Let me tell you something about the OnePlus Watch 4. If you have been hoping for a meaningful upgrade from the Watch 3, you might want to sit down for this.
Based on what has leaked so far, OnePlus appears to be about to release a smartwatch that is essentially the same device with a different number attached to it.
A new leak from a Google Play Console listing has revealed what are supposedly the main specs, and they read like a copy-paste job from the Watch 3. We are talking about the same Snapdragon W5 chipset, the same 466 by 466 display resolution, and the same overall design philosophy. The only meaningful difference that has surfaced appears to be a battery that is actually 2 mAh smaller than before.
I am not alone in thinking this feels underwhelming. The headlines have not been kind to this leak. "Even more disappointing details" is not exactly the tagline OnePlus was probably hoping for.
What the Watch 4 Reportedly Offers
Here is what we know based on leaks and certification filings. The OnePlus Watch 4 is rumored to run Wear OS 5.0 out of the box, which is fine, except Wear OS 6 has been available for about a year now. That would be a strange choice for a 2026 release if it turns out to be true. You would think a brand new watch would ship with the latest operating system, but apparently that is too much to ask.
The display is rumored to be a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED panel at 466 by 466 resolution. If that matches the Watch 3 exactly, it is not exactly an exciting update. The processor is said to be the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, which is the same chip OnePlus used before. You get 2GB of RAM, which is respectable for a Wear OS device but not a generational leap.
One interesting detail from the leaks suggests the Watch 4 might be a global version of the Oppo Watch X3, which launched in China last month. If that connection turns out to be real, then the 646 mAh battery makes sense. That would be a solid capacity for a watch this size, and it should deliver decent battery life.
The IP69 rating is a step up from typical water resistance ratings, which means this thing can apparently handle high-pressure water jets. That is more than most people will ever need, but it is nice to have the peace of mind if you are rough on your gear.
The retail box leak shows two finishes. There is a silver option with a green band, and a dark grey version with a dark blue band. One of those colorways might be called "Evergreen Titanium," which at least gives you something new to look at. Small mercies.
The Real Problem Here
All of this is based on leaks and rumors, so we should be clear about that. But if the specifications turn out to be accurate, the OnePlus Watch 4 does not seem to address any of the actual weaknesses of its predecessor.
OnePlus has not been known for aggressive software updates on their watches. The original OnePlus Watch had some rough edges that were never fully smoothed out. The Watch 3 fixed some of those issues, but updates have been sporadic at best.
If the Watch 4 is essentially the same hardware with the same processor and the same display, then the only reason to buy it would be if the price drops significantly on the Watch 3. Or if OnePlus finally delivers meaningful software improvements that actually make the experience better.
Otherwise, why upgrade? The differences are cosmetic at best, and minor spec adjustments do not constitute a new product.
The One Bright Spot
There is one scenario where this makes sense. If OnePlus prices the Watch 4 competitively and keeps the Watch 3 at a lower price point, the older model becomes the budget option. That is a reasonable strategy.
The Watch 3 launched at a certain price, and if the Watch 4 comes in at the same level or slightly higher, the previous generation drops. That could actually make the Watch 3 an attractive deal for anyone who wants a Wear OS watch without spending flagship money.
Garmin, Samsung, and Apple are not suddenly getting worse, so the bar for OnePlus keeps rising. Competitors are delivering real improvements with each generation. OnePlus appears to be coasting on incremental adjustments.
What We Are Waiting For
The official announcement should come in the next few weeks, assuming these leaks are accurate. The retail box includes importers for the UK, EU, and Poland, which suggests a global launch might be imminent. Quality control checks apparently happened on March 30, so mass production could have already started.
Price will be the deciding factor. If the Watch 4 comes in cheaper than the Watch 3 did at launch, it might be worth a look. If they try to charge more for basically the same device, the reception will be appropriately frosty.
For now, the OnePlus Watch 4 looks like a missed opportunity based on what has leaked. OnePlus had a chance to push the envelope with a real successor, and instead we might be getting a hardware refresh with a new coat of paint. Sometimes that is fine. Iterative updates keep prices down and let brands refine their formulas. But this feels like OnePlus is content to coast rather than compete.
We will hold off on a full assessment until we have official details. Stay tuned for pricing and availability. If the number is right, we can revisit this. If not, the Watch 3 might remain the more sensible purchase once the price drops.
Disclaimer: This article is based on leaks, rumors, and unconfirmed reports. Nothing has been officially announced by OnePlus. Specifications, pricing, and availability could change.