The smartwatch market is dominated by Apple, but challengers like Oppo are aiming to disrupt the status quo. We pit the Oppo Watch X2, powered by the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, against the latest Apple Watch Series 9, featuring Apple’s proprietary S9 chip, to determine which offers the best blend of performance, features, 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 Oppo Watch X2 delivers impressive performance with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 at a potentially lower price point, making it a compelling option for Android users and those seeking value.
| 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 | 2025, February 20 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 28 | 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 | 47.6 x 46.6 x 11.8 mm (1.87 x 1.83 x 0.46 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 49.7 g (1.76 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 (~310 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED, 2200 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | ColorOS Watch 7.0 + Wear OS 5.0 | 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 | 5.2, 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, thermometer (skin temperature) | 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 | Li-Ion 648 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lava Black, Summit Blue | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | OPWWE251 | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Oppo Watch X2
- Potentially better battery life due to Snapdragon W5 Gen 1's 4nm efficiency.
- Wear OS offers greater customization and app availability for Android users.
- Likely a more affordable price point than the Apple Watch Series 9.
- Ecosystem lock-in – best suited for Android users.
- Health features may not be as comprehensive as the Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple Watch Series 9
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Advanced health tracking features (ECG, blood oxygen).
- Optimized performance with the Apple S9 chip and watchOS.
- Higher price point.
- Limited customization compared to Wear OS.
- Ecosystem lock-in – best suited for Apple users.
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Oppo Watch X2 are unavailable, the Apple Watch Series 9 likely features an always-on Retina display with improved brightness compared to previous generations. The Apple Watch Series 9’s display benefits from Apple’s calibration expertise, ensuring accurate color reproduction. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s power efficiency could translate to longer on-screen time for the Oppo Watch X2, but without knowing the panel technology (LTPO is expected) or resolution, a direct comparison is difficult. Bezels are likely comparable, with both aiming for a modern, edge-to-edge look.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are unavailable for the Oppo Watch X2. The Apple Watch Series 9 doesn’t feature a camera. Therefore, this comparison point is largely irrelevant for these two devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Apple Watch Series 9’s dual-core Apple S9 chip is designed for optimized performance within the watchOS environment. Conversely, the Oppo Watch X2 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, fabricated on a 4nm process. This 4nm node is crucial, offering improved power efficiency compared to older 5nm chips, potentially leading to longer battery life under sustained load. While Apple doesn’t disclose core counts, the S9 is optimized for its specific tasks, while the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 is a more general-purpose wearable platform. The impact of LPDDR5x RAM speed (unspecified for both) will also play a role in app loading and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Oppo Watch X2 charges at 7.5W, while the Apple Watch Series 9 offers wireless charging, reaching 80% charge in 45 minutes. While the Apple Watch’s charging is faster to 80%, the total battery capacity (unspecified for both) dictates overall endurance. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s 4nm efficiency could allow the Oppo Watch X2 to achieve comparable or even better battery life despite the slower charging speed, depending on software optimization and battery size. The Apple Watch’s faster charging is beneficial for users who frequently need a quick top-up.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Watch X2 if you need a capable Wear OS smartwatch with strong performance and are deeply embedded in the Android ecosystem, and prioritize value. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you prefer the polished experience of watchOS, require advanced health tracking features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, and are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 in the Oppo Watch X2 compare to the Apple S9 in terms of app loading times?
While the Apple S9 is optimized for watchOS, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s architecture and potential for faster RAM speeds (LPDDR5x) could result in comparable app loading times, especially for apps optimized for Wear OS. However, Apple’s tight hardware-software integration often gives it an edge in responsiveness.
❓ Is the 7.5W charging speed of the Oppo Watch X2 a significant drawback compared to the Apple Watch Series 9’s faster wireless charging?
The slower charging speed is a trade-off. If you’re diligent about charging overnight, it’s unlikely to be a major issue. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s efficiency could mean you need to charge less frequently, mitigating the impact of the slower charging speed. However, for users who need quick top-ups throughout the day, the Apple Watch Series 9 is more convenient.
❓ What health features are likely to be missing from the Oppo Watch X2 compared to the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts advanced health features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, which are not typically found on Wear OS smartwatches at this price point. While the Oppo Watch X2 will likely offer standard features like heart rate tracking and sleep monitoring, it may lack the medical-grade capabilities of the Apple Watch.
