OnePlus Claims 43mm Is Ideal Watch Size Bigger Than Apple Samsung Google

We were quite impressed with the OnePlus Watch 3, calling it our top pick for Android smartwatches. However, one aspect left us wanting: size options.

In particular, it only comes in a single 47mm size. While this makes it a great choice for those with larger wrists seeking a substantial watch, it doesn’t cater to customers who prefer something more compact.

Most leading smartwatch brands typically offer multiple sizes, thereby providing consumers with the choices they desire.

Heeding this feedback, OnePlus has introduced a new, lighter 43mm version of the Watch 3, weighing in at just 37.8g.

Though it’s noticeably lighter and smaller than its larger counterpart, it still doesn’t match the weight of the 41mm Google Pixel Watch 3 at 31g, the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 at 28.8g, or the 42mm Apple Watch 10, which weighs between 29.3g and 34.4g depending on the configuration.

OnePlus acknowledged that they could have gone even smaller but chose not to. To understand the rationale, we spoke with Aske Kjaer, the EU PR Product Lead at OnePlus.

43mm is the “sweet spot”

Kjaer explained, “The dual-engine architecture requires two chipsets, which occupy some space. We also wanted to ensure a robust sensor suite was included.”

While the 43mm version of the Watch 3 lacks the ECG monitor found in its larger sibling—due to spatial constraints—all other sensors remain intact.

Reducing the size of a smartwatch also means managing a smaller screen. OnePlus opted not to go smaller than the 1.32-inch display on this version, as they feared it would become too “finicky.”

“Considering all these factors, we settled on 43mm as the sweet spot,” Kjaer noted.

The 43mm variation still promises an impressive 60-hour battery life in smart mode (albeit less than its larger counterpart), with up to seven days available in power-saving mode.

The main trade-offs for the 43mm model compared to the 47mm are its smaller screen, reduced battery life, and the absence of ECG monitoring. However, the display is still well-sized and user-friendly, as I experienced briefly at a preview event, and many will likely appreciate the benefits of a more compact design.

If a more manageable size appeals to you, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm is now available in Europe and the UK, priced at £269.

We will provide updates regarding the watch’s availability and pricing in the US as soon as we have that information.