Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

OnePlus Watch 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

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 (4.3 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Users seeking long battery life and durability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #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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Ranked #5 in Best Smartwatches

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

4.2

$334.99as of Jul 6

PCMag's Andrew Gebhart praised the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic for its elegant design and high-quality tactile elements, particularly the rotating bezel and smooth One UI Watch interface. However, multiple reviewers including Andy Boxall and a Reddit user noted significant comfort issues due to its disproportionate shape and awkward fit, with one reviewer stating it failed to become part of the wrist and was practically impossible to wear comfortably all day. The watch's large size and weight make it unsuitable for overnight sleep tracking, and while battery life is solid, the overall comfort and ergonomics remain major drawbacks for many users.

Strengths

— Polished finishing with silver-and-white color scheme that is striking yet classy
— Rotating bezel provides tactile joy with perfectly dampened clicks
— One UI Watch is smooth, slick, and fast to respond

Watch-outs

— Uncomfortable fit due to short and low lugs, flat case back, and tall bezel making it feel like an obstinate wart on the wrist
— Large dimensions make it annoying under cuffs and difficult to wear overnight for sleep tracking

$334.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

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.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic stands out with its rotating bezel and elegant design, but it's significantly less comfortable than the OnePlus Watch 3, which offers a better fit despite similar size. Unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it lacks ruggedization and outdoor-specific features, and while it has a polished UI, it doesn't match the Apple Watch Series 11 in terms of performance and health tracking capabilities.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	OnePlus Watch 3	Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display	1.5 inches LTPO AMOLED	1.9-inch Super AMOLED
Processor	Snapdragon W5 and BES2800 BP	Exynos W940
Battery Life	Up to 5-day battery life in Smart Mode	two to three days
Water Resistance	IP68/5ATM	5ATM
Connectivity	Bluetooth and Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Health Features	heart rate, and temperature sensor	heart rate, and temperature sensor
Weight	49.7g	49.7g

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