OnePlus Watch 4: Incremental Upgrade or a Sign of Stagnation in the Smartwatch Market?
The upcoming OnePlus Watch 4 is generating buzz, but early leaks suggest a cautious approach from the Chinese manufacturer. Rather than a revolutionary leap forward, the watch appears to be focusing on refinement. This raises a broader question: are we entering a phase of incremental updates in the smartwatch space, or is true innovation still on the horizon?
What the Leaks Tell Us
Tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore recently spotted the OnePlus Watch 4 in the EMVCo database, a key step towards launch, indicating contactless payment support. Two model numbers, XL905 and XL907, suggest the possibility of different variants, potentially differing sizes or minor feature adjustments.
Still, the core specifications paint a picture of familiarity. The watch is expected to retain the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, first introduced in 2022. While a reliable chip, it’s been superseded by the newer W5 Gen 2 series, announced in August 2025. This decision suggests OnePlus is prioritizing stability and power efficiency over raw performance gains.
Display and Battery: Staying the Course
The display is also expected to remain largely unchanged – a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 466×466 resolution. A slightly larger 47mm case size is rumored, but the overall visual experience is likely to be similar to the OnePlus Watch 3.
Battery capacity is pegged at 646mAh, a modest increase from the 631mAh cell in the previous model. While any improvement is welcome, it’s unlikely to translate into a dramatic boost in battery life. The OnePlus Watch 3 already offered four to six days of usage on a single charge, so expectations should be tempered.
Durability Takes Center Stage
One area where the OnePlus Watch 4 could potentially stand out is durability. Leaks point to an IP69 rating, offering enhanced resistance to dust and high-pressure water jets compared to the more common IP68 rating. This could be a significant selling point for users who lead active lifestyles.
Pro Tip: An IP69 rating doesn’t mean the watch is indestructible, but it offers a higher level of protection against harsh environmental conditions.
Software: Wear OS 5 or 6?
The software situation is currently unclear. Some reports suggest Wear OS 5, while the EMVCo certification listing hints at Wear OS 6. Given the timing, Wear OS 6 seems more probable, offering access to the latest features and improvements from Google.
The Broader Trend: Incrementalism in Smartwatches
The OnePlus Watch 4’s expected specifications reflect a wider trend in the smartwatch market. After years of rapid innovation, the pace of change has slowed. Major breakthroughs in battery technology or sensor capabilities are proving difficult to achieve.
Manufacturers are now focusing on refining existing features, improving software experiences, and differentiating their products through design and durability. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A polished and reliable smartwatch experience can be just as valuable as cutting-edge technology.
Did you grasp? The global smartwatch market is projected to continue growing, but at a slower rate than in previous years, indicating a shift towards maturity.
FAQ
Q: Will the OnePlus Watch 4 have significantly better battery life?
A: The battery capacity is slightly larger, but the overall improvement in battery life is expected to be modest.
Q: What is the IP69 rating?
A: IP69 indicates a higher level of protection against dust and high-pressure water jets compared to IP68.
Q: Which operating system will the OnePlus Watch 4 run?
A: It’s likely to run Wear OS 6, but there’s some conflicting information suggesting Wear OS 5.
Q: Are there multiple versions of the OnePlus Watch 4?
A: The presence of two model numbers (XL905 and XL907) suggests the possibility of different variants.
Explore more about the latest wearable technology on Android Central and Gizmochina.
What are your thoughts on the OnePlus Watch 4? Share your expectations in the comments below!