The OnePlus Watch 3 has made its mark as one of the best Wear OS smartwatches available on the market. With a focus on improving battery life and introducing new health features, this smartwatch offers a sleek and seamless user experience. However, the higher price point compared to its predecessor may be a deterrent for some potential buyers.
Design & Build:
The OnePlus Watch 3 maintains a similar design to its predecessor, the Watch 2, with options for either a silver or black titanium bezel. The addition of ECG electrodes to the physical button adds a new dimension to the health monitoring capabilities of the watch. The overall design is well-crafted and durable, meeting military standards for toughness and boasting IP68 and 5ATM ratings for waterproofing.
Screen & Audio:
The Watch 3 features a larger 1.50-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466, covered in Sapphire crystal for scratch protection. The display offers vibrant colors and a peak brightness of 2,200 nits, a significant improvement over its predecessor. Bluetooth calling is supported, but LTE connectivity is not available.
Software & Features:
Powered by Wear OS 5.0, the Watch 3 uses a combination of Snapdragon W5 and BES2800BP processors for optimal performance. The addition of video watch faces and NFC for contactless payments enhances the user experience. Google’s Wear OS upgrade brings improvements in performance and app integration, making the overall software experience more refined.
Fitness & Tracking:
The Watch 3 excels in health and fitness tracking, with features such as an ECG analyzer, vascular health monitoring, and a temperature sensor. The dual-frequency GPS support has been improved, although some issues with accuracy were noted during testing. A wide range of sports profiles and automatic workout recognition make it a versatile fitness companion.
Battery Life & Charging:
One of the standout features of the Watch 3 is its impressive battery life, offering up to 5 days in smart mode and 3 days in heavy mode. The inclusion of VOOC fast charging allows for a day’s worth of usage from just a 10-minute charge. The battery performance is a significant improvement over the Watch 2, providing a reliable and long-lasting experience.
Price & Availability:
The OnePlus Watch 3 launched at £319 in the UK, slightly higher than its predecessor. In the US, the Watch 3 is priced at $499.99, significantly higher than the expected price due to tariffs. While the Watch 3 offers strong competition in the smartwatch market, the higher price may deter some potential buyers.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a well-rounded smartwatch with impressive features and performance. Despite the higher price point, it remains a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich Wear OS smartwatch.
