I’ve been using the OPPO Watch X2 since it was released last year, and I absolutely love it. It looks great, is comfortable, and does everything I need it to. So when OPPO announced the Watch X3 I was at the front of the line with my hand up to review one.
After using the Watch X3 for a couple of weeks now I can say I really, really love it. I’m not sure there are enough “really”s in that sentence but loving it has nothing to do with what it can do and everything to do with its design, comfort and fit.
OPPO sent me the Titanium colourway of the Watch X3, and it is the better of the two in my opinion – my everyday Watch X2 is black.
Design and hardware
The design of the Watch X3 differs between the Black and Titanium versions: the Black has a rounded face, while the Titanium has a more sculpted bezel/crown. The titanium version “features titanium alloy cut decorative elements and rivet detailing complemented by a 12-bevel bezel design that adds refined visual depth.”
I love this design as it adds a differentiator to other watches and it looks great. The black version of the Watch X3, though, lacks these decorative elements and appears even plainer than last year’s model.
The titanium version also arrives with a new “dynamic-link strap system” which is a new upgraded fluoroelastomer material; but also includes “segmented metal links” which does exactly what OPPO says it should do: improve flexibility and overall fit. It makes the watch incredibly comfortable and fits your wrist shape snugly.
I’m not sure why the black version didn’t include a strap like this, but OPPO really isn’t selling me on it, given how much better this titanium version looks and fits.
The display is once again a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3000 nits, 36% more than the X2. The display seems to be the same as last year, although the peak brightness is different so something has changed.
The Watch X3 is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) as last year and houses the same sensors, although OPPO has stated that they are upgraded from last year – that may account for the X3 being 7 grams lighter than the X2.
With both IP68 and IP69 protection, I had no issues with the watch under the conditions I used it in, including sweaty runs and gym workouts. OPPO pointed out that the watch features new Splash Touch technology, which allows accurate screen operation even with wet hands – I can definitely confirm this, as it’s easy to test.
Sensors
The Watch X3 is great for health and fitness use, given its 8-channel heart rate
sensor, a 16-channel blood oxygen sensor, a wrist temperature sensor, and an ECG sensor. Yes, with all these sensors, you can track so many things that you may need and many that you will never need. It was able to track the basics for me, and, to be honest, I think if you want more in-depth tracking information, you should buy a dedicated health and fitness tracker, such as a WHOOP band.
The Watch X3 also supports ECG measurement – a single-lead ECG electrode measurement. Keep in mind that when performing the test you are just touching the button, not pressing it. This had me stumped for a bit, but once I got it into my thick head, the measurement was consistent and easy to do.
The Watch X3 now features an upgraded 60s Wellness Overview that consolidates various health metrics in one place for easy access.
Also included is a Mind and Body Evaluation which analyses the heart rate variability, resting heart rate and activity levels to determine your physical fatigue and emotional state. It kept telling me what I already knew, that I was stressed and fatigued – not a surprise.
Most of the fitness and health features on the Watch X3 were also present in the Watch X2, so rather than rehash them all, if you are interested, check out this link here. Overall, these features are incredibly handy and include everything we see in other smartwatch brands. You will not be missing out on much/anything with the Watch X3 compared.
Features
The Watch X3 has some decent software features as well, including Google Gemini, since it is everywhere on Android devices, whether you like it or not.
The watch can also serve as a remote controller for “short form video platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts, with the ability to view and control directly on the watch.
Of course, there is the usual support for many sports and activities – there is apparently more than 100 sports and workout modes and there is a new professional running mode as well, just like Google has on their Pixel Watch. The data tracked includes ground contact time, average stride length, and left-right balance. Data is displayed in real time to support pacing and technique adjustments while on your run.
Other professional modes supporting detailed tracking in those instances include Running, Tennis, Badminton, Swimming, Skipping rope, Mountaineering/hiking, Brisk walking, Cycling,
Elliptical trainer, Rowing machine, Skiing and open-water swimming. That professional rope skipping will get a massive amount of use, I’m sure.
Battery life
The battery life on the Watch X3 is exceptional with the 646mAh battery lasting a good three to four days, which is very good for a fully functional smart watch. If you will be away from a charger for a while, the watch supports a power-saving mode that provides up to 16 days of battery life.
The battery life of smartwatches has improved in recent times, thanks to watches such as the OPPO Watch X3, which uses a performance chip for “demanding tasks” and a lightweight RTOS for low-power uses. The watch will automatically switch between the two as needed.
The Watch X3 once again supports fast charging with a simple 10-minute charge, providing over a day of use. I’ve used this many times, and its fast charging is incredibly handy, especially when you forget to charge it overnight. Keep in mind though, the VOOC charging will only work with a compatible AC adapter.
Final thoughts
Last year, I concluded that the Watch X2 was a great alternative to the Pixel Watch or the Samsung Watch, and this year, I will say this again for the Watch X3. The design, sensors, and battery life of the OPPO Watch X3 have improved, making it a better watch than last year.
If you already own the Watch X2 then unless you simply must have the new design, the new upgrades are not worth the price of purchase. In isolation, the OPPO Watch X3 is a great smartwatch, with all features included in the watch’s price — unlike other Wear OS watches that hide some advanced features behind paywalls.
For me, given its stylish design, great looks, long-lasting battery life, and full features at no extra cost, the OPPO Watch X3 is the best Android-compatible smartwatch on the market. Given that I own a Watch X2, though, I will not be buying this one. If someone doesn’t own last year’s model, I would strongly recommend they purchase the OPPO Watch X3.
The OPPO Watch X3 is available in Misty Titanium and Obsidian Black for $699 at the OPPO store.
Scott is our resident open technology expert. If you can mod it, or want to use it your way, Scott has probably done it. From Laptops to phones, headphones and game consoles, he’s played with it and wants to see the next generation.
