Google Pixel Watch 2 vs OnePlus Watch 2: A Detailed Comparison

Looking for the best Android smartwatch for you? Both the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the OnePlus Watch 2 are strong contenders, but they cater to different needs. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to help you decide:

Specs

Let's get this out of the way right away. The specs on the OnePlus Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 2 both look great on paper. They both offer 32GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM, and both come equipped with Wear OS 4. From there, though, the similarities start to show. Let's take a closer look at each one below.

• 32GB storage
• 2GB RAM
• Wear OS 4
• AMOLED displays (1.43-inch for OnePlus, 1.2-inch for Pixel)

However, there are some key differences:

• OnePlus Watch 2:
  • Larger and heavier (47mm vs. 41mm)
  • Stainless steel case (more durable)
  • Snapdragon W5 + BES2700 chipset
  • More sensors (e.g., barometer)
  • No LTE connectivity
  • 500mAh battery (longer life)
• Pixel Watch 2:
  • Smaller and lighter (better for smaller wrists)
  • Aluminum case (less durable)
  • Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 + Cortex M33 MCU chipset
  • More health-focused sensors (e.g., ECG, skin temperature)
  • LTE connectivity (optional)
  • 306mAh battery (shorter life)

Design

• OnePlus Watch 2: Traditional sports watch look with a flat display.
• Pixel Watch 2: Unique, curved "pebble-like" display.

Ultimately, the best design is a matter of personal preference. The OnePlus Watch 2 might suit those who prefer a larger screen and a more rugged design, while the Pixel Watch 2 is ideal for those who want a smaller, sleeker option.

Battery Life:

The biggest downside of the Pixel Watch 2? Battery life. It doesn't last as long as many other smartwatches on the market, especially the Galaxy Watch 6. With the Always-on Display turned on, expect to charge it around every day. This can be inconvenient, especially if you want to use it for sleep tracking or other health monitoring.

For comparison, the OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a whopping 100 hours on a single charge! I even managed to use it for almost four days with the Always-on Display on, thanks to its "Smart Mode." This freedom from constant charging is a major advantage, especially when running errands or on the go.

OnePlus also wins on charging speed. Their fast chargers can juice up the Watch 2 from almost dead to fully charged in under 30 minutes! While the Pixel Watch 2 charges decently fast too, both watches rely on proprietary chargers, which can be a pain point.

Performance:

The OnePlus Watch 2 wins hands down in battery life. However, things get trickier when it comes to performance. While the Pixel Watch 2 seems smoother with its Wear OS 4, both watches actually use similar chipsets. The OnePlus Watch 2 relies on a Snapdragon W5 for heavy tasks and a separate chip for power-saving features, while the Pixel Watch 2 uses a slightly newer Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 for most things and another chip for other tasks.

In practice, though, the difference in performance is subtle. I noticed occasional lag in some apps on the OnePlus Watch 2, but it wasn't a deal-breaker. Both watches respond quickly to your touch and are easy to navigate.

One key difference is that the OnePlus Watch 2 uses a different operating system (RTOS) for basic functions like notifications. This can be confusing and less user-friendly compared to the Pixel Watch 2, which runs pure Wear OS 4 and feels overall smoother and more polished.

Price:

• OnePlus Watch 2: $299 (cheaper)
• Pixel Watch 2: $349.99 (slightly more expensive, but sometimes discounted)

Who should get which?

• OnePlus Watch 2:
  • Those who prioritize battery life.
  • Those who prefer a larger, more rugged design.
  • Budget-conscious buyers.
• Pixel Watch 2:
  • Those who want a smaller, lighter watch.
  • Those who value health-focused features.
  • Fans of a pure Wear OS experience and Google ecosystem integration.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like battery life, design, performance, and price when making your decision.