Yes, the OnePlus Watch was launched in India alongside the OnePlus 9 series on March 23, 2021. The watch was announced at the same virtual event as the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, and it went on sale in India starting May 17, 2021. This was OnePlus’s first smartwatch, and it was positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to premium models, with a focus on long battery life and fitness tracking.
Background: Why OnePlus Entered the Smartwatch Market
OnePlus had long been known for its smartphones, but by 2021 the company faced increasing pressure to expand its ecosystem. Rivals like Samsung and Apple already had established watches, and OnePlus fans had been requesting a wearable for years. The company’s parent, BBK Electronics, already produced smartwatches under other brands, so the technology was available. The OnePlus Watch was designed to complement the OnePlus 9 series, offering seamless connectivity with OnePlus phones and a design that matched the company’s aesthetic.
Key Specifications and Features
The OnePlus Watch came with a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, a stainless steel body, and a 46mm case. It ran on a proprietary real-time operating system (RTOS) rather than Wear OS, which allowed for a claimed 14-day battery life in typical use. The watch included built-in GPS, a heart rate sensor, SpO2 monitoring, and support for over 110 workout modes. It was also 5ATM and IP68 rated, making it suitable for swimming. The watch had a 402mAh battery and supported Warp Charge, which gave a week of power in about 15 minutes.
Pricing and Availability in India
In India, the OnePlus Watch was priced at ₹14,999 at launch. It was available in two colors: Midnight Black and Moonlight Silver. The watch went on sale through Amazon India and the OnePlus website. Initially, it was offered in a bundle with the OnePlus 9 series, but it was also sold separately. The pricing placed it in direct competition with the Amazfit GTR 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, though it undercut many premium options.
Software and Ecosystem
The OnePlus Watch ran on a custom OS that was not compatible with third-party apps like Spotify or Google Maps. This was a major limitation compared to Wear OS watches. However, it offered core features such as notifications, music controls, and weather updates. The watch connected to OnePlus phones via the OnePlus Health app, which tracked fitness data and sleep. It also worked with other Android phones, but some features, like quick pairing, were exclusive to OnePlus devices.
Common Issues and User Feedback
Early users reported several problems. The most common were inaccurate GPS tracking, inconsistent heart rate readings, and a lack of third-party app support. Some users also found the always-on display to be too dim. OnePlus released software updates to address some of these issues, but the watch never received Wear OS, which limited its long-term appeal. Despite these drawbacks, many users praised the battery life and the build quality.
Comparison with Competitors
At the same price point, the OnePlus Watch faced stiff competition. The Amazfit GTR 2 offered a similar design and battery life but had a more mature fitness tracking ecosystem. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, though more expensive, ran on Tizen and had access to a wider range of apps. The Realme Watch S Pro was cheaper but had a less premium build. For users deeply invested in the OnePlus ecosystem, the watch was a natural choice, but for others, the lack of apps was a dealbreaker.
Alternatives to the OnePlus Watch
If you are considering the OnePlus Watch today, there are several alternatives. The OnePlus Watch 2, released in 2024, runs on Wear OS and addresses many of the original’s shortcomings. Other options include the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, which offers robust health tracking and a wide app selection, and the Amazfit GTR 4, which provides excellent battery life at a lower price. For fitness-focused users, the Garmin Forerunner series is a premium option, though it is more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OnePlus Watch compatible with iPhones?
No, the OnePlus Watch is not compatible with iPhones. It requires the OnePlus Health app, which is only available on Android. Some basic features like notifications may work with other Android phones, but the full experience is reserved for OnePlus devices.
Does the OnePlus Watch support Bluetooth calling?
Yes, the OnePlus Watch supports Bluetooth calling. You can answer and make calls directly from the watch when it is connected to your phone via Bluetooth. The speaker and microphone are built into the watch.
Can I install apps on the OnePlus Watch?
No, the original OnePlus Watch does not support third-party apps. It comes with a set of pre-installed apps like weather, timer, and music controls, but you cannot download additional apps from a store. This is one of the main limitations of the device.
How long does the battery last on the OnePlus Watch?
OnePlus claims up to 14 days of typical use, which includes notifications, heart rate monitoring, and occasional workouts. With heavy GPS usage, the battery life drops to about 5-7 days. The watch supports Warp Charge, which gives a week of power in about 15 minutes.
Is the OnePlus Watch good for swimming?
Yes, the OnePlus Watch has a 5ATM water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand pressures equivalent to 50 meters of depth. It also has a swimming mode that tracks laps and strokes. However, it is not suitable for scuba diving or high-speed water sports.
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