The tech world is getting its first clear look at the OnePlus Watch 4, and while the “new” wearable is officially on the horizon, the initial details suggest a strategy of refinement rather than revolution. Recent leaks from industry insiders, combined with new regulatory certifications, paint a picture of a device that leans heavily on its predecessor’s foundation while making a few strategic adjustments.
Underwhelming Internal Upgrades
According to data shared by leaker Sudhanshu Ambhore, the OnePlus Watch 4 may not offer the performance leap many fans were hoping for. The device is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1. While this is a capable chipset featuring four Cortex A53 cores, it is a component from 2023. Given that the W5 Gen 2 is already available on the market, OnePlus’s decision to stick with the older silicon suggests a focus on cost-efficiency over raw power.
Similarly, the battery capacity appears to be holding steady. Reports indicate a 646-mAh cell, which is identical to the previous generation. This implies that any improvements in battery life will have to come from software optimization rather than hardware expansion.
Subtle Design Shifts and Display Consistency
On the surface, the OnePlus Watch 4 will look very familiar. It is rumored to sport a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 resolution—specs that mirror the OnePlus Watch 3 exactly. However, there is a slight change in the physical footprint; the watch case has reportedly grown by one millimeter to 47 mm. Since the screen size remains the same, this suggests the new model may feature slightly thicker bezels or a more robust outer casing.
Improved Durability for Outdoor Use
One area where the Watch 4 is set to outperform its predecessor is environmental resistance. The leaks point to an upgrade from an IP68 rating to IP69. This change is significant for active users, as an IP69 rating indicates the device can withstand not just submersion, but also high-pressure and high-temperature water jets, making it one of the more rugged mainstream smartwatches available.
The Mystery of the Dual Variants
Perhaps the most interesting discovery comes from the EMVCo regulatory database. Listings have appeared for two distinct model numbers: XL905 and XL907. This has sparked speculation that OnePlus might be planning a multi-tiered launch. This could manifest as a “Pro” and “Standard” model, or perhaps a variant specifically designed with LTE/cellular connectivity.
Software: A Jump to WearOS 6?
There is some conflicting information regarding the operating system. While some rumors suggested the watch would launch with WearOS 5.0, the EMVCo documentation specifically mentions WearOS 6.0. With WearOS 6 being based on Android 16, this would ensure the OnePlus Watch 4 launches with the most modern software ecosystem available, providing a much-needed silver lining to the otherwise modest hardware updates.
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