OnePlus Watch 3 Review: The Best Battery Life of Any Android Smartwatch

OnePlus Watch 3: A Comprehensive Review

1. Editor’s Note and Exceptional Battery Life

The OnePlus Watch 3 arrives with an updated commitment to its users, as highlighted in the editor’s note. Now guaranteed to receive software and security updates until 2027, this smartwatch not only extends its support but also impresses with its remarkable battery life. If you’re someone who dislikes frequent charging, this watch is a game-changer. Offering up to five days of battery life with all features active, it outshines competitors like the Google Pixel Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. The dual-chipset system, comprising the Snapdragon W5 processor and BES2800 MCU Efficiency chip, optimizes power use, making extended use seamless. Whether you’re tracking sleep, vitals, or workouts, the Watch 3 keeps going, though enabling always-on display may reduce battery life to around three days.

2. Sleek Design with a Comfort Caveat

The OnePlus Watch 3 boasts a sleek, stainless steel design with a rotating crown, offering a premium feel. The interchangeable bands add versatility, though the single size option may not suit all wrists, particularly smaller ones. While the design is undeniably stylish, its masculine aesthetic and large face may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a more feminine look. The absence of size options is a notable drawback, though the comfort remains commendable for those it fits.

3. Robust Health Features and Omissions

This smartwatch excels in health tracking, featuring heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep monitoring. The 60-second health check-in provides a comprehensive vitals snapshot, useful for quick assessments. However, the lack of menstrual tracking and ECG functionality in the US and Canada is a significant oversight, potentially alienating some users. These exclusions are notable given the feature’s prevalence in competitor devices, though the included health metrics still offer substantial value.

4. Fitness Capabilities and GPS Precision

As a fitness companion, the Watch 3 shines with over 100 workout modes and automatic detection for activities like running and cycling. The professional metrics, such as form analysis for runners, add depth for enthusiasts. The dual-frequency GPS ensures accurate tracking even in challenging environments, though heart rate monitoring during high-intensity exercise may lag, suggesting the use of a chest strap for serious athletes. Water resistance up to 50 meters further enhances its suitability for various sports.

5. Wear OS Experience and Software Limitations

Running on Wear OS 5, the Watch 3 offers a familiar interface with some OnePlus tweaks. While the UI can be sluggish and less intuitive, navigation improves with time. The need to use the OHealth app for health features, despite its attractiveness, adds initial setup complexity. A significant concern is the limited software update cycle, with support ending in 2027, unlike Samsung’s five-year updates, potentially impacting long-term usability.

6. Conclusion: A Balanced Recommendation

In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a strong contender in the midrange smartwatch market, excelling in battery life and health features. While it misses the mark on design inclusivity and software support, its capabilities make it a worthwhile choice for Android users prioritizing endurance and fitness tracking. Weighing its pros and cons, the Watch 3 is ideal for those valuing longevity and functionality, though not the best fit for those needing more tailored designs or extended software support.