Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Garmin Venu 3 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

OnePlus Watch 3 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Users seeking long battery life and durability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Garmin Venu 3
Ranked #4 in Best Smartwatches
Garmin Venu 3
$349.99as of Jul 6

The Garmin Venu 3 is a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in health tracking and fitness monitoring, according to Bandletic's review. It features impressive battery life, accurate sensors, and advanced sleep tracking capabilities. While it offers a sleek design and comfortable wear, reviewers noted limitations in third-party app support and the absence of an LTE version. This smartwatch is ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking accurate data and long battery performance, though those wanting extensive smart features may find it lacking.

Strengths
  • Impressive battery life (up to two weeks)
  • Accurate GPS and heart rate/HRV sensors
  • All-day health and sleep tracking, including nap detection and morning reports
Watch-outs
  • Limited third-party app selection and slow app downloads
  • No LTE version available
OnePlus Watch 3
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Smartwatches
OnePlus Watch 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

How they stack up

Garmin Venu 3

The Garmin Venu 3 offers unmatched battery life compared to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, but it lacks the app ecosystem and smart features of the Apple models. Unlike the OnePlus Watch 3, it doesn't have a large, high-resolution display or LTE support, and it's not as durable or water-resistant. It's a strong choice for health-focused users who prioritize long battery life over smart connectivity.

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

SpecGarmin Venu 3OnePlus Watch 3
Display1.4-inch AMOLED1.5 inches LTPO AMOLED
ProcessorS9 System in Package (SiP)Snapdragon W5 and BES2800 BP
Battery LifeUp to two weeksUp to 5-day battery life in Smart Mode
Water Resistance5 ATMIP68/5ATM
ConnectivityLTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Health FeaturesElevate V5 sensorheart rate, and temperature sensor
Weight47g (45mm)49.7g
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