For months now, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has been my go-to smartwatch. It’s an impressive device, offering sleek hardware, seamless watchOS software, and an ecosystem of data that I’ve accumulated in the Apple Health and Fitness apps. But I’m always on the lookout for something new, which led me to the OnePlus Watch 3.
After wearing the OnePlus Watch 3 for several days, I was pleasantly surprised. While the hardware isn’t dramatically different from its predecessor, OnePlus has made some noticeable improvements, such as longer battery life, new health features, and the addition of a rotating crown that interacts with the software.
As someone who runs regularly, I was especially curious to see how the OnePlus Watch 3 would compare to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in terms of activity tracking. I had been disappointed with the OnePlus Watch 2, which provided inaccurate stats and a rather basic health app. To see if the OnePlus Watch 3 had improved, I decided to run with both watches and compare the results. Let’s just say, I was amazed by how things turned out.
The Testing Setup
Living in Michigan means cold weather and plenty of snow, which isn’t ideal for outdoor running. So, for this test, I took it to the treadmill at my apartment gym. I wore the OnePlus Watch 3 on my left wrist and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on my right. I started a 30-minute indoor running workout on both watches and stopped them once the timers hit 30 minutes. The treadmill incline was set to 0.5 the entire time, and I adjusted my speed between 5, 5.5, and 6 mph.
Both watches come packed with the typical health and fitness features. The OnePlus Watch 3 now includes a new PPG module and LED design, which OnePlus claims will improve heart rate accuracy. While I’ve always been impressed with the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s heart rate tracking, the OnePlus Watch 3 had a chance to prove itself in this area.
How the Watches Performed
Both smartwatches provided fairly comparable results, though there were a few key differences.
What stood out most was how similar the heart rate readings were on both watches. Throughout my run, I frequently glanced at each watch, and both were either identical or within one to two beats per minute of each other. At the end of the workout, the OnePlus Watch 3 recorded an average heart rate of 162 bpm, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 came in at 164 bpm.
Heart rate accuracy has always been a strength of Apple’s smartwatches, so seeing the OnePlus Watch 3 line up so closely with the Ultra 2 was impressive. It’s safe to say that the new heart rate sensors in the OnePlus Watch 3 have made a huge improvement over its predecessor.
Despite the heart rate accuracy being almost identical, the watches differed in other metrics. The OnePlus Watch 3 recorded 2.58 miles over the 30-minute run, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 measured 2.92 miles. The treadmill itself measured 2.77 miles. Though both watches were within a reasonable margin of error compared to the treadmill, it’s clear that distance tracking is always a bit tricky with treadmill running. I’m excited to test their GPS capabilities once the weather allows for an outdoor run.
The difference in calories burned is another interesting point. The OnePlus Watch 3 recorded 365 calories burned, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 showed 261. This likely comes down to differences in algorithms rather than a tracking issue.
Where the OnePlus Watch 3 Surprised Me
What really impressed me about the OnePlus Watch 3 was its additional running metrics. Not only did it show cadence, but it also provided extra details that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 didn’t, such as stride length and ground contact time (GCT). These metrics were available during my run and in the OHealth app afterward.
The OnePlus Watch 3 features a “Running form” section that tracks GCT and vertical oscillation, which is graded on a scale from “Very Poor” to “Excellent.” It also gives feedback on your GCT balance, showing if you tend to favor your left or right foot during your run.
While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 tracks similar metrics for outdoor runs, it doesn’t provide these stats for indoor runs. As someone who primarily runs indoors in the winter months, this extra data from the OnePlus Watch 3 is fantastic. And the presentation is much clearer compared to the Apple Watch.
Additionally, the OnePlus Watch 3 includes an “Advanced assessments” page, which breaks down your total calories burned, including how much came from fat versus sugar. You also get a rating for your aerobic effectiveness, VO2 max levels, and the recommended recovery time after your workout.
All of this data is incredibly useful, especially compared to the more limited options on the Apple Watch.
Is the OnePlus Watch 3 My New Running Watch for 2025?
Does this mean the OnePlus Watch 3 will be my new running smartwatch for 2025? It’s certainly a strong contender. Its heart rate accuracy is on par with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the additional running data, such as GCT balance and aerobic effectiveness, is a huge bonus.
That said, the Apple Watch still holds a few advantages for me. As an Apple Music subscriber, the Apple Watch makes it incredibly easy to access my music while running. I also appreciate the LTE connectivity, which the OnePlus Watch 3 lacks, and the ability to receive iMessages during my runs.
I’ll continue using the OnePlus Watch 3 to see how it fits into my routine. While I may return to the Apple Watch, I’m genuinely impressed with the OnePlus Watch 3’s performance. If you’re in the market for a new running smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 3 should definitely be on your radar. Based on this test, it’s shaping up to be one of the best fitness watches of the year.
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