OnePlus Watch 3 vs Google Pixel Watch 3 compared

The OnePlus Watch 3 and Google Pixel Watch 3 both run Wear OS 5, but they aim for different kinds of users. OnePlus goes big on hardware, with a bold design, long battery life, and plenty of fitness features packed into a watch that feels built to last. Google’s Pixel Watch 3 takes a lighter, more unisex approach, focused on deep integration with its apps and services.

They cover similar ground when it comes to health tracking, core software, and display quality. But OnePlus is clearly going for power users who want to charge less and track more, while Pixel is built for those who want a smart companion that blends in with their Android phone. Let’s dive into the details.

View OnePlus Watch 3 on OnePlus; Pixel Watch 3 on Amazon.

Design makes their differences obvious

The Google Pixel Watch 3 keeps the same clean, domed-glass look introduced with the Watch 2. Now available in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, it measures 12.3mm thick and remains light on the wrist at 31 grams and 37 grams. This directly addresses a key limitation I highlighted in my Pixel Watch 2 hands-on, where only one case size was offered. The curved glass and recycled aluminium case feel familiar, and the compact design still wears comfortably all day.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

OnePlus Watch 3 moves in the opposite direction. While the Google device is a good fit for slender wrists, this is more of a masculine timepiece.

The case measures 47.6 x 46.6 x 11.75 mm and weighs 81 grams with the strap. Materials are far more rugged, with a stainless steel case, titanium bezel, sapphire glass, and fluororubber strap. It’s built to MIL-STD-810H standards, with IP68 protection and 5ATM resistance. As noted in my review – while not suited to every wrist, the mass is distributed in a way that keeps the watch stable during runs or intense training. It has a deliberate, sporty design that leans into function over finesse.

Display and navigation differences

The Pixel Watch 3 features an LTPO AMOLED display with a peak brightness of up to 2000 nits and a variable refresh rate ranging from 1 to 60Hz. The 45mm version comes with a 1.4-inch screen, while the 41mm variant sticks to 1.2 inches. Both are protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and offer excellent clarity and smoothness.

The OnePlus Watch 3 pushes things further with a larger 1.5-inch AMOLED display at 466 x 466 resolution, also hitting 2000 nits of brightness. It uses sapphire glass for added durability and has a flatter design that trades Google’s domed look for a more robust, functional appearance. Visibility in direct sunlight is strong, though some reflections are still noticeable in certain angles.

Both watches come with a rotating crown that helps with scrolling and navigation. The OnePlus adds a second flat physical button just below it, offering an extra shortcut for launching apps or workouts. Pixel’s crown, on the other hand, has been slightly refined and still feels precise and responsive.

Battery life is where they split completely

The Google Pixel Watch 3 delivers a modest step forward in battery performance as compared to its predecessor. With the always-on display switched on, it lasts around 24 hours. Turning that feature off can extend runtime to just under 36 hours, depending on how heavily the watch is used. Charging is faster now thanks to a redesigned four-pin system that cuts down wait times by roughly 20 percent. Even so, this remains a device that benefits from daily top-ups, particularly for users who rely on its more advanced features.

OnePlus Watch 3 is built for longer stretches between charges. Its 500 mAh battery handles up to five days of regular use, around three days with more intensive GPS and health tracking, and up to two weeks in Power Saver mode. A quick 10-minute charge is enough to keep it going for a full day, making it a strong option for anyone who doesn’t want to think about battery life every night.

Sensors and fitness tracking

Google Pixel Watch 3 continues to offer a wide range of health and fitness tracking features. It includes ECG, SpO2, continuous heart rate monitoring, skin temperature, barometer, compass, and cEDA for stress detection. Dual-band GPS is now onboard with Galileo support added to the mix. Fitbit integration remains central to the experience, providing access to sleep scores, readiness data, and activity trends. Some of the more advanced insights, such as detailed recovery metrics and long-term stress analysis, still require a Fitbit Premium subscription.

OnePlus Watch 3 also delivers a comprehensive tracking setup. It features dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS, an upgraded 8-channel heart rate sensor, a 16-channel SpO2 sensor, wrist temperature, barometer, compass, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope. The watch presents data in a clear and accessible way, especially during runs, where stats like stride, cadence, and recovery are explained rather than just listed. It also offers arterial stiffness and vascular health tracking, along with ECG functionality in supported regions. While it lacks support for external heart rate straps, onboard accuracy holds up well against dedicated sports watches.

Smart features and software support

Both watches run on Wear OS 5, but the implementation differs slightly. OnePlus Watch 3 pairs the standard software with a custom RTOS layer that handles background tasks more efficiently. The result is a responsive interface with minimal lag and helpful features like the ability to switch phones using the built-in “Transfer Watch” shortcut. While LTE is not available, the watch supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2, which covers the needs of most users.

Pixel Watch 3 also offers deep integration with Google’s ecosystem but is more fitness focused. It comes preloaded with apps like Assistant, Maps, Wallet, and Calendar, and includes an Ultra-Wideband chip that lays the groundwork for upcoming features. LTE is available as an option for users who want to leave their phone behind and still stay connected. Bluetooth 5.3 is also onboard, along with full access to the Play Store for third-party apps and watch face customisation. The Wear OS 5 interface feels cohesive and well-optimised for day-to-day use.

Which should you go for?

Pixel Watch 3 is designed for those who want tight Google integration, polished software, and a lightweight form factor that blends into everyday life. It offers the full suite of Google apps, optional LTE connectivity, and is available in two sizes. Pricing starts at $350 for the Wi-Fi model, with the LTE version costing more depending on size and configuration.

OnePlus Watch 3 is a better fit for users who value battery life, durability, and in-depth health tracking without a reliance on daily charging. Like the Pixel watch, it only works with Android phones, but delivers more hardware for the price, with a starting cost of $300. There’s no LTE model, but you get dual-frequency GPS, extensive sensor coverage, and a rugged design that feels built for long-term use. For Android users, especially those focused on fitness and battery endurance, it’s one of the strongest all-round packages currently available.

View OnePlus Watch 3 on OnePlus; Pixel Watch 3 on Amazon.

Google Pixel Watch 3 vs OnePlus Watch 3: Tech specs comparison

Here is the full tech specs comparison table between the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the OnePlus Watch 3.

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