Comparing the OnePlus Watch 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2: A Comprehensive Review
In recent months, my go-to smartwatch has been the Apple Watch Ultra 2. With its sleek design, excellent software, and a wealth of health data, it has served me well. However, I recently turned my attention to the OnePlus Watch 3, and I was excited to see how it stacks up against my existing device. After wearing the OnePlus Watch 3 for several days, I found several significant upgrades from its predecessor, including a longer battery life and added health features. Read on for a closer look at how the OnePlus Watch 3 performed compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during my running tests.
Testing Environment
Location and Conditions
Living in Michigan during February means facing cold and snowy weather, which isn’t ideal for outdoor running. Therefore, I opted for the cozy treadmill in my apartment’s gym for this test.
Setup for the Test
I wore the OnePlus Watch 3 on my left wrist and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on my right. Both watches were set to record a 30-minute indoor running workout, starting simultaneously. I maintained a treadmill incline of 0.5 and adjusted my speed between 5 to 6 mph throughout the session.
Watch Features and Technology
Both smartwatches include a variety of health and fitness tracking features. The OnePlus Watch 3 boasts a new PPG module and LED design, which are advertised to enhance heart rate accuracy. Previously, I was not entirely satisfied with the heart rate monitoring of the OnePlus Watch 2, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 consistently demonstrated reliability in this area.
Results of the Running Test
After completing the run, I compared the data recorded by both watches. Here’s a detailed look at the results:
| Metrics | OnePlus Watch 3 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30:17 | 30:11 |
| Distance | 2.58 miles | 2.92 miles |
| Average Pace | 11:44/mile | 10:19/mile |
| Steps | 4,358 steps | N/A |
| Active Calories | 365 calories | 261 calories |
| Average Heart Rate | 162 bpm | 164 bpm |
| Average Cadence | 143 spm | 136 spm |
| Average Stride Length | 3.11 ft | N/A |
| Average Ground Contact Time | 329 ms | N/A |
Heart Rate Tracking
What stood out most from the data was the heart rate accuracy. Both watches displayed remarkably similar heart rates, with the OnePlus showing 162 bpm compared to Apple’s 164 bpm. This is a notable improvement for OnePlus, as the previous version lagged significantly behind.
Additional Observations
While the OnePlus Watch 3 performed admirably in heart rate tracking, it did fall behind in distance measuring. It recorded 2.58 miles compared to the Apple Watch’s 2.92 miles, while the treadmill calculated 2.77 miles. Given that both smartwatches fall within a reasonable error margin compared to the treadmill’s measurement, I’m open to further testing in outdoor conditions when the weather allows.
Calories Burned
The difference in active calories burned can be attributed to the algorithms used by both devices, which tend to vary widely between brands. This variance is expected, as it’s rare for two smartwatches to provide identical calorie calculations.
Surprising Features of the OnePlus Watch 3
The OnePlus Watch 3 had several features that caught my attention:
Additional Running Metrics
This watch offered valuable insights into my running performance, such as stride length and ground contact time. These metrics are not available in the Apple Watch’s indoor running mode. Moreover, the OnePlus provides a comprehensive "Running Form" section, which rates various metrics to help improve performance.
Advanced Assessments
The advanced assessment page of the OnePlus Watch 3 shows detailed insights, including the proportion of calories burned from fat versus sugar and a rating of aerobic effectiveness. This level of insight was greatly enhanced compared to any previous models from OnePlus or the Apple Watch.
Conclusion: Which Watch Will Be My Running Companion?
So, will the OnePlus Watch 3 become my primary running watch for 2025? It has certainly emerged as a strong competitor. The accuracy of heart rate tracking, along with its more detailed running statistics, is impressive. Its user experience has improved significantly since the Watch 2, positioning it as a serious alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
However, I still feel that the Apple Watch has advantages that cater to my preferences. As an Apple Music subscriber, accessing my playlists is seamless with the Apple Watch. The LTE feature also enhances communication during runs, which the OnePlus lacks.
I intend to keep using the OnePlus Watch 3 to see how it fits into my routine. If you are on the lookout for a new fitness watch, the OnePlus Watch 3 should definitely be on your list. Based on this comparison, it certainly proves to be a strong candidate for one of the best smartwatches of the year.