OnePlus Watch 3 has big features and a big battery but is it enough
The OnePlus Watch 3 is officially here, and it’s looking pretty slick. It’s got a stainless steel body, a sapphire crystal display, and a chunky 46mm case. Running Wear OS 5, it promises better battery life, improved health tracking, and all the Google apps you’d expect. Let’s dig in.
A premium design that’s not for everyone
OnePlus isn’t messing around when it comes to build quality. The Watch 3 comes in Emerald Titanium and Obsidian Titanium finishes, with a titanium bezel for extra durability. The metal case makes it feel solid, but at 46mm, it’s definitely on the larger side.
If you have a small wrist, it will probably look too large. You don’t want to be one of the people posting on Reddit “Is this watch too big for my wrist”. If you are asking – it probably is.
The display is covered in sapphire crystal, so it should handle scratches pretty well. It’s also water-resistant, meaning you can swim with it—but if you take it into the sea, you’ll need to rinse it off afterward.
One of the big usability improvements is the rotating crown, which has been upgraded for smoother navigation. It makes scrolling and selecting options a lot easier, reducing the need for swiping on the touchscreen. This is a small but welcome improvement for those who prefer a more tactile experience.
Customization-wise, there are multiple watch faces and different strap options, but it doesn’t offer the same level of accessories as something like the Apple Watch.
Health and fitness tracking is a big focus
Activity tracking is a major focus, with over 100 sports covered. The usual activities like running, cycling, swimming, and hiking are all here, but it also tracks things like boxing, tennis, and even badminton. A new GPS chip promises more accurate tracking, which should help those who rely on it for running or cycling routes.
On the health side, the watch includes a photoplethysmography sensor for measuring heart rate and blood flow, along with two dedicated chips for processing health data. The 360 Mind and Body feature is supposed to provide continuous mental state tracking, while the one minute Health Check-In gives you a quick health report if you place your finger on the side of the watch.
Sleep tracking is included, offering detailed breakdowns of your sleep patterns. There’s also an ECG function, but it’s not active yet—OnePlus says it should be available later this year.
Since the Watch 3 runs Wear OS 5, you get access to Google services like Gmail, Google Wallet, and Citymapper. The software experience should feel familiar to Android users, and the rotating crown makes navigation smoother than before.
Battery life is solid but no wireless charging
One of the big selling points is battery life. OnePlus says the Watch 3 lasts up to five days with regular use, three days with heavier use, and more than two weeks in power saver mode. That’s impressive for a Wear OS watch, which typically struggles with battery life.
Fast charging is included, with just ten minutes giving you enough power for a full day. But despite all that, there’s no wireless charging, which feels like a strange omission for a smartwatch at this price.
So, should you buy it?
At £319, the OnePlus Watch 3 offers a premium smartwatch experience with strong battery life and deep health tracking. It’s a great option if you want a durable, well-built watch that integrates well with Android. The missing wireless charging and inactive ECG are small but noticeable drawbacks.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
If you already have the OnePlus Watch 2, there’s probably no rush to upgrade. Many of the software features will likely come to the older model through updates, and the hardware improvements—while nice—aren’t game-changers. If you’re a first time buyer, looking for a well-rounded Wear OS watch and don’t mind the large size, the Watch 3 is a solid option.
View on OnePlus website.
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