Smartwatches for Android are a tough subject. Wear OS works, but it has a lot of flaws. Samsung’s Tizen-based smartwatches are great, but they’re also pretty expensive and work best on Samsung’s own smartphones. Fitbit smartwatches are excellent for fitness, but not so amazing for smart features. That’s why there was a lot of excitement for OnePlus to debut its own smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch. The final product, though, isn’t what most people wanted, and after using it for nearly two weeks, it’s hard to express just how disappointed I am in the OnePlus Watch.
HARDWARE
Far better than the price suggests
Alright, so let’s not start on a downer. The hardware of the first OnePlus smartwatch is by far the biggest highlight. Aside from one potential deal breaker, it really nails the basics.
The chassis itself is made from stainless steel, a premium material that you absolutely will not find on any other smartwatch even close to this price range. The original Galaxy Watch Active is the closest comparison and, at $199, it’s aluminum. The craftsmanship of the OnePlus Watch is genuinely nice with its slim body and tactile buttons. That’s taken down a bit by the plastic belly, but that’s far from a problem in my eyes.
Good news on the hardware front doesn’t stop there, either. The included silicone band is very comfortable, and thanks to the use of 22mm spring pins, you can easily swap for a different strap if you want something else. The display is also a win with a bright panel and excellent 2.5D glass that feels really smooth to the touch. The display’s bezels aren’t super small, but there’s a neat CD-like pattern to add a bit of flare. It’s a really nice and well-executed design overall.