Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs OnePlus Watch 3: Which Smartwatch Wins?
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 arrives with new design and health tools. How does it stack against the OnePlus Watch 3’s battery and features? Find out here.
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The tech world eagerly anticipates the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, rumored to introduce an innovative design and enhanced health tracking, positioning itself as a strong contender against the recently released OnePlus Watch 3.
Samsung is preparing to release its next generation smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 8, which is expected to arrive with a fresh, bold design inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Unlike its predecessor, the new model may come in multiple sizes, offering a better fit for users with smaller wrists—a flexibility that the OnePlus Watch 3 currently lacks.
The Galaxy Watch 8 is anticipated to retain the screen dimensions similar to past models but might feature a larger case to accommodate design upgrades. Leaks suggest a “squircle” shape with a circular display, blending traditional and modern aesthetics. Samsung’s corporate vice president Daniel Araujo recently hinted at the watch’s "innovative design" and expanded health functions during an earnings call, signaling a focus on premium experiences and a broader product range.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Watch 3 stands out with its substantial size and extended battery life. Sporting a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with peak brightness reaching 2,200 nits, it delivers vibrant visuals wrapped in a bulky frame. However, the OnePlus smartwatch comes in only one large size, which may not appeal to everyone.
When it comes to hardware, Samsung may take the lead with its BioActive sensor suite, which includes optical bio-signal sensors and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). These could offer deeper health insights, potentially surpassing OnePlus’ sensor array. Samsung’s watch might also support new fitness features that expand on the Galaxy Watch 7's capabilities.
Battery life remains a significant differentiator. The OnePlus Watch 3 boasts a massive 631mAh battery, enabling four to six days of use on a single charge and rapid charging that restores full power in about 30 minutes. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 8 is expected to maintain a similar battery capacity to the Galaxy Watch 7, with the 44mm variant around 435mAh and the 40mm at 300mAh, offering roughly 40 hours of usage.
Software-wise, the Galaxy Watch 8 is slated to debut with Wear OS 6 featuring Gemini integration, promising efficiency improvements and up to 10% better battery management compared to its predecessors. The OnePlus Watch 3 runs Wear OS 5 combined with RTOS, a hybrid system that helps extend battery life but may lag in software updates initially. However, the OnePlus device is expected to receive Wear OS 6 updates later.
As the Galaxy Watch 8 launch approaches—likely in July following Samsung's past release patterns—potential buyers face a choice. For those prioritizing battery longevity and a large display, the OnePlus Watch 3 at approximately $350 offers excellent value. Meanwhile, users seeking a more compact smartwatch with advanced health tracking may find the Galaxy Watch 8 a better fit, despite its shorter battery endurance.
In summary, Samsung’s upcoming release is poised to offer a well-rounded wearable with a focus on health innovation and user customization, while OnePlus continues to dominate the battery life category for Wear OS devices. Consumers should weigh their priorities between design, health features, and battery performance when deciding between these two contenders.
