OnePlus Watch 3: A New Contender in the Smartwatch Market

When it comes to Wear OS and non-Apple smartwatches, Samsung has been dominating the field for years. Models like the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, and Galaxy Watch FE have set the benchmark high, making it tough for other brands to compete. OnePlus is one of those brands trying to catch up, and now they’ve launched the OnePlus Watch 3.

While the new OnePlus Watch 3 brings several improvements over its predecessor, it still struggles to match the features and finesse of Samsung’s smartwatches—at least on paper.

What’s New with the OnePlus Watch 3?

The OnePlus Watch 3 is a clear upgrade from last year’s model, the OnePlus Watch 2, offering advancements in design, display, performance, battery life, and health tracking.

Here’s a closer look at what the OnePlus Watch 3 brings to the table:

• Design and Build: The watch comes in a single 47mm size with a stainless steel frame and titanium bezel for added durability.
• Display: It boasts a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED circular display with a resolution of 466 x 466 and a peak brightness of 2,200 nits. The screen is protected by sapphire crystal, ensuring better scratch resistance.
• Performance: OnePlus uses a dual-chip setup—Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 for Google’s Wear OS 5 and Bestechnic’s BES2800 for RTOS. This combination handles advanced features and basic tasks efficiently, aiming to extend battery life.
• Battery Life: With a 631mAh battery, the watch can reportedly last up to 120 hours (5 days) on a single charge. That’s impressive for a smartwatch!
• Health Tracking: The OnePlus Watch 3 features sensors for ECG, optical heart rate, SpO2, and wrist temperature. It also includes a “60-Second Health Check-In” feature that provides insights into heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, and more within a minute.
• Activity Tracking: The watch supports tracking for over 100 sports activities, making it versatile for fitness enthusiasts.

For more details, check out OnePlus Watch 3.

Samsung Still Holds the Crown

While the OnePlus Watch 3 makes a strong case, it falls short when compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup, especially the Galaxy Watch 7.

Here’s why Samsung remains the go-to choice for Android smartwatches:

• Water Resistance: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 offers water resistance up to 5 meters, compared to just 1.5 meters on the OnePlus Watch 3.
• Advanced Chipset: The Galaxy Watch 7 is powered by the Exynos W1000 SoC, built on a 3nm process, making it more efficient and powerful than the OnePlus chipsets.
• Software Features: Samsung’s One UI enhances Wear OS 5 with additional features for a better user experience.
• Options: The Galaxy Watch 7 comes in two sizes and offers a cellular connectivity option, allowing users to leave their phone behind during activities like runs. The OnePlus Watch 3 lacks these conveniences.

If you’re in the market for a smartwatch to pair with your Android phone, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series still leads the pack. For even more features, consider the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which takes functionality and durability to a whole new level.

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