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The quest for improved battery life in smartwatches is a common plea among users. Many find that extended battery performance transforms their experience, alleviating the burden of constant charging and the frustration of a dying device. Enter the OnePlus Watch 3, which promises significant enhancements in battery life, in stark contrast to my experience with the Apple Watch Series 10.
Establishing the parameters
While manufacturers provide official battery life estimates, actual performance can vary greatly depending on individual usage patterns. Activities such as fitness tracking with GPS, making phone calls, and managing health features can all contribute to battery drain. Even the choice of watch face can impact longevity.
For my comparison, I aimed to utilize both smartwatches in a similar manner. I turned on the always-on display for both devices and utilized matching health-tracking features and sleep schedules. Despite each watch being synced to different phones, I kept notification settings comparable. I began the experiment with both watches fully charged at noon on the first day, wearing the Apple Watch Series 10 on my left wrist and the OnePlus Watch 3 on my right.
Over the course of the week, I engaged both devices in various tasks, from monitoring activity levels to checking home security cameras. I logged GPS workouts, used alarms, and navigated through app libraries, ensuring that both smartwatches were put to the test.
Comparing the OnePlus Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 10
The results of my battery comparison turned out to be quite telling. As a sports fan, I recall the anguish of witnessing my alma mater lose heavily during a championship game, and this battery showdown felt reminiscent of that disappointment.
| Device | Battery Lifecycle |
|---|---|
| OnePlus Watch 3 | Up to 3 days (heavy use), 120 hours (Smart mode), 16 days (Power Saver mode) |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Up to 18 hours, 36 hours (Low Power Mode) |
During the test period, the OnePlus Watch 3 lasted for approximately 64 hours under heavy usage, while the Apple Watch Series 10 fell short, lasting only about 31 hours. Even a one-hour GPS workout had a much greater impact on the Apple Watch, consuming around 8% of its battery compared to roughly 2% on the OnePlus watch. Sleep tracking, too, proved to be less taxing on the OnePlus device, with only 6% battery loss during multiple nights, as opposed to 11% for the Apple counterpart.
The OnePlus Watch 3 emerges as a robust performer in the smartwatch arena. Featuring a dual-tech architecture and a substantial 631mAh battery paired with an efficient Wear OS 5, it stands out for its impressive longevity.
The OnePlus model’s claims of three days’ battery life under heavy usage were nearly substantiated during my examination, despite the rigorous demands I placed upon it. As a result, the device automatically switched to Power Saver mode when the battery fell to 10%, extending its usability further. In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 10, while achieving better than its 18-hour estimate due to Low Power Mode, still left much to be desired.
Contrasting philosophies
OnePlus has effectively positioned itself as a leader in battery life for Wear OS, continuously enhancing its offerings even after previous models garnered praise. The TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro remains the closest competitor, thanks to its innovative display technology that conserves energy. However, it does not include the newest Wear OS 5, which raises questions about its future updates.
Conversely, Apple continues to face scrutiny over its battery performance. While the company’s flagship watch offers a solid 18-hour valuation, many users have voiced their desire for enhanced longevity. The Apple Watch Ultra series, which boasts improved battery specifications, comes at a significantly higher price point, making it less accessible to general consumers.
For those entrenched in the iOS ecosystem, the Apple Watch remains a primary choice for seamless integration, despite its limitations. Alternatives do exist, such as the Garmin Venu 3, but they may not provide the same smart features users expect. The OnePlus Watch 3, while compelling, is incompatible with iPhones, thus rendering it a tantalizing option for many but ultimately out of reach for devoted Apple users. Personally, I find myself stuck within the Apple landscape, holding on to my device, albeit with a hint of disappointment in battery longevity.
Source
www.androidauthority.com