The smartwatch market is heating up, with both OnePlus and Xiaomi vying for wrist space. The OnePlus Watch 3 arrives with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, promising a significant performance leap. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Watch S3 aims to deliver a stylish and feature-rich experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which smartwatch best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the OnePlus Watch 3 is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset. While the Xiaomi Watch S3 likely focuses on design and potentially a more refined software experience (details pending spec availability), the OnePlus offers a demonstrable hardware advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, February 18 | 2023, October 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 03 | Available. Released 2023, October 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel bezel |
| Dimensions | 47.6 x 46.6 x 11.8 mm (1.87 x 1.83 x 0.46 in) | 47 x 47 x 12 mm (1.85 x 1.85 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM (market/region dependent) |
| Weight | 49.7 g (1.76 oz) | 44 g (1.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Scratch/drop-proof glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~310 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED, 2200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) | - |
| OS | ColorOS Watch 7.0 + Wear OS 5.0 | HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 7.5W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 648 mAh | Li-Po 486 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black titanium, Silver titanium | Black, Silver, Brown |
| Models | OPWWE251 | M2313W1, M2311W1 |
| Price | € 138.00 | About 110 EUR |
OnePlus Watch 3
- Powerful Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset for smooth performance
- 4nm process for improved power efficiency
- Potentially better thermal management
- 7.5W charging is relatively slow compared to some competitors
- Display specifications currently unknown
Xiaomi Watch S3
- Potentially stylish design (based on Xiaomi’s brand reputation)
- Likely a user-friendly software experience
- Could offer a competitive price point
- Chipset specifications unknown, potentially less powerful
- Battery life and charging speed are currently unknown
Display Comparison
Currently, display specifications for the Xiaomi Watch S3 are unavailable. The OnePlus Watch 3’s display details are also missing, but given the market segment, we can anticipate both will feature AMOLED panels. The key differentiator will likely be peak brightness and outdoor visibility. The OnePlus, benefiting from the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s display engine, *could* potentially support higher refresh rates for smoother animations. Without Xiaomi’s specs, it’s difficult to assess bezel size or color accuracy, but Xiaomi historically focuses on vibrant, saturated displays.
Camera Comparison
Neither the OnePlus Watch 3 nor the Xiaomi Watch S3 are expected to feature cameras. This is a common trend in modern smartwatches, prioritizing battery life and sleek design over camera functionality.
Performance
The OnePlus Watch 3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4nm) is a significant advantage. This chipset, built on a 4nm process, delivers substantially improved power efficiency and performance compared to older wearable platforms. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and more responsive interactions. The Xiaomi Watch S3’s chipset remains unknown, but given Xiaomi’s typical approach, it’s likely a more cost-optimized solution. The 4nm node of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 also implies better thermal management, reducing the risk of performance throttling during intensive tasks like GPS tracking or workout monitoring. Users who frequently use their smartwatch for fitness tracking or running multiple apps will directly benefit from the OnePlus’s superior processing power.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Watch 3 features 7.5W wired charging. Battery capacity for both devices is currently unknown. However, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s power efficiency should allow the OnePlus Watch 3 to achieve competitive battery life despite the relatively modest charging wattage. The Xiaomi Watch S3’s battery performance will depend heavily on its chipset and software optimization. Without knowing the battery capacity or charging speed of the Xiaomi Watch S3, it’s difficult to predict real-world usage scenarios. A larger battery capacity on the Xiaomi Watch S3 could offset a slower charging speed, while the OnePlus’s efficient chipset could deliver comparable battery life with a smaller battery and faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Watch 3 if you need a smartwatch with a modern, efficient chipset for smooth performance and responsive apps. This is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who demand accurate tracking and quick data processing. Buy the Xiaomi Watch S3 if you prioritize a potentially more polished user interface and a design-focused aesthetic, assuming it offers a compelling feature set beyond basic smartwatch functionality. It's best suited for users who value style and ease of use over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much of a performance difference will the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 make in everyday use on the OnePlus Watch 3?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 offers a substantial performance boost over older wearable chipsets. You'll notice faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more responsive user interface. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently use their smartwatch for fitness tracking, notifications, or running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ If the Xiaomi Watch S3 has a larger battery, could it offset the OnePlus Watch 3’s more efficient chipset?
A larger battery capacity on the Xiaomi Watch S3 could indeed extend its battery life, potentially matching or even exceeding the OnePlus Watch 3’s endurance. However, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s efficiency means the OnePlus will likely deliver comparable battery life with a smaller battery, and the 7.5W charging may be a limiting factor for some users.
❓ What kind of health and fitness tracking features can I expect from the OnePlus Watch 3, given its powerful chipset?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 enables advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities. Expect accurate heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep analysis, and detailed workout metrics. The chipset’s processing power will also allow for more sophisticated data analysis and personalized insights.
