Editor’s Note: March 4, 2025
We’ve updated our score for the OnePlus Watch 3 from 8.5 to 8.8 to reflect that OnePlus has extended its Wear OS update cycle to three years of software and security updates, with support lasting until 2027 on Wear OS 7. This revision acknowledges the brand’s commitment to improving the long-term value of its smartwatch, even as it faces stiff competition in the market.
A Surprising Contender in the Smartwatch Market
After over a decade of testing smartwatches, I encountered something unexpected with the OnePlus Watch 3: a battery life so impressive that I had to actively try to drain it. Five days into my test, despite tracking sleep, runs, and vitals non-stop, the watch still showed no signs of giving up. This $330 smartwatch, while not perfect, has proven to be a formidable competitor to heavy hitters like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the Google Pixel Watch 3. Its premium design and robust health features make it a strong contender, even if it lacks a few key functions like ECG in the U.S. and Canada or menstrual cycle tracking. The Watch 3’s ability to deliver exceptional battery life while maintaining full functionality is a game-changer, even if its large size and limited software support are notable drawbacks.
Battery Life Takes Center Stage
The OnePlus Watch 3’s standout feature is undoubtedly its battery life. With a larger 631mAh battery and a dual chipset system—one processor for apps and another for low-power tasks—it delivers on its promise of five-day battery life with all features enabled. Even when I used a non-OnePlus watch face, which drains the battery faster, I still managed to get four days of use. In "Power Save" mode, the watch can last up to 16 days, though this limits it to basic fitness tracking. The watch also charges quickly, reaching 100% in under an hour. While competitors like the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 struggle to last three days without enabling low-power mode, the Watch 3 remains a clear winner in this department. However, achieving the full five-day battery life requires using "Smart mode" with a raise-to-wake screen and an official OnePlus watch face, which may not suit everyone’s preferences.
A Polished Design with One Major Flaw
The OnePlus Watch 3 boasts a sleek, stainless steel design with a titanium bezel and a rotating crown that feels both elegant and functional. However, its single size option is a significant oversight. The watch is undeniably large, making it uncomfortable for smaller wrists, particularly for women. The lack of inclusive sizing options and the absence of more neutral or feminine color choices further limit its appeal. While the design is objectively attractive, its exclusivity is a clear misstep in an otherwise well-rounded product.
Robust Health Features, Minus One Key Function
The Watch 3 excels in health tracking, offering advanced metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, and even wrist temperature. It also includes a convenient 60-second health check-in feature that provides a quick overview of your vitals. However, the omission of menstrual cycle tracking is a glaring oversight, especially since this feature has become standard in many competing smartwatches. While the watch does include temperature tracking, which can help identify ovulation windows, the lack of dedicated menstrual tracking feels like a missed opportunity. Additionally, the ECG feature, while present, is not available in the U.S. and Canada due to the absence of FDA approval.
A Worthy Fitness Companion with Room for Improvement
The OnePlus Watch 3 is an excellent fitness companion, supporting over 100 workout types and offering automatic detection for six activities, including running, cycling, and swimming. For runners, it provides detailed metrics like ground contact time and vertical oscillation, which can help improve running efficiency. However, the heart rate tracking lags during high-intensity workouts, making it less reliable for serious athletes compared to a chest strap monitor. The dual-frequency GPS system is another standout feature, offering accurate tracking even in challenging environments. While the Watch 3 falls short in some areas, its fitness capabilities make it a solid choice for casual users looking for a reliable workout partner.
The Verdict: A Strong but Imperfect Smartwatch
The OnePlus Watch 3 is a premium smartwatch at a midrange price, delivering exceptional battery life and solid health features. While it may not be the best choice for those with smaller wrists or a preference for more inclusive design options, it is a strong contender for anyone prioritizing battery life. The Watch 3’s limitations, such as its short software update cycle and lack of menstrual tracking, are notable, but its strengths make it a compelling option in the Wear OS ecosystem. If you’re willing to overlook its flaws, the OnePlus Watch 3 is a worthy investment for health-conscious users seeking a long-lasting smartwatch.
