REVIEW: OnePlus Watch 3

The OnePlus Watch 3 follows in the footsteps of the Watch 2, which set a new standard for battery life on a Wear OS smartwatch. This time, OnePlus is doubling down on health-tracking features while refining the software and hardware experience. But does it stand out against competitors like the Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7? After spending a few weeks with it, here’s my take.

Design & Build Quality

The OnePlus Watch 3 sticks closely to its predecessor’s design philosophy. Available in two finishes—Obsidian Titanium and Emerald Titanium,—it pairs a stainless steel case with a refined titanium bezel.

The 1.50″ LTPO AMOLED display is a step up from the previous 1.43″ panel, offering improved brightness (up to 2,200 nits) and excellent scratch protection thanks to its Sapphire crystal coating.

One of the key design changes is the new, more prominent rotating crown, which improves navigation. the lower function button also houses ECG electrodes, a new addition to the Watch 3’s health-tracking features. However, those hoping for a smaller case option might be disappointed, as OnePlus sticks to a single size.

While the watch is not explicitly marketed as rugged, it meets military durability standards and carries IP68 and 5ATM water resistance ratings, making it suitable for swimming and outdoor activities.

OS Software

OnePlus keeps its dual-chip approach, combining the Snapdragon W5 processor with a new BES2800BP co-processor to balance performance and power efficiency. This setup allows the watch to switch between chips based on the task at hand, helping extend battery life.

The Watch 3 runs Google’s Wear OS 5.0, bringing better app performance and power efficiency. Google’s apps, such as Maps and Wallet, feel more polished, and you can now sync navigation and store boarding passes on your wrist. Notifications are well-optimised, pulling in images and maintaining readability.

OnePlus adds its own custom features, including video watch faces and a controller for YouTube, TikTok, and the camera app—though these are exclusive to OnePlus phone users. While Google Play Store access ensures a strong app ecosystem, the lack of eSIM support means you’ll always need your phone nearby for connectivity.

OHealth App Usability & Features

Health tracking sees some notable upgrades, with an improved sensor array that now includes an ECG analyser and a vascular health check.

ECG readings are taken by pressing the lower button, providing insights into heart rhythm irregularities, though availability depends on regulatory approval in different regions.

The Watch 3 also introduces better dual-frequency GPS for improved outdoor tracking which, from our testing, definitely seemed to be more accurate than the likes of the Pixel Watch 3.

Sports tracking is extensive, covering a variety of workouts, including automatic recognition for running, walking, rowing, cycling, and swimming. Tennis players will appreciate a dedicated mode to track stroke patterns.

Heart rate tracking remains a mixed bag. While fine for daily use and low-intensity workouts, the watch struggles with accuracy during high-intensity activities, frequently underreporting peak heart rates. Sleep tracking, however, is solid, offering detailed insights comparable to Samsung Galaxy Ring readings.

Battery Life

OnePlus has expanded battery capacity from 500mAh to 613mAh, promising up to 5 days of use in ‘smart’ mode—one more than the Watch 2. Heavy usage (always-on display and frequent tracking) still gives around 3-4 days, which is impressive compared to the single-day battery life of the Pixel Watch 3.

A full charge takes just over an hour, and VOOC fast charging delivers a full day’s battery life in 10 minutes. Even with GPS usage, the battery drain remains minimal, making this one of the best-performing Wear OS watches in terms of longevity.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Watch 3 refines what made its predecessor great, offering strong battery life, an improved display, and additional health features. However, it still falls slightly short in fitness tracking accuracy and lacks eSIM support, which some users may find limiting.

If you prioritise battery life and a polished Wear OS experience, this is one of the best smartwatches out there. However, with its price increase, it competes directly with the Galaxy Watch 7.

OnePlus Watch 3 Pricing & Availability

The OnePlus Watch 3 will be available in Ireland from April, with an RRP of €349, directly from OnePlus’s online store.