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The watch will characteristic high compatibility and battery, however native software program is an enormous blow for the funds Put on OS market
The upcoming OnePlus Watch Lite—set to debut globally on December seventeenth—won’t run Google’s Put on OS, in accordance with new particulars from the corporate.
This main {hardware} determination explains how the budget-friendly machine can boast a big 10-day battery life—a stamina inconceivable for any present Wear OS watch, together with the flagship OnePlus Watch 3.
The Watch Lite is positioned as an entry-level choice, however the determination to make use of a proprietary working system represents a significant departure from the model’s latest smartwatch technique.
It signifies that the Watch Lite feels extra like a successor to the very forgettable OG OnePlus Watch, which we criticized for its restricted software program expertise and, actually, every thing else.
A brand new cross-platform technique
Regardless of the shortage of Put on OS, the Watch Lite continues to be shaping as much as be a compelling choice for these out there for a budget smartwatch.
That is the primary time a OnePlus smartwatch has formally supported iPhones, positioning the Watch Lite as a challenger to the likes of the Huawei Watch Fit 4 series and Xiaomi Watch S4.
For individuals who don’t essentially crave the good options of an Apple Watch SE 3, these are the highest choices to think about proper now.
The Wareable take
This new wrinkle complicates what was shaping as much as be an intriguing launch from OnePlus.
The quoted 10-day battery life is a pleasant contact—particularly in a slim 8.9mm case—and the cross-platform play helps the model problem extra broadly.
But, the shortage of Put on OS means the Watch Lite sacrifices the wealthy app ecosystem and third-party utility that makes the OnePlus Watch 3 (and the 43mm equivalent) a powerful competitor.
For Android customers, the Watch Lite will now be much less of a funds Put on OS choice—which there now stays a critical lack of—and extra of a high-end health tracker carrying a watch’s garments.
With out the capabilities of Google Gemini and the Play Retailer’s apps, it gained’t be the definitive funds Android smartwatch many have been hoping for going into 2026. Nonetheless, it could nonetheless be an choice for some, so keep tuned for our full verdict coming quickly.
