The new OnePlus Watch 3 is here, and it’s got people asking: how does it compare to the older OnePlus Watch 2? Both watches look great, use Wear OS, and are good for tracking your fitness. The Watch 3 does have some new and improved features. But the big question is: are those upgrades worth the extra cost, or is the Watch 2 still the smarter buy?
We’ll compare the design, performance, battery, and software of both watches to help you figure out which one best suits you.
Physical Appearance and Display
The OnePlus Watch 3 looks a lot like the Watch 2, but the newer model has a slightly larger face. Both watches use high-end materials like sapphire crystal glass and stainless steel. The Watch 3 is just a tad thinner, so it should be more comfortable to wear all the time, even though the weight is about the same.
The OnePlus Watch 3 boasts a significantly upgraded display: an LTPO AMOLED screen that can reach a peak brightness of 2200 nits. This is a huge jump from the Watch 2’s 1000 nits, and it makes a world of difference when you’re trying to see the screen outdoors, especially in bright sunlight. The Watch 3 is now much more readable in those conditions. Thankfully, both the Watch 3 and Watch 2 maintain the same IP68 and 5ATM water resistance ratings, which means they’re equally durable and can handle everyday wear and tear, including sweat, rain, and even swimming.
Even though the Watch 2 was well-made, the Watch 3’s brighter screen and slimmer design make it look and feel better, and it’s also more practical to use.
Performance and Power of OnePlus Watch 3 and Watch 2
The OnePlus Watch 2 and 3 have the same internal “brains” – the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. So, they should both run smoothly. The Watch 3, however, has a better Bluetooth connection (version 5.2 compared to the Watch 2’s 5.0). This means the Watch 3 should connect more reliably to your phone and use less battery when doing so.
We don’t have all the battery details for the Watch 3 yet, but the Watch 2 has a 500mAh battery. Since both watches use the same 7.5W wired charging, their battery life should be pretty similar. Both watches also use the same GPS system, meaning they’ll both be equally good at tracking your location during workouts.
The OnePlus Watch 3’s upgraded Bluetooth makes it connect to your phone more reliably and smoothly compared to the Watch 2.
Price, Looks, and Software
The OnePlus Watch 3 will likely cost around $325 when it launches, whereas the Watch 2 originally came out at about $250. This makes the Watch 2 the more budget-friendly choice. Good news for those who like to personalize their gadgets: both watches use standard 22mm watch straps, so you can easily swap them out for different styles to match your mood or outfit.
Both the Watch 2 and Watch 3 use Wear OS with RTOS, which means they both run smoothly and give you access to all the apps in the Google Play Store. The Watch 3 definitely offers a better overall experience thanks to its improved screen and Bluetooth connection. However, if you’re looking for a good smartwatch that won’t break the bank, the Watch 2 is still a solid option and a great value for the price.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Watch 3 is definitely a step up, especially with its brighter screen and better Bluetooth. However, the Watch 2 is still a very good smartwatch, and it costs less. So, if you want the newest features and a watch that’s easier to see outdoors, the Watch 3 is the way to go. But, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need the latest bells and whistles, the Watch 2 is still a great option.