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One of the best new Android smartwatches just got a price drop, but not in the ordinary sense.
"After further evaluation, we're pleased to share that recent adjustments in our supply chain have allowed us to pass some savings back to those who are interested in purchasing the OnePlus Watch 3 in the US," shared Spenser Blank, Head of Marketing & Communications for OnePlus North America.
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"As a result, the OnePlus Watch 3 in the US is now available at its new price of $349.99; this is the final MSRP price and will not be changed going forward." Customers who bought the OnePlus Watch 3 for the previous $499 price will receive the difference refunded to their original payment.
For background, earlier this month, OnePlus launched the Watch 3 for $499, after delaying the sales date due to a typo on the back of the watch, proclaiming it "Meda in China" (instead of "Made in China"). The problem wasn't necessarily the typo but the fact that the company originally unveiled the watch in February with a retail price of $330, but -- without explanation -- switched to $499, an increase of $170 or 50%.
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Several media outlets assumed the price was an error, but OnePlus has confirmed its accuracy. Since then, the company has also confirmed that the price hike was tied to worsening US-China relations and the massive tariff increases by both countries. Those same tariffs have buyers scrambling to purchase cell phones before those prices increase, too.
The new adjustment doesn't match the original price of the Watch 3 per se, but does make it a more accessible entry for customers.
When ZDNET's Matthew Miller tested this watch last month, he praised its battery life, utility, and design, calling it a "beautiful, functional smartwatch that is available for a reasonable price." "Reasonable" is objective, of course, but what's not objective is that the device's value, a prime selling point, is now much less.
For comparison, the Pixel Watch 3 costs $399, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra costs $419. It seems like those watches' prices will increase over time due to tariffs, too, but for now, the OnePlus 3 continues to undercut its closest competitors. This is still an excellent watch with plenty of advantages over its competition; it'll just cost you a little more now.
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