The OnePlus Watch 2 is the first Wear OS watch equipped with two processors, providing several advantages. One processor is a powerful Snapdragon chip for running Wear OS apps and handling heavy tasks.
The other processor handles energy-efficient background tasks and various sensors. It’s also responsible for ‘turning’ digital dials. By using the correct type of watch face, you can ensure that the powerful processor remains inactive, thereby improving battery life.
OnePlus claims a battery life of up to 100 hours on a single charge, which is exceptional for a Wear OS watch. In our OnePlus Watch 2 review, we were able to achieve this battery life, but only with specific watch faces.
In May 2023, Google introduced a new watch face format based on XML. Using this type of watch face with the OnePlus Watch 2 leverages the energy-efficient processor, enabling you to extend your battery life to several days on a single charge.
To utilize the Watch 2, you can install the OHealth appwhich includes multiple XML watch faces. These can also be downloaded from the Play Store, but it’s essential to verify their compatibility. During our review, we tested other watch faces in different formats, which resulted in faster battery drain.
By the way, these XML dials are interactive, allowing you to see upcoming appointments, steps taken, or your heart rate at a glance. Many of them can be customized in terms of complications or colors. Complications on your watch face determine which shortcuts you prefer, enabling you to quickly access apps, start workouts, or use other convenient shortcuts.
OnePlus is not the only manufacturer that supports XML watch faces; they work on all Wear OS watches. However, OnePlus is the only company offering a Wear OS watch with dual processors, significantly enhancing battery life.
Rumors suggest that the upcoming Google Pixel Watch 3 will adopt a similar approach, while Samsung is likely to continue using a single self-developed chip. Additionally, manufacturers like Mobvoi create watches with Google’s operating system.
While this is an exciting advancement, it’s unfortunate that not all current watch faces optimize energy usage effectively. As mentioned in our OnePlus Watch 2 review, we are particularly fond of Facer, which hosts thousands of watch faces. It would be great if they could all transition to the XML format, but that might just be wishful thinking.