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.
Full review
Battery Life and Power
OnePlus Watch 3 delivers exceptional battery performance, particularly in its 46mm variant with 631mAh capacity. TechRadar's review confirmed that the larger model can easily exceed five days of usage in standard mode, with some reviewers noting up to two weeks in power-saving mode. However, the 43mm version with 354mAh battery capacity struggles significantly, offering only about two days of use with always-on display active. The dual-processor architecture using Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and a secondary RTOS processor is designed to extend battery life, but this benefit is diminished in the smaller model. RTINGS tested the 43mm version and found that even with power-saving features enabled, the 354mAh battery required frequent charging, especially with continuous fitness tracking and sleep monitoring active. The battery performance is a key differentiator from competitors like the Pixel Watch 3, which offers better battery life despite its smaller form factor.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus Watch 3 features a robust stainless steel case with brushed titanium dial, available in Obsidian Titanium (black) and Emerald Titanium (green) finishes. The asymmetric design with prominent lugs creates a distinctive profile that sets it apart from typical Wear OS smartwatches. GSMArena's reviewer noted the watch's substantial weight at 49.7g, which adds to its premium feel but may be off-putting for those preferring lighter wearables. The 46mm model measures 46.6mm wide with a 53mm lug-to-lug distance, making it notably large compared to competitors like Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm) or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (45mm). The 43mm variant is more compact but loses the titanium bezel and sapphire crystal in favor of 2.5D glass. Mark Ellis Reviews highlighted that the watch's build quality is solid, with MIL-STD-810H certification for durability testing including temperature shock, vibration, and immersion. However, the glossy bezel of the 43mm model makes it look less premium than the original's brushed titanium finish.
Display and Interface
The OnePlus Watch 3 features a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 466x466px resolution, offering 2,200 nits peak brightness compared to the 1.43-inch display of the previous model. This represents a significant upgrade in visual quality, with RTINGS measuring 1,800 nits brightness at full power. The display is scratch-resistant with sapphire crystal on the 46mm model, though the 43mm version uses 2.5D glass. Android Faithful's reviewer noted that the 1.32-inch display on the 43mm model is still sharp but smaller than the 46mm version. The rotatable crown provides precise navigation with quality haptics, and the interface runs Wear OS 5 with OnePlus's custom oHealth app. The Always-On Display (AOD) feature works well with color indication, though it drains battery significantly. The watch faces are extensive, with support for third-party apps like Facer and Pujie, though the oHealth app remains the primary fitness tracking interface.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the OnePlus Watch 3's battery life, with CNET calling it 'the best battery life of any Android smartwatch' and aBlogtoWatch noting it can exceed five days in standard mode. The dual-processor architecture is widely appreciated for its efficiency, with Mark Ellis Reviews highlighting how it allows for extended usage without frequent charging. The comfort and fit are also frequently mentioned, with Android Faithful's reviewer stating it's 'the most comfortable big smartwatch' they've tried, and aBlogtoWatch noting it wears well even on smaller wrists. The build quality and premium materials are also lauded, with GSMArena praising the 'stunner' design and MIL-STD-810H certification. The watch's ability to handle complex fitness tracking without compromising performance is another major positive, with RTINGS noting it handles continuous heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking well. The 46mm model's screen quality and brightness are also highlighted as significant improvements over previous models.
Where It Falls Short
The OnePlus Watch 3 has several notable shortcomings that reviewers have pointed out. The 43mm model's downgrade to 2.5D glass instead of sapphire crystal is a major disappointment, with Droid Life's reviewer calling it 'a pretty big downgrade' that makes the watch more susceptible to scratches. The removal of the titanium bezel and sapphire crystal on the smaller model significantly impacts its premium feel. The lack of a temperature sensor is another major omission, with Droid Life's reviewer noting it's 'pretty standard in high-end watches these days' and 'a semi-big omission' for fitness tracking. The 43mm model's strap width is reduced to 18mm, which is less than standard 20mm or 22mm widths, making it difficult to find compatible third-party bands. Additionally, the watch lacks ECG functionality, which is available on competing devices like Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch. The stress tracking features in the oHealth app are also criticized for being battery-draining, with Android Faithful's reviewer noting it 'undermines the whole point of why OnePlus has two processors.'
Who It's Best For
The OnePlus Watch 3 is ideal for Android users seeking long battery life and robust fitness tracking features, particularly those with larger wrists who prefer the 46mm model. The 46mm version is best suited for users who want a premium smartwatch with excellent battery life and don't mind the larger size. According to aBlogtoWatch, the watch appeals to those who value 'great specs for an unbeatable price' and want something that competes with flagship offerings from Apple and Samsung. The 43mm model targets users with smaller wrists who want a more compact device but still desire the OnePlus brand's performance. However, it's not recommended for iPhone users, as Mark Ellis Reviews explicitly states 'you just can't use it with an iPhone.' The watch is also not ideal for those who prioritize ECG functionality or wrist temperature monitoring, which are missing features that would appeal to health-conscious users. Users seeking a premium design with military-grade durability will find the 43mm model lacking due to its glossy bezel and reduced specifications.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to competing smartwatches, the OnePlus Watch 3 offers superior battery life, with RTINGS noting it outperforms the Pixel Watch 3 in this area despite the latter's smaller form factor. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offer better overall ecosystem integration and more advanced health features like ECG monitoring, but the OnePlus Watch 3's 631mAh battery capacity gives it a significant edge in longevity. The 43mm model is priced competitively at $299, making it cheaper than the Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) at $349, though it lacks several premium features. The Galaxy Watch 6, while offering better health tracking and ECG capabilities, doesn't match the OnePlus Watch 3's battery performance. OnePlus's dual-processor approach is unique among Wear OS devices, though it's not available on competing platforms like Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. The 46mm model's sapphire crystal and MIL-STD-810H certification set it apart from most competitors in terms of durability, though the 43mm version loses these features in favor of cost reduction.
Value at This Price
Despite its premium features, the OnePlus Watch 3's value proposition is complex. The 46mm model's price point of $350 is justified by its exceptional battery life, sapphire crystal display, and dual-processor architecture, with CNET calling it 'the best battery life of any Android smartwatch.' However, the 43mm model's $299 price point is questioned by Droid Life's reviewer, who argues that the significant feature cuts don't justify the price reduction. The 43mm model loses the titanium bezel, sapphire crystal, and military durability rating, which are major selling points of the original. RTINGS found that while the 43mm model is functional, it's 'still a fine smartwatch, just not the OnePlus Watch 3' due to these compromises. The 46mm model offers better value for money for users who prioritize battery life and durability, but the 43mm version's reduced specifications make it less compelling. The oHealth app's free fitness tracking is a positive, though it lacks the premium subscription features found on Fitbit or Samsung Health, making it a good choice for budget-conscious users but not for those wanting premium health analytics.
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
- +Comfortable fit despite large 46mm case size, thanks to contoured lugs and fluoro-rubber strap
- +Improved health tracking reliability over OnePlus Watch 2
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 it compares
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.
Who this is for
At a glance: Users seeking long battery life and durability.
Why you’d buy the OnePlus Watch 3
- 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.
Why you’d skip it
- Charging cradle requires precise alignment.
- Sound quality during calls is tinny with average microphone performance.
- No eSIM support despite Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Rating sources
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
