Is it still worth purchasing the $500 OnePlus Watch 3? The response is nuanced.

      The price of the OnePlus Watch 3 has unexpectedly jumped to $500, whereas we previously reviewed it at $330. There's been no transformation in the product itself overnight, with no new features added or luxury materials included. OnePlus hasn’t explained the reason behind the price hike, but since it has only occurred in the U.S., it’s reasonable to speculate that it’s linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, given that the OnePlus Watch 3 is manufactured in China.

      The pressing question is whether the OnePlus Watch 3 is worth $500 and if you should still consider purchasing it. The answer is quite nuanced.

      The OnePlus Watch 3 is outstanding.

      I rated the OnePlus Watch 3 a 9/10 in my review, awarding it the Editor’s Choice accolade, and stated that it “perfectly blends high-quality design and materials with excellent performance and capabilities, complemented by impressive battery life for a fantastic product.” I referred to the OnePlus 13 and the OnePlus Watch 3 as the best combination of Android smartphone and smartwatch available currently.

      After wearing the OnePlus Watch 3 alongside the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, I concluded that the OnePlus smartwatch was the better investment, despite Samsung offering its smartwatch in multiple case sizes. I’m not alone in my admiration; Mark Jansen from Digital Trends found it so impressive that he claimed it had “ruined all other wearables” for him. It has since earned its place atop our list of best smartwatches.

      However, all this praise was based on the OnePlus Watch 3's initial price of $330, a competitive rate that positioned it well against the Galaxy Watch 7, TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro, and Google Pixel Watch 3. Sudden price increases like this are uncommon, especially without prior communication from the brand. When Digital Trends inquired about the price rise, OnePlus stated in an email that it had no further comments to make.

      More than just a price issue.

      For consumers, any response from OnePlus would not provide significant guidance for purchasing decisions. If the cost is $500, it simply is, and one must either accept it or not. Here’s where the real issues arise. A smartwatch is often a luxury, seldom a necessity, making it one of those items that is “worth” what a buyer is willing to spend on it.

      The worth and the value it provides are distinctly different. The OnePlus Watch 3 offered great value at $330, as it was technically superior to other options in the same price range. Now at $500, it still holds a technical edge over its former competitors, but it now falls into a different context that heavily weighs on its personal value to you.

      Smartwatches priced over $500 — like the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2, along with models such as the Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 and the titanium Apple Watch Series 10 — don’t offer significant technical advancements compared to lower-priced options, especially for casual users. Many opt for these high-end models for the status they convey and the impression they create.

      These are true luxury devices, and while I appreciate the OnePlus Watch 3, it does not qualify as a luxury smartwatch. Unfortunately, at $500, it is now entering that luxury conversation. The question shifts from “Should I buy the OnePlus Watch 3?” to “Is it worth this much as a OnePlus Watch 3?” and I don’t believe it is.

      Should you skip the OnePlus Watch 3?

      Due to the subjective nature of pricing, some might be willing to spend $500 on the OnePlus Watch 3, but that notion makes me uneasy. What message does it send to brands if we suddenly accept a $170 increase for a product without a clear reason? Executives might wonder if it had been priced too low before. Significant price jumps could become a trend if companies see customers are willing to pay without question.

      Moreover, the OnePlus Watch 3 hasn't seen a price increase in other regions. It’s frustrating to feel like you’re being taken advantage of, especially if friends in the U.K. managed to get it at the original price. What if the increase in the U.S. is politically motivated and temporary? Should the OnePlus Watch 3 revert back to the $330 price in a few months, those who purchase now may regret paying more. A temporary increase would also pose a PR challenge for OnePlus.

      Are we advising against purchasing the OnePlus Watch 3? The smartwatch remains excellent, and I’m sure there are justifications for paying $500 for it. However, it would be wise to be patient and wait. The recent price change is newly introduced, and if it relates to tariffs, the situation might shift again soon, potentially restoring the smartwatch to a $330 price point, provided OnePlus can handle the backlash for