After a rocky start with the first generation, OnePlus managed to turn things around with the OnePlus Watch 2. The second-gen model gained praise for its sleek design, robust fitness tracking, and impressive battery life that could last days instead of just hours. With these improvements, the OnePlus Watch 2 was able to carve a niche for itself among the best Android smartwatches. Now, with the upcoming OnePlus Watch 3, expectations are high for further refinement and innovation.
FCC Filing and Leaked Details
The development of the OnePlus Watch 3 has already been confirmed by an FCC filing, which typically signals that the device is nearing launch. New leaks from SmartPrix, sourced from well-known leakers Chunvn and Yogesh Brar, have offered some intriguing insights into what we can expect from the next iteration of OnePlus’ smartwatch lineup.
According to the leaks, the biggest change in the OnePlus Watch 3 is the introduction of a rotating digital crown, which is expected to offer an additional way to interact with the device. This would complement the existing touch screen and could be used for functions such as scrolling through menus and selecting apps.
A Rotating Crown: A Key Feature?
The rotating crown has become a defining feature for many modern smartwatches, most notably the Apple Watch, which uses the crown as a primary form of navigation. However, it’s important to note that while the OnePlus Watch 2 also featured a rotating crown, it didn’t actually serve any practical purpose. The crown’s rotation was purely for durability, allowing it to withstand impacts by rotating during movement. OnePlus even confirmed this in a statement to The Verge, explaining that the crown’s movement was designed to enhance the button’s durability, rather than adding any functional navigation capabilities.
In contrast, the OnePlus Watch 3’s crown appears to be more textured, suggesting that it will serve a practical function, likely revolving around navigation. If this leak proves true, the rotating crown will no longer be a cosmetic feature, but a functional one that improves the overall user experience. This could make the watch easier to navigate, particularly for tasks like scrolling through notifications or quickly switching between apps.
Design and Usability
While the rotating crown is a major upgrade, other design changes are expected as well. The OnePlus Watch 3 will likely continue the clean, minimalist aesthetic seen in its predecessors, with a focus on a premium look and feel. However, the improved functionality of the crown could make the smartwatch more intuitive to use, offering a smoother and more tactile way to interact with the device compared to the touch screen alone.
Battery Life and Fitness Features
In terms of functionality, we can expect the OnePlus Watch 3 to continue offering stellar battery life, with the company likely aiming to maintain the multi-day performance seen in the OnePlus Watch 2. Given that OnePlus has positioned its wearables as solid fitness trackers, the Watch 3 will probably come with enhanced health and fitness features, possibly including more advanced heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and integration with third-party fitness apps.
Conclusion
While we’re still awaiting official confirmation from OnePlus, the leaks surrounding the OnePlus Watch 3 are promising. The introduction of the rotating crown, combined with a continued emphasis on fitness, battery life, and a sleek design, suggests that OnePlus is serious about positioning its wearables as top contenders in the smartwatch space.
If the OnePlus Watch 3 lives up to the leaks and rumors, it could be one of the most functional Android wearables on the market, offering a combination of convenience and advanced features that many users have come to expect from flagship devices.