Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs OnePlus Watch 3

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

The short answer

Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Outdoor adventurers needing rugged smartwatch — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 2

4.4

$729.96as of Jul 6

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, featuring rugged construction with MIL-STD 810H certification. PCMag's Angela Moscaritolo praised its brighter display and enhanced durability, while reviewer Jamie Balfour highlighted the innovative Action Button and flat display design. The device offers dual-frequency GPS and emergency siren capabilities, making it ideal for extreme conditions. However, its premium pricing and limited band options may deter casual users. This watch is best suited for active individuals who need a durable smartwatch for adventure sports rather than general daily use.

Strengths

— MIL-STD 810H certified for rugged durability
— Flat display design for enhanced protection
— Action Button offers customizable functionality and emergency siren

Watch-outs

— Premium price point
— Limited band selection and design
— Not suitable for everyday casual wear

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Ranked #3 in Best Smartwatches

OnePlus Watch 3

4.3

The OnePlus Watch 3 delivers exceptional battery life with its 500 mAh capacity and dual-engine architecture, making it one of the most reliable Wear OS smartwatches. CNET praised its impressive endurance, while GSMArena highlighted its durable design with MIL-STD-810H certification and IP68 rating. The 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers excellent brightness and resolution. However, reviewers noted the charging cradle's alignment requirements and subpar audio quality during calls. This watch is ideal for users seeking long battery life and robust build quality, though those wanting eSIM functionality or better call quality should consider alternatives.

Strengths

— Impressive battery life with 23% increase in capacity to 500 mAh
— Durable build with MIL-STD-810H certification and IP68/5ATM ratings
— Large 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 466x466px resolution and 2,200 nits brightness

Watch-outs

— Charging cradle requires precise alignment
— Sound quality during calls is tinny with average microphone performance
— No eSIM support despite Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity

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How they stack up

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built for extreme conditions and outdoor use, unlike the Apple Watch Series 11, which is more suited for daily wear. Compared to the Garmin Venu 3, it offers better integration with the Apple ecosystem and more advanced GPS capabilities, though it lacks the long battery life of the Garmin. It's not ideal for casual wear due to its premium price and limited band options, but it excels in ruggedness and emergency features.

OnePlus Watch 3

The OnePlus Watch 3 excels in battery life and durability, surpassing the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE in both areas, but it lacks the advanced health sensors and app ecosystem of Apple's offerings. Compared to the Garmin Venu 3, it offers better display resolution and a more comfortable fit, though it doesn't match the Garmin's sleep tracking or third-party app support. It's a strong contender for users who prioritize endurance and build quality over smart features.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Apple Watch Ultra 2	OnePlus Watch 3
Display	Flat	1.5 inches LTPO AMOLED
Processor	S9 System in Package (SiP)	Snapdragon W5 and BES2800 BP
Battery Life	Up to 36 hours of normal use	Up to 5-day battery life in Smart Mode
Water Resistance	100 meters	IP68/5ATM
Connectivity	LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Health Features	ECG, heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygen saturation	heart rate, and temperature sensor
Weight	61.4g	49.7g

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