I Wore the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm for 2 Weeks — Here’s Why It Might Be the Best Wear OS Deal Right Now
OnePlus Watch 3 43mm: A Comprehensive Review
OnePlus has released a smaller version of its popular smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 3. Instead of calling it "mini," like OPPO does for the same watch, OnePlus has named it the Watch 3 43mm, clearly stating its size. Interestingly, this "smaller" watch is still comparable in size to larger models from Google and Samsung, which measure 45mm and 44mm respectively.
This smaller size naturally involves some compromises. But how does that affect the overall user experience? I wore the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm for two weeks to find out. And the spoiler is: it's still a fantastic smartwatch.
Design and Build
Several design differences exist between the standard OnePlus Watch 3 and the 43mm version. The most noticeable change is on the right side of the watch; the flat edge is gone. The top of the watch case is slightly wider than the rest of the body, giving it a unique yet still conventionally appealing look. The rotating crown remains functional, and the back button is conveniently located beneath it. The watch casing clearly states "Made in China" on the bottom.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Fitness tracking is a crucial aspect of any smartwatch. While OnePlus still has room for improvement in this area, the Watch 3 43mm offers many valuable features.
A notable addition is the Pro Running Mode, which includes a professional running coach to guide you towards your fitness goals. The watch also provides a fat-burning evaluation to optimize your workouts for fat loss.
Heart rate tracking accuracy is impressive. During my testing alongside the Whoop 5.0, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm provided readings that were virtually identical. The advancements in heart rate tracking technology in smartwatches are truly remarkable.
Sleep tracking is also excellent, accurately monitoring both sleep and naps. This is a significant advantage over the Apple Watch, which only tracks sleep based on a pre-set schedule and doesn't track naps. The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm also provides a sleep score, which, while not scientifically validated, appears quite accurate in my experience.
Exceptional Battery Life
OnePlus wearables are renowned for their battery life. While the OnePlus Watch 3 boasts approximately 5 days (or 100 hours, according to OnePlus) of battery life, the smaller 43mm version still manages about 4 days under typical usage (OnePlus claims 60 hours). This impressive longevity stems from the same dual-OS architecture used in the OnePlus Watch 2, 2R, and 3, which significantly extends battery life, even lasting over a week if you disable Smart Mode.
Charging is quick and easy, taking less than an hour. The charging puck's design is another highlight – unlike many competitors, it's not tethered to a USB cable, making it incredibly portable. It also charges with SuperVOOC speeds if you own other OnePlus or OPPO devices.
Unbeatable Value in the Wear OS Market
The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm offers exceptional value in the Wear OS market, particularly given the limited competition – essentially just Samsung and Google. Priced at $299 in the US and $399 in Canada, it's a significant bargain.
Pre-ordering before the end of July provides an additional discount: $50 off in the US ($70 in Canada) with an eligible device trade-in (even those in any condition). Students receive an extra 10% discount. Considering the Google Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349 and the Galaxy Watch 8 is rumored to cost over $300, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is the most affordable option without compromising on essential features.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm provides a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability. Its excellent battery life, comprehensive fitness and health tracking capabilities, and sleek design make it a top contender in the Wear OS market.
The post I Wore the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm for 2 Weeks — Here’s Why It Might Be the Best Wear OS Deal Right Now appeared first on Android Headlines.
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