Delayed OnePlus Watch 3 launches again – but with a shocking price increase

One of the best new Android smart watches just launched, but its price tag has already significantly increased.

The OnePlus Watch 3 technically debuted in February, but a typo on the back of the watch, proclaiming it “Meda in China” (instead of “Made in China”), forced the manufacturer to push back the launch.

The original launch price was $330, but — without explanation — the new price is $499, an increase of $170 or 50%.

Also: The best Android smartwatches: Expert tested and reviewed

Several media outlets assumed the price was an error, but OnePlus has confirmed its accuracy. With no reason for the increase provided by the manufacturer, the price hike is almost certainly 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.

OnePlus offers a 5% student discount, which would save you about $25, but that’s the only way to lower the price. 

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 is the most expensive of the bunch. You have to imagine that an increase hurts the chances of this watch finding a place in the market. 

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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