When it comes to smartwatches, consistency and refinement often separate the good from the great. After its rocky start in 2021, OnePlus has steadily evolved its wearable technology, leading to the remarkable OnePlus Watch 3 — arguably the best Wear OS smartwatch available in 2025.
With a perfect blend of craftsmanship, endurance, and performance, OnePlus has finally achieved the balance it has been striving for since its first attempt.
This in-depth review explores the design, features, battery life, software experience, and overall value of the OnePlus Watch 3 — the device that may finally put OnePlus at the top of the smartwatch market.
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Watch 3 maintains a design language similar to its predecessor, but this time, that’s a major compliment. The asymmetric, automotive-inspired casing is built from stainless steel with PVD-coated titanium, topped with a sapphire crystal that ensures durability and scratch resistance.
The 1.5-inch AMOLED display is capable of an impressive 2200 nits of brightness, making it easily visible even under direct sunlight. Measuring 46mm and weighing 81 grams, the watch is solid yet elegant — ideal for users who appreciate a premium, rugged look.
Universal 22mm lugs allow users to swap between various straps, including this year’s Emerald band or the newly introduced Nordic Blue, which adds a fresh, maritime feel to the device. It’s a watch designed for style-conscious users who value both aesthetics and durability.
Buttons, Controls, and Navigation
OnePlus has finally perfected its button layout. The 2 o’clock crown now functions as a true digital crown, supporting smooth scrolling and zooming, complete with tactile, clicky haptics that enhance the experience.
Each button can be custom-programmed with two shortcuts, allowing quick access to features like Timer, Stopwatch, Wallet, or Google Assistant — minimizing the need to touch the screen. This flexibility brings back the physical, functional feel many users missed in modern smartwatches.
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Ruggedness and Durability
Adventure seekers will appreciate the IP68 and 5 ATM water-resistance ratings, ensuring protection against dust, rain, and even swimming. Moreover, the MIL-STD 810H certification guarantees the watch’s resilience in extreme conditions — from -40°F to 158°F.
Whether you’re in a hot tub, swimming in the ocean, or hiking under the sun, the OnePlus Watch 3 is built to endure it all. And as a bonus, rinsing it after exposure to chlorine or seawater helps maintain its pristine condition.
Software and User Experience
The watch runs on Wear OS 5, paired with the OnePlus RT system that takes over in power-saving mode. It integrates with the OHealth app, which, while improved, still leaves room for polish.
The fitness tracking suite includes step counting, calorie tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep analysis. However, during testing, some step count discrepancies were noticed — occasionally overestimating steps compared to competing devices like the Withings ScanWatch Nova.
Despite minor software quirks, the dual-frequency GPS tracking is highly accurate and responsive, and the app’s animated route maps offer a fun and visually appealing way to revisit your outdoor activities.
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Fitness and Health Tracking
For fitness enthusiasts, the OnePlus Watch 3 provides extensive health features:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Pulse oximetry (SpO2)
- Vascular health tracking
- Sleep quality and recovery insights
Sleep tracking accuracy has significantly improved, making it reliable for users who monitor rest cycles. For those who aren’t hardcore athletes, the watch still offers plenty of motivation through subtle reminders and activity insights.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has always been a cornerstone of OnePlus devices, and the Watch 3 continues that legacy. Even with the Always-On Display (AOD) activated, the watch consistently delivers 4.5 days of battery life on a single charge — an outstanding performance for a Wear OS device.
In power-saving mode, the watch can last up to 2 weeks, maintaining notifications and essential apps while shutting down advanced features.
Charging is another highlight — thanks to a USB-C connector, users can charge from 0% to 100% in under an hour, with 15 minutes providing over 40% capacity. For travelers, this means fewer cables and less downtime.
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Display and Always-On Functionality
A smartwatch should always show the time, and the OnePlus Watch 3 does exactly that. The Always-On Display remains active without significantly draining the battery. Notifications, fitness tracking, and quick replies work seamlessly, maintaining convenience throughout the day.
Audio, Watch Faces, and Customization
While the built-in speaker is serviceable for quiet environments, it’s slightly underpowered in noisy settings. However, the improved watch face library, including dynamic video watch faces, makes customization fun and expressive.
Although some users may miss the variety offered by Facer’s massive catalog, OnePlus continues to expand its native options for more personalization.
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Price and Availability
The OnePlus Watch 3 is priced at $329, with pre-orders available at $299 through the end of March 2025. It officially goes on sale in April.
At this price, the watch competes directly with the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7, offering an appealing middle ground for users who want a premium Wear OS experience without being locked into a specific ecosystem.
Verdict: OnePlus Finally Gets It Right
After years of trial and error, OnePlus has finally perfected its smartwatch formula. The Watch 3 delivers on nearly every front — from build quality and performance to endurance and usability.
It’s not perfect: the software could be smoother, and the speaker louder. But for most users, these are minor inconveniences compared to its overall excellence.
In short, the OnePlus Watch 3 is the best Wear OS smartwatch of 2025 — a polished, durable, and beautifully designed wearable that signals OnePlus’ full maturity in the smartwatch arena.
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FAQs About the OnePlus Watch 3
1. Is the OnePlus Watch 3 waterproof?
Yes, it carries IP68 and 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and light diving.
2. How long does the battery last?
With normal use and Always-On Display active, expect 4.5 days of battery life. In power-saving mode, it can extend up to 2 weeks.
3. Does the OnePlus Watch 3 support wireless charging?
No, it uses a USB-C magnetic dock, which is faster and more efficient than standard wireless pads.
4. Can it track sleep accurately?
Yes. The watch offers detailed sleep tracking with improved accuracy, analyzing deep sleep, light sleep, and awake times.
5. Is it compatible with iPhones?
While primarily optimized for Android, the OnePlus Watch 3 can connect to iPhones with limited functionality via the Wear OS app.
OnePlus Watch 3 Review: the Conclusion
The OnePlus Watch 3 proves that persistence pays off. What began as a failed attempt in 2021 has evolved into a premium smartwatch experience that competes with the best from Google and Samsung.
With exceptional design, top-tier materials, long battery life, and robust fitness tracking, the OnePlus Watch 3 isn’t just a gadget — it’s a statement that OnePlus has arrived in the wearable world for good.
If you’re looking for the best Wear OS smartwatch in 2025, the OnePlus Watch 3 should be at the very top of your list.
