OnePlus Watch 2 vs 3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

OnePlus Watch 3 & OnePlus Watch 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the OnePlus Watch 3 rather than the OnePlus Watch 2.

Why Do I Recommend The OnePlus Watch 3?

  • The OnePlus Watch 3 features a new BES2800 co-processor for improved energy efficiency and smoother dual-engine performance, whereas the OnePlus Watch 2 uses the older BES2700 chip.
  • OnePlus Watch 3 includes a 1.50-inch LTPO AMOLED display for better brightness control and battery optimization, while the OnePlus Watch 2 features a 1.43-inch standard AMOLED display.
  • It comes with a sapphire crystal 2D cover glass for greater scratch resistance and durability, whereas the OnePlus Watch 2 uses a 2.5D glass or sapphire variant depending on region.
  • The OnePlus Watch 3 supports a rotating crown control for easier scrolling and precise navigation, while the OnePlus Watch 2 relies only on touch and side buttons.
  • OnePlus Watch 3 has a larger 631 mAh battery for longer endurance up to 16 days in Power Saver Mode, while the OnePlus Watch 2 includes a 500 mAh cell with about 12 days of Power Saver runtime.
  • It features new health metrics such as wrist temperature and vascular age tracking for more comprehensive wellness insights, while the OnePlus Watch 2 lacks these additional metrics.
  • The OnePlus Watch 3 launches with Wear OS 5 for improved optimization and Google app integration, whereas the OnePlus Watch 2 runs on Wear OS 4.
  • OnePlus Watch 3 includes refined haptic feedback integrated with its digital crown for more tactile responses during interactions, while the OnePlus Watch 2 uses standard vibration feedback only.

Maybe the OnePlus Watch 2 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the OnePlus Watch 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureOnePlus Watch 3OnePlus Watch 2
Chipset co-processor (dual-engine)BES2800BES2700
Display typeLTPO AMOLEDAMOLED
Display size (large model)1.50″1.43″
Peak brightness (large model)~2200 nits~600–1000 nits
Cover glass (large model)Sapphire crystal2.5D glass/sapphire
Rotating crownYesNo
Smaller model display1.32″, 466×466Not available
Battery capacity~631 mAh~500 mAh
Smart Mode enduranceUp to ~120 hUp to ~100 h
Power Saver enduranceUp to ~16 daysUp to ~12 days
Thickness (large model)~11.75 mm~12.1 mm
Bezel/material optionTitanium/stainless variantsStainless steel
Health metrics additionsWrist temperature, vascular ageNo wrist temperature, no vascular age
Navigation inputsCrown + button + touchButton + touch
Wear OS at launchWear OS 5Wear OS 4
Haptic feedback tuningNewer tuning with crown interactionsStandard tuning
Brightness (smaller model)1000 nitsNot applicable
Color/finish variationsExpanded premium finishesFewer premium variants
PriceCheck OnePlus 3 PriceCheck OnePlus 2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both watches run a dual-OS setup combining Google’s Wear OS for full smartwatch functionality and an RTOS layer for efficient low-power operations. This common architecture allows each model to support apps, watch faces and persistent background tracking.
  • Support for Google Play Apps: Both devices support installation of third-party apps via Google Play, meaning users on either model can extend functionality beyond built-in features.
  • Bluetooth calling: Each model offers Bluetooth-connected call handling when linked to a compatible smartphone, giving hands-free voice functionality on the wrist.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity: Both watches include Wi-Fi support, enabling functions like app downloads, notifications and updates when the phone may not be in direct Bluetooth range.
  • NFC support: Both support Near-Field Communication for contactless payments or interactions with compatible terminals, giving them similar convenience features.
  • Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5): Each watch offers dual-band GNSS positioning (L1 + L5) along with support for Beidou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS which means enhanced location accuracy during outdoor activities.
  • Water resistance (5ATM + IP68): Both models are rated for 5ATM water resistance and IP68 dust/water protection, making them suitable for swimming and everyday exposure to moisture.
  • Activity/sports mode tracking: Both offer numerous sport modes and fitness tracking capabilities—enabling tracking of runs, cycles, swims, etc—so the core fitness functionality is shared.
  • Heart rate sensor: Both watches include optical heart-rate monitoring sensors that provide continuous HR tracking and alerts when thresholds are exceeded, a key wellness feature.
  • SpO₂ (blood oxygen) sensor: Each model supports blood-oxygen saturation monitoring at the wrist, enabling insights into respiration, sleep and health status.
  • Sleep monitoring: Both devices include sleep tracking (duration, sleep stages, breathing rate) as part of the health suite, enabling users to review sleep quality over time.
  • Accelerometer + gyroscope sensors: Each watch includes motion sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) which underpin features like auto workout detection, step counting and gesture inputs.
  • Strap/lug length standard (for interchange): Both models support interchangeable watch straps via standard lug connections (and similar wrist-fit ranges) so users can adapt bands across models.
  • 32GB internal storage: Both offer 32 GB of on-board storage (alongside RAM) for apps, music caching, watch faces and offline features—so memory capacity is equivalent.
  • Smart notification & media control: Each model supports phone notification mirroring, media playback control and other smart-watch conveniences like timer/stopwatch/alarms, so the user experience is broadly aligned.

Common Features

FeatureOnePlus Watch 3OnePlus Watch 2
Operating SystemWear OS + RTOSWear OS + RTOS
Support for Google Play AppsYesYes
Bluetooth callingYesYes
Wi-Fi connectivityYesYes
NFC supportYesYes
Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5)YesYes
Water resistance (5ATM + IP68)YesYes
Activity/sports mode trackingYesYes
Heart rate sensorYesYes
SpO₂ (blood oxygen) sensorYesYes
Sleep monitoringYesYes
Accelerometer + gyroscope sensorsYesYes
Strap/lug length standard (for interchange)YesYes
32GB internal storageYesYes
Smart notification & media controlYesYes
Bluetooth + BLE supportYesYes
Price Check OnePlus 3 Price
Check OnePlus 2 Price

FAQ

Does the OnePlus Watch 3 run the same operating system as the OnePlus Watch 2?
Yes, both watches run a dual-system architecture combining Google’s Wear OS for smart functions and a lightweight RTOS for power efficiency, providing smooth app performance with long battery life.

Is the display technology similar between the OnePlus Watch 3 and Watch 2?
Both models use AMOLED panels with Always-On Display support and high resolution, ensuring vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth animation even though brightness and LTPO efficiency differ.

Do both watches support Bluetooth calling?
Yes, both support Bluetooth calling, allowing users to make and receive calls directly from the watch when connected to a phone, including built-in microphone and speaker integration.

Are NFC payments available on both watches?
Yes, each model includes NFC hardware for contactless payments via supported platforms, enabling convenient tap-to-pay functionality.

Do both watches include GPS tracking?
Yes, both feature dual-band L1 + L5 GPS for highly accurate outdoor navigation and exercise tracking, maintaining stable location precision even in dense urban environments.

Is water resistance the same on both devices?
Yes, the OnePlus Watch 3 and Watch 2 are rated 5ATM and IP68, meaning they can withstand swimming, sweat, and splashes without damage under normal conditions.

Do both watches support SpO₂ monitoring?
Yes, both models include SpO₂ sensors that continuously monitor blood-oxygen saturation, useful for tracking respiratory health and sleep quality trends.

Can both watches track sleep and activity automatically?
Yes, both automatically detect activity types and monitor sleep stages, providing detailed summaries of movement, rest patterns, and daily health performance.

Is the heart rate monitoring feature similar on both?
Yes, both feature continuous heart-rate tracking using optical sensors, displaying resting and active HR data as well as high and low HR alerts.

Do both watches use similar storage capacities?
Yes, each model provides 32 GB of internal storage, which can hold watch faces, offline music, and apps without requiring constant phone access.

Are the connectivity options identical on both?
Yes, both offer Bluetooth 5.x, Wi-Fi, and NFC connectivity, ensuring stable wireless communication, quick syncing, and mobile-free functionality.

Can both watches install apps from Google Play?
Yes, both models run Wear OS and include full Google Play Store access, enabling users to install third-party apps such as fitness, music, and productivity tools.

Do both watches share similar sensor arrays?
Yes, both include accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, heart-rate, and SpO₂ sensors, forming a comprehensive suite for fitness and health tracking.

Are strap options interchangeable between the two?
Yes, both support standard interchangeable watch bands with similar lug sizes, allowing users to swap straps freely for personalization and comfort.

Do both watches support smart notifications and media control?
Yes, each device mirrors smartphone notifications and includes controls for media playback, alarms, timers, and voice assistant features for seamless daily use.