OnePlus has just pulled back the curtain on an exciting array of new devices, expanding its portfolio across multiple categories. From a more compact Wear OS smartwatch to a powerful midrange Android phone and feature-rich earbuds, this latest OnePlus product launch caters to a wide spectrum of tech enthusiasts. While some innovative gadgets are set for global release, others are strategically aimed at specific markets like Europe and India. Dive in to discover how these new OnePlus offerings aim to redefine performance and value in the competitive tech landscape, solidifying the OnePlus ecosystem.
OnePlus Unveils Diverse Tech Portfolio
The Compact Powerhouse: OnePlus Watch 3 43mm
Responding directly to user feedback, OnePlus has introduced the Watch 3 43mm, a more compact iteration of its existing Wear OS smartwatch. The original 47mm model, while feature-rich, was often criticized for its large footprint. This new version not only scales down in size but also refines the aesthetics, opting for a simpler, circular design that sheds the angular elements of its predecessor, resulting in a sleeker profile.
The Watch 3 43mm is smaller, but also drops the angular aesthetic. Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge
The demo unit I saw was stuck in pairing mode, so I didn’t get to try the new health features. Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge
This reduction in size, however, comes with a trade-off in battery life. While 7 percent thinner and 28 percent lighter, the 43mm model offers approximately 50 percent of the original’s battery endurance. This translates to a still respectable 60 hours on typical settings, though it falls short of the 120-hour benchmark set by the larger model. The display brightness has also been adjusted, peaking at 1,000 nits compared to the 2,200 nits of the 47mm variant.
Powering the device is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, supplemented by a low-power co-processor for efficiency. New health features include reproductive cycle tracking and an enhanced “Wellness” score, which now utilizes the watch’s barometer to gauge fatigue levels and display corresponding emojis. The Watch 3 43mm is available now on the OnePlus website for $299.99 ($100 less than the larger model), with availability on Amazon and Best Buy expected in August. European pricing is set at €299 / £269.
Audio Excellence on a Budget: OnePlus Buds 4
The other major US release from this launch event is the OnePlus Buds 4, a new pair of affordably priced true wireless earbuds. Available in refreshing pale green or classic dark gray, these earbuds promise a premium audio experience. They boast support for both Hi-Res and spatial audio, driven by a sophisticated dual-driver setup featuring 11mm and 6mm drivers in each bud. A thoughtful design touch is the slightly concave touch controls, enhancing tactile feedback and making gestures more intuitive. The Buds 4 are priced at $129.99 in the US and €119 / £119 in Europe.
The Buds 4 come in pale green or dark gray. Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge
This concave touch surface isn’t entirely new, but it’s a nice touch. Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge
Redefining Midrange: OnePlus Nord 5 (Europe & India Exclusive)
While not heading to the US, the OnePlus Nord 5 stands out as the star of the regional launches, targeting the competitive midrange Android phone segment in Europe (€449 / £399) and India. This device is powered by the capable Snapdragon 8S Gen 3, signaling a clear focus on performance, particularly for gaming. It features a vibrant 144Hz OLED display for smooth visuals and an unexpectedly robust 50-megapixel selfie camera, catering to the growing demand for high-quality front-facing optics. Despite its large 6.83-inch display, the Nord 5 maintains a relatively slim and light profile, ensuring comfortable handling.
The Nord 5 has a simple but striking camera design. Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge
A notable departure for the Nord 5 is the replacement of OnePlus’s classic Alert Slider with a new, customizable Plus Key. By default, this key triggers AI-powered functionalities, aligning with the industry’s shift towards integrated artificial intelligence. A full review of the Nord 5, currently undergoing testing, is eagerly anticipated.
The Accessible Sibling: OnePlus Nord CE 5
Joining the Nord 5 is the Nord CE 5, priced at €349 / £299. While sharing a similar aesthetic, it makes strategic compromises to achieve a more accessible price point. It features a slightly smaller 6.77-inch screen and utilizes a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset. The display offers lower resolution, refresh rate, and peak brightness, and camera specifications are also less impressive. However, it commendably retains the Nord 5’s generous 5,200mAh battery and rapid 80W charging speed, along with a similar promise of four years of OS updates, offering solid value for its segment.
The Nord CE 5 looks similar, but moves the flash out to the side. Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge
If you want the new Plus Key, opt for the Nord 5 — the CE doesn’t have it. Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge
Entry into Tablets: OnePlus Pad Lite
Finally, the OnePlus Pad Lite offers a more affordable entry into the tablet market. While it oddly retains the circular camera design seen on older Pad models (a design since updated on the recent Pad 3), its other specifications offer significant value. It sports an 11-inch, 2K display (though limited to 90Hz) and a substantial 9,340mAh battery for extended usage. Priced at just €229 / £199, an additional €30 / £30 upgrades the device with more RAM, double the storage, and crucial LTE support, presenting an undeniable bargain for those seeking an entry-level tablet with connectivity.
I didn’t miss this weird, central, circular camera. Photo by Dominic Preston / The Verge
FAQ
Question 1: What are the key differences between the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm and the 47mm version?
Answer 1: The 43mm version is significantly smaller, 7% thinner, and 28% lighter, featuring a more simplified circular design. Its battery life is about 50% less (60 hours vs. 120 hours), and its peak display brightness is lower (1,000 nits vs. 2,200 nits). It is also priced $100 less than the 47mm model.
Question 2: Which of the new OnePlus products are available in the US?
Answer 2: Only the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm and the OnePlus Buds 4 are launching in the US. The Nord 5, Nord CE 5, and Pad Lite are exclusive to Europe and India.
Question 3: What is the main highlight of the OnePlus Nord 5?
Answer 3: The main highlight of the OnePlus Nord 5 is its positioning as a powerful midrange Android phone for gaming and performance, featuring the Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 chipset, a 144Hz OLED display, and a high-resolution 50-megapixel selfie camera. It also introduces the new, customizable Plus Key for AI functionalities.