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Review of the OnePlus Watch 3: Size Matters

The OnePlus Watch 3 initially impressed with its remarkable battery life, stylish design featuring a functional rotating crown, and smooth performance powered by Wear OS 5. My first encounter led me to rate it four stars, particularly for those prioritizing longevity in their smartwatches. However, the watch’s substantial size proved to be more of a drawback than I initially expected.

With a 47mm diameter and weighing in at 81 grams, the OnePlus Watch 3 certainly makes a bold statement. Yet, this boldness has faded over time. After several months of usage alongside other wearables, such as the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Garmin Venu 3, I consistently found the OnePlus Watch cumbersome and uncomfortable during various activities.

The oversized form factor of the watch became an issue, especially during physical activities. While running, the watch felt like it was bouncing awkwardly on my wrist, and while lifting weights, its bulkiness threw off my balance. In everyday situations, the watch often got caught in my sleeve, bumped against furniture, and even knocked into my child’s head during bedtime routines.

What truly frustrated me, however, was not just the overall size, but the design flaws. The watch features oversized lugs, creating a gap between the strap and the case. This gap prevents the band from resting flush against my skin, enhancing the feeling of instability as the watch never settles comfortably in place.

Despite having smaller wrists, I found I wasn’t alone in my discomfort. I asked my partner to wear the Watch 3 during a day of fitness tracking and general activities. He experienced similar issues, including awkward fit and discomfort even with multiple strap adjustments. After attempting to wear it to bed, he found it “thoroughly uncomfortable.”

In comparison to other smartwatches, the OnePlus Watch 3’s size stands out for all the wrong reasons. For instance, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a larger display, it maintains a balanced and wearable design. Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google provide a variety of case sizes in their offerings. If OnePlus aims to compete effectively, they need to adopt a similar strategy.

While OnePlus has undeniably excelled in certain areas—such as a smooth rotating crown, a vibrant AMOLED display, and a responsive software experience—the drawbacks of comfort overshadow these advantages. The strong battery life is commendable, but I find myself leaving the watch on the charger to avoid discomfort, rendering this benefit nearly meaningless. Over time, the compromises become increasingly noticeable. I’ve started opting to remove the watch before sleep, forgoing its sleep tracking features, and choosing lighter alternatives for workouts.

Some users do prefer the substantial feel of a larger watch, appreciating the bold aesthetic and clearer display. However, introducing multiple size options would widen the appeal of the Watch 3 to a broader audience. The current 47mm case may cater to some, but it misses the mark for many others. Additionally, a redesign of the lug structure is essential; many large devices manage to feel more comfortable through better band integration. While the OnePlus Watch 3 is still a commendable piece of technology, its unwieldy size ultimately limits its practicality for daily wear.

Source
www.androidauthority.com