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Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 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 Ultra 3 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). Apple Watch Ultra 3 is best for: Outdoor adventurers needing robust features. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Watch Ultra 3
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch Ultra 3
2 sources$649as of Oct 16

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings a larger LTPO3 display, 5G connectivity, and visible seconds to the wrist, making it well-suited for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart notes its enhanced battery life and cellular performance, while a YouTube reviewer found the screen improvements subtle in daily use. The device is ideal for those seeking a premium smartwatch with robust outdoor features, though it doesn't drastically outpace its predecessor in core functionality.

Strengths
  • — Larger LTPO3 display with improved off-angle viewing
  • — Seconds are visible on the screen without raising wrist, per Birchtree
  • — Enhanced battery life compared to previous models, per OutdoorGearLab
Watch-outs
  • — Sold in only one 49mm case size and one titanium configuration, unlike cheaper Apple Watch models
$649 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Oneplus Watch 2R
Ranked #5 in Best Smartwatches
Oneplus Watch 2R
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
Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a larger LTPO3 display and 5G connectivity, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't offer, but it lacks the advanced fitness metrics found in the Garmin Venu 4 and doesn't provide the same level of battery life as the OnePlus Watch 3. Compared to the Google Pixel Watch 4, it offers more comprehensive health tracking but lacks the built-in Gemini AI. The Apple Watch SE 3 provides better value with its updated design and speaker capabilities.

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

SpecApple Watch Ultra 3Oneplus Watch 2R
Display TypeLTPO3 OLEDAMOLED
Connectivity5GBluetooth
Water Resistance100m5ATM
OSWatchOS 26Wear OS 4 + RTOS
CompatibilityiOSAndroid 8.0 and up
MaterialTitaniumSilicone
BatteryBuilt-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery500mAh
Dimensions8.4 x 4.6 x 1.5 inches47.6 x 46.6 x 12.1mm
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