The OnePlus Watch 3 Completes The OnePlus Mobile Ecosystem
The OnePlus Watch 3 builds on the best elements of the OnePlus Watch 2, adding a few refinements including an upgraded co-processor and enhanced crown. The Watch 3 comes with a larger 1.5-inch display, compared to the 1.43-inch display of the Watch 2. The new display is capable of 2,200 nits of peak brightness, versus the 1,000 nits of the preceding generation. While the resolution remains the same across both models, the new display is much easier to see.
Both models have stainless steel cases, but the Watch 3 comes with a titanium alloy bezel for better durability. The Watch 3 also adds a rotating crown with haptics, which is a welcome UI improvement. It also has a 30% bigger batter at 648 mAh (versus 500 mAh in previous model). The stated battery life for the new model is 5 days or 120 hours of use, compared to 4 days or 100 hours for the Watch 2. It also comes with the upgraded BES2800 co-processor, which is more efficient than the BES2700 in the Watch 2. OnePlus also upgraded the sensors in the Watch 3 to add ECG, skin temperature and fall detection, although it does not offer ECG in the U.S. because of FDA regulations.
In my experience, the OnePlus Watch 3 emanates quality, and the battery life is truly impressive. That's why so many people see it as a competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra, especially since the two watches share the same screen size and similar battery capacity. The biggest difference is that the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers cellular connectivity and wireless charging via Qi. The price difference is a difficult one to assess because the OnePlus Watch 3 debuted at $329, but then — after tariffs — went as high as $499 before settling (at the time of publication) at $349. For comparison, the Galaxy Watch Ultra now sells for around $500, down from $650 on Samsung's site.
When paired with the Ohealth app on the OnePlus 13, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a powerful device. I also found myself frequently using the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, which OnePlus offers in multiple colors, including a blue that matches the phone and the optional blue wristband for the watch. I personally think that this is not only one of the best combinations of devices in the Android ecosystem, but also one of the best-looking.
The Buds 3 Pro provide a superior listening experience with superb audio quality that pairs well with the fitness capabilities of the Watch 3. This has become my default workout combination, and I think the watch is well-equipped to be both a lifestyle and a fitness watch depending on the band that you use. While I don't think that Ohealth is quite as good as the Fitbit app or other top-tier fitness apps, in my opinion it's not far behind Samsung's health app (although the Samsung app supports more devices).
While I didn't use a OnePlus tablet along with these devices, that option does exist; if you used it, you could truly have a complete Android ecosystem that rivals Samsung's for a very competitive price. OnePlus doesn't offer a fitness ring like Samsung, nor does it have any recently launched foldables, but I do think that with the OnePlus Watch 3, Buds 3 Pro and OnePlus 13, the company offers a competitive and comprehensive ecosystem of devices.
OnePlus has shown once again that it can deliver an impeccable product at a fairly good value, although that value has been muddied after launch by tariff issues. After a bit of tariff whiplash on pricing, the OnePlus Watch 3 is competitively priced and offers a lot of watch for a reasonable amount of money. I still use mine for workouts and enjoy the comfort and big screen for controlling my music and tracking my exercise. Beyond that, it's a great complement to the OnePlus 13 phone and the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, both of which have impressed me even more than their predecessors. Now, if only we could get a OnePlus Open foldable in the U.S. market again, that would really complete the brand's lineup. Alas, we already know that's wishful thinking — and certainly isn't happening this year.
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