The OnePlus Watch 3 has earned accolades as the top Android smartwatch, yet it faced criticism due to its size constraints. Originally, the Watch 3 was launched exclusively in a 47mm model, appealing primarily to users with larger wrists, while potentially deterring those seeking a more compact alternative.
Industry competitors typically provide multiple size options for their smartwatches, allowing consumers greater choice. In response to feedback, OnePlus has now launched a smaller, lighter version: the 43mm OnePlus Watch 3, weighing in at just 37.8 grams.
While this new model is more elegant compared to its larger counterpart, it still falls short of the more lightweight offerings from rivals, including the 41mm Google Pixel Watch 3 at 31 grams, the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 at 28.8 grams, and the 42mm Apple Watch 10, which varies from 29.3 to 34.4 grams based on configuration.
OnePlus noted that it could have produced an even smaller model but chose the 43mm size for specific design reasons. Aske Kjaer, the EU PR Product Lead at OnePlus, explained, “We’ve got the dual engine architecture when you’re running two chipsets, and that takes up some space. We wanted to make sure we get a proper sensor suite in there.”
Though the 43mm version lacks the ECG monitor found in the 47mm model due to spatial constraints, it retains the essential sensors. Kjaer expressed concerns about reducing the screen size further, sharing, “We didn’t want to go any smaller than the 1.32-inch screen it’s settled with here, for fear it would become too ‘finicky.'” He concluded, “And so when you combine all those things together, what you get is 43mm being the sweet spot.”
The 43mm version offers up to 60 hours of battery life in smart mode—though slightly less than the larger variant—and can last up to seven days in power save mode. The primary trade-offs compared to the 47mm model include reduced screen size, shorter battery life, and the absence of ECG monitoring.
Despite these compromises, the display remains well-proportioned and user-friendly, delivering an impressive battery life if specifications hold true. For those in search of a more compact smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is now available in Europe and the UK for £269. Details regarding its US launch and pricing will follow in future updates.
