OnePlus Watch 3: Battery Life Boosted, ECG Feature Fizzles in Key Markets
OnePlus is back with its latest smartwatch, the Watch 3, promising a hefty dose of improvements over previous iterations. Headlining these upgrades is a significantly larger battery, boasting up to five days of typical usage and a still-impressive three days with heavy use.
This substantial battery boost should be music to the ears of frequent smartwatch wearers, addressing a common pain point for many other models.
Adding to the allure of the Watch 3 is the inclusion of an ECG (electrocardiogram) reading function. However, this feature comes with a major caveat. Due to a lack of FDA certification for the Watch 3’s ECG capabilities, users in the United States and Canada will not have access to this potentially life-saving technology.
While disappointed by this limitation, OnePlus has been transparent about the restriction, acknowledging it upfront during pre-orders. For US and Canadian users, a scaled-down version of the 60-Second Health Check-In feature, excluding ECG readings, is expected to become available sometime in the second quarter of 2023.
Despite this geographical roadblock for the ECG feature, the OnePlus Watch 3 is still appealing. Priced at $329 / €349 / £319, pre-orders are currently open with shipping slated to begin February 25th in some regions and early March for others. OnePlus is also offering possible discounts for those who pre-order from their local website.
The OnePlus Watch 3 represents a tantalizing combination of enhanced functionality and a focus on user health. While the limited accessibility of the ECG feature in key markets is a significant drawback, the watch remains a compelling option for consumers seeking a packed smartwatch at an attractive price.