The smartwatch market is increasingly competitive, offering choices at every price point. We're pitting the Realme Watch S, known for its accessible price and wireless charging, against the newer OnePlus Watch 3 43mm, which boasts the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform. This comparison will dissect the core differences to help you determine which device delivers the best value and functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is the clear winner. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset provides a significantly smoother experience and improved efficiency. However, those seeking a more affordable option with the convenience of wireless charging may find the Realme Watch S sufficient.
| 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 | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 14 | 2025, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, July 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front, stainless steel frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47 x 12 mm (1.85 x 1.85 x 0.47 in) | 43.2 x 43.2 x 11 mm (1.70 x 1.70 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 48 g (1.69 oz) | 37.8 g (1.34 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m)
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~278 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~352 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.3 inches | 1.32 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Wear OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, 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 | Wireless | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 390 mAh | Li-Ion 354 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black Steel, Silver Steel |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 211.90 |
Realme Watch S
- Affordable price point
- Convenience of wireless charging
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Likely slower performance
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Less future-proof chipset
OnePlus Watch 3 43mm
- Significantly faster performance with Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
- Improved power efficiency for longer battery life
- More responsive user interface
- Lacks wireless charging
- Higher price point
- Potential for more complex software features
Display Comparison
Information regarding the display specifications of both devices is missing. However, given the Realme Watch S's positioning, it likely utilizes a standard LCD panel. The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm, being a more recent release, may incorporate an AMOLED display for richer colors and better contrast. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests standard refresh rates, impacting battery life during always-on display usage. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar screen sizes.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in smartwatches focused on fitness and notifications. This section is therefore not applicable to this comparison.
Performance
The core differentiator here is the chipset. The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm's Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4nm) represents a substantial leap forward in wearable performance. The 4nm process node translates to significantly improved power efficiency compared to the likely older, less efficient chipset found in the Realme Watch S. This means the OnePlus Watch 3 will experience less throttling during demanding tasks and offer a more responsive user interface. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 also includes a more powerful GPU, benefiting any potential smartwatch gaming or graphically intensive applications. RAM specifications are unknown for both, but the Snapdragon platform generally supports faster LPDDR5x RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1's superior power efficiency in the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm will likely result in longer real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity than the Realme Watch S. The Realme Watch S offers wireless charging, a convenience feature, but it's generally slower than the wired charging likely supported by the OnePlus Watch 3. The charging speed of the OnePlus Watch 3, while potentially faster, is unknown, but the chipset's efficiency will minimize the need for frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Watch S if you need a simple, affordable smartwatch with the added convenience of wireless charging and aren't demanding in terms of performance. It's ideal for basic fitness tracking and notifications. Buy the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm if you prioritize a fluid user experience, faster app loading times, and a more robust platform powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, even if it means sacrificing wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 in the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm noticeably improve app loading times compared to the Realme Watch S?
Yes, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 is a substantial upgrade. Expect significantly faster app launch speeds and a smoother overall user experience on the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm. The Realme Watch S, with its likely older chipset, will exhibit noticeable lag when opening and switching between applications.
❓ Is the lack of wireless charging on the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm a significant drawback?
While wireless charging is convenient, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm's superior battery efficiency and potentially faster wired charging mitigate this drawback. You'll likely find yourself charging less frequently, reducing the need for wireless convenience.
❓ How does the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 impact the long-term software support for the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 is a modern platform, suggesting OnePlus is committed to providing longer-term software updates and feature additions for the Watch 3 43mm. The Realme Watch S, with its older hardware, may receive fewer updates over time.
