technology

Oneplus watch 4: leaked specs reveal a disappointing evolution

The OnePlus Watch 4 is shaping up to be a rather underwhelming update, according to a fresh leak from a Google Play Console listing. Forget the hype – initial specifications point to a near-identical experience to the 2023 Watch 3.

A familiar face, a minor tweak

Details emerging suggest a 466x466 resolution display, a Snapdragon Wear W5 chipset paired with 2GB of RAM, and a battery capacity edging towards 646 mAh. While the specs aren’t revolutionary, they align closely with last year’s model, effectively representing a cosmetic refresh rather than a substantial leap forward. It’s a noticeable absence of genuinely new features that’s raising eyebrows.

XpertPick spotted the listing alongside an image showcasing a silver variant with a green band – a darker gray option with a blue strap was also observed in retail units. The ‘Evergreen Titanium’ moniker is already attached to the darker design, hinting at a subtle branding shift.

The battery question remains

The battery question remains

One area of concern is the reported reduction in battery capacity. The Watch 4 is rumored to feature a 2 mAh smaller cell, despite the overall design remaining largely unchanged. While a minor difference, it’s unlikely to translate into a significant improvement in real-world usage, and could be a frustratingly familiar experience for existing Watch 3 owners.

The leaked information also points to a potential UK, EU, and Polish launch, though a global debut is anticipated. Pricing remains undisclosed, but analysts are cautiously optimistic that a competitive price point – significantly lower than the Watch 3 – could be the only way for OnePlus to justify this incremental update. Frankly, it needs to be a compelling value proposition to offset the perceived lack of innovation.

A calculated gamble?

A calculated gamble?

Let's be blunt: the Watch 4 feels like a calculated gamble. Without a substantial upgrade in functionality or a dramatically lower price, it risks being seen as little more than a rebranded iteration. The onus is now squarely on OnePlus to deliver a compelling reason to upgrade, and right now, that justification is painfully thin.