The smartwatch market is crowded, but occasionally, a device demands attention. The OnePlus Watch 3 is one such contender. With its promise of improved health tracking, refined design, and seamless ecosystem integration, it seems like a strong option for tech-savvy users and fitness enthusiasts. But is it the perfect smartwatch for you? Let’s dive into this review and find out.
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
Premium Looks, Rugged Durability
The OnePlus Watch 3 grabs attention right out of the box with its premium materials. The titanium alloy bezel and sapphire crystal face scream sophistication, while the lightweight design ensures comfort for all-day wear.
- Display: The 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED screen is not just bigger but also brighter, offering exceptional visibility at 2,200 nits.
- Build Quality: Military-grade durability standards mean this watch is ready for any adventure.
- Strap Options: From sporty silicone to elegant leather, there’s something for everyone.
Personal Take: The watch feels great on the wrist—sleek yet robust. However, it might look a bit bulky on smaller wrists.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 2,200 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 |
| OS | Wear OS with OnePlus UI |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 days |
| Charging | Warp Charge (1 day in 15 min) |
| Durability | 5ATM, IP68 |
| Health Features | Heart rate, SpO2, sleep tracking |
| Workout Modes | 110+ |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, GPS |
| Price | $299 |
Features and Performance: A Mixed Bag?
Does It Deliver on Power?
Under the hood, the OnePlus Watch 3 boasts impressive specs, including a Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset and Wear OS with a custom UI.
- Battery Life: While advertised as lasting up to 10 days, I found it lasted about 7 days with regular use, which is still impressive.
- Fast Charging: Warp Charge delivers on its promise—15 minutes for a day’s power.
- Smooth Navigation: The rotating crown is a welcome addition, making navigation seamless, though it’s not essential for touch-savvy users.
Personal Take: The watch is snappy and responsive, but the lack of a vast app ecosystem holds it back from being a true smartwatch powerhouse.
Health and Fitness Tracking: A Standout Feature
The health tracking capabilities of the OnePlus Watch 3 are where it truly shines. With advanced sensors, it offers detailed insights into your wellness.
- Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitoring: Both are highly accurate and consistent.
- Sleep Tracking: The data feels actionable, with detailed breakdowns that help improve sleep quality.
- Workout Modes: The 110+ modes ensure there’s something for everyone, from casual walkers to HIIT enthusiasts.
- GPS Accuracy: The dual-frequency GPS is a game-changer for outdoor runners.
Real-World Story: I tested the running mode on a trail, and the GPS was spot-on, even under dense tree cover. However, swimming tracking wasn’t as accurate.
Connectivity and Ecosystem Integration
Staying Connected Made Easy
The OnePlus Watch 3 integrates beautifully with the OnePlus ecosystem, making it a breeze for existing OnePlus users.
- Bluetooth Calling: Clear and reliable.
- Music Control: Syncing playlists is easy, though offline Spotify support is missing.
- Smart Notifications: Handy but could use more customization options.
Personal Take: While the ecosystem integration is seamless, the smartwatch’s limited app compatibility compared to competitors like the Galaxy Watch 6 is a drawback.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning AMOLED display | Limited app ecosystem |
| Excellent battery life | Slightly bulky for small wrists |
| Comprehensive health tracking | Premium price point |
| Fast charging capabilities | No LTE variant available |
FAQs
What is the price of the OnePlus Watch 3? A: The price starts at $299, varying by region.
Is the OnePlus Watch 3 compatible with iPhones? A: Yes, it supports iOS devices through the Wear OS app.
Does the OnePlus Watch 3 support third-party apps? A: It offers limited support via Wear OS, but app options are fewer than competitors.
Can I swim with the OnePlus Watch 3? A: Yes, it’s 5ATM and IP68 rated, making it suitable for swimming.
Is the OnePlus Watch 3 Worth It?
The OnePlus Watch 3 is a polished smartwatch that gets many things right—a stunning design, long-lasting battery, and robust health tracking features. However, it’s held back by its limited app ecosystem and slightly premium pricing.
If you’re already in the OnePlus ecosystem or value battery life and fitness features above all, this watch is a solid choice. For others, it’s worth considering alternatives like the Galaxy Watch 6 or Fitbit Sense 2.
Ready to leap? Explore the OnePlus Watch 3 today and redefine your wearable experience!
I am confused –
“Does the OnePlus Watch 3 support third-party apps? A: It offers limited support via Wear OS, but app options are fewer than competitors.” —> only the apple store has a better app options and that is locked to iPhone so not an option for android users – so which of its competitors – garmin, huawei, amazfit, suunto, polar and coros offer a better app store than wear os?
My understanding is that you are either running full wear os or you can switch into their own operating system – switch back and forth as much as you want – and yes when in their own os you are limited as can’t run wear os apps, but if running wear os at the time there is not impact to wear os eco system – or am I wrong about it?
When running Wear OS, the OnePlus Watch 3 has a better app store (Google Play Store) than Garmin, Huawei, Amazfit, Suunto, Polar, and Coros. These competitors have smaller, less diverse app selections focused on their specific strengths (fitness, sports). Your understanding of the OnePlus Watch 3’s dual OS (full Wear OS and a proprietary OS with limited apps) and the impact on the Wear OS ecosystem is largely correct.