The Android smartwatch market offers compelling choices, and two prominent contenders are the OnePlus Watch 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. While the OnePlus Watch 3 has earned accolades, the Galaxy Watch 7 remains a strong competitor. This head-to-head comparison explores which smartwatch offers the best overall experience.
Key Specifications and Hardware
A person wearing the OnePlus Watch 3.
Both smartwatches share similarities, including 1.5-inch sapphire crystal displays and Google Wear OS. However, the Galaxy Watch 7 comes in 40mm and 44mm case sizes, while the OnePlus Watch 3 offers only a 46mm option. This comparison focuses on the 44mm Galaxy Watch 7. Both are Android exclusive. Key differences include LTE connectivity, available only on the Galaxy Watch 7, and battery capacity, where the OnePlus Watch 3’s 648mAh cell outperforms the Galaxy Watch 7’s 425mAh. While similarly priced, the Galaxy Watch 7 frequently benefits from discounts and trade-in offers. Samsung also offers a broader selection of colors, bands, and the option of LTE connectivity.
Advantage: Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for versatility and potential savings.
Design and Wearability
The strap on the OnePlus Watch 3.
The OnePlus Watch 3 boasts a classic watch design, contrasting with the Galaxy Watch 7’s sportier aesthetic. Despite the size difference, both are comfortable, but the OnePlus Watch 3’s traditional strap design provides a more secure and adjustable fit. The Galaxy Watch 7’s tucked-under strap design can be less adaptable. The OnePlus Watch 3’s polished stainless steel case adds a touch of elegance compared to the Galaxy Watch 7’s aluminum. Both are suitable for overnight wear. The OnePlus Watch 3’s rotating crown provides more satisfying haptic feedback than the Galaxy Watch 7’s virtual rotating bezel.
A person wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.
Advantage: OnePlus Watch 3 for comfort, premium materials, and intuitive controls.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Screenshots taken from the Samsung Health app.
Both smartwatches effectively track walks, with broadly similar step counts, elevation, and pace. The Galaxy Watch 7 tends to estimate higher calorie burn, potentially an overestimation. While the OnePlus Watch 3’s OHealth app provides clear data, Samsung Health offers more comprehensive metrics like Energy Score and Body Composition. The Galaxy Watch 7’s lighter weight makes it more suitable for intense workouts.
The OnePlus Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 showing activity data.
Advantage: Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for comprehensive metrics and suitability for active sports.
Sleep Monitoring
Screenshots from the OHealth app.
Both devices track sleep stages and blood oxygen effectively. The OnePlus Watch 3 more accurately detects wake-up times, while the Galaxy Watch 7 excels at capturing sleep latency. OHealth provides simpler sleep data visualization compared to the more detailed Samsung Health. Dedicated sleep trackers like the Oura Ring 4 offer even more streamlined sleep analysis.
The OnePlus Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 showing sleep data.
Advantage: OnePlus Watch 3 for accurate wake-up detection and clear data presentation.
Battery Performance
The OnePlus Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 sensors.
The OnePlus Watch 3’s superior battery life is a significant advantage. It consistently lasts up to four days on a single charge, thanks to its large battery and efficient dual-processor system. The Galaxy Watch 7 offers one to two days of battery life, significantly less. In a 24-hour test, the OnePlus Watch 3 retained 82% battery compared to the Galaxy Watch 7’s 44%. While the Galaxy Watch 7 has a more premium charging puck, the OnePlus Watch 3’s extended battery life is a clear winner.
A person wearing the OnePlus Watch 3.
A person wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.
Advantage: OnePlus Watch 3 for significantly longer battery life.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Watch 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.
The OnePlus Watch 3 emerges as the overall winner, excelling in comfort, battery life, and sleep tracking. Its sleek performance and intuitive software contribute to a positive user experience. The Galaxy Watch 7 remains a compelling option for users prioritizing fitness tracking, diverse styling choices, and LTE connectivity. However, the OnePlus Watch 3’s exceptional battery life and refined design make it the top choice for an all-around Android smartwatch.
