The smartwatch market is heating up, with the OnePlus Watch 3 challenging Google's established Pixel Watch 2. While both devices aim to provide a seamless connected experience, they diverge significantly in their core architecture, particularly in their chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison dives deep into these differences, analyzing how they impact performance, battery life, and the overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience and a polished software experience, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is the better choice. Its faster charging – reaching 80% in 45 minutes – and integration with the Google ecosystem outweigh the OnePlus Watch 3’s potentially more efficient chipset. However, users focused on maximizing battery life and potentially benefiting from the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s efficiency may find the OnePlus Watch 3 appealing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, February 18 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 03 | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 47.6 x 46.6 x 11.8 mm (1.87 x 1.83 x 0.46 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 49.7 g (1.76 oz) | 31 g (1.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~310 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED, 2200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm 5100 |
| OS | ColorOS Watch 7.0 + Wear OS 5.0 | Android Wear OS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 7.5W wired | Wired, 80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 648 mAh | Li-Ion 306 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black titanium, Silver titanium | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | OPWWE251 | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | € 138.00 | About 160 EUR |
OnePlus Watch 3
- Potentially superior power efficiency with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4nm)
- May offer longer battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Likely a more affordable price point
- Slower charging speed (7.5W)
- Potentially less refined software experience
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Faster charging (80% in 45 minutes)
- Seamless integration with the Google ecosystem
- More mature Wear OS software experience
- Less power-efficient chipset (Qualcomm 5100)
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to OnePlus Watch 3
- Generally a higher price point
Display Comparison
Information regarding display specifications (brightness, panel type, resolution) is missing from the provided context. However, given the Pixel Watch 2’s premium positioning, it likely features an AMOLED display with higher peak brightness and potentially LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, contributing to better battery efficiency. The OnePlus Watch 3, while likely also AMOLED, may prioritize cost savings with a less advanced panel.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities, and no camera specifications were provided. This section is therefore not applicable based on the available data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Watch 3 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, fabricated on a 4nm process. This smaller node size generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the Qualcomm 5100 in the Pixel Watch 2. While the 5100 is a capable processor, the 4nm process of the W5 Gen 1 suggests the OnePlus Watch 3 could handle sustained workloads with less throttling. The impact on real-world performance – app launch speeds, UI responsiveness – will depend on software optimization, but the hardware advantage leans towards the OnePlus Watch 3.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is absent, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the charging speeds are a clear differentiator. The Pixel Watch 2’s ability to reach 80% charge in 45 minutes is a significant advantage for users who need a quick top-up. The OnePlus Watch 3’s 7.5W wired charging is considerably slower. While the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s efficiency might allow the OnePlus Watch 3 to last longer on a single charge, the convenience of faster charging offered by the Pixel Watch 2 is a compelling benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Watch 3 if you prioritize long-term battery life and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, built on a 4nm process, suggests superior power efficiency. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you value fast charging, seamless Google ecosystem integration, and a more mature Wear OS experience. The 80% charge in 45 minutes is a significant convenience factor for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm 5100 in the Pixel Watch 2 experience significant throttling under heavy use?
While the Qualcomm 5100 is a capable processor, its fabrication process is less efficient than the 4nm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1. This means the Pixel Watch 2 may experience some throttling during prolonged, demanding tasks like GPS tracking or continuous heart rate monitoring, potentially impacting performance consistency.
❓ How does the 7.5W charging on the OnePlus Watch 3 compare to typical smartwatch charging speeds?
7.5W is relatively slow for modern smartwatches. The Google Pixel Watch 2’s 80% in 45 minutes charging is significantly faster. Expect a full charge on the OnePlus Watch 3 to take considerably longer, potentially exceeding two hours, making it less convenient for users who frequently need to top up their device.
❓ What operating system does each watch use, and how does that impact the user experience?
The Google Pixel Watch 2 runs Wear OS, offering deep integration with Google services like Google Assistant, Maps, and Wallet. The OnePlus Watch 3 utilizes a proprietary RTOS (Real-Time Operating System). While RTOS can be efficient, it typically lacks the app ecosystem and feature richness of Wear OS.
