
OnePlus Watch 3 launches in the UK with a £50 discount – here's our review
Originally set to launch in February, the OnePlus Watch 3 was delayed because of an unfortunate 'Meda in China' typo on the backplate.
The two-month wait turns out to have been worth it for UK customers. Not only has OnePlus nailed the spelling this time around, but the OnePlus Watch 3 launches with a £50 discount at the official OnePlus store. You also get a free pair of OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro as a thank-you for being so patient.
Those in the US haven't been so fortunate. The OnePlus Watch 3 has had a staggering price hike in America, going from $330 to $500. The Chinese brand hasn't given an official reason for the increase, though it's almost certainly related to the Trump administration's spiralling tariffs on goods made (or is that meda?) in China.
Setting aside the escalating trade war, the new OnePlus Watch 3 is a brilliant Android smartwatch. It offers a whopping five-day battery life, a refined titanium-ringed design, improved GPS and enhanced health features that make it a strong contender in an Android smartwatch arena dominated by Samsung and Pixel.
Building on the best aspects of the excellent OnePlus Watch 2, the new smartwatch boasts some impressive specs, particularly its battery life. This isn't just a marginal upgrade either – the OnePlus Watch 3 doubles down on what made the previous version so great, offering improvements where you'll notice.
OnePlus faces stiff competition in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3, which are slightly more expensive and count among the best Android smartwatches in 2025. Wisely enough, OnePlus doesn't even attempt to square off with the Apple Watch on its own turf – the OnePlus Watch 3 isn't compatible with iOS devices at launch.
How I tested
I've been wearing the OnePlus Watch 3 since it was first announced back in January. During that time, I've tested it during my regular morning run, while working out at home, and when in the office. I've also used it to track my sleep.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
IndyBest thoroughly tests every product we feature to bring you unbiased reviews you can trust. Our verdicts are reached through real-world testing, and we only recommend products we think you'll love. I'm a tech writer with more than a decade of experience testing smartwatches. My reviews focus on everyday wearability, workout tracking and overall value, so you can be sure my verdict is authentic, honest and based on experience.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I tried Samsung's posh new mobile that makes iPhone look like an expensive BRICK – there's a way to save on upgrading
Tested FEELING THIN The Galaxy S25 Edge makes two key sacrifices for its lighter, thinner new model All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Jamie Harris Published: 20:56, Updated: 20:56, SAMSUNG has had a pretty packed year in smartphone world. First, we had the usual Galaxy S25 launches at the start of the year - and then there were some great budget-friendly models too. 6 6 And now we're back to the Galaxy S25 again with a new category. This time it's all about thin, thin, thin. All the tech packed inside ever-powerful phones make it tricky business to stop them from becoming almighty hunks of metal. What with chunky batteries, all that processing power needed for AI tools, the list goes on. But Samsung is determined to give it a go with the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge - even if there are some sacrifices. As The Sun's main Android smartphone reviewer I get hands-on with all sorts of devices all the time. Here's why you might want to consider the Galaxy S25 Edge if you're fed up with chunky mobiles weighing down your pocket. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Look and feel How the Galaxy S25 Edge looks and feels is arguably the most important first bit of information you want. And the good news is, it's immense. I can't remember the last time I held a phone of this size and power that felt this light, at only 163g. Samsung insider reveals top tricks every user needs to know about to save battery and storage A website on the weight of items tells me that's about as heavy as an average hockey puck. The Galaxy S25+ and iPhone 15 Plus are the fairest comparisons to note, because they both have a 6.7inch display like the S25 Edge. A Galaxy S25+ weighs 190g, while the iPhone 15 Plus is 201g. But it's not just the weight, the Edge is super thin at 5.8mm - Samsung's thinnest ever phone. Looking for objects around the house, the nearest item I could compare it to is a tiny bit thicker than my passport. Again, the Galaxy S25+ is 7.3mm thick and the iPhone 15 Plus is 7.8mm. This makes the iPhone - and just about every other smartphone, even Samsung's other models - look and feel like a brick. Despite all this, the titanium body and hardened glass on the S25 Edge feel pretty tough, though I'd worry it might bend if I accidentally sat on it a few times too many. 6 Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Performance and software From a software and performance perspective, the Galaxy S25 Edge feels just like the other phones in the series. It runs on Samsung 's own version of Android, One UI. One UI has a consistent, clean and easy look that I like. All the S25 devices run on Android 15, One UI 7, which is the very latest version of both, straight out of the box. And once again, Samsung offers a whooping seven years of security and software updates. Look after the handset it could last you quite sometime thereby saving you money on upgrades. Who offers free updates longest? The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free. Samsung For the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates. OnePlus At the launch of the OnePlus 13, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and six years of security updates. Xiaomi Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates. Google For the Pixel 9 series, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support. Like the other S25 devices, the Edge version uses the same powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip on the inside to keep things running super smooth. As such, apps, games and anything else you throw at it glides through without any issue or lag. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Features The Galaxy S25 Edge carries all the same great features as the other models too, with a large focus on AI tools this year. Samsung moved closer to Google and its Gemini digital assistant. Though not exclusive to Samsung, it's worth mentioning that Gemini is really handy - I was using it to identify problems with my plant the other day. As for Samsung's own newer features there's Now Brief, an AI companion that acts as a central hub for everything going on in your day. This keeps you in check with not only your calendar and weather but learns about your habits so will warn you about things such as traffic. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Battery Now battery is the big one I was most curious about given that it's the part that takes up a lot of physical space in phones. Sticking to its nearest comparable sibling, the S25+, the battery on the Edge is smaller. The Edge has a 3,900 mAh, compared to the S25+'s 4,900 mAh. And seeing as I mentioned the iPhone 15 Plus before, it's worth noting that the battery there is 4,383 mAh. The battery and camera sacrifices are bold to say the least So, physically speaking the Edge is much lower. Samsung has done some performance optimising to get around this but there's still only so much they can do. With general on and off usage throughout my day - using apps like WhatsApp, checking emails, watching the odd video and going on social media - I could get a day out of it. But constant power users watching loads of videos probably won't make it through the day without help. What's more, the Galaxy S25 Edge doesn't charge as fast as it's sister handsets either. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Camera The other big difference is on camera with only two on the back of the S25 Edge. There's no telephoto sensor to take clear photos from a distance - which is something you would expect from a phone that costs upward of a grand. But the 200-megapixel main camera and 12-megapixel ultrawide camera do manage to take some detailed pics popping with colour. 6 6 6 Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Pricing The Galaxy S25 Edge starts from £1,099 / $1,099. But there is a new way to keep the cost of expensive phones down in the form of Samsung Club. For a lower monthly cost, you can get the latest Galaxy every year rather than buying outright each time, plus other perks. The Galaxy S25 Edge is the first phone being offered as part of the scheme from £33.31 per month. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Verdict Final thoughts by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a slick looking phone there is no questioning that, it oozes sexy. You get a gorgeous display, as well as the tried and trusted Samsung experience on the phone as well. The battery and camera sacrifices are bold to say the least. While I love not being weighed down by a phone in my pocket, it's hard to overlook these two drawbacks when the price tag tops a grand. Rating: 4/5 All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.

Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I tried Samsung's posh new mobile that makes iPhone look like an expensive BRICK – there's a way to save on upgrading
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. The Galaxy S25 Edge makes two key sacrifices for its lighter, thinner new model FEELING THIN I tried Samsung's posh new mobile that makes iPhone look like an expensive BRICK – there's a way to save on upgrading Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SAMSUNG has had a pretty packed year in smartphone world. First, we had the usual Galaxy S25 launches at the start of the year - and then there were some great budget-friendly models too. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Only two cameras are now on the back as Samsung looks to slim things down Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 6 Familiar but slimmer new design Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun And now we're back to the Galaxy S25 again with a new category. This time it's all about thin, thin, thin. All the tech packed inside ever-powerful phones make it tricky business to stop them from becoming almighty hunks of metal. What with chunky batteries, all that processing power needed for AI tools, the list goes on. But Samsung is determined to give it a go with the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge - even if there are some sacrifices. As The Sun's main Android smartphone reviewer I get hands-on with all sorts of devices all the time. Here's why you might want to consider the Galaxy S25 Edge if you're fed up with chunky mobiles weighing down your pocket. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Look and feel How the Galaxy S25 Edge looks and feels is arguably the most important first bit of information you want. And the good news is, it's immense. I can't remember the last time I held a phone of this size and power that felt this light, at only 163g. Samsung insider reveals top tricks every user needs to know about to save battery and storage A website on the weight of items tells me that's about as heavy as an average hockey puck. The Galaxy S25+ and iPhone 15 Plus are the fairest comparisons to note, because they both have a 6.7inch display like the S25 Edge. A Galaxy S25+ weighs 190g, while the iPhone 15 Plus is 201g. But it's not just the weight, the Edge is super thin at 5.8mm - Samsung's thinnest ever phone. Looking for objects around the house, the nearest item I could compare it to is a tiny bit thicker than my passport. Again, the Galaxy S25+ is 7.3mm thick and the iPhone 15 Plus is 7.8mm. This makes the iPhone - and just about every other smartphone, even Samsung's other models - look and feel like a brick. Despite all this, the titanium body and hardened glass on the S25 Edge feel pretty tough, though I'd worry it might bend if I accidentally sat on it a few times too many. 6 The Galaxy S25 Edge on top of the iPhone 15 Pro Max Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Performance and software From a software and performance perspective, the Galaxy S25 Edge feels just like the other phones in the series. It runs on Samsung's own version of Android, One UI. One UI has a consistent, clean and easy look that I like. All the S25 devices run on Android 15, One UI 7, which is the very latest version of both, straight out of the box. And once again, Samsung offers a whooping seven years of security and software updates. Look after the handset it could last you quite sometime thereby saving you money on upgrades. Who offers free updates longest? The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free. Samsung For the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates. OnePlus At the launch of the OnePlus 13, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and six years of security updates. Xiaomi Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates. Google For the Pixel 9 series, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support. Like the other S25 devices, the Edge version uses the same powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip on the inside to keep things running super smooth. As such, apps, games and anything else you throw at it glides through without any issue or lag. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Features The Galaxy S25 Edge carries all the same great features as the other models too, with a large focus on AI tools this year. Samsung moved closer to Google and its Gemini digital assistant. Though not exclusive to Samsung, it's worth mentioning that Gemini is really handy - I was using it to identify problems with my plant the other day. As for Samsung's own newer features there's Now Brief, an AI companion that acts as a central hub for everything going on in your day. This keeps you in check with not only your calendar and weather but learns about your habits so will warn you about things such as traffic. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Battery Now battery is the big one I was most curious about given that it's the part that takes up a lot of physical space in phones. Sticking to its nearest comparable sibling, the S25+, the battery on the Edge is smaller. The Edge has a 3,900 mAh, compared to the S25+'s 4,900 mAh. And seeing as I mentioned the iPhone 15 Plus before, it's worth noting that the battery there is 4,383 mAh. The battery and camera sacrifices are bold to say the least So, physically speaking the Edge is much lower. Samsung has done some performance optimising to get around this but there's still only so much they can do. With general on and off usage throughout my day - using apps like WhatsApp, checking emails, watching the odd video and going on social media - I could get a day out of it. But constant power users watching loads of videos probably won't make it through the day without help. What's more, the Galaxy S25 Edge doesn't charge as fast as it's sister handsets either. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Camera The other big difference is on camera with only two on the back of the S25 Edge. There's no telephoto sensor to take clear photos from a distance - which is something you would expect from a phone that costs upward of a grand. But the 200-megapixel main camera and 12-megapixel ultrawide camera do manage to take some detailed pics popping with colour. 6 Snap from a recent holiday taken on the Galaxy S25 Edge Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 6 I zoomed in on a church in the distance - here is the normal distance and below you'll see the zoomed photo Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 6 The zoomed photo is pretty good given the distance but you do lose some quality Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Pricing The Galaxy S25 Edge starts from £1,099 / $1,099. But there is a new way to keep the cost of expensive phones down in the form of Samsung Club. For a lower monthly cost, you can get the latest Galaxy every year rather than buying outright each time, plus other perks. The Galaxy S25 Edge is the first phone being offered as part of the scheme from £33.31 per month.


Geeky Gadgets
6 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple vs. Samsung: iOS 26 Takes on One UI 7
The ongoing rivalry between Apple's iOS 26 and Samsung's One UI 7 continues to shape the smartphone landscape, offering distinct features tailored to different user preferences. From interface design and customization to multitasking and ecosystem integration, each platform brings unique strengths to the table. The video below from Nick Ackerman explores the key differences to help you determine which operating system aligns better with your priorities. Watch this video on YouTube. Interface and Design: Simplicity vs. Functionality iOS 26 exemplifies Apple's commitment to simplicity and elegance. Its cohesive design, refined widgets, and intuitive navigation create a seamless and visually consistent experience. If you value a polished interface that prioritizes ease of use, iOS 26 delivers on all fronts. In contrast, One UI 7 emphasizes functionality and flexibility, blending Samsung's design language with Android's adaptable framework. While it offers a feature-rich experience, minor inconsistencies in visual design may arise due to the integration of Samsung, Google, and Android apps. For users who prioritize utility and versatility over uniformity, One UI 7 provides a compelling interface. Customization: Depth vs. Simplicity One UI 7 leads the way in customization, offering extensive options to personalize home screens, lock screens, themes, and more. Tools like Good Lock further enhance your ability to tailor the interface, making it ideal for users who want complete control over their device's appearance and functionality. On the other hand, iOS 26 maintains a clean and minimalist aesthetic but limits customization options. While Apple has introduced features like widgets and lock screen personalization, they remain less versatile compared to One UI 7. If you prefer a straightforward, uncluttered experience, iOS 26 may suit your needs better. Multitasking: Power vs. Simplicity For multitasking, One UI 7 excels with features like split-screen mode, app pairs, and pop-up views. These tools are invaluable for power users who frequently juggle multiple tasks and demand efficiency from their devices. iOS 26, while efficient for single-app usage, offers fewer multitasking capabilities on iPhones. Advanced multitasking features are primarily reserved for iPads, leaving iPhone users with limited options. If managing multiple tasks simultaneously is a priority, One UI 7 is the better choice. AI and Smart Assistance: Practicality vs. Potential Samsung's One UI 7 integrates advanced AI features designed to enhance productivity and convenience. Tools like writing assist, interpreter functions, and audio eraser showcase Samsung's focus on practical applications of AI, making it a strong choice for users seeking robust smart assistance. Meanwhile, iOS 26 introduces Apple Intelligence, which is still in its early stages. While promising, its AI capabilities are less developed and lack the versatility of Samsung's offerings. For users who rely heavily on AI tools for daily tasks, One UI 7 currently holds the advantage. Ecosystem Integration: Cohesion vs. Flexibility Apple's ecosystem is renowned for its seamless integration. If you use an iPhone alongside an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, you'll appreciate the effortless synchronization and connectivity across devices. This level of cohesion is unmatched, making iOS 26 ideal for users deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem. Samsung's ecosystem, while robust, offers greater flexibility for users who mix and match devices from different brands. Its Galaxy devices, tablets, and wearables work well together, but the experience can feel slightly fragmented compared to Apple's unified approach. If you value adaptability over strict integration, Samsung's ecosystem may be more appealing. Privacy and Security: Consumer vs. Enterprise Focus Both platforms prioritize privacy and security but take different approaches. iOS 26 emphasizes consumer-friendly features like app tracking transparency, fast updates, and a tightly controlled App Store. These measures make it a strong choice for users concerned about personal data privacy. Samsung's One UI 7 focuses on enterprise-grade security with tools like Samsung Knox and secure folders. While these features are powerful, they often require additional setup to maximize their effectiveness. If you prioritize business-level security and advanced protection, One UI 7 may be more appealing. Performance: Speed vs. Polish Both operating systems deliver smooth and responsive performance, but their priorities differ. One UI 7 offers faster animations and caters to users who value speed and efficiency in their daily interactions. iOS 26, on the other hand, emphasizes visual polish, making sure transitions and interactions feel refined and cohesive. Battery performance also varies: iOS 26 excels in standby time, while One UI 7 is better suited for power users who demand more from their devices throughout the day. Hidden Features: Innovation vs. Simplicity One UI 7 stands out with a range of hidden features designed to enhance usability. Tools like edge panels, advanced one-handed mode, and S Pen functionality provide added convenience. Good Lock further expands customization options, allowing users to fine-tune their devices to an impressive degree. In comparison, iOS 26 offers simpler hidden features, such as back tap shortcuts and emergency SOS. While useful, these features lack the depth and innovation seen in Samsung's offerings. If you enjoy discovering and using advanced tools, One UI 7 offers more to explore. Choosing What Matters Most The decision between iOS 26 and One UI 7 ultimately depends on your priorities. One UI 7 stands out for its superior customization, multitasking capabilities, and advanced AI features, making it an excellent choice for users who value versatility and innovation. However, iOS 26 remains a strong contender, offering a polished design, seamless ecosystem integration, and robust privacy features. It's ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and a cohesive user experience. Both platforms continue to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, making sure users have access to innovative features tailored to their needs. Consider your preferences and choose the operating system that best aligns with your lifestyle and priorities. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in iOS 26 vs One UI 7 comparison. Source & Image Credit: Nick Ackerman Filed Under: Android News, Apple iPhone, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.