The budget smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, with Realme and OnePlus both vying for dominance. The Realme Watch 3 represents a continuation of Realme’s value-focused approach, while the OnePlus Watch 2R introduces Qualcomm’s latest wearable chipset to a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which watch delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Watch 2R is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset provides a demonstrably smoother and more responsive experience than the Realme Watch 3, despite the latter’s potential lower price. The performance uplift justifies the likely cost increase, making the 2R the winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | - |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 26 | 2024, July 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 02 | Available. Released 2024, July 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 37 x 11.5 mm (1.77 x 1.46 x 0.45 in) | 47 x 46.6 x 12.1 mm (1.85 x 1.83 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 40 g (1.41 oz) | 37 g (1.31 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m)
Not swim/shower proof
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 286 pixels (~207 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 702 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS, ColorOS Watch 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 7.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 340 mAh | 500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray | Forest Green, Gunmetal Gray |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Realme Watch 3
- Likely the most affordable option
- Simple and easy-to-use interface (assumed)
- Decent basic fitness tracking (assumed)
- Significantly slower performance
- Potentially limited software support
- Lower quality display (assumed)
OnePlus Watch 2R
- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset
- Faster charging at 7.5W
- Improved power efficiency and battery life
- Likely a higher price point
- May not have an AMOLED display
- Larger size due to more advanced components
Display Comparison
Specific display details for the Realme Watch 3 are unavailable. However, given its market positioning, it likely features a standard LCD panel with a modest resolution. The OnePlus Watch 2R, while not boasting an AMOLED display, benefits from the efficiency of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, potentially mitigating the impact of a less power-efficient panel type. Bezels are likely comparable given the price brackets, and color accuracy is expected to be standard for both devices, prioritizing visibility over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in budget smartwatches. This simplifies the comparison, as image quality and related features are not factors.
Performance
The OnePlus Watch 2R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4nm) chipset is the defining performance differentiator. The quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU offers a substantial leap in processing power compared to the likely MediaTek or Unisoc chipset found in the Realme Watch 3. The 4nm manufacturing process is crucial, delivering improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained use. This translates to faster app launches, smoother animations, and a more responsive overall user experience for the 2R. The Realme Watch 3 will likely struggle with complex tasks or multiple apps running simultaneously.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Watch 2R’s 7.5W wired charging is a notable feature, suggesting a focus on quick top-ups. While the Realme Watch 3’s battery capacity and charging speed are unknown, it’s reasonable to assume a slower charging rate. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s power efficiency in the 2R could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable or even superior real-world battery life compared to the Realme Watch 3. The 4nm process is key here, minimizing power draw during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Watch 3 if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic fitness tracking is your primary need. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartwatch buyers or those on a very tight budget. Buy the OnePlus Watch 2R if you value performance, responsiveness, and a more refined user experience. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset ensures smoother operation, faster app loading, and better long-term software support, making it ideal for users who want a smartwatch that feels modern and capable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much faster is the OnePlus Watch 2R compared to the Realme Watch 3 in real-world use?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 in the OnePlus Watch 2R provides a noticeable improvement in responsiveness. Expect faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more fluid user interface. The Realme Watch 3 will likely exhibit lag and stuttering when handling multiple tasks or complex apps.
❓ Will the OnePlus Watch 2R receive more software updates than the Realme Watch 3?
It's highly probable. Qualcomm’s support for the Snapdragon Wearable platform is generally more robust and long-lasting than the support offered for MediaTek or Unisoc chipsets commonly found in budget smartwatches like the Realme Watch 3. This translates to a longer lifespan of software updates and feature enhancements for the 2R.
❓ Does the OnePlus Watch 2R support contactless payments?
Specific NFC and contactless payment support for the OnePlus Watch 2R is currently unavailable. However, given the inclusion of a more advanced chipset, it's a feature that is more likely to be present than on the Realme Watch 3, which targets a lower price point.
