OnePlus Watch 4 arrives with a titanium alloy case, a brighter 3000-nit show mode and Put on OS 6, however after spending time with each variations of OnePlus Watch 3, the improve path feels much less apparent than the spec sheet suggests. The newer mannequin seems like the higher purchase for first-time patrons, however a a lot more durable promote for current homeowners.
That’s as a result of OnePlus already bought loads proper with Watch 3. In my OnePlus Watch 3 assessment and OnePlus Watch 3 43mm assessment, battery life was robust, GPS efficiency was dependable and the dual-chip setup prevented most of the standard Put on OS frustrations. Watch 4 improves the package deal, but it surely doesn’t reinvent it.
Design is extra premium, however measurement nonetheless issues
Let’s begin with design.
OnePlus Watch 4 strikes to a full titanium alloy case, whereas the larger 47mm Watch 3 makes use of a stainless-steel physique with a titanium bezel. It seems like a small element, but it surely helps clarify why Watch 4 drops to 43g for the primary physique, in comparison with round 50g on the older 47mm mannequin.
It is usually slimmer at 11mm thick, versus 11.75mm on Watch 3. Once more, that doesn’t sound enormous, however in your wrist it makes a distinction, particularly if you happen to put on the watch in a single day for sleep monitoring or throughout longer coaching periods.
OnePlus Watch 4
On the similar time, Watch 3 nonetheless has one thing Watch 4 doesn’t: choices. OnePlus ultimately launched a 43mm model of Watch 3, and for lots of people that was the higher watch just because it match higher. It stored the identical basic expertise however felt much less cumbersome and simpler to put on all day.
Watch 4 goes again to a single bigger measurement. So if the 43mm model was the explanation you got Watch 3 within the first place, the newer mannequin might not truly really feel like an improve.
OnePlus Watch 3 47mm vs 43mm
The display screen improve is without doubt one of the finest adjustments
Each Watch 4 and the bigger Watch 3 use a 1.5-inch spherical show with 466 x 466 decision, so sharpness is mainly the identical. However brightness is the place Watch 4 pulls forward.
Watch 3 tops out at 2200 nits peak brightness. Watch 4 pushes that a lot additional with 600 nits regular brightness, 1500 nits in robust daylight and as much as 3000 nits peak brightness throughout official sports activities modes.
That’s not simply advertising fluff. In case you run, cycle or hike outside, display screen brightness is a type of stuff you discover instantly. With the ability to look down and browse stats with out combating reflections is genuinely helpful.
The smaller 43mm Watch 3 sits decrease right here, with a 1.32-inch show and 1000 nits peak brightness. It’s completely wonderful for regular use, however clearly not on the identical stage outside.
OnePlus Watch 3 – 43 and 47m variations
Identical chip, newer software program
So far as {hardware}, Watch 4 nonetheless makes use of the Snapdragon W5 platform paired with the BES low-power chip. That’s mainly the identical setup as Watch 3.
So this isn’t an enormous efficiency leap. Apps ought to really feel acquainted, responsiveness ought to keep robust and battery life stays one of many higher elements of the expertise. That was already true on Watch 3.
The larger change is software program. Watch 4 launches with OxygenOS Watch 8 and Put on OS 6, plus Gemini changing the older assistant setup. It’s a extra present setup, however not dramatically completely different.
The issue for improve patrons is easy: Watch 3 can be anticipated to get Put on OS 6. So if software program is your primary purpose for upgrading, it in all probability makes extra sense to attend.
OnePlus Watch 3 – 43 and 47m variations
Larger battery, however not dramatically longer battery life
OnePlus elevated battery capability from 500mAh on the 47mm Watch 3 to 646mAh on Watch 4. You’d count on a giant battery leap to imply for much longer battery life, however formally the numbers keep virtually the identical.
Each are rated for as much as 5 days in sensible mode, three days with heavier use and as much as 16 days in energy saver mode. That in all probability means the brighter show and newer software program are utilizing up the additional headroom.
That’s not a nasty factor as a result of Watch 3 already had robust battery life for a Put on OS watch. It simply means Watch 4 isn’t out of the blue changing into a two-week smartwatch in full sensible mode.
The 43mm Watch 3 is the compromise possibility right here. Its 345mAh battery provides round 60 hours of ordinary use and 7 days in energy saver mode, which is honest for a a lot smaller machine.
Sturdiness does enhance, although. Watch 4 retains IP68, 5ATM water resistance and MIL-STD-810H certification, whereas additionally including IP69. The larger Watch 3 misses that further layer, and the 43mm model drops the military-grade certification fully.
Well being monitoring will depend on what you care about
All three watches cowl the fundamentals effectively. You get coronary heart charge monitoring, blood oxygen, sleep monitoring and dual-frequency GPS throughout the board. However there are just a few significant variations.
The larger Watch 3 consists of ECG and vascular well being monitoring, plus loud night breathing threat evaluation. For customers who care extra about deeper well being monitoring, that’s nonetheless a robust purpose to keep it up.
Watch 4 strikes extra towards security and basic wellness. It provides fall detection, emergency rescue and the newer 60s Wellness Overview. ECG is there too, however availability will depend on regional approval.
The 43mm Watch 3 is easier. It drops ECG and wrist temperature monitoring, however nonetheless retains the core expertise robust sufficient for most individuals.
Do you have to improve?
If you’re shopping for your first OnePlus smartwatch, Watch 4 is the simple suggestion. Higher supplies, brighter show, stronger sturdiness and newer software program make it the strongest general package deal.
In case you already personal the 47mm Watch 3, it will get more durable. The enhancements are actual, however they really feel like polish quite than a serious leap. Higher, sure. Obligatory, in all probability not.
And if you happen to personal the 43mm Watch 3, the reply could also be even easier. Since Watch 4 nonetheless has no smaller model, sticking with the watch that really matches your wrist finest is likely to be the neatest transfer.
Tech specs comparability
Characteristic
OnePlus Watch 4
OnePlus Watch 3 (47mm)
OnePlus Watch 3 (43mm)
Launch date
April 2026
February 2025
July 2025
Case / supplies
Titanium alloy case, PA + fiberglass backside case, sapphire crystal, fluororubber or blended fluororubber strap
Stainless-steel case, plastic backside, 2.5D sapphire crystal cowl plate, titanium bezel, fluororubber strap
Stainless-steel case, plastic backside, fluororubber strap
Buttons
Rotating crown + flat motion button
Rotating crown + flat motion button
Rotating crown + flat motion button
Dimension
47.4 x 47.4 x 11.0 mm
47.6 x 46.6 x 11.75 mm
43.2 x 43.2 x 11 mm
Weight
43g primary physique, 68g with strap
50g with out strap, 81g with strap
38g with out strap, 67g with strap
Show
1.5 inch LTPO OLED versatile show, 466 x 466, 310 PPI
1.5-inch AMOLED, 466 x 466
1.32-inch AMOLED, 466 x 466
Brightness
600 nits default, 1500 nits daylight mode, 3000 nits peak in sports activities mode
As much as 2200 nits peak
As much as 1000 nits peak
Processor / reminiscence
Snapdragon W5 + BES 2800, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage
Snapdragon W5 + BES2800BP, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage
Snapdragon W5 + BES2800BP, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage
Working system
OxygenOS Watch 8 + Put on OS 6
Put on OS 5 + RTOS
Put on OS 5 + RTOS
Battery capability
646mAh
500mAh
345mAh
Battery life
As much as 5 days sensible mode, 3 days heavy use, 16 days energy saver
As much as 5 days sensible mode, 3 days heavy use, 16 days energy saver
As much as 60h normal use, 36h heavy use, 7 days energy saver
GPS / satellite tv for pc
Twin-band L1+L5 (Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS)
Twin-band L1+L5 (Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS)
Twin-band L1+L5 (Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS)
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 2.4G/5G, NFC
Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 2.4G/5G, NFC, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 2.4G/5G, NFC, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Calling / media
Bluetooth calling, Google Pockets, no eSIM
Bluetooth calling, microphone, speaker, music storage, Google Pockets
Bluetooth calling, microphone, speaker, music storage, Google Pockets
Sensors
Coronary heart charge, SpO2, wrist temperature, accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic, ambient gentle, air stress
Accelerometer, gyroscope, coronary heart charge, SpO2, geomagnetic, wrist temperature, ECG, gentle sensor, barometer
Accelerometer, gyroscope, coronary heart charge, SpO2, geomagnetic, gentle sensor, barometer
Sports activities monitoring
100+ sports activities modes, 6 auto-recognised actions, superior professional metrics
100+ sports activities modes, 11 skilled sports activities modes
100+ sports activities modes, computerized exercise detection
Sturdiness
5ATM, IP68, IP69, MIL-STD-810H
5ATM, IP68, MIL-STD-810H
5ATM, IP68
Colors
Midnight Titanium, Evergreen Titanium
Obsidian Titanium, Emerald Titanium
Black Metal, Silver Metal
Typical value
$350 (Not confirmed)
$350
$300
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