The OnePlus Watch 3 finally adds a proper rotating crown

 

# The OnePlus Watch 3 Finally Adds a Proper Rotating Crown

In the ever-evolving world of smartwatches, the OnePlus Watch 3 has emerged as a noteworthy contender with a refined design and a highly anticipated feature: the rotating crown. Priced at $329.99, this new device signals a significant step in the journey of OnePlus in the wearable technology realm. However, rather than breaking new ground, this smartwatch appears to embrace a philosophy of refinement and catching up, particularly against dominant players like Google and Samsung. This article delves into the key aspects of the OnePlus Watch 3, celebrating its new features while acknowledging its limitations.

Design: A Step Forward, but Not a Leap

The OnePlus Watch 3 maintains a design ethos similar to its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch 2, but with some commendable upgrades.

1. **Display Enhancements**:

- The OLED display has seen a slight increase in size, now presenting a sharper and brighter viewing experience at 2,200 nits.

- Smaller bezels afford a more immersive look, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the watch.

2. **Material and Build Quality**:

- The casing still features durable stainless steel, giving it a solid and premium feel.

- A new titanium bezel has been introduced, adding a touch of elegance and contributing to a more classic, analog-like appearance.

3. **Customization Features**:

- One of the standout elements of the Watch 3 is the newly implemented video watchface, which permits users to upload personal clips, further personalizing their device.

However, not everything about the design is praiseworthy. The Watch 3 continues to be offered in just a single 47mm size. While this may not pose a problem for everyone, it can be notably uncomfortable for those with smaller wrists. This limitation excludes a segment of potential users who might find the current size impractical.

The Rotating Crown: A Long-Awaited Addition

Perhaps the most exciting feature of the OnePlus Watch 3 is its newly designed rotating crown. This element not only adds a tactile experience to navigation but also enhances functionality in the following ways:

1. **Ease of Navigation**:

- The rotating crown allows users to scroll through menus and apps without relying heavily on touch, making for a more fluid user experience.

2. **Accessibility Improvements**:

- The crown’s presence makes it easier for users to interact with the device while engaging in various activities, such as working out or driving.

3. **Enhanced Interaction**:

- By providing immediate and responsive feedback, the crown enhances overall user satisfaction, marking a significant improvement from earlier OnePlus models.

This addition might not seem groundbreaking at first glance; however, it is worth noting that many competing smartwatches have effectively leveraged rotating crowns as a significant part of their interface strategy. With this update, OnePlus is playing catch-up, but in doing so, it provides a compelling alternative to existing products on the market.

Performance and Functionality

While the physical design changes are crucial, the performance and features inherent to the OnePlus Watch 3 are equally important.

1. **Health and Fitness Tracking**:

- The watch comes equipped with numerous health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and an array of activities suitable for different workout types.

2. **Battery Life**:

- The OnePlus Watch 3 promises substantial battery life, making it reliable for daily wear without the frequent need for charging.

3. **Software Experience**:

- OnePlus has optimized the software experience, aiming to alleviate the common issues faced in previous models to ensure smoother operation and user interaction.

These aspects contribute to an overall satisfactory experience, albeit without reshaping the smartwatch landscape dramatically.

## Conclusion: A Solid Offering but Still Room to Grow

In conclusion, the OnePlus Watch 3 solidifies its position as a competitive alternative in the smartwatch market, especially with the introduction of a proper rotating crown that enhances usability. While it offers refinements in design and functionality, the lack of size options and a truly groundbreaking feature set could be seen as missed opportunities. However, for users seeking a quality smartwatch with a mix of refinement and well-thought-out features, the OnePlus Watch 3 might just be the device they need.

As the smartwatch industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how OnePlus leverages this base to innovate further and capture a broader audience. After all, in a competitive landscape, staying relevant often requires not only keeping pace with competitors but also anticipating the next wave of consumer needs and preferences.