The sub-$100 smartwatch market is heating up, with the OnePlus Nord Watch and Xiaomi Watch S2 vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver essential smartwatch features without breaking the bank, but they approach this goal with different strengths. This comparison dives deep into what sets these two wearables apart, focusing on features and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience, the Xiaomi Watch S2 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its wireless charging capability offers a more refined user experience, offsetting the lack of detailed specifications available for the OnePlus Nord Watch. However, the Nord Watch may appeal to those seeking a potentially more affordable option.
| 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, Octoder | 2022, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October | Available. Released 2022, December 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, zinc frame | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45.2 x 37.2 x 10.4 mm (1.78 x 1.46 x 0.41 in) | 46 x 46 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 52.4 g (1.87 oz) | - |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | Waterproof (5ATM) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 368 x 448 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 500 nits (typ) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256MB | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), body composition (BMI) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 230 mAh | Li-Po 500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Deep Blue | Black, Silver, Light Gold |
| Models | OPBBE221 | - |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 150 EUR |
OnePlus Nord Watch
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and functional design (assumed)
- May offer longer battery life due to fewer features (speculative)
- Lack of detailed specifications
- Likely lacks advanced features like wireless charging
- Uncertain software support and updates
Xiaomi Watch S2
- Convenient wireless charging
- Established brand reputation in wearables
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Higher price compared to the Nord Watch
- Battery life may be slightly shorter due to wireless charging overhead
- Performance may be limited by the chipset
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the OnePlus Nord Watch, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, Xiaomi typically employs AMOLED panels in this price bracket, offering vibrant colors and good contrast. The Xiaomi Watch S2’s display benefits from the always-on display functionality, a feature likely absent on the Nord Watch given its budget positioning. Bezels are a key consideration; a smaller bezel on the S2 would translate to a more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy, measured in sRGB or DCI-P3 coverage, is unknown for both, but Xiaomi generally aims for acceptable levels in its wearables.
Camera Comparison
Neither the OnePlus Nord Watch nor the Xiaomi Watch S2 feature cameras. This is standard for smartwatches in this price range, as adding a camera would significantly increase cost and complexity without providing substantial benefits for most users.
Performance
The performance of both watches is heavily reliant on their chipsets, which remain unspecified. Given the price point, both likely utilize low-power processors optimized for basic fitness tracking and notification handling. The Xiaomi Watch S2 benefits from a more mature software ecosystem, potentially leading to smoother animations and faster app loading times. RAM capacity is also unknown for both, but sufficient RAM is crucial for handling multiple background processes and ensuring a responsive user interface. Thermal management is unlikely to be a significant concern for either device, given their limited processing power.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for smartwatches. While the mAh capacity of both devices is currently unknown, the Xiaomi Watch S2’s wireless charging capability offers a significant convenience advantage. Wireless charging eliminates the need for fiddly cables and reduces wear and tear on the charging port. The actual 0-100% charging time will depend on the wattage of the wireless charger used with the S2, but it’s likely to be comparable to, or slightly slower than, a wired charging solution. The Nord Watch, lacking wireless charging, will rely on a traditional wired connection, potentially offering faster charging speeds if it supports a higher wattage.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Nord Watch if you need a basic, functional smartwatch and are highly price-sensitive, willing to accept limited information about its core specifications. Buy the Xiaomi Watch S2 if you prefer the convenience of wireless charging, a more established brand reputation in wearables, and are willing to spend a little more for a potentially more polished experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Xiaomi Watch S2 support fast wireless charging, and what wattage is required for optimal speeds?
While the Xiaomi Watch S2 supports wireless charging, the specific wattage for optimal charging speeds isn't widely publicized. It's likely to support standard Qi wireless charging, and using a 5W or 7.5W wireless charger should provide reasonable charging times. Faster wireless charging standards may not be supported.
❓ What level of water resistance can I expect from the OnePlus Nord Watch, and is it suitable for swimming?
The water resistance rating of the OnePlus Nord Watch is currently unknown. However, most smartwatches in this price range offer at least 5ATM water resistance, making them suitable for showering and swimming in shallow water. It's crucial to check the official specifications before exposing the watch to water.
❓ Can I customize the watch faces on the Xiaomi Watch S2, and are there any third-party watch face options available?
Yes, the Xiaomi Watch S2 allows for extensive watch face customization. The Xiaomi Wear app provides a wide selection of pre-installed watch faces, and users can also download additional watch faces from the app store. Some third-party watch face options may also be available, depending on the app's compatibility.
