Google Pixel Watch 3 vs. ONEPLUS Watch 2: A Detailed Comparison

Top Compras Updated: January 7, 2025

Google Pixel Watch 3

7/10
Google Pixel Watch 3
$299.99
Available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm)
45mm model has a larger display with a 16% smaller bezel
Improved battery life, with the 45mm model lasting up to two days with moderate use
vs

ONEPLUS Watch 2

7/10
ONEPLUS Watch 2
$239.99
Excellent battery life
Dual OS and processors
Premium design

Quick Overview

A detailed comparison between the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the ONEPLUS Watch 2, covering design, performance, battery life, fitness tracking, and additional fea
## Google Pixel Watch 3 vs ONEPLUS Watch 2: Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right smartwatch can seem like a maze. You need something that will fit your lifestyle, keep you fit, and won’t die in the middle of the day. Compare the Google Pixel Watch 3 and ONEPLUS Watch 2 in detail to help you make the best choice.

Design and Display

The Google Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes - 41mm and 45mm - to accommodate different wrist sizes. The 45mm model has a 16% smaller bezel and a larger display with a larger screen area. The displays are also very bright, up to 2,000 nits, and can be dimmed to 1 nit, making them visible in all lighting conditions. However, the design hasn’t changed much from the previous generation and may not be enough for those looking for a fresh aesthetic. The larger 45mm size may seem bulky on smaller wrists.

The ONEPLUS Watch 2, on the other hand, features a premium design with a stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and a high-quality AMOLED display. It feels more like a traditional watch, which may be a plus for some. The display is bright, clear, and easy to read even in direct sunlight. However, given that there is only one size available, it may not fit everyone.

Performance and Software

The Google Pixel Watch 3 runs Wear OS 5 and offers smooth performance, fast switching between apps, and integration with Google Assistant. The heart rate sensor has become more accurate and provides data comparable to a chest strap, which is a significant step forward. However, some advanced fitness features are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription and can’t be paired with external sensors, which could be a drawback for serious athletes.

The ONEPLUS Watch 2 features Wear OS and RTOS. It has a dual OS and processor system combining the Snapdragon W5 and the BES 2700 chip. This hybrid system is designed to work efficiently and save battery life. Performance is generally good, but there is a noticeable and somewhat annoying notification lag when you raise your wrist. The haptic feedback is also not as perfect as other competitors.

Battery Life

One of the biggest improvements to the Google Pixel Watch 3 was battery life: the 45mm model lasts up to two days with moderate use, which is significantly longer than the previous Pixel Watch. This is a breakthrough for those who don’t like to constantly charge their devices. I was able to get through a full day with the Always On Display mode on, and I still had some charge left. In some cases, I even forgot to charge the watch overnight and it worked until the next day.

The ONEPLUS Watch 2 doesn’t lag behind when it comes to battery life, providing about 100 hours (four days) in Smart mode and up to 12 days in Power Saver mode. This is a great advantage for those who care about long battery life. The dual OS helps to save energy significantly and will be a reliable companion that doesn’t need to be charged for a long time.

Fitness and Health Tracking

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is perfect for tracking your workouts thanks to the improved accuracy of the heart rate sensor. The new cardio function tracks all activity, not just workouts, and gives you a target value for the day. However, the accuracy of the GPS is not always perfect, sometimes there are drifts and small errors. The watch also doesn’t have dual-band GPS, which is common in this price range. I use the Pixel Watch 3 for my daily runs, and the heart rate tracking has been surprisingly accurate. Compared to a chest strap, the data is virtually identical, something I haven’t seen in any other smartwatch.

The ONEPLUS Watch 2 has dual-frequency GPS, which improves accuracy. They also have a full range of workout modes, including unexpected ones like badminton. However, step tracking is erratic and sometimes too optimistic compared to other trackers. The OHealth app is well organized, easy to use, and syncs data seamlessly.

  • The Google Pixel Watch 3 has a new grid of app icons that makes navigating the watch faster.
  • They also have an Ultra Wideband chip for Pixel Phone unlocking.
  • However, they can’t be paired with external sensors, which is a limitation for serious athletes.
  • The automatic sleep mode isn’t always accurate and can confuse lying down with sleeping.
  • The ONEPLUS Watch 2 has a rotating crown, but it has no function and is a bit confusing.
  • The charger is also a bulky plastic unit that isn’t very sleek or iPhone-compatible, a significant drawback for Apple users.
  • There is a noticeable lag when raising your wrist to view notifications, which can be frustrating.

Price and Value

The Google Pixel Watch 3 costs $299.99, while the ONEPLUS Watch 2 costs $239.99. The ONEPLUS Watch 2 offers a lot of features for its price, outperforming its competitors. The Pixel Watch 3 is slightly more expensive, but with Wear OS, a more sophisticated interface, and better integration with Google’s ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

The Google Pixel Watch 3 and ONEPLUS Watch 2 have their pros and cons:

  • The Pixel Watch 3 offers smooth performance, longer battery life, and accurate heart rate tracking, but it lacks dual-band GPS and some fitness features are subscription-locked.
  • The ONEPLUS Watch 2 stands out with excellent battery life, dual OS, and a competitive price, but suffers from delayed notifications and inconsistent step tracking.

If you value a seamless Google experience and improved fitness tracking, the Pixel Watch 3 is a great choice. If battery life and price are important to you, the ONEPLUS Watch 2 is an attractive option.

Specification

FeatureGoogle Pixel Watch 3ONEPLUS Watch 2

Google Pixel Watch 3

Pros

  • Available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) to suit different preferences.
  • The 45mm model has a larger display with a 16% smaller bezel, providing more screen real estate.
  • Improved battery life, with the 45mm model lasting up to two days with moderate use.
  • The display is brighter (up to 2,000 nits) and can dim to 1 nit, making it visible in all lighting conditions.
  • Enhanced heart rate sensor accuracy, comparable to chest straps.
  • Smooth and fluid performance with Wear OS 5, with quick app switching and Google Assistant integration.

Cons

  • The design is largely unchanged from previous generations, lacking a fresh aesthetic.
  • The larger 45mm size, while offering more screen, may feel bulky on smaller wrists.
  • GPS accuracy is not always perfect, with occasional drifting and minor errors.
  • Still lacks dual-band GPS, which is common in this price range.
  • Some advanced fitness features, like AI-powered coaching, are locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription.
  • Cannot pair external sensors, limiting functionality for serious athletes.

ONEPLUS Watch 2

Pros

  • Excellent battery life: Offers around 100 hours (4 days) in Smart Mode and up to 12 days in power saver mode.
  • Dual OS and processors: Uses a hybrid system with Wear OS and RTOS, powered by Snapdragon W5 and BES 2700 chips, for efficient performance and battery use.
  • Premium design: Features a classy design with a stainless steel body, sapphire cover glass, and a high-quality AMOLED display.
  • Durability: IP68 dust and water resistance and US military standard for durability, withstanding extreme conditions.
  • Dual-frequency GPS: Offers better GPS accuracy with dual-frequency support.
  • Competitive price: Priced at $300, it offers a lot of features for the cost, undercutting competitors.

Cons

  • Notification delay: There's a noticeable lag (around 2 seconds) when lifting the wrist to view a notification.
  • Haptics: The haptic feedback is not very refined or pleasant.
  • No iPhone compatibility: The watch does not work with iPhones.
  • Charger design: The charger is a bulky plastic block with pins and magnets, not very sleek.
  • Rotating crown: The crown rotates but does not perform any function, which is confusing.
  • Inconsistent step tracking: Step counts can be overly optimistic compared to other trackers.

Quick Verdict

Google Pixel Watch 3

Read Full Review

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a solid choice for those in the Android ecosystem, offering a refined experience with improved battery life and accurate fitness tracking. However, it has some limitations, such as the lack of dual-band GPS and some features locked behind a subscription.

7.5/10
Features
8/10
Performance
6.5/10
Value
7.5/10
Quality
7/10
Overall

ONEPLUS Watch 2

Read Full Review

The ONEPLUS Watch 2 is a compelling option for those who prioritize long battery life and value. It offers a premium design and dual-frequency GPS, but it has some drawbacks, such as notification delays and inconsistent step tracking.

7.5/10
Features
8/10
Performance
8/10
Value
8.5/10
Quality
7/10
Overall

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Buy