← Back to Smartwatches
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Instinct 2X Solar vs OnePlus Watch 2
The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is the better buy for most people - its unlimited battery life crushes the OnePlus Watch 2's 100-hour limit. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, the rugged design and military-grade durability of the Garmin make it worth the investment. In real-world use, Garmin's smartwatch mode can potentially last up to 40 days with solar charging, meaning you can wear it on extended trips without worrying about charging. On the flip side, the OnePlus Watch 2 shines with its vibrant AMOLED display at 466 x 466 pixels, making it visually stunning for daily wear, but it lacks the solar capabilities of its competitor.
⚖️ Weight: 2.36 oz vs 1.73 oz💽 Storage: 64 GB vs 32 GB🏷️ Water Resistance: 100 meters vs 50 meters
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7
(2,562)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
Check Amazon Price→
OnePlus Watch 2
★4.6
(538)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 8.0+ only (requires GMS 23.45.23+); iOS and Android Go edition NOT supported
Operating System:Wear OS 4 + RTOS (Dual-Engine Architecture)
Case Size:47mm (47.0 x 46.6 x 12.1 mm / 1.85 x 1.83 x 0.47 in)
Case Material:Chassis: Stainless steel; Bottom: Plastic (PC/PC+glass fiber); Cover: 2.5D Sapphire Crystal
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
OnePlus Watch 2
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
OnePlus Watch 2
1.43 in (3.63 cm)
Resolution
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
176 x 176 pixels
OnePlus Watch 2
466 x 466 pixels (326 ppi); 600 nits default brightness
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)Winner
OnePlus Watch 2
32 GB ROM + 2 GB RAM (Approx. 4GB reserved for RTOS)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
OnePlus Watch 2
500 mAh; Up to 100 hours (Smart Mode); Up to 48 hours (Heavy Use); Up to 12 days (Power Saver Mode)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
67 g (2.4 oz)
OnePlus Watch 2
49 g (Watch only) / 80 g (with Fluororubber strap)Winner
Water Resistance
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
OnePlus Watch 2
5 ATM (50 m) + IP68 (1.5m for 30 min)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Garmin OS
OnePlus Watch 2
Wear OS 4 + RTOS (Dual-Engine Architecture)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Bluetooth, ANT+
OnePlus Watch 2
Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin Instinct 2X Solar vs OnePlus Watch 2
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7(2,562)Amazon
OnePlus Watch 2
★4.6(538)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Instinct 2X Solar | OnePlus Watch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(2,562)Amazon | ★4.6(538)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app) | Android 8.0+ only (requires GMS 23.45.23+); iOS and Android Go edition NOT supported |
Operating System | Garmin OS | Wear OS 4 + RTOS (Dual-Engine Architecture) |
Case Size | 50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) | 47mm (47.0 x 46.6 x 12.1 mm / 1.85 x 1.83 x 0.47 in) |
Case Material | Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone | Chassis: Stainless steel; Bottom: Plastic (PC/PC+glass fiber); Cover: 2.5D Sapphire Crystal |
Display Type | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | AMOLED touchscreen |
Display Size | Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm) | 1.43 in (3.63 cm) |
Resolution | 176 x 176 pixels | 466 x 466 pixels (326 ppi); 600 nits default brightness |
Always On Display | Yes (MIP technology) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 5 ATM (50 m) + IP68 (1.5m for 30 min) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) | MIL-STD-810H certified; Sapphire crystal face; Operating temp: -20°C to 55°C |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Dual-frequency L1 + L5; Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n) |
NFC Payments | Yes (Garmin Pay) | Yes (Google Wallet) |
Sensors | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer | Optical heart rate; optical pulse oximeter (SpO2); accelerometer; gyroscope; geomagnetic sensor; light sensor; barometer |
Health Features | Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot | Sleep tracking (stages, score, snoring risk); OHealth breathing training; stress monitoring; heart rate (high/low alerts, resting); blood oxygen (SpO2) |
Workout Modes | Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition) | 100+ sports modes; 6 auto-detection modes (running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, elliptical); professional analysis for running, tennis, skiing |
Storage | 64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage) | 32 GB ROM + 2 GB RAM (Approx. 4GB reserved for RTOS) |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | Yes (Built-in speaker and microphone) |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android) | Yes (Bluetooth calling supported in Smart and Power Saver modes) |
Battery | Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*) | 500 mAh; Up to 100 hours (Smart Mode); Up to 48 hours (Heavy Use); Up to 12 days (Power Saver Mode) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging | VOOC Fast Charging (7.5W); 100% in 60 mins; 1 day power in 10 mins |
Weight | 67 g (2.4 oz) | 49 g (Watch only) / 80 g (with Fluororubber strap) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible | Fits wrist sizes 140–210 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection | Dual-Engine architecture (Snapdragon W5 + BES2700); Google Play Store; Google Maps; Google Assistant; Flashlight; Compass; Media controls |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Rating:★4.7(2,562)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Display Size:Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Resolution:176 x 176 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
GPS:Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+
NFC Payments:Yes (Garmin Pay)
Sensors:Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition)
Storage:64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android)
Battery:Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:67 g (2.4 oz)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Integrated LED flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility
- • Potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode (3 hours sun/day)
- • Multi-band GNSS provides superior accuracy in challenging environments
- • Extremely durable construction (MIL-STD-810) and 10 ATM rating
- • High-contrast monochrome display is perfectly legible in direct sunlight
✗ Cons:
- • Monochrome, low-resolution screen lacks the detail of AMOLED or color MIP
- • No topographic maps (breadcrumb trails only)
- • No onboard music storage (controls phone music only)
- • Large 50mm case size is bulky and may not fit smaller wrists well
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
OnePlus Watch 2
Rating:★4.6(538)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 8.0+ only (requires GMS 23.45.23+); iOS and Android Go edition NOT supported
Operating System:Wear OS 4 + RTOS (Dual-Engine Architecture)
Case Size:47mm (47.0 x 46.6 x 12.1 mm / 1.85 x 1.83 x 0.47 in)
Case Material:Chassis: Stainless steel; Bottom: Plastic (PC/PC+glass fiber); Cover: 2.5D Sapphire Crystal
Display Type:AMOLED touchscreen
Display Size:1.43 in (3.63 cm)
Resolution:466 x 466 pixels (326 ppi); 600 nits default brightness
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:5 ATM (50 m) + IP68 (1.5m for 30 min)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H certified; Sapphire crystal face; Operating temp: -20°C to 55°C
GPS:Dual-frequency L1 + L5; Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n)
NFC Payments:Yes (Google Wallet)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; optical pulse oximeter (SpO2); accelerometer; gyroscope; geomagnetic sensor; light sensor; barometer
Health Features:Sleep tracking (stages, score, snoring risk); OHealth breathing training; stress monitoring; heart rate (high/low alerts, resting); blood oxygen (SpO2)
Workout Modes:100+ sports modes; 6 auto-detection modes (running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, elliptical); professional analysis for running, tennis, skiing
Storage:32 GB ROM + 2 GB RAM (Approx. 4GB reserved for RTOS)
Speaker Mic:Yes (Built-in speaker and microphone)
Calls:Yes (Bluetooth calling supported in Smart and Power Saver modes)
Battery:500 mAh; Up to 100 hours (Smart Mode); Up to 48 hours (Heavy Use); Up to 12 days (Power Saver Mode)
Charging:VOOC Fast Charging (7.5W); 100% in 60 mins; 1 day power in 10 mins
Weight:49 g (Watch only) / 80 g (with Fluororubber strap)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 140–210 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Dual-Engine architecture (Snapdragon W5 + BES2700); Google Play Store; Google Maps; Google Assistant; Flashlight; Compass; Media controls
✓ Pros:
- • Groundbreaking 100-hour battery life for a full-featured Wear OS watch
- • Premium build with stainless steel chassis and sapphire crystal standard
- • Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) ensures high accuracy in urban environments
- • Fast charging provides a full day's power in just 10 minutes
- • Fluid performance via Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor
✗ Cons:
- • Available in only one large size (47mm), which may not fit small wrists
- • No LTE/Cellular option available
- • Strictly incompatible with iOS (iPhone)
- • Crown rotates but does not function for scrolling menus
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is the better buy for most people - its unlimited battery life crushes the OnePlus Watch 2's 100 hours. That said, grab the OnePlus Watch 2 if you want a lighter option with an AMOLED display - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar if: you need unlimited battery life for long hikes, you want rugged durability for extreme sports, or you value advanced GPS features. (2.36 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Choose the OnePlus Watch 2 if: you prefer a sleek design with an AMOLED display, you want faster charging for daily use, or you enjoy Bluetooth calling features. (1.73 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar excels if you value integrated led flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility. OnePlus Watch 2 is better if you prioritize groundbreaking 100-hour battery life for a full-featured wear os watch. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.