The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from the tightly integrated ecosystem of Apple to the more open Wear OS approach of Oppo. We pit the Oppo Watch 2, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100, against the Apple Watch Series 8, featuring Apple’s proprietary S8 chip, to determine which offers the best blend of performance, features, and value for the discerning user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 8 remains the superior choice due to its seamless integration and optimized software. However, the Oppo Watch 2 presents a compelling alternative for Android users prioritizing value and a more open platform, offering a capable experience at a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 27 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 38.5 x 11.6 mm (1.83 x 1.52 x 0.46 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM (market/region dependent) | eSIM |
| Weight | 35 g (46mm) / 31 g (42mm) (1.09 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | 5ATM water resistant | IP6X certified
50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 402 x 476 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.91 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 (12 nm) | Apple S8 |
| GPU | Adreno 504 | PowerVR |
| OS | Android Wear OS - InternationalColorOS Watch 2.0 - China | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, compass, barometer, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| | - | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 510 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Star Blue, Platinum Black, Rose Gold | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | OW20W2 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
Oppo Watch 2
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Wear OS offers greater customization and app choice
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 provides solid performance for everyday tasks
- Software updates may be less frequent than Apple Watch
- Integration with iOS devices is limited or non-existent
Apple Watch Series 8
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Advanced health tracking features
- Fast charging and optimized power management
- Higher price point
- Limited customization options compared to Wear OS
- Compatibility restricted to Apple devices
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Oppo Watch 2 are missing, it's reasonable to assume a standard AMOLED panel. The Apple Watch Series 8 benefits from Apple’s display expertise, likely featuring a brighter, more color-accurate display with potentially LTPO technology for variable refresh rates and power savings. The Series 8’s always-on display is a significant advantage, a feature commonly found on higher-end smartwatches. Bezels are likely slimmer on the Apple Watch, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is heavily focused on camera capabilities, as smartwatches aren't primary camera devices. Therefore, a detailed camera comparison is not applicable given the lack of specifications for the Oppo Watch 2.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo Watch 2 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 (12 nm), a quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. This chipset is designed for efficiency and capable performance in Wear OS. Conversely, the Apple Watch Series 8 is powered by the Apple S8, a dual-core processor. While core count is lower, Apple’s chip design and tight software integration allow for superior performance optimization. The 12nm process of the Snapdragon Wear 4100 suggests it may run warmer under sustained load compared to a more modern Apple S8 fabrication process (though the exact node size of the S8 is undisclosed). The Apple Watch’s optimized software will likely result in smoother animations and faster app loading times.
Battery Life
Battery life is heavily influenced by software optimization and usage patterns. The Oppo Watch 2’s Snapdragon Wear 4100 is designed for efficiency, but the actual battery capacity is unknown. The Apple Watch Series 8 offers wireless charging and a 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. While the Apple Watch’s battery capacity isn’t significantly larger, Apple’s power management and optimized software likely contribute to competitive real-world battery performance. The faster charging speed of the Apple Watch is a convenience advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Watch 2 if you need a Wear OS smartwatch with solid performance for everyday tasks, prioritize compatibility with Android devices, and seek a more affordable option. Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you prefer a premium, tightly integrated experience within the Apple ecosystem, value advanced health tracking features, and are willing to pay a premium for seamless connectivity and optimized performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon Wear 4100 in the Oppo Watch 2 struggle with demanding apps or animations?
While the Snapdragon Wear 4100 is a capable processor, it may exhibit some slowdowns with graphically intensive applications or during prolonged multitasking. Apple’s S8 chip, coupled with its optimized software, generally provides a smoother experience in these scenarios.
❓ How does the Apple Watch Series 8's health tracking compare to what's typically available on Wear OS devices like the Oppo Watch 2?
The Apple Watch Series 8 boasts a more comprehensive suite of health tracking features, including ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and fall detection. While the Oppo Watch 2 likely offers standard fitness tracking metrics, it may lack the advanced medical-grade sensors found in the Apple Watch.
❓ Is the lack of specific battery capacity information for the Oppo Watch 2 a cause for concern?
The absence of a stated mAh rating doesn't necessarily indicate a poor battery life. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 4100 is designed for efficiency, and software optimization plays a crucial role. However, the Apple Watch Series 8’s optimized power management and faster charging provide a more predictable and convenient experience.
