The OnePlus Watch 3, after a tumultuous launch period marked by a embarrassing typo and a subsequent delay, is finally available for purchase. However, the celebration is short-lived as the smartwatch has mysteriously appeared on the OnePlus website with a price tag of $499.99, a staggering $170 more than its initially announced price of $329.
The Price Conundrum
The pricing error is evident on the OnePlus website, where the watch is listed at $499.99, despite the company’s earlier announcements and marketing materials stating a price of $329. This significant discrepancy has left many potential buyers confused and concerned. Even applying the $30 discount coupon, the price only drops to $469.99, far from the expected $299[1,.
The Typos and Delays
The OnePlus Watch 3’s journey to market has been anything but smooth. Initially announced in February, the watch was delayed due to a typographical error on the back of the device that read “Meda in China” instead of “Made in China.” This mistake led to a two-month delay as OnePlus rectified the issue and resumed production[2,.
New Features and Improvements
Despite the pricing confusion, the OnePlus Watch 3 brings several noteworthy improvements over its predecessor. It boasts a titanium alloy bezel, a rotating digital crown, and a larger, brighter 1.5-inch LPTO OLED display protected by 2D sapphire crystal. The watch also features extended battery life, up to 120 hours, thanks to a larger 631mAh battery and the dual-chip, dual-OS philosophy that includes both Wear OS 5 and a low-power RTOS[5].
Enhanced Health and Wellness Features
The OnePlus Watch 3 introduces several new health and wellness features, including a 60-second health check-in that measures heart rate and conducts an electrocardiogram scan. Additionally, it includes wrist temperature and oximeter sensors, making it a comprehensive tool for health tracking[5].
Design and Build
The watch maintains the classic look of the OnePlus Watch 2 but with upgrades such as a titanium outer casing and bezel. It is IP68-rated and 5ATM certified, making it suitable for swimming, though not for deep diving or hot water exposure. However, the watch’s size, at 46.6mm x 47.6mm x 11mm, may be a concern for those with smaller wrists[5].
Practical Applications and User Experience
For users looking for a robust Wear OS smartwatch with excellent battery life, the OnePlus Watch 3 remains a strong contender. Its ability to extend battery life through the low-power RTOS and the addition of a functional rotating digital crown make it highly usable, especially for those who frequently use their smartwatch during workouts or in conditions where touchscreen navigation is challenging.
Compatibility and Software Updates
The watch runs Wear OS 5 on a Snapdragon W5 chipset and is promised to receive software and security updates through 2027, ensuring support for Wear OS 6 and 7. This commitment to long-term support makes the OnePlus Watch 3 a reliable choice for Android users[2,.
Conclusion
The sudden and unexplained price hike of the OnePlus Watch 3 to $499.99 has cast a shadow over what otherwise seems to be a solid upgrade in the smartwatch segment. As the situation unfolds, potential buyers are advised to wait for clarification from OnePlus before making a purchase. Despite this, the watch’s impressive features, including its extended battery life and comprehensive health suite, make it a compelling option for those in the market for a new Wear OS smartwatch.