OnePlus is gearing up for a big launch event on January 7, where the spotlight will largely be on the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R smartphones. However, apart from the new phones, it looks like the brand has more in store for its fans. Along with a new color option for the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, OnePlus is also preparing to unveil its next generation smartwatch – the OnePlus Watch 3.

At first glance, the OnePlus Watch 3 looks quite similar to its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch 2. However, there is one big new addition that fans have been eagerly waiting for – a rotary dial. This feature, reminiscent of the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown, is designed to make navigating the watch’s interface much easier and more intuitive. Instead of relying solely on the touchscreen, users will now have a tactile way to scroll through menus or adjust settings, adding an extra layer of convenience.

Health tracking is another area where OnePlus could improve. The Watch 3 is expected to include an advanced heart rate monitoring suite, which now comes with ECG functionality. This feature can provide deeper information about heart health, making this watch an attractive option for fitness enthusiasts or anyone who wants to monitor their well-being. However, the ECG feature will not be available everywhere – it will depend on local regulations, so availability may vary by region. We will have to see how it fares in India once the smartwatch is officially launched. There is also a possibility that OnePlus Watch 3 may come with LTE connectivity. This means users can make calls, send messages and receive notifications without the need to carry their smartphones. Although this feature could be a game-changer for many, it may only be available in select markets, as we have seen with Oppo’s smartwatch in China.

Underpinning its attractive design, the OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to come with top-tier hardware. It will be powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, paired with 2GB of RAM along with 32GB of onboard storage. The device is expected to run on the latest Wear OS 5 combined with RTOS, which should provide smooth performance and efficient battery management. Talking about battery life, the Watch 3 is rumored to have a 500mAh+ battery.