google’s watches.
Verdict: Which is best?
With the key differences being the price and build of these two smartwatches, our recommendations are fairly straightforward.
If you desire a Wear OS smartwatch with a premium build and a durable display, and don’t mind paying a bit extra despite the basic tracking experience, the OnePlus Watch 2 is a solid option.
However, if you prioritize affordability, comfort during exercise and require only an overview of your sleep, health, and fitness, the Watch 2R is the better pick.
If neither is scratching the itch, you’ll likely find inspiration in our guide to the best smartwatches or the best affordable watches to own.
