The smartwatch market is dominated by Apple, but OnePlus is making a strong push with the Watch 2, leveraging Qualcomm's latest wearable platform. This comparison pits the new OnePlus Watch 2, powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, against the established Apple Watch Series 9, featuring Apple’s S9 chip, to determine which offers the best blend of features, performance, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing seamless ecosystem integration and advanced health features, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains the superior choice. However, the OnePlus Watch 2 delivers impressive battery life and performance at a significantly lower price point, making it a compelling option for those less invested in the Apple ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 26 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 05 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 47 x 46.6 x 12.1 mm (1.85 x 1.83 x 0.48 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 49 g (1.73 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 1000 nits (HBM) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Android Wear OS 4 + RTOS | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 7.5W wired | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | 500 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Steel, Radiant Steel | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | - | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | € 177.90 | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
OnePlus Watch 2
- Potentially superior battery life due to Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
- More affordable price point
- Wear OS offers greater customization options
- Slower charging speed (7.5W wired)
- Ecosystem integration less seamless than Apple
- Health features may not be as advanced as Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 9
- Seamless integration with iPhones and the Apple ecosystem
- Advanced health tracking features (ECG, Blood Oxygen)
- Fast wireless charging (0-80% in 45 minutes)
- Higher price tag
- Shorter battery life compared to OnePlus Watch 2
- Limited customization options within watchOS
Display Comparison
While specific display specs for the OnePlus Watch 2 are not provided, it's reasonable to assume an AMOLED panel given current smartwatch trends. The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts a Retina LTPO OLED display, known for its excellent color accuracy and adaptive refresh rates. The LTPO technology allows the Series 9 to dynamically adjust its refresh rate down to 1Hz, conserving battery life when static content is displayed. The OnePlus Watch 2 will likely offer a vibrant display, but may not match the Series 9’s color calibration or energy efficiency due to the lack of LTPO.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is focused on camera capabilities, and neither are known for having cameras. This section is not applicable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Watch 2 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, a 4nm processor designed specifically for wearables, promising improved power efficiency and performance over previous generations. The Apple Watch Series 9 features Apple’s S9 dual-core processor. While Apple doesn’t disclose the fabrication process node, their silicon is highly optimized for watchOS. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s 4nm process should translate to better thermal management during sustained tasks compared to older wearable chips, but the S9’s tight software integration gives Apple an advantage in responsiveness and overall system fluidity. The Apple S9 also includes a Neural Engine for on-device machine learning, enhancing features like fall detection and activity recognition.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Watch 2 is expected to excel in battery life thanks to the efficient Snapdragon W5 Gen 1. While specific battery capacity isn’t provided, OnePlus has emphasized extended runtime. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers up to 18 hours of battery life with typical use. Charging speeds differ significantly: the OnePlus Watch 2 supports 7.5W wired charging, while the Apple Watch Series 9 utilizes wireless charging, achieving 0-80% charge in approximately 45 minutes. The slower wired charging of the OnePlus Watch 2 may be a drawback for some, but the potential for multi-day battery life could offset this inconvenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Watch 2 if you need extended battery life, prefer the Wear OS ecosystem, and are seeking a high-performing smartwatch without the premium Apple price tag. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you prioritize tight integration with iPhones, advanced health tracking capabilities like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, and a polished, refined user experience within the watchOS environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 in the OnePlus Watch 2 compare to the Apple S9 in real-world usage?
While the Apple S9 benefits from Apple’s tight software optimization, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 provides a significant performance boost over previous Wear OS smartwatches. Expect smooth animations and responsive app loading on the OnePlus Watch 2, but the Apple Watch Series 9 will likely feel slightly more fluid due to its integrated hardware and software design.
❓ Is the 7.5W charging speed of the OnePlus Watch 2 a significant drawback compared to the Apple Watch Series 9’s wireless charging?
The slower charging speed is a trade-off for the OnePlus Watch 2’s potentially much longer battery life. If you’re accustomed to overnight charging, it likely won’t be an issue. However, users who frequently need a quick top-up may find the Apple Watch Series 9’s wireless charging more convenient.
❓ What health features are exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers advanced health features like ECG (electrocardiogram) and blood oxygen monitoring, which are currently unavailable on the OnePlus Watch 2. These features provide valuable insights into cardiovascular health and overall wellness, making the Series 9 a compelling choice for health-conscious users.
