The OnePlus Watch 3, a standout Wear OS smartwatch, boasts a remarkable five-day battery life, eclipsing competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the Apple Watch Ultra. However, it’s not without its shortcomings. OnePlus is actively working to address these issues in a new model slated for release this year, with a focus on size and connectivity.
Alt: A user wearing the OnePlus Watch 3, displaying the Wellness screen.
The OnePlus Watch 3 features a premium design with a rotating crown and titanium bezel, elevating it above its predecessor, the Watch 2. However, its stainless steel chassis contributes to significant heft, making it uncomfortable for some users, especially those with smaller wrists. At nearly 50 grams without the strap and a 47mm dial, it’s among the heaviest smartwatches on the market.
Addressing Size Concerns
Dr. Leo Zhang, head of R&D at OnePlus’ Health Lab, confirmed the development of a smaller variant in an interview with Pulse by Wearable (via 9to5Google). This decision directly addresses customer feedback regarding the weight of both the Watch 3 and Watch 2. While Zhang indicated a release “this year,” there’s a possibility the launch could be delayed until early 2026. Details regarding the exact size and specifications remain undisclosed.
Alt: Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 in 40mm and 44mm sizes, illustrating the variety offered by competitors.
Offering different sizes is a proven strategy employed by industry giants like Apple and Samsung, providing consumers with more choices and potentially reducing manufacturing costs. A similar approach from OnePlus could lead to a more competitive price point.
The Battery Life Dilemma
Alt: The OnePlus Watch 3 connected to its charging cable.
The smaller size inevitably presents a challenge: battery capacity. The Watch 3’s impressive five-day battery life stems from its large 650mAh battery. Competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, with smaller batteries around 550mAh, offer roughly two days of regular use. Shrinking the Watch 3 will necessitate a smaller battery, likely impacting its standout battery life. While advancements in battery technology could mitigate this, such breakthroughs are unlikely in the near future.
Enhanced Connectivity: LTE on the Horizon
Alt: A user wearing the OnePlus Watch 3 on their wrist.
Beyond size, Zhang acknowledged the global demand for LTE connectivity. While the technology itself is readily available, the main obstacle lies in carrier support. OnePlus is currently collaborating with carriers, particularly in Europe, to develop dedicated data plans for the watch. This suggests an LTE variant might accompany the smaller Watch 3.
Balancing Size and Performance
Alt: The OnePlus Watch 3 displaying the app screen on a user’s wrist.
OnePlus has successfully addressed a major Wear OS concern: battery life. Maintaining this impressive performance with a smaller battery, even with a smaller, less power-hungry display, presents a significant challenge. It’s crucial for OnePlus to prioritize thorough testing to avoid releasing a subpar product. The key lies in balancing the demand for a smaller form factor with the Watch 3’s defining feature: its exceptional battery life. The market reception of this smaller model, despite potential trade-offs, remains to be seen.
In the meantime, OnePlus is working to secure FDA approval for ECG functionality on the Watch 3, a feature currently disabled due to regulatory hurdles. Similarly, sleep apnea detection awaits approval, although its availability for the Watch 3 remains uncertain.
