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OnePlus Watch 3 43mm review: Real competition for the Pixel Watch 3

OnePlus Watch 3 (43mm) Review: A Solid Contender in the Smartwatch Arena

In the ever-evolving world of wearable technology, OnePlus has been steadily carving out a niche for itself with devices that blend affordability, functionality, and style. The OnePlus Watch 3, particularly in its 43mm variant, represents the company's latest foray into the smartwatch market, aiming to challenge established players like Apple, Samsung, and Garmin. Priced competitively, this watch promises a robust set of features including advanced health monitoring, fitness tracking, and seamless integration with Android ecosystems. But does it live up to the hype? After spending considerable time with the device, it's clear that the OnePlus Watch 3 is a compelling option for budget-conscious users seeking a feature-packed smartwatch, though it has some areas where it could improve.

Let's start with the design and build quality, which are often the first things users notice about a smartwatch. The OnePlus Watch 3 sports a sleek, circular design with a 43mm case size that's ideal for smaller wrists or those who prefer a more understated look compared to bulkier models. Made from stainless steel with a durable sapphire glass cover, it feels premium without the hefty price tag. The watch comes in a couple of color options, including a classic black and a more vibrant silver, and it's paired with a comfortable fluoroelastomer strap that's easy to swap out for third-party alternatives. At just 32 grams (without the strap), it's lightweight enough for all-day wear, and its IP68 rating ensures it's dust and water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming or rainy runs. One standout feature is the rotating crown on the side, which provides haptic feedback and allows for intuitive navigation through menus – a nod to traditional watches that adds a touch of elegance. However, the bezels around the display are a bit thicker than some competitors, which might make it feel slightly dated next to slimmer designs like the Google Pixel Watch.

Moving on to the display, the OnePlus Watch 3 boasts a 1.46-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The always-on display is a welcome addition, allowing quick glances at the time or notifications without waking the watch fully. Brightness peaks at 1,000 nits, which means it's legible even in direct sunlight, and the 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations. Customization is plentiful, with over 100 watch faces available through the companion app, ranging from minimalist analog styles to data-heavy digital ones. In daily use, the screen performs admirably for everything from checking emails to monitoring workouts, though it lacks the adaptive refresh rate found in higher-end models, which could help conserve battery in certain scenarios.

At the heart of the OnePlus Watch 3 is its health and fitness tracking capabilities, powered by a suite of sensors including an optical heart rate monitor, blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor, and a built-in GPS. Running on OnePlus's proprietary RTOS (Real-Time Operating System), it offers accurate tracking for a variety of activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and even niche sports like badminton or yoga. The watch automatically detects workouts, which is handy for forgetful users, and provides detailed metrics like pace, calories burned, and VO2 max estimates. Health features extend to sleep tracking, which breaks down stages (light, deep, REM) and offers insights into sleep quality, including breathing irregularities that could indicate issues like sleep apnea. Stress monitoring via heart rate variability is another highlight, with guided breathing exercises to help users unwind. For women, there's menstrual cycle tracking integrated seamlessly. In testing, the heart rate readings were generally spot-on during intense workouts, aligning closely with dedicated fitness trackers, though SpO2 measurements occasionally fluctuated in low-light conditions. OnePlus has also incorporated ECG functionality for detecting atrial fibrillation, a feature that's becoming standard in premium wearables, and it's certified for medical-grade accuracy in some regions. However, it's worth noting that while these tools are impressive, they're not a substitute for professional medical advice, and users should consult doctors for any concerning readings.

Smart features are where the OnePlus Watch 3 shines for Android users, especially those in the OnePlus or Oppo ecosystem. It pairs effortlessly with the OHealth app on Android phones (iOS support is limited), allowing for notification mirroring, music controls, and even call handling via the built-in speaker and microphone. The watch supports Bluetooth calling with decent audio quality, though background noise can sometimes interfere. Integration with Google services is solid – you can use Google Maps for navigation, control smart home devices, and even make contactless payments if your region supports it (though NFC is present, it's not universally enabled). The dual-chip architecture, combining a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 for heavy tasks and a low-power BES2700 for background operations, ensures efficient performance without lag. Apps load quickly, and multitasking between fitness tracking and notifications feels fluid. For iPhone users, however, the experience is more restricted, lacking full integration, which might steer Apple loyalists toward the Apple Watch instead.

Battery life is a major selling point for the OnePlus Watch 3. With a 500mAh battery, it promises up to 12 days of usage in smart mode or an impressive 100 hours with GPS active – figures that held up well in real-world testing. During a typical day involving notifications, a 30-minute run with GPS, and continuous heart rate monitoring, the watch lost about 10-15% battery. Enabling always-on display and frequent use of features like music playback shortens this to around 4-5 days, but that's still better than many competitors that require daily charging. The proprietary magnetic charger juices it up from 0 to 100% in about an hour, and there's support for reverse charging from compatible OnePlus phones, adding convenience for on-the-go top-ups. This endurance makes it particularly appealing for travelers or those who hate frequent charging routines.

Software-wise, the watch runs on a customized version of RTOS, which is lightweight and intuitive but lacks the app ecosystem of Wear OS or watchOS. You won't find third-party apps like Spotify or Strava natively, though some integrations are possible via the phone app. Updates have been regular, with OnePlus promising ongoing support, including new features like enhanced AI-driven insights for workouts. The interface is clean, with swipe gestures for quick access to settings, and voice commands work reliably for setting alarms or timers. However, customization options could be deeper; for instance, there's no way to rearrange quick settings tiles as flexibly as on some rivals.

Priced at around $229 (depending on the region), the OnePlus Watch 3 undercuts many premium smartwatches while offering comparable features. It's available in the 43mm size reviewed here, as well as a larger 47mm option for those who prefer a bigger display. Accessories like additional straps are affordable, enhancing its value proposition.

In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 3 (43mm) is a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in battery life, health tracking, and everyday usability, making it an excellent choice for Android users on a budget. Its design is elegant yet practical, and the performance is reliable for most tasks. That said, it falls short in areas like app support and iOS compatibility, and the software could benefit from more polish. If you're looking for a versatile wearable that doesn't break the bank and prioritizes longevity over flashy extras, this is a strong contender. For power users or those deeply invested in other ecosystems, alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Apple Watch Series 10 might be worth the splurge. Overall, OnePlus continues to impress with its value-driven approach, and the Watch 3 is a testament to that strategy.

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