When discussing the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm, it’s important to note that any links to online stores should be considered affiliates. The company or PR agency typically provides review samples, but they have no control over the content I produce, and I always offer my honest opinion.
Having previously reviewed the OnePlus Watch 3, I found it to be my favorite WearOS watch by a significant margin. Even though I am deeply entrenched in the Garmin ecosystem, I would have switched to the OnePlus Watch 3 as my personal watch and recommended it to friends and colleagues if not for my current setup.
Several months later, OnePlus introduced the smaller Watch 3 43mm, which not only reduces the display size but also refines the design, giving it a more elegant and feminine look.
I recently received the smaller watch from OnePlus to evaluate. While there isn’t much point in providing an in-depth review since it functions similarly to the excellent OnePlus Watch 3, I will focus on the variations, including the overall appearance, battery life, and any missing features.
The 46mm model of the OnePlus Watch 3 offers higher-end materials like titanium and sapphire, making it larger and heavier compared to the 43mm model. Additionally, the LTPO AMOLED display on the 46mm model is larger and much brighter, with a maximum brightness of up to 2200 nits. The battery life on the 46mm model is notably longer, especially in power saver mode. Moreover, the 46mm model introduces ECG, wrist temperature, and arterial stiffness health features, along with MIL-STD-810H durability and multiple environmental stress tests that the 43mm model lacks. Both models run Wear OS and support the same set of smart and workout features, but the 46mm model excels in health tracking and ruggedness.
In terms of dimensions, the 43mm model measures 43.2 x 43.2 x 11 mm, while the 46mm model measures 46.6mm x47.6mm x 11.75mm mm. The 43mm model weighs 37.8g, while the 46mm model weighs 49.7g, excluding straps. OnePlus mentions that the 46mm model fits wrists measuring 140-210mm, but the size for the smaller model is not specified.
When comparing the design of the two models, the 46mm version features a chunkier and more rugged design overall, with a larger crown and number bezel that gives it a pilot watch style. On the other hand, the 43mm model is more suitable but perhaps less visually appealing. It is an attractive watch with a circular face and a small crown. The watch strap design has been slightly altered, making it thinner at 18mm and not flaring out into the body of the watch, giving it an overall impression of a smaller timepiece.
In terms of battery life, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm offers impressive performance for a WearOS watch, though not as exceptional as the 46mm model. The official specs suggest that the 46mm model can last up to 5 days with normal use or 3 days with heavy use. On the other hand, the 43mm model provides 60 hours of use or 36 hours of heavy use. While the smaller model’s battery life is commendable, the 46mm model outshines it in this aspect.
The overall user experience of the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm closely mirrors that of the 46mm model, making it easy to adapt to. The watch excels in fitness and health tracking, with both models offering running power, an advanced running metric typically found in premium sports watches. However, one notable omission in the 43mm model is the lack of ECG functionality. Additionally, it does not include wrist temperature monitoring, which could serve as an early warning sign of illness.
In terms of pricing and alternatives, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm has an RRP of £269, with discounts available on the OnePlus website, bringing the price down to £229. The larger Watch 3 model is priced at £319, but it was listed for £249 at the time of writing. Amazon offers the 43mm model for as low as £175 for the silver variant and £182.59 for the black model. The 46mm model is available for £199.59.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is an excellent compact alternative to the 46mm model, offering a smooth WearOS experience, robust fitness tracking capabilities, and a premium feel in a lighter and more elegant form factor. While the smaller model may lack some health features and durability compared to the larger model, it remains one of the best smaller WearOS watches available. If you prefer a sleeker design or have slimmer wrists, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is a superb choice. However, for better overall value, the 46mm model is recommended.
