Dwelling in London restricts what I can do in the case of testing wearables. In spite of everything, there are solely so many pilates lessons and lido swims I can take a tool on to check its endurance and capabilities.
Nevertheless, OnePlus’ most up-to-date launch of the Watch 2 Nordic Blue Version in Helsinki, Finland, gave me the chance to really push a tool to its limits. The watch I examined is a extra lifestyle-focused model of its flagship wearable, which launched again in February 2024.
To check this smartwatch, I went on the next: a fats bike journey (bike driving with fats tires, when you’re confused like I used to be), a hike within the forest, a stint in a Finnish sauna, a mild yoga session, and a really temporary however ice chilly dip within the Baltic Sea.
Listed below are the important thing takeaways I’ve discovered from my time throughout testing…
Consolation is King
The largest distinction I observed between the Nordic Blue Version and the usual OnePlus Watch 2 which I reviewed is the upgraded strap. OnePlus initially launched its smartwatch with a pure flurorubber one, however this model has stored that materials on the within and opted for a royal blue leather-based end on the surface.
Over the previous couple of days, I’ve observed that this has a sturdier grip than the Watch 2. Subsequently, it doesn’t have that annoying behavior of sliding up and down my arm. It stays securely in place, even when jostling about on a motorcycle, or twisting round like a pretzel throughout yoga.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
When you have small wrists like mine, then it’s nonetheless heavy at round 80g. I’d somewhat OnePlus did a smaller case measurement for individuals like me nevertheless it’s definitely an enchancment with simply the change of strap.
That weight is partly as a result of OnePlus has stored that dual-chip design that offers it that killer 100-hour battery life. I couldn’t check that characteristic out totally throughout my journey, however I can say that the juice used over the previous couple of days falls consistent with my expertise with the Watch 2.
In different phrases, I didn’t want to achieve for my charger, although the gadget began at simply above 60% and I tracked three separate exercises, in addition to my sleep. Once you do have to cost it, it helps fast-charging that may get it from flat to 100% in underneath an hour (with an acceptable charging brick, that’s).
You’re scorching, then you definately’re chilly…
Having a smartwatch that may face up to excessive temperatures can be a key good thing about the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Blue Version.
I may swipe and faucet the 1.43-inch sapphire crystal show each within the dry warmth of the sauna with sweaty palms and within the freezing chilly water of the ocean, which I plunged myself into straight after my scorching expertise for 2 minutes utilizing a timer on the watch (it felt quite a bit longer, let me inform you).
A few of my fellow journalists had the watch notify them when it was overheating. People who did had been within the sauna for longer than I used to be, which was about 80°C, notably above the beneficial high-temperature vary of 55°C for the gadget.
Nonetheless, it’s safer that the Watch 2 has that skill, somewhat than you by accident making it combust whereas strapped to your pores and skin. The IP68 score additionally held up nicely within the frigid sea, although the watch didn’t lock its display because it sometimes does for swimming exercises.
Location, location, location
One of many crowning glory options of the OnePlus Watch 2 line is its dual-frequency GPS, which permits it to pinpoint your location extra precisely in difficult environments. Once I first examined the Watch 2, I discovered it dependable amongst the towering skyscrapers of central London.
Now, I may also verify that this wearable works simply as nicely in rural Finland. Whereas fats biking by a dense forest, it may rapidly lock on to my location, whereas additionally detecting after I stopped for a fast respite, pausing my exercise rapidly.
It could then restart as quickly as I started pedalling, which means I didn’t have to take my much-needed gloves off and fiddle round with the settings. Auto-detection on wearables typically produces combined outcomes, however this expertise was spectacular to witness first-hand.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Appropriate from day to nighttime
Whereas many individuals could benefit from the sportier end of the common Watch 2, I’d desire to take it off if I used to be heading out for a cocktail or two after ending my train for the day.
That’s not the case with the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Blue Version. Outfitted with a brand new two-tone outer dial, it’s extra of an announcement style piece and appeared like a purposeful accent to my night outfit for a meal out in Helsinki.
That stated, I nonetheless stand by my ideas that the each variations of the Watch 2 may do with a slimmer model for ladies and customers with smaller wrists.
Hannah Cownton / Foundry
Hannah Cownton / Foundry
Hannah Cownton / Foundry
Is it price paying extra for?
OnePlus confirmed that the Watch 2 is its fastest-selling gadget, so there could also be demand for the Nordic Blue Version when it goes on sale on 7 Could within the UK and Europe for £329, which is £30 greater than the common mannequin.
In the event you’re struggling to decide on between the Watch 2 (which is available in inexperienced and black), and the Watch 2 Nordic Blue Version, the principle issues you need to contemplate are the construct and your most well-liked aesthetics.
I discovered carrying this model of the watch much less of a trouble than the common model as a result of leather-based and rubber combo strap. I additionally liked the bolder end, as I hate boring tech that is available in bathroom normal black.
Nevertheless, if you would like one thing extra understated, and you’ve got bigger arms, then the vanilla Watch 2 could go well with you simply effective.
The excellent news is that underneath the hood, there are not any variations. All wearables within the OnePlus Watch 2 line observe over 100 exercises, can monitor sleep and stress and naturally, run on Google’s seamless Put on OS software program. Subsequently, there’s assist for all of your favorite Android apps reminiscent of Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp.
Nevertheless, you need to solely get the OnePlus Watch 2 you probably have an Android telephone, because the app isn’t supported on iOS. In the event you don’t, then there are a lot extra smartwatches on the market.