Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Oneplus Watch 2R

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple Watch SE 3 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). Apple Watch SE 3 is best for: Budget-conscious users wanting Apple ecosystem. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch SE 3

4.4

1 source$219as of Oct 14

The Apple Watch SE 3 represents the most improved iteration since the last generation, offering a compelling balance of affordability and functionality. It features an Always-On Retina display, S10 chip, and enhanced speaker capabilities while maintaining the older design aesthetic. While it lacks some advanced health metrics found in higher-tier models, it provides solid performance and is recommended as the go-to option for most users seeking an Apple Watch.

Strengths

— Features Always-On Retina display with 1000 nits brightness and 2 nits dimming capability, per AppleInsider
— Includes media playback speakers with adjustable volume for on-wrist audio
— Utilizes strengthened Ion-X glass that is 4X crack-resistant compared to previous generation, according to Cult of Mac

Watch-outs

— Design retains 2018 facelift with thicker bezels and outdated body profile, per Wareable
— Limited color options with only Midnight and Starlight available

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Ranked #5 in Best Smartwatches

Oneplus Watch 2R

4.3

2 sources

The OnePlus Watch 2R offers a sporty design with a comfortable silicone band and solid fitness tracking capabilities. Reviewers noted its integration with smartphone data for steps, heart rate, and O2 levels, along with built-in apps for stress measurement and sleep monitoring. However, it lacks cellular connectivity and has a screen timer that frequently turns off the display, which may impact usability.

Strengths

— Built-in stress level measurement app
— Integration with smartphone for steps, heart rate, and O2 levels
— Sleep quality monitoring feature

Watch-outs

— CNET found the watch too large for people with small wrists.
— No built-in 4G or 5G connectivity

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How they stack up

Apple Watch SE 3

The Apple Watch SE 3 offers an updated design and Always-On Retina display, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't match, but it lacks the advanced health features of the Garmin Venu 4 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. While it provides better value than the Apple Watch Series 11, it doesn't offer the same level of smart features as the OnePlus Watch 3 or Xiaomi Watch 5. The Google Pixel Watch 4 offers more battery life but lacks the ecosystem integration that the SE 3 provides.

Oneplus Watch 2R

The OnePlus Watch 2R provides stress level measurement and sleep monitoring, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't offer, but it lacks cellular connectivity and the advanced fitness metrics found in the Garmin Venu 4 and OnePlus Watch 3. Compared to the Xiaomi Watch 5, it lacks Wear OS 6 integration and smart features, and unlike the Apple Watch SE 3, it doesn't provide speaker capabilities or updated design elements.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Apple Watch SE 3	Oneplus Watch 2R
Display Type	LTPO OLED	AMOLED
Connectivity	5G	Bluetooth
OS	watchOS 26	Wear OS 4 + RTOS
Compatibility	iPhone	Android 8.0 and up
Material	100% recycled aluminum	Silicone
Water Resistance	50m (swimproof)	5ATM
Battery	Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery	500mAh
Dimensions	9.4 x 3 x 1.2 inches	47.6 x 46.6 x 12.1mm

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