The smartwatch market is dominated by two major players: Apple and the broader Wear OS ecosystem. This comparison pits the OnePlus Watch, representing a more open and potentially budget-friendly approach, against the Apple Watch Series 8, the flagship offering deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem. We'll dissect their capabilities to determine which smartwatch delivers the best value and functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users fully invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the clear winner, offering seamless integration and advanced health features powered by the S8 chip. However, for Android users or those seeking a more affordable option, the OnePlus Watch presents a viable alternative, though lacking the same level of polish and feature depth.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 23 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 14 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 46.4 x 10.9 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 45 g (1.59 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | - | IP6X certified
50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.39 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S8 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| | - | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 402 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Moonlight Silver, Cobalt, Harry Potter Edition | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | - | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
OnePlus Watch
- Potentially lower price point
- Android compatibility
- Likely longer battery life (estimated)
- Unknown chipset performance
- Limited feature set compared to Apple Watch
- Less refined software experience
Apple Watch Series 8
- Powerful Apple S8 chipset
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Advanced health tracking features
- Higher price
- Limited to iPhone compatibility
- Shorter battery life compared to some competitors
Display Comparison
Given the lack of display specifications for the OnePlus Watch, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Apple consistently delivers high-quality displays. The Apple Watch Series 8 likely features an LTPO OLED panel, enabling variable refresh rates for improved battery efficiency and a consistently bright and vibrant viewing experience. The Series 8’s display is known for excellent color accuracy and outdoor visibility. The OnePlus Watch, positioned as a more affordable option, likely utilizes a standard OLED panel, potentially with lower peak brightness and less sophisticated power management.
Camera Comparison
Neither the OnePlus Watch nor the Apple Watch Series 8 feature a camera. This is a common trend in modern smartwatches, as camera functionality often compromises design and battery life. Both devices rely on the connected smartphone for photography and videography.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 8 is powered by the Apple S8 dual-core chipset, a significant advantage over the OnePlus Watch, for which no chipset information is available. The S8’s architecture allows for faster app loading times, smoother animations, and more responsive interactions. While the OnePlus Watch likely utilizes a Qualcomm or MediaTek chipset common in Wear OS devices, it’s unlikely to match the S8’s performance. The Apple Watch’s optimized software and hardware integration contribute to a superior user experience, particularly when handling complex tasks like Siri requests or background health monitoring.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers wireless charging and achieves 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. Battery life is typically around 18 hours with normal use. The OnePlus Watch’s battery performance is unknown, but given its positioning, it likely aims for multi-day battery life, potentially sacrificing some features to achieve this. The faster charging speed of the Apple Watch is beneficial for users who need a quick top-up, while the OnePlus Watch may appeal to those who prioritize minimizing charging frequency.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus Watch if you need a smartwatch compatible with Android phones, prioritize a potentially lower price point, and aren't heavily reliant on a tightly integrated ecosystem. Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you are an iPhone user, demand the most comprehensive health tracking features, and value the seamless connectivity within the Apple ecosystem, even at a premium price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the OnePlus Watch offer the same level of health tracking as the Apple Watch Series 8, specifically features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring?
While the OnePlus Watch offers basic health tracking features like heart rate monitoring and step counting, it is unlikely to match the advanced capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 8. The Series 8 includes features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and fall detection, all powered by its dedicated health sensors and the S8 chip. The OnePlus Watch’s health features are likely more limited in scope and accuracy.
❓ If I'm an Android user, will I lose significant functionality by choosing the Apple Watch Series 8?
Yes, an Android user would experience significant limitations with the Apple Watch Series 8. The Apple Watch is designed to work seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem and requires an iPhone for initial setup and ongoing functionality. Features like iMessage notifications, Apple Pay, and tight integration with Apple services will be unavailable. The OnePlus Watch, being compatible with Android, offers a much more integrated experience for Android users.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Wear OS (likely on the OnePlus Watch) and watchOS on the Apple Watch Series 8?
watchOS is known for its intuitive interface, smooth animations, and tight integration with Apple services. Wear OS, while improving, historically has been criticized for occasional lag and a less polished user experience. Apple’s control over both hardware and software allows for greater optimization, resulting in a more responsive and consistent experience. Wear OS offers more customization options, but this can come at the cost of stability.
