# OnePlus Watch 3 Wishlist: Essential Features to Rival Galaxy and Pixel Watches
The OnePlus Watch 3 is set to make an impact in the bustling smartwatch arena, with speculations pointing towards its debut alongside the OnePlus 13 series in January 2025. While the OnePlus Watch 2 garnered praise for its extended battery life, elegant steel build, and swift performance, it fell short in aspects such as health tracking precision, software efficiency, and variety in features. To genuinely compete with titans like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Google Pixel Watch 3, the OnePlus Watch 3 must present substantial enhancements. Here’s our wishlist for the features and improvements that could elevate it to a standout position.
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## **1. Two Sizes and a Working Crown**
A frequent criticism of the OnePlus Watch 2 was its dimensions. With a 1.43-inch AMOLED display encased in a 47mm body, the watch was cumbersome and heavy, weighing approximately 80g with the strap. Unlike competitors such as Samsung and Google, which provide various size choices, OnePlus opted for a singular, larger design.
For the OnePlus Watch 3, we anticipate two size variants: a smaller 43mm casing with a 1.25- or 1.3-inch display, in addition to the standard larger model. This would enhance accessibility for users with smaller wrists while maintaining its deluxe MIL-STD-810H-grade steel structure and exceptional battery duration.
Furthermore, the crown button on the Watch 2 was merely for show, acting only as a pressable button without any scrolling functionality. A functional crown that allows navigation through Wear OS menus would greatly improve usability, particularly for scrolling through notifications or applications.
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## **2. Wear OS 5 and Enhanced Software Integration**
The OnePlus Watch 2 came equipped with Wear OS 4, but its execution left much to be desired. Issues such as phantom notifications, restricted backup options, and a lack of smooth data transitions between phone and watch were frequent grievances. With Wear OS 5 now at hand, the OnePlus Watch 3 has a chance to rectify these shortcomings.
Wear OS 5 brings along enhancements like screen size adjustments, battery improvements, and sophisticated fitness tools. OnePlus should ensure these enhancements are seamlessly woven into its dual-OS framework, which merges Wear OS with a proprietary RTOS for low-power tasks. This dual-OS approach is pivotal for the watch’s prolonged battery life but has also caused some software issues. Prioritizing the resolution of phantom notifications and overall system reliability should be essential.
Additionally, OnePlus could look to Samsung and Google for inspiration, both of which provide unique features for their ecosystems. For instance, Samsung offers comprehensive health insights and sleep apnea detection for Galaxy phone owners, while Google provides Pixel-specific benefits like call screening and Ultra Wideband phone unlock. OnePlus should contemplate the introduction of distinctive features for its smartphone users, fostering a more integrated ecosystem.
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## **3. A Comprehensive Health and Fitness Revamp**
Health and fitness monitoring is a vital domain where the OnePlus Watch 2 did not excel. Reviewers pointed out fluctuating step counts, unreliable heart rate tracking during workouts, and inconsistent stress and sleep reports. While the budget-oriented OnePlus Watch 2R showed some advancements in GPS precision and heart rate monitoring, there remains ample potential for advancement.
To stand alongside Apple, Samsung, and Google, the OnePlus Watch 3 must unveil advanced health functionalities such as:
– **ECG Tracking:** For proactive AFib detection and continuous irregular heart rhythm monitoring.
– **Skin Temperature Sensors:** To furnish insights regarding sleep quality and various health alerts.
– **Menstrual Cycle Tracking:** A capability now standard among most smartwatch brands.
– **Fall Detection:** A crucial safety feature for older users or those with health issues.
The accompanying OHealth app also necessitates a substantial upgrade. While it presents data in a tidy and clear way, it lacks sophisticated features like energy scores, training load assessments, guided exercises, and health reports. Collaborating with third-party platforms such as Strava and Google Health Connect is beneficial, but OnePlus should strive to provide a more comprehensive in-house solution.
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## **4. Superior Display and Build Quality**
The OnePlus Watch 2 boasted a display brightness of up to 600 nits, while the budget Watch 2R escalated this to 1,000 nits. For the Watch 3, we hope to see even greater brightness levels, ensuring excellent visibility regardless of lighting situations. Additionally, a DC dimming feature could cater to users sensitive to PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) flicker.
Regarding design, the Watch 2’s steel construction was a highlight, but OnePlus could further enhance the aesthetics with more intriguing default watch faces and a wider range of strap choices. LTE compatibility would also be a valuable addition, enabling users to remain connected without depending on their smartphones.
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## **5. State-of-the-Art Performance with
