• The OnePlus Watch 3 model features a 1.5-inch LTPO display, 16-day battery life, dual-frequency GPS and health tracking with a wrist temperature sensor.
• Initially priced at $329, the watch now costs $499 due to tariff hikes, placing it in direct competition with premium brands like Apple, Fitbit and Garmin.
• OnePlus aims to grow its market share but faces the challenge of potentially alienating price-sensitive consumers.

A year after unveiling the OnePlus Watch 2 at the Mobile World Congress and then its lighter version, the OnePlus Watch 2R, in mid-2024, OnePlus introduced a new model in 2025, the OnePlus Watch 3. It was launched on February 18, 2025, in the US, Canada and Europe, with sales planned to start a week later. However, a small hardware typo on the back of the watch delayed open sales to April 2025. Despite this, the initial release event went ahead as planned, showing that OnePlus is putting a lot of effort into this smartwatch.

Design, display and build quality
The OnePlus Watch 3 shows a shift toward a more premium aesthetic, with the use of a titanium bezel and a rotating crown, more commonly seen in higher-end smartwatches. The 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display delivers strong brightness and improved readability, while the sapphire crystal protection adds to durability and resistance to scratches.

Specifications and performance
The OnePlus Watch 3 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 SoC along with the BES2800 microcontroller. The microcontroller enhances background task management, contributing to smoother performance and extended battery life over its predecessor BES2700 used in the previous models. The smartwatch features Wear OS 5 for app functionality alongside a real-time OS designed to enhance health tracking and optimize battery performance. The OnePlus Watch 3 comes with a 631mAh battery, an upgrade from the Watch 2’s 500mAh, offering longer use without frequent charging, making it ideal for travel or busy lifestyles. The smartwatch also includes dual-frequency GPS, delivering precise location tracking in both urban areas and challenging outdoor environments like forests, making it perfect for hikers and runners. It would have been great to have an LTE feature, positioning it as a more versatile device, catering to users seeking both premium features and functionality in a smartwatch.

Fitness features and health tracking
The OnePlus Watch 3 focuses on health tracking, adding a wrist temperature sensor while retaining features like heart rate, SpO₂, sleep and stress monitoring. Although the watch includes an ECG sensor, it hasn’t received FDA approval in the US, meaning the feature is unavailable in this region. This limits its appeal to health-conscious users who value medical-certified features. The smartwatch also lacks emerging features like blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection, which are becoming standard in premium smartwatches. While the OHealth app offers useful health insights, the overall tracking system still lags behind more established options.

Apps and compatibility
The OnePlus Watch 3 runs Wear OS 5, and works well with Android devices, particularly within the Android ecosystem. However, it lacks iOS compatibility, which excludes a significant portion of the potential market. Health data can be stored on the watch for up to seven days unless synced, while the app library continues to grow with a promise of three years of updates.

Pricing and competition
The OnePlus Watch 3 was initially planned to launch at $329, but the product faced delays in its final release, leading to the final price being increased to $499.99. This puts it in direct competition with premium models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. At that price point, expectations around features and performance are higher, and OnePlus may struggle to justify the cost, especially in the US where the brand is known for affordability and value. In Europe, the price remains €299, with added benefits such as free OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro or a Watch Fluoro-rubber Strap, as the region doesn’t face the same steep import tariffs. This price difference shows how global trade policies and regional brand positioning can influence product reception and sales.

Source: OnePlus

Growth in global smartwatch market
In 2024, OnePlus had about 1% share of the global smartwatch market. With the improvements in the Watch 3, there is potential for the brand to gain more traction, although the extent of its influence remains uncertain at this stage. The Watch 3, with its extended battery life, advanced health sensors and smooth Android integration, makes strides in the smartwatch market. However, OnePlus is likely to face stiff competition as established players like Apple, Garmin and Samsung continue to offer more comprehensive and feature-rich solutions, maintaining their lead in the premium wearables segment. The Watch 3 could be a good option for Android users, offering premium features, but its higher price may limit its appeal to budget-conscious buyers. For OnePlus, this is a move into the premium market, and its success will depend on fixing software issues and maintaining quality. For other smartwatch brands, it is a clear signal to step up their game as the competition intensifies.

Analyst takeaways

• The OnePlus Watch series has steadily moved from budget-friendly to premium pricing, reflecting its focus on enhanced features and build quality.
• The OnePlus Watch 3 competes directly with flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8. Its advanced health sensors, long battery life and premium design aim to justify the higher price, though it risks alienating budget-conscious buyers.
• OnePlus demonstrates significant potential within its expanding ecosystem, especially with the prospect of introducing complementary devices like smart rings or connected scales. These additions could strengthen its foothold in the broader wearables market by offering an integrated experience for users, making OnePlus devices more appealing as part of a comprehensive lifestyle solution.
• By consistently refining its software, addressing user feedback and delivering meaningful updates, OnePlus has the opportunity to enhance user satisfaction and loyalty. A thoughtful approach to pricing — balancing affordability with premium features — can help it sustain competitiveness, particularly in price-sensitive markets.