The OnePlus Watch 4 is a smartwatch running Wear OS 5, featuring a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 466×466 resolution, a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, 2GB RAM, and a 646mAh battery, expected to launch globally with IP69 water and dust resistance. But leaked details reveal a software strategy that has left the wearables community cold: OnePlus is shipping the Watch 4 with the exact same operating system its predecessor already runs.
Key Takeaways
- OnePlus Watch 4 runs Wear OS 5, identical to the Watch 3, disappointing users expecting Wear OS 6
- 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 466×466 resolution and Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor
- 646mAh battery and IP69 water and dust resistance for durability
- Available in Evergreen Titanium and Black finishes
- Supports Android 9.0 and above for broader device compatibility
Why OnePlus Watch 4 Fans Expected Better Software
The OnePlus Watch 4 hardware is genuinely competitive. A 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 466×466 resolution delivers sharp visuals, and the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor paired with 2GB RAM should handle daily tasks without lag. The IP69 water and dust resistance rating means the watch can withstand demanding conditions. On paper, this is a solid mid-range smartwatch that should appeal to Android users seeking an alternative to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup.
The problem isn’t the hardware—it’s the software roadmap. The OnePlus Watch 3 already shipped with Wear OS 5. By launching the Watch 4 with the same OS, OnePlus is essentially asking loyal customers to upgrade for faster processors and a slightly better display while offering zero software advancement. In the smartwatch market, where Google has already released Wear OS 6, shipping a new flagship device on year-old software feels like a step backward, not forward.
OnePlus Watch 4 vs. the Competition’s Software Strategy
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra both launched with Wear OS 5, but Samsung has committed to multi-year software updates and proprietary One UI enhancements that add unique features beyond stock Wear OS. OnePlus, by contrast, is offering no visible software differentiation—just the base experience. The OnePlus Watch 4 will support Android 9.0 and above, giving it broad compatibility, but broad compatibility alone does not excuse stale software at launch.
Google’s Wear OS 6 brings meaningful improvements to performance and user experience. By the time the OnePlus Watch 4 reaches consumers, Wear OS 6 will likely be the standard expectation. OnePlus’s decision to ship Watch 4 with Wear OS 5 signals either supply chain constraints or a lack of priority for software readiness—neither of which inspires confidence in long-term support.
What the OnePlus Watch 4 Gets Right
The specs themselves are not the issue. A 646mAh battery in a watch this size is reasonable, and the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor ensures smooth performance for notifications, fitness tracking, and quick app launches. The device will ship in Evergreen Titanium and Black finishes, offering aesthetic variety. For users who care primarily about hardware durability and display quality, the Watch 4 delivers.
The problem is timing and expectation management. OnePlus positioned the Watch 4 as a flagship product worthy of the main brand, not a budget option. Flagship status demands latest software, or at minimum, a clear upgrade path. Shipping with yesterday’s OS, even on capable hardware, breaks that promise.
Should You Buy the OnePlus Watch 4?
If you own a Watch 3 and are considering an upgrade, the answer is no. The software is identical, and processor gains will feel marginal in daily use. If you’re new to OnePlus smartwatches and want a device with solid hardware at a reasonable price, the Watch 4 is worth considering—but only if you accept that software updates may lag behind competitors and that Wear OS 5 is your ceiling for the foreseeable future. For users expecting Wear OS 6 or proprietary software enhancements, look elsewhere.
Will the OnePlus Watch 4 get Wear OS 6?
OnePlus has not officially confirmed a Wear OS 6 update timeline. Given the company’s track record with smartwatch software support, users should assume the Watch 4 will receive updates eventually—but not immediately at launch. Do not buy this watch expecting day-one Wear OS 6 access.
How does the OnePlus Watch 4 battery compare to previous models?
The 646mAh battery is consistent with OnePlus’s smartwatch sizing strategy. Without specific battery life claims in the leaked specs, expect performance similar to the Watch 3 under typical use—likely 1-2 days of heavy use, longer with battery-saver modes enabled.
What makes the OnePlus Watch 4 different from Samsung smartwatches?
The OnePlus Watch 4 uses stock Wear OS 5 without Samsung‘s One UI customizations. This means a cleaner, less feature-rich experience compared to Galaxy Watch devices, which integrate tightly with Samsung’s ecosystem and offer proprietary health features. OnePlus prioritizes simplicity; Samsung prioritizes integration.
The OnePlus Watch 4 is a capable device held back by a software strategy that feels lazy. Hardware excellence means nothing if the software story stagnates. OnePlus had an opportunity to differentiate with Wear OS 6 or custom software features. Instead, it chose to repeat the previous generation’s approach. For a company claiming flagship status, that’s a missed opportunity that fans are right to resent.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: TechRadar
