It’s 2024. All smartwatches should offer multiple days of battery life, full stop. As things stand now, there’s a jaw-droppingly wide range across the devices. Limited battery has been, and continues to be, the single biggest issue with the Apple Watch. The Series 9 currently boasts a standard mode battery life of 18 hours, but offers up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode.
OnePlus’ upcoming Watch 2, on the other hand, claims an impressive 100 hours “in full Smart Mode.” However, it’s always wise to take such claims with a pinch of salt until the wearable officially debuts next week at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. I would even recommend waiting for the first reviews to come in from interested parties.
According to a blog post, the company has taken a three-year hiatus to reflect after launching the first OnePlus Watch.
Battery life is an area that OnePlus needs to focus on. The first generation product promised up to two weeks of battery life, or 25 hours with GPS turned off. However, it failed to make a lasting impression. This is not to say that it’s impossible to stand out among Wear OS devices, but one must go the extra mile – especially now that Google and Samsung have entered the arena.
OnePlus has proven that it can still impress, even if it isn’t the first to market. This was evident in the early days of its smartphone releases, and it has remained true with the OnePlus Open. As a reviewer, I was surprised by how much I liked the product. This is not specific to OnePlus, but rather a commentary on the current state of consumer electronics.
Speaking of the early days, OnePlus reveals that it has “gone back to the drawing board, driven by community feedback, to ensure the OnePlus Watch 2 delivers an exceptional user experience.” Community feedback was a key differentiator for the company at launch. However, it can be challenging to maintain direct communication with users as a company grows. OnePlus has since been acquired by Chinese hardware giant Oppo.
Regardless, it’s a known fact that battery life is paramount in smartwatches. These devices are meant to be worn all day and all night, leaving little time for charging. Having multiple days of battery life allows for a better user experience and provides a more comprehensive picture of fitness and sleep patterns without the need for frequent charging.
Three years can make a significant difference in the world of consumer electronics. The first OnePlus Watch failed to make an impact in the smartwatch market. However, focusing on battery life for the second generation may improve its chances. But, I’m not holding my breath in a category that is dominated by a few big names and flooded with extremely affordable devices. Still, any effort to make battery life a top priority is a positive step for the industry.
