whether you’re crushing quarterly goals in the boardroom or crushing personal records on mountain trails. After three weeks of testing, including a Caribbean cruise, I can confidently say OnePlus has finally delivered a smartwatch worthy of your wrist.
Fasten the strap and forget the rest: the future of Wear OS just clicked into place.
OnePlus Watch 2 Black Steel, 32GB, 100-Hour Battery, Health & Fitness Tracking, Sapphire Crystal Design, Dual-Engine, Wear OS by Google
- Redefining Durability: The OnePlus Watch 2 fuses a stainless-steel chassis with a robust 2.5D sapphire crystal face, delivering a sophisticated design that withstands daily wear and tear with a 5ATM and IP68 rating, and military-grade standard for durability.
- Unmatched Precision: Equip yourself with professional-grade location tracking thanks to the watch's dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS, ensuring you always know exactly where you are when you explore the outdoors.
- Extended Performance: Enjoy the freedom of long-lasting battery life with up to 100 hours in Smart Mode and up to 12 days in Power Saver Mode, powered by OnePlus' Dual-Engine Architecture and supported by VOOC Fast Charging technology.
- Seamless Smart Integration: With Wear OS 4, access the best of Google and over 100 sports modes, alongside essential functions like heart rate and sleep monitoring, even in Power Saver Mode.
- Health Features: The OHealth app provides a comprehensive overview of your wellness, offering insights into sleep patterns, stress levels, and a wide range of fitness metrics to help you tailor your health and exercise regimen.
$245.34
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- Redefining Durability: The OnePlus Watch 2 fuses a stainless-steel chassis with a robust 2.5D sapphire crystal face, delivering a sophisticated design that withstands daily wear and tear with a 5ATM and IP68 rating, and military-grade standard for durability.
- Unmatched Precision: Equip yourself with professional-grade location tracking thanks to the watch's dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS, ensuring you always know exactly where you are when you explore the outdoors.
- Extended Performance: Enjoy the freedom of long-lasting battery life with up to 100 hours in Smart Mode and up to 12 days in Power Saver Mode, powered by OnePlus' Dual-Engine Architecture and supported by VOOC Fast Charging technology.
- Seamless Smart Integration: With Wear OS 4, access the best of Google and over 100 sports modes, alongside essential functions like heart rate and sleep monitoring, even in Power Saver Mode.
- Health Features: The OHealth app provides a comprehensive overview of your wellness, offering insights into sleep patterns, stress levels, and a wide range of fitness metrics to help you tailor your health and exercise regimen.
Key Takeaways
- 4–6 days of real-world battery life in smart mode, class-leading for Wear OS 5.
- Premium titanium & sapphire build passes MIL-STD-810H torture tests.
- Dual-band GPS locks in ~6 seconds with accuracy that rivals dedicated GPS running watches
- No ECG in the US/Canada and still only one (big) case size.
- Three years of OS + security updates confirmed after initial confusion.
OnePlus Watch 3 Specifications at a Glance
| Model |
OnePlus Watch 3 |
|
Chipset |
Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 |
|
RAM / Storage |
2 GB / 32 GB |
|
Display |
1.5-in LTPO AMOLED, 2 200 nits, sapphire crystal |
|
Case |
46 mm stainless steel + PVD titanium, 81 g |
|
Durability |
5 ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810H |
|
Battery |
648 mAh – 4–6 days smart – ≤16 days Power Saver |
|
OS |
Wear OS 5 + OnePlus RT OS “Hybrid Engine” |
|
Price |
MSRP $349; early pre-order $299 |
|
Updates |
Wear OS 5→7 + 3 yrs security patches |
Design & Comfort: A Maritime-Inspired, Rugged Wearable
When OnePlus first ventured into smartwatches back in 2021, the debut was, frankly, a misfire. It took the company two years to regroup and release a follow-up in 2024, which was a marked improvement but still left me wanting more. Enter the OnePlus Watch 3, a device that not only redeems the brand’s smartwatch efforts but also sets a new benchmark for Wear OS watches in 2025.
The design of the OnePlus Watch 3 is an evolution rather than a revolution. It closely resembles the Watch 2, but this time, that’s a compliment. The watch sports an asymmetric, automotive-inspired casing that feels sturdy and premium. It’s crafted from stainless steel with a PVD-coated titanium finish and protected by a sapphire crystal glass, giving it excellent durability against scratches and everyday wear.
At 46 mm in diameter and weighing 81 grams, this is not a small smartwatch. It’s a substantial presence on the wrist, but the weight distribution is well-balanced, so it doesn’t feel cumbersome during extended wear.
The watch comes with universal 22 mm lugs, allowing you to swap out bands easily. I personally requested the new Nordic Blue band after admiring it on the OnePlus 13 phone, and it complements the maritime vibe perfectly—ideal for the cruise I took it on.
The ruggedness continues with military-grade MIL-STD-810H certification, which ensures the watch can handle temperature extremes ranging from -40°F to 158°F. It also carries IP68 dust and water resistance and a 5 ATM rating, making it suitable for swimming and everyday exposure to water.
While it’s not quite the IP69 rating of the OnePlus 13 smartphone, it’s more than enough for most users. I made sure to rinse the watch in fresh water after dips in chlorine and seawater during my cruise, and after three weeks, it showed no signs of trouble.
Comfort Notes
The strap is breathable and comfortable after workouts and long walks, with no irritation even after climbing 165 stairs to a lighthouse on Ocean Key. The crown and buttons don’t dig into the wrist, which is a relief given the watch’s size.
Display & Controls: Bright, Responsive, and Intuitive
The 1.5-inch AMOLED display delivers where it matters most—visibility. At 2,200 nits peak brightness, reading the display in direct Caribbean sunlight was effortless, a crucial feature for anyone using their watch for outdoor running or outdoor activities. The sapphire crystal not only protects against scratches but also reduces glare.
Controls have been a sore point in previous OnePlus watches, but the Watch 3 gets it right. The traditional crown at the two o’clock position is now a fully functional digital crown, capable of smooth scrolling and zooming with satisfying clicky haptics.
This was a major misstep in last year’s model, so it’s great to see OnePlus address it with a textured, tapered design that feels tactile and precise.
In addition to the crown, the two pushers on the side can each be programmed with two shortcuts of your choice. This flexibility means I can launch the timer, stopwatch, wallet, or Google Assistant without ever touching the screen. For me, this is a game changer, especially when I’m on the move or have wet hands.
Always-On Display Experience
As a believer that a watch should always show the time, I kept the Always-On Display (AOD) enabled throughout my testing. Despite this, the battery life remained impressive, which I’ll cover in more detail later.
Software & Performance: Wear OS 5 Meets OnePlus RT OS
Running Wear OS 5 on the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, the Watch 3 employs a clever dual-OS architecture. It seamlessly switches between full Wear OS and OnePlus’s lightweight RT OS for power-saving scenarios. This hybrid approach delivers the health benefits of wearing a fitness tracker without the typical battery anxiety of Wear OS devices.
I paired the watch with my Motorola Razr Plus 2024, running the updated but awkwardly named oHealth app. The app has improved since last year, but the wellness meter remains nebulous and adds little value for me personally.
Notifications flowed smoothly, and the watch handled multiple alerts without lag. The dual-frequency GPS lock was impressively fast, usually acquiring a satellite fix in under 6 seconds and maintaining accuracy within 10 meters when compared against a Garmin Forerunner on a 5 km walk.
OnePlus’s decision to allow programming of the pushers enhances usability, enabling quick access to frequently used apps. The watch also supports Google Assistant, Google Wallet, and other standard Wear OS features, providing a robust ecosystem for Android users.
Software Quirks and Areas for Refinement
metrics.
Health & Fitness Accuracy: Solid Tracking with Some Caveats
Wear OS watches often promise a lot in health tracking, and the OnePlus Watch 3 is no exception. It offers vascular health monitoring, pulse oximetry, sleep tracking, and more.
Sleep tracking was reliable in my experience, and the battery life allowed me to comfortably wear the watch overnight—a rarity among Wear OS devices. The dual-frequency GPS provided accurate routes for outdoor activities, with slick animated maps generated by the oHealth app.
However, as someone who is not a fitness enthusiast, many of these features felt underutilized. The watch’s health metrics are comprehensive but may appeal more to serious fitness users. The occasional step count inflation and calorie estimation quirks mean it’s wise to take the data with a grain of salt.
Battery & Charging: Best-in-Class Endurance for Wear OS
Battery life is where the OnePlus Watch 3 truly shines. Despite keeping the Always-On Display enabled and receiving numerous notifications, the watch consistently lasted about 4.5 days between charges in my real-world use.
Turning off AOD can stretch battery life to 6 days, and engaging power-saving mode extends it further. Unlike many Wear OS devices that enter a bare-bones mode when battery runs low, the Watch 3 switches to the OnePlus RT OS, maintaining notifications and basic app access while consuming roughly 1% battery per hour.
OnePlus claims forced power-saving mode can reach up to two weeks, which is impressive for a smartwatch running Wear OS and full-color AMOLED display.
Charging is equally convenient. The watch uses a USB-C connector on its charging dock, allowing you to use any USB-C cable you already own—great for travel. Even with the limited USB-A power in my cruise ship stateroom, the watch charged from empty to full in under an hour, with a 15-minute quick charge pushing battery above 40%.
Connectivity & Extras: Practical but Room to Grow
The speakerphone, however, is a weak spot. It struggles in windy or noisy environments, making calls difficult outside of quiet rooms. This is disappointing given the otherwise solid hardware.
The watch face selection is broader than previous generations, including a new video watch face that adds a lively touch to customization. Still, I miss third-party options like Facer, which offered a near-limitless portfolio of faces. Hopefully, OnePlus will expand support in the future.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium, rugged design with sapphire crystal | Relatively large and heavy for small wrists |
| Bright 1.5-inch AMOLED display (2200 nits) | Speakerphone volume too low for outdoor calls |
| Functional digital crown with programmable pushers | Step counting and calorie tracking can be inaccurate |
| Dual-frequency GPS with fast, accurate tracking | Health app’s wellness meter lacks clarity and value |
| Excellent battery life (4-6 days typical, up to 2 weeks power saving) | Limited third-party watch face support |
| USB-C charging dock for convenient travel | North American units lack ECG support |
Verdict & Alternatives: A Strong Contender in Wear OS
The OnePlus Watch 3 is a compelling option for Android users looking for a Wear OS smartwatch that balances premium design, strong battery life, and solid performance. It redeems OnePlus’s earlier missteps and raises the bar for what a Wear OS watch can be in 2025.
At an MSRP of around $350 (with early pre-order pricing dropping to $299 in some regions), it’s competitively priced against alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the Google Pixel Watch 3. The Pixel Watch 3 remains the go-to for Pixel phone users and those who want the tightest Google integration, while Samsung’s Galaxy Watches appeal to users invested in that ecosystem.
However, the OnePlus Watch 3 offers a third excellent Wear OS choice with rugged, maritime-inspired styling and best-in-class battery life. It’s particularly well-suited for users who prioritize long endurance and customizable hardware controls.
If you want a watch that can keep up on a cruise, hike, or everyday life while maintaining strong software and hardware synergy, the OnePlus Watch 3 deserves serious consideration.
Alternatives to Consider
- Google Pixel Watch 3: Best for Pixel ecosystem users and minimalists who want seamless Google service integration.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Ideal for Samsung phone owners, with excellent health tracking and a polished interface.
- Garmin Venu 3: For fitness enthusiasts seeking advanced health metrics and GPS accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does the OnePlus Watch 3 battery last with Always-On Display enabled?
A: In real-world use, the battery lasts approximately 4.5 days with AOD enabled and moderate notifications. Turning off AOD can extend this to around 6 days.
Q: Does the OnePlus Watch 3 support ECG monitoring?
A: As of now, North American units do not support ECG functionality. This feature may be region-dependent or added via future updates.
Q: How accurate is the step counting and calorie tracking?
A: Step counting tends to overestimate compared to some other devices, and calorie tracking may occasionally report inflated results. Firmware updates have improved accuracy, but some discrepancies remain.
Q: Can I use third-party watch faces on the OnePlus Watch 3?
A: The watch offers a broader selection of built-in watch faces, including video options, but does not currently support third-party platforms like Facer.
Q: Is the OnePlus Watch 3 suitable for swimming?
A: Yes, the watch has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and water exposure. However, it is not designed for hot tub or sauna use.
Q: What phones are compatible with the OnePlus Watch 3?
A: The watch is compatible with most Android phones running Wear OS 5 or later. It pairs well with devices like the Motorola Razr Plus and OnePlus phones.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Watch 3 carves out its niche with unmatched Wear OS battery life, premium materials, and thoughtful hardware design. It’s particularly well-suited for users who want comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities without daily charging anxiety.
Whether you’re a casual user who wants a dependable daily wearable or an outdoor adventurer looking for a rugged companion, the OnePlus Watch 3 deserves your attention. Its combination of premium materials, user-friendly controls, and endurance make it a standout choice in a crowded field.
Stay mobile, my friends.
References:
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- GSMArena — OnePlus Watch 3 review
https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_watch_3_review-news-68169.php - TechRadar — OnePlus Watch 3 review: The Android smartwatch of 2025
https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/oneplus-watch-3-review-androids-long-lasting-chunky-smartwatch - TechRadar — OnePlus Watch 3 release date and pre-orders
https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-oneplus-watch-3-release-date-is-finally-here-with-pre-orders-shipping-from-april-15 - 9to5Google — OnePlus Watch 3’s 43mm version and battery life
https://9to5google.com/2025/06/16/oneplus-watch-3-battery-leak/ - PCMag — OnePlus Watch 3 Review
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/oneplus-watch-3 - Digital Trends — OnePlus Watch 3 vs. Galaxy Watch 7
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/i-wore-the-oneplus-watch-3-and-galaxy-watch-7-heres-the-one-to-buy/ - Gadgets & Wearables — OnePlus Watch 3 review: The Wear OS watch that changed my mind
https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2025/04/24/oneplus-watch-3-review/ - Cryovex — OnePlus Watch 3 Review: The Ultimate Smartwatch Experience
https://www.cryovex.com/oneplus-watch-3-review/ - IGN — OnePlus Watch 3 Review
https://www.ign.com/articles/oneplus-watch-3-review - CNET — OnePlus Watch 3 Review: The Best Battery Life of Any Android Smartwatch
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/oneplus-watch-3-review-the-best-battery-life-of-any-android-smartwatch/ - Android Headlines — OnePlus Watch 3 specs and renders leak
https://www.androidheadlines.com/2025/06/oneplus-watch-3-specs-leak-renders.html - Wareable — OnePlus Watch 3: Everything you need to know
https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/oneplus-watch-3-news - Tom’s Guide — OnePlus Watch 3 hands-on review
https://www.tomsguide.com/wearables/oneplus-watch-3-hands-on
- GSMArena — OnePlus Watch 3 review
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.
Last update on 2025-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API