The smartwatch market continues to evolve with manufacturers focusing on extending battery life while maintaining robust feature sets. OnePlus has made significant strides in this area with their latest wearable, addressing previous criticisms and implementing new technologies to create a more compelling offering for Android users seeking alternatives to the Google Pixel Watch 3.
Revolutionary Battery Technology
The OnePlus Watch 3 introduces impressive battery performance thanks to its Silicon NanoStack battery technology, the same innovation used in the OnePlus 13 smartphone. This technology allows OnePlus to incorporate a larger 631mAh battery capacity (131mAh more than its predecessor) while maintaining a slimmer profile. According to OnePlus, the Watch 3 can last up to five days in Smart mode with regular use, three days with heavy use, and an extraordinary 16 days in Power saver mode.
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| The OnePlus Watch 3 showcasing its impressive design and battery innovation |
Fast Charging Capabilities
Beyond the extended battery life, the OnePlus Watch 3 features VOOC fast charging technology that delivers practical real-world benefits. A mere 10-minute charge provides enough power for a full day of use, making it convenient for users with busy schedules. Complete charging from 20% to 100% takes approximately 30 minutes, significantly faster than many competing smartwatches despite the larger battery capacity.
Durability and Design
The OnePlus Watch 3 stands out for its robust construction, featuring a sapphire crystal face with an 8+ rating on the Mohs hardness scale. The stainless steel case with titanium bezel provides additional protection, while IP68 dust and water resistance certification, 50m water pressure rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification ensure the watch can withstand challenging environments. The included silicone band with stainless steel clasp enhances the overall durability while maintaining comfort during extended wear.
Software Experience and Limitations
While the OnePlus Watch 3 runs on the latest version of Wear OS, some functionality limitations exist compared to Google's Pixel Watch 3. For instance, the Google Home app on the OnePlus Watch 3 redirects users to their phones rather than allowing direct interaction with smart home devices. The OHealth smartphone companion app provides workout insights but lacks customization options for its home screen, with some tiles appearing empty and no ability to rearrange data for quick access.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The OnePlus Watch 3 delivers reliable health tracking features with accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring. It supports various sports modes and offers advanced metrics for specific activities. However, users cannot customize data screens during workouts, limiting them to OnePlus's predetermined information displays. For casual fitness enthusiasts seeking basic health tracking, these limitations may not be significant drawbacks.
Comparison to Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 maintains advantages in software integration, offering deeper functionality with Google services and Fitbit features. It also provides LTE connectivity options and advanced safety features like Loss of Pulse Detection, which received FDA approval and could potentially save lives in emergency situations. The Pixel Watch 3 also comes in multiple size options to accommodate different wrist sizes, whereas the OnePlus Watch 3 is available only in a larger form factor.
Dual-OS Architecture
Part of what enables the OnePlus Watch 3's impressive battery performance is its dual-OS architecture. The watch utilizes a BES2800 coprocessor for background RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) tasks, allowing the main processor to handle more demanding operations while the efficient coprocessor manages background activities. This intelligent power management contributes significantly to the extended battery life without compromising on performance.
Value Proposition
Despite some software limitations, the OnePlus Watch 3 presents a compelling value proposition for Android users who prioritize battery longevity and durability in their smartwatch. Its combination of premium materials, robust construction, and multi-day battery life addresses common pain points in the smartwatch market, particularly for those frustrated by the daily charging routine required by many competing devices.