The smartwatch market is increasingly segmented, with options ranging from ultra-affordable trackers to premium health and fitness companions. We're pitting the itel Smart Watch 1, representing the extreme budget end, against the OnePlus Watch 2R, which aims to deliver a compelling feature set with a more powerful chipset. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a responsive experience and modern features, the OnePlus Watch 2R is the clear winner. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage. However, if your budget is extremely limited and basic functionality is sufficient, the itel Smart Watch 1 may suffice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | - |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2024, July 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2024, July 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 47 x 46.6 x 12.1 mm (1.85 x 1.83 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | - | 37 g (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 283 pixels (~216 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.72 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 702 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS, ColorOS Watch 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 7.5W wired |
| Type | 200 mAh | 500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Forest Green, Gunmetal Gray |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
itel Smart Watch 1
- Extremely affordable price point
- Basic smartwatch functionality (time, notifications)
- Potentially longer standby time due to simpler features
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited feature set
- Likely lower quality display
- Poor app support
OnePlus Watch 2R
- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset
- Faster and more responsive user experience
- Likely better display quality
- More advanced fitness tracking features
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to very basic trackers
- May have features users don't need
Display Comparison
Given the lack of display specifications for the itel Smart Watch 1, a direct comparison is difficult. The OnePlus Watch 2R likely features an AMOLED display, common in this price bracket, offering vibrant colors and good contrast. The itel likely uses a simpler LCD panel. The absence of details like peak brightness or resolution for the itel suggests a more basic visual experience. Users prioritizing outdoor visibility will likely find the OnePlus Watch 2R superior, assuming it achieves typical AMOLED brightness levels (around 600-800 nits).
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for camera capabilities, and smartwatches generally have poor camera performance. This section is largely irrelevant for both devices. Any camera on the itel Smart Watch 1 would likely be extremely low resolution and of limited practical use.
Performance
The OnePlus Watch 2R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4nm) chipset is the defining performance differentiator. This quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 processor represents a significant leap in efficiency and processing power compared to what is typically found in ultra-budget smartwatches like the itel Smart Watch 1. The 4nm fabrication process is crucial; it allows for higher transistor density and reduced heat generation, translating to sustained performance and improved battery life. The itel Smart Watch 1 likely utilizes a significantly less powerful, and older, chipset, resulting in slower app loading times, less responsive UI interactions, and limited multitasking capabilities. Users who plan to use their smartwatch for anything beyond basic notifications will greatly benefit from the OnePlus Watch 2R’s superior processing power.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Watch 2R’s 7.5W wired charging is a reasonable charging speed for a smartwatch. While the mAh capacity isn't specified in the provided data, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s efficiency should contribute to good battery life. The itel Smart Watch 1’s battery life will likely be shorter due to its less efficient chipset and potentially smaller battery capacity. The lack of charging specifications for the itel suggests a slower charging time and potentially a proprietary charging cable, adding to user inconvenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Smart Watch 1 if you need a basic timekeeping device with limited smart features and are operating on an extremely tight budget. It's suitable for users who primarily want notifications and step tracking. Buy the OnePlus Watch 2R if you prefer a smoother, more feature-rich experience with a focus on fitness tracking, faster performance, and a more modern chipset, and are willing to spend a bit more for those benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much faster is the OnePlus Watch 2R compared to typical budget smartwatches?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset in the OnePlus Watch 2R is a generation ahead of the processors found in most ultra-budget smartwatches. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more responsive user interface. Tasks like syncing data or using built-in apps will be noticeably quicker.
❓ Does the OnePlus Watch 2R support third-party apps?
The OnePlus Watch 2R runs Wear OS, which supports a wide range of third-party apps available through the Google Play Store. This allows you to extend the functionality of your smartwatch beyond the pre-installed features, unlike many budget smartwatches with limited app ecosystems.
❓ What kind of charging cable does the OnePlus Watch 2R use?
The OnePlus Watch 2R uses a proprietary charging cable, but it's a standard magnetic pogo pin connector. While not USB-C, it's a relatively common and easily replaceable cable if lost or damaged.
