OnePlus Watch 3 Review: The Ultimate Wear OS Smartwatch?
The OnePlus Watch 3 is the latest addition to the Wear OS smartwatch lineup, offering significant improvements over its predecessor, the Watch 2. With a focus on enhanced battery life and new health features, the Watch 3 aims to compete with offerings from Google and Samsung.
Design & Build:
The OnePlus Watch 3 maintains a similar design language to the Watch 2, with options for silver or black titanium bezels. The addition of ECG electrodes to the physical button allows for new health monitoring features. The Watch 3 is built to military standards for toughness and is waterproof up to 50 meters, making it suitable for various activities.
Screen & Audio:
The Watch 3 features a larger 1.50-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466. The screen is covered in Sapphire crystal for scratch protection and offers a peak brightness of 2,200 nits. Bluetooth calling is supported, but LTE connectivity is not available.
Software & Features:
Powered by Wear OS 5.0, the Watch 3 utilizes a combination of Snapdragon W5 and BES2800BP processors for optimized performance. The addition of video watch faces and NFC for contactless payments enhances the user experience. The Watch 3 is compatible with Android phones and offers a range of Google apps and services.
Fitness & Tracking:
The Watch 3 includes dual-frequency GPS support, an ECG analyzer, and a temperature sensor for comprehensive health monitoring. The ECG feature allows users to detect various heart health conditions, while the vascular health check provides a summary of key metrics. The Watch 3 also offers improved sleep tracking and a variety of sports profiles.
Battery Life & Charging:
With a larger 613mAh battery, the Watch 3 offers up to 5 days of battery life in smart mode and up to 3 days in heavy usage mode. Fast charging capabilities allow for a day’s worth of usage from a 10-minute charge. The battery performance of the Watch 3 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Watch 2.
Price & Availability:
The OnePlus Watch 3 was launched with a price of £319 in the UK, slightly higher than the Watch 2. In the US, the Watch 3 is priced at $499.99, making it a more expensive option compared to other smartwatches in the market. Despite the higher price tag, the Watch 3 offers a compelling combination of design, features, and performance.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a solid choice for users seeking a feature-rich Wear OS smartwatch with strong battery life and health monitoring capabilities. While the higher price may deter some buyers, the overall performance and design of the Watch 3 make it a competitive option in the smartwatch market.
