Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Series 11 vs OnePlus Watch 3

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple Watch Series 11 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Users wanting reliable connectivity and battery life — read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Watch Series 11
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch Series 11
7 sources1 derived$359.97as of Aug 22

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers subtle but meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, including a notable battery life improvement, 5G support, and the addition of FDA-cleared hypertension alerts. While it maintains the familiar design and retains the same S10 chip, it introduces more reliable connectivity and enhanced durability features. The watch remains a well-rounded option, though its advantages are increasingly shared with competitors and older models.

Strengths
  • FDA-cleared hypertension notification feature
  • 24+ hour battery life with fast charging
  • 5G and more reliable cellular connectivity
Watch-outs
  • Same S10 chip as previous model
  • No dual-band GPS support
OnePlus Watch 3
Ranked #3 in Best Smartwatches
OnePlus Watch 3
12 sources$399as of Sep 5

The OnePlus Watch 3 delivers exceptional battery life, lasting up to five days with all features enabled, making it a standout among Wear OS smartwatches. It features a polished design available in two sizes, robust health tracking capabilities, and a dual-chipset power management system. However, it falls short in software update support and lacks certain health features like ECG and menstrual cycle tracking, particularly in the US market. This smartwatch is ideal for users prioritizing battery longevity and fitness metrics over software longevity and comprehensive health monitoring.

Strengths
  • Five-day battery life with all features enabled
  • Sleek and comfortable design with two size options
  • Robust health features including advanced metrics for sports modes
Watch-outs
  • Only three years of software and security updates
  • Lacks menstrual cycle tracking and ECG functionality in the US

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 improves battery life and adds 5G connectivity, but it's held back by the unchanged S10 chip, unlike the OnePlus Watch 3 which uses a dual-chipset system for optimized power consumption. Compared to the Garmin Venu 4, it lacks advanced recovery metrics like Body Battery, and while it offers better software updates than the Apple Watch SE 3, it doesn't match the SE 3's affordability. The Pixel Watch 4 also offers more battery life but without the ecosystem integration that the Series 11 provides.

OnePlus Watch 3

The OnePlus Watch 3 delivers five-day battery life, which surpasses the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11, but it lacks the advanced health features found in the Garmin Venu 4 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Unlike the Google Pixel Watch 4, it doesn't include built-in Gemini AI, and compared to the Xiaomi Watch 5, it lacks Wear OS 6 integration and smart features like YouTube Music. The Apple Watch SE 3 offers better value with its updated design and speaker capabilities.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple Watch Series 11OnePlus Watch 3
Display Typewide-angle OLED LTPO technologyAMOLED
Connectivity5G, cellularBluetooth and Wi-Fi
Water Resistance50m5ATM
OSwatchOS 26Wear OS
CompatibilityiOSAndroid
MaterialSteel or titaniumstainless steel
BatteryBuilt-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery631mAh
Dimensions46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm
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