The OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) is rapidly emerging as one of the standout smartwatches equipped with wear OS currently available on the market. Sharing its design and functionalities with the OPPO Watch X2 , this device has faced criticism for being larger and more sport-oriented. Thus, it has not been the best fit for individuals with smaller wrists or those seeking a more elegant timepiece.
To combat these issues, the recent release of the OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) presents a compact, stylish, and slightly more affordable alternative. After experiencing it first-hand, here’s an in-depth analysis of what this smartwatch has to offer.
Technical Specifications of the OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm)
| Feature | OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions and Weight | 42.2 x 43.2 x 11 mm 37.8 grams (without strap) 59 grams (with strap) |
| Display | 1.32-inch AMOLED Resolution: 466 x 466 pixels Densitiy: 352 PPI Refresh rate: 60 Hz Peak brightness: 600 nits HBM: 1,000 nits 2.5D Sapphire Crystal |
| Processor | Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 MCU BES2800BP |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB 4 GB eMMC for RTOS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Gyroscope Optical Heart Rate Sensor Optical Pulse Oximeter Geomagnetic Sensor Light Sensor Barometer |
| Battery | 345 mAh VOOC Fast Charging |
| Battery Life | Smart Mode: 60 hours Intensive Use: 36 hours Power Saving Mode: 7 days |
| Connectivity | WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Bluetooth 5.2 NFC |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM IP68 |
| Geolocation | GNSS Chip Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS |
| Buttons | Side Action Button Rotating Crown |
| Compatibility | Android 9.0 or higher |
| Operating System | Wear OS 5.0 with Color OS Watch 7.0 RTOS |
| Others | Auto Brightness AOD Mode Heart Rate Monitoring Sleep Monitoring SpO2 Tracking Stress Monitoring Fall Detection Notifications Music Control Over 100 Sports Modes Google Play |
| Price | 299 euros |
Our Experience with the OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm)
OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) | Source: Xataka
Design: A Class Apart. The most notable difference in the OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) is its reduced size and weight compared to its predecessor. This model features a 43 mm case and weighs approximately 20 grams less with the strap attached, providing a more comfortable fit. Additionally, the materials have shifted from titanium to stainless steel in the bezels, contributing to a refined appearance.
The watch is comfortable to wear throughout the day and even while sleeping. While smartwatches typically aren’t the most ergonomic for sleep tracking, this model performs significantly better than its larger counterpart, the OPPO Watch X2.
OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) | Source: Xataka
Buttons: Thoughtful Design. The watch features two buttons — a crown and a lower button. The crown responds beautifully and offers excellent haptic feedback as we navigate through menus and screens. Meanwhile, the lower button can be remapped but lacks the sensor for ECG readings or vascular health measurements, which is a slight downside.
OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) Strap | Source: Xataka
Strap: Comfort Meets Versatility. The default strap made of silicone feels great on the wrist and is adjustable for most sizes. The strap leverages a standard buckle, allowing users to customize it with any 18 mm strap they may have, offering more options for personalization.
OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) | Source: Xataka
Display: A Visual Treat. Featuring a 1.32-inch AMOLED panel with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, the OnePlus Watch 3 showcases exceptional pixel density at 352 PPI. The display responds promptly to gestures and boasts a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight.
However, one minor issue is the front display’s design. While the overall aesthetic is sleek, a noticeable bezel reduces the effective screen space, which might capture fingerprints over time.
OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) | Source: Xataka
Operating System: Dual Advantage. OnePlus continues using its successful dual operating system approach, where Wear OS serves as the primary interface, allowing ample access to apps like Google Maps and Google Wallet. An alternative RTOS activates in battery-saving mode, delivering extended battery life while providing limited functionality.
OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) | Source: Xataka
This smartwatch features the same Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor and a BES2800BP energy-efficient chip for effective resource management. This setup allows users to enjoy smart features without worrying about dying battery life.
Another highlight remains the intuitive operation as users have access to all major applications available on the platform. However, it’s worth mentioning that the device is not compatible with iOS users.
Health Analysis | Source: Xataka
Health Monitoring: Good Features, Less Advanced. The watch effectively tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep quality through its eight-channel optical heart rate sensor and a 16-channel pulse oximeter. However, it lacks some advanced health features found in the original OnePlus Watch.
OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) | Source: Xataka
Sports Features: Enough for the Casual User. Offering over 100 sports modes, this watch can automatically detect activities such as running, walking, or cycling. Sports features include GPS tracking compatible with all constellations to register routes with high precision, making it suitable for most fitness enthusiasts.
Despite features being adequate for daily use, advanced metrics and health monitoring capabilities present in professional sports watches are missing, which might be a dealbreaker for serious athletes.
Battery: The Key Difference
The OnePlus Watch 3 is powered by a 345 mAh battery. While this is a downgrade from its sibling’s larger battery, it compensates with impressive fast-charging capabilities. The expected battery life stands around 60 hours in smart mode, while intensive usage will likely average around 50 hours, which is decent but not groundbreaking compared to competitors.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Watch 3 (43 mm) stands out as a commendable smartwatch that successfully balances style and functionality for users with smaller wrists. Priced at 299 euros , it targets individuals seeking a compact yet capable device without breaking the bank. However, the absence of advanced health sensors and limited battery life might leave some users wanting more. If those elements are critical, investing a bit more for the full-featured OnePlus Watch might be the better decision. Yet for those who prioritize style and basic functionality, the OnePlus Watch 3 delivers a solid experience.