The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from premium, ecosystem-locked experiences to more open and affordable alternatives. We pit Apple’s anticipated Series 10, powered by the new S10 chip, against the OnePlus Watch 2R, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, to determine which wearable best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem prioritizing seamless integration and potentially advanced health features, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the clear choice. However, the OnePlus Watch 2R delivers impressive performance with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and a more accessible price point, making it ideal for Android users or those seeking a capable smartwatch without the premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | 2024, July 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 20 | Available. Released 2024, July 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 5) | Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46 x 39 x 9.7 mm (1.81 x 1.54 x 0.38 in) | 47 x 46.6 x 12.1 mm (1.85 x 1.83 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | No |
| Weight | 34.4 g (42mm), 41.7 g (46mm) (1.48 oz) | 37 g (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 496 x 416 pixels (~330 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.96 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO3 OLED, 2000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Apple S10 | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR | Adreno 702 |
| OS | watchOS 11, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | Android Wear OS, ColorOS Watch 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 30 min | 7.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 327 mAh | 500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slate, Gold, Natural | Forest Green, Gunmetal Gray |
| Models | A3001, A3002, A3003, A3206 | - |
| Price | € 614.01 | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.26 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple Watch Series 10
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Potentially advanced health tracking features.
- Wireless charging convenience.
- Higher price point.
- Limited compatibility with Android devices.
- Reliance on Apple’s walled garden.
OnePlus Watch 2R
- More affordable price.
- Platform-agnostic compatibility (Android & iOS).
- Efficient Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset.
- Wired charging only.
- Potentially less refined user experience.
- May lack some advanced Apple-exclusive features.
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Series 10 are unconfirmed, Apple typically employs LTPO OLED panels for efficient refresh rate scaling. The OnePlus Watch 2R’s display specs are currently unknown, but given its positioning, we anticipate an AMOLED panel. The key differentiator will likely be peak brightness and color accuracy, areas where Apple traditionally excels. The Series 10’s potential for a higher peak brightness will be advantageous in direct sunlight, while Apple’s calibration ensures accurate color reproduction. The absence of LTPO on the 2R could lead to slightly higher power consumption.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is expected to feature a camera, a trend increasingly common in modern smartwatches. This omission simplifies design and prioritizes battery life and core functionality. The focus shifts entirely to sensor-based health tracking and notifications.
Performance
The OnePlus Watch 2R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4nm) chipset, a quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53, represents a significant leap in wearable performance and efficiency compared to older platforms. This 4nm process node is crucial, offering better thermal management and power efficiency than the Apple S10’s likely fabrication process. While the Apple S10 is a dual-core processor, Apple’s chip design expertise and software optimization often allow it to compete effectively. However, the 2R’s quad-core architecture suggests superior multitasking capabilities. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s architecture is designed for low-power operation, potentially translating to longer battery life during sustained use.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Watch 2R’s 7.5W wired charging is a notable contrast to the Apple Watch Series 10’s wireless charging, capable of reaching 80% in 30 minutes. While Apple’s wireless charging offers convenience, the 2R’s wired charging is likely faster for a full charge. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity in the 2R, offering competitive real-world battery life. Apple’s optimization of the S10 chip will be critical in maximizing battery performance on the Series 10, but the lack of detailed battery capacity information makes a direct comparison difficult.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 if you require tight integration with iPhones, anticipate utilizing Apple’s health services, and value a refined user experience. Buy the OnePlus Watch 2R if you prefer a platform-agnostic smartwatch, prioritize battery life and the efficiency of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, and seek a more affordable entry point into the smartwatch market.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the OnePlus Watch 2R’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 handle demanding apps smoothly?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 is a significant upgrade for smartwatches, offering a quad-core processor and improved GPU performance. It should handle most smartwatch apps, including fitness tracking, notifications, and basic third-party applications, with ease. While it won’t match a smartphone’s processing power, it’s more than capable for typical smartwatch usage.
❓ How does the Apple Watch Series 10’s wireless charging compare to the OnePlus Watch 2R’s wired charging in terms of convenience and speed?
Apple’s wireless charging offers the convenience of simply placing the watch on a charging pad. However, the OnePlus Watch 2R’s 7.5W wired charging is likely faster for a full charge. The Series 10 reaches 80% in 30 minutes, but a full charge may take longer. The choice depends on your preference: convenience versus potentially faster charging times.
❓ Is the lack of a camera on both watches a significant drawback?
For most users, the absence of a camera is not a major drawback. Smartwatch cameras often produced low-quality images and raised privacy concerns. Modern smartwatches prioritize core functionality like health tracking and notifications, making a camera less essential.
