OnePlus Watch 4: Enhanced Durability and Wear OS 5.0 on the Horizon

OnePlus is poised to release the Watch 4, building on the success of the Watch 3 with a focus on increased durability and the latest Wear OS. Leaks and certifications suggest a refined design and improved resilience for active users, potentially challenging the premium durability segment currently led by Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Enhanced Durability with IP69 Certification

A key upgrade anticipated in the OnePlus Watch 4 is IP69 certification. Android Police reports this would be a step up from the IP68 rating found in the OnePlus Watch 3. IP69 offers protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, making it ideal for users who frequently exercise outdoors or expose their smartwatch to harsh conditions. IP68, while providing dust and water resistance, has limitations regarding water pressure and temperature.

Familiar Specifications with Incremental Improvements

The OnePlus Watch 4 appears to maintain a similar core specification set to its predecessor. Leaks indicate the device will likely feature a 646mAh battery, a slight increase from the 631mAh battery in the OnePlus Watch 3. The Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor is also expected to return, suggesting OnePlus is prioritizing efficiency and optimization over significant hardware changes. The operating system will be upgraded to Wear OS 5.0, potentially offering improved performance and battery life when combined with the slightly larger battery capacity.

Design and Display Consistency

The design of the OnePlus Watch 4 is expected to remain largely consistent with the Watch 3. Current leaks point to a 1.5-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and a 47mm casing size. Android Police notes that OnePlus may release a 43mm variant at a later date, mirroring the release strategy for the OnePlus Watch 3.

Relationship to the Oppo Watch X3

Given the close relationship between OnePlus and Oppo, the similarities between the OnePlus Watch 4 and the Oppo Watch X3 are noteworthy. Both devices share specifications such as a 47mm casing, 1.5-inch AMOLED screen, Snapdragon W5 processor, and IP68/IP69 ratings. This suggests a shared development platform and potential cross-branding opportunities.

Positioning in the Smartwatch Market

The OnePlus Watch 4 aims to occupy a unique position in the smartwatch market. Rather than directly competing with rugged smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, OnePlus appears to be targeting users who desire a durable yet stylish device. This strategy could appeal to a broader audience, including Wear OS enthusiasts, daily users, and casual athletes.

Availability and Current Status

As of March 23, 2026, the OnePlus Watch 3 is reportedly out of stock on the official OnePlus website, potentially signaling the imminent launch of the Watch 4. However, OnePlus has not yet officially announced the Watch 4, and final specifications and launch timing remain unconfirmed.