ZDNET's Comprehensive Analysis
The OnePlus Watch 3 typically retails for $330. It boasts an impressive five-day battery life, robust durability, and an exquisite design, making it a noteworthy contender in the smartwatch market. However, some areas like the OHealth app require improvement, workout data screens are somewhat limited, and there is no support for ECG measurements.
Exciting Discount and Availability
Currently, the OnePlus Watch 3 is on sale. By visiting the OnePlus website and entering the code "TIME1010" during checkout, you can enjoy a $30 discount, bringing the price down to a more attractive $300. This discount applies to both the Obsidian Titanium and Emerald Titanium color options.
A Journey from OnePlus Watch to OnePlus Watch 3
After the initial OnePlus Watch fell short in 2021, OnePlus made significant strides with the release of the OnePlus Watch 2, which garnered positive feedback from users. Building on that, the OnePlus Watch 3 showcases tangible improvements, addressing critical user feedback.
There are still compelling reasons to consider other Google Wear OS watches, but battery life should not be a deterring factor. The OnePlus Watch 3's advertised five-day battery life, confirmed through hands-on testing, is remarkable, especially when compared to Apple's Watch, Google Pixel Watch, and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which typically offer only two-day battery life.
Battery Life and Performance
OnePlus has achieved this impressive battery life through its dual-engine architecture and the inclusion of a large 631 mAh battery with OnePlus's Silicon NanoStack Battery, akin to what is found in the acclaimed OnePlus 13 smartphone. This long battery endurance places the OnePlus Watch 3 in an advantageous position compared to other smartwatches, especially for those prioritizing battery life.
Enhanced Usability and Design
OnePlus listened to feedback regarding the digital crown on the OnePlus Watch 2, enhancing it for the Watch 3. The larger, textured digital crown now enables smooth navigation through menus and a dynamic zoom feature in the app launcher, improving overall usability.
Moreover, OnePlus has introduced a variety of captivating watch faces, addressing previous criticisms. The "Moments in Motion" watch face, in particular, stands out, allowing users to play or loop a video, although this feature impacts battery life significantly. Customization extends further with the option to select and edit videos or GIFs directly within the OHealth app for a personalized watch face experience.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The OnePlus Watch 3 comes equipped with a dual-frequency GNSS chip for precise outdoor location tracking. It supports over 100 sports modes, although customization of data screens during exercise remains limited. Post-workout, the eHealth app provides detailed insights, including running dynamics, heart rate, running power, and more.
The 60-second health check-in is another useful feature, allowing quick monitoring of heart rate, blood oxygen level, stress level, wrist temperature, sleep quality, and vascular age. However, the absence of FDA approval means that ECG measurements are unavailable in the US and Canada.
Display and Build Quality
The watch's stainless steel casing, titanium bezel, and sapphire crystal display exude elegance and durability. The vibrant 1.5-inch AMOLED display offers a resolution of 466 by 466 pixels and an impressive brightness of up to 2,200 nits. Despite its somewhat hefty 81 grams weight, its single size might not be ideal for individuals with smaller wrists.
OHealth Smartphone App
The OHealth app is beneficial for showcasing data captured by the OnePlus Watch 3, although the inability to customize Home screen tiles is a drawback. Users may find certain tiles like stress measurements or OnePlus earbuds irrelevant and would appreciate the option to reorder or remove them.
Nonetheless, the app excels in providing detailed running metrics, helping users understand and improve their running dynamics. Clear explanations of each metric further enhance the app's usefulness.
Wear OS Integration and App Ecosystem
The OnePlus Watch 3 runs on Google Wear OS 5, offering access to familiar apps found on other Wear OS devices. However, there are scenarios where the Google Pixel Watch 3 offers a superior app experience. For instance, while the Google Home app on the Pixel Watch allows direct camera view, the OnePlus Watch 3 prompts users to open the app on their phone instead.
Insights and Recommendations
Overall, OnePlus continues to refine its wearable lineup with the OnePlus Watch 3. Significant hardware improvements and unmatched battery life make it an attractive choice for Android users. It’s built to endure harsh conditions, bearing IP68 and 5ATM ratings, along with MIL-STD-810H certification. Its reasonable pricing and functionality make it a formidable competitor unless new innovations from Google, Samsung, or other manufacturers emerge.
Other Reviews
- Finally, I found an Android phone that can replace my $3,500 Sony camera
- I replaced my iPhone 16 Pro with the 16e for a weekend - here’s everything I learned
- Aqara’s first outdoor camera is this smart home enthusiast’s dream device
- I’ve tried many universal travel adapters - and trust these ones the most on trips
