I’ve Worn the Smaller OnePlus Watch 3 43mm for Weeks. Here’s Why It’s Better and Worse Than the Original

When OnePlus announced the Watch 3 lineup earlier this year, the smaller 43mm variant immediately caught the eyes of smartwatch enthusiasts
craving a sleek, lightweight wearable without compromising on features. After wearing the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm diligently for weeks, I’ve gained first-hand insights
into how it stacks up against the original, larger model. If you’re considering a new smartwatch or deciding between the two OnePlus Watch 3 versions, this review
sheds light on why the smaller watch might be your perfect match – and where it might fall short.

The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm vs. Original: What’s Different?

The major selling point of the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is size. With a smaller case diameter and a more compact form factor, it aims to cater to users with smaller wrists or those
who prefer less bulky wearables. While both watches share many specs, style and comfort are where noticeable differences surface.

Key Specifications Comparison

Why the Smaller OnePlus Watch 3 43mm Is Better

From my weeks of continuous use, the 43mm variant shines in several key areas that might appeal to a broad audience.

1. Comfort & Wearability

The smaller case size and reduced weight offer a significantly more comfortable experience, especially for people with slender wrists or those not used to bulky smartwatches.
It feels less intrusive during workouts, sleep, or day-long wear. I barely noticed it was there after a few hours.

2. Stylish & Subtle Design

The sleek design fits more seamlessly under sleeves or cuffs, looking more like a traditional watch rather than a tech gadget. This makes the 43mm a better daily companion for professional
or formal environments.

3. More Affordable Price Point

As expected, the 43mm Watch 3 comes at a more accessible price, making it a tempting option without sacrificing essential features such as fitness tracking, notifications, and health monitoring.

4. Improved User Experience

The smaller display, while compact, has excellent AMOLED quality with vibrant colors and sharp resolution. Viewing notifications and health stats remains clear and intuitive.

Why the Smaller OnePlus Watch 3 43mm Falls Short Compared to the Original

While the smaller size has its perks, it does come with some trade-offs worth considering before making your purchase.

1. Shorter Battery Life

Due to the smaller form factor limiting battery capacity, the 43mm often lasts up to 7 days on a full charge – compared to the original model’s approximately 10 days.
If you prioritize long battery life, the larger original offers peace of mind with fewer charges.

2. Reduced Screen Real Estate

For users who regularly interact with notifications, apps, or fitness stats, the smaller 1.2-inch screen means slightly less information displayed at once,
which sometimes necessitates more scrolling.

3. Slightly Limited Strap Options

While the 43mm supports many standard 20mm straps, the original model’s 22mm width offers a broader range of aftermarket accessories and styles.

4. Fitness Tracking Accuracy

In my personal experience, heart rate and SpO2 readings were largely consistent between both models. However, due to the smaller sensor footprint,
the 43mm occasionally took a few extra seconds to stabilize readings.

First-Hand Experience: Using the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm Daily

Wearing the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm through various activities gave me a rounded impression of its suitability for everyday use.

Daily Wear and Comfort

The watch fit effortlessly under dress shirts and felt weightless at the gym or during sleep. I didn’t have to adjust the strap or feel the familiar fatigue from heavier watches.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Tracking workouts, monitoring heart rate, and checking sleep patterns were seamless. The watch’s companion app sync was reliable, with meaningful insights generated daily.

Notification Management

The smaller screen handled calls, messages, and app alerts gracefully. While the text sometimes required quick swipes to read fully, I appreciated the instant glanceability.

Battery Charging Routine

Charging every 6-7 days was manageable but required scheduling around busier weeks. A quick 30-minute top-up restored around 50% charge, helping whenever I felt the battery was low.

Benefits & Practical Tips for Optimizing Use

To get the most from your OnePlus Watch 3 43mm, here are some tips based on my usage:

• Customize watch faces: Choose minimalistic faces to reduce battery consumption and enhance readability on the smaller screen.
• Manage notifications selectively: Disable non-essential alerts to avoid frequent screen interactions and improve battery life.
• Enable power-saving modes: Use sports or battery-saving modes during prolonged use when you don’t need constant monitoring.
• Pair with OnePlus Health app: Regular synchronization ensures accurate health data and firmware updates.
• Invest in additional straps: Experiment with leather, silicone, or nylon bands to match your style and comfort preferences.

Conclusion: Is the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm Right for You?

The smaller OnePlus Watch 3 43mm elegantly balances style, comfort, and essential smartwatch functionality in a neat, affordable package. It is especially suited for those with smaller wrists, daily commuters, and fitness enthusiasts who value ease of wear.

However, if you prioritize extended battery life, a bigger screen for more seamless interaction, or prefer a broader range of accessories, the original 47mm OnePlus Watch 3 still holds an edge.

Ultimately, both smartwatches maintain OnePlus’s high standards in build quality, health monitoring, and performance. The choice boils down to your wrist size, usage priorities, and style sensibility – with the 43mm version carving a strong niche for those wanting less bulk without a compromise on features.

Ready to make your choice? The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is a formidable tech companion for 2024 – proving that sometimes, smaller really is better.