The market for Wear OS smartwatches has been around for a while. We are eager to see what 2025 has in store for fans of smartwatches, given the most recent advancements in the field, such as Google Gemini, Snapdragon processor updates, and new watch faces and designs. This list will assist you in selecting the finest Android Wear OS smartwatch if you are also looking for one.
Google Pixel Watch 3
We begin our list with the incredibly powerful Google Pixel Watch 3. You can definitely rely on this watch if you are searching for one that tracks your health and do not want to worry about performance. Four traditional colors are available.
Features:
good battery life
powered by Snapdragon W5 gen 1 chip
bright and vibrant display
Google Pixel Watch 3
Feature-Packed Smartwatch: The Google Pixel Watch 3 boasts a 45mm vibrant display, powered by a robust processor and ample storage, running on the Android Wear OS.
The Amazfit Balance is a state-of-the-art smartwatch that combines performance, style, and health-focused features to improve your everyday routine.
With its brilliant AMOLED display, sophisticated fitness tracking, and sleep monitoring features, this wearable is the perfect partner for helping you remain on top of your objectives. The Amazfit Balance provides seamless integration with your lifestyle, whether you are using it to check your wellness, take calls while on the go, or work out.
Features
offline maps.
great display
good for fitness tracking
Amazfit Balance
Comprehensive Health Tracking: Monitor your body’s key health metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen, stress levels, breathing rate, sleep quality, and body composition (fat, muscle, water, bone mass, and more) with advanced sensors and AI analysis.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 comes in at number three on our list. When compared to the Galaxy Watch 6, this watch has a few minor improvements. Nonetheless, it is a feature-rich watch with smooth Wear OS 5 performance.
Features:
+1 day battery life
fast charging
advanced health tracking
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day? Challenge yourself to excel on your next run or bike ride using tracking with Galaxy AI that lets you compare your current performance to your last one
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is another Samsung device that made our list of the top Android Wear OS smartwatches. All things considered, it is a high-end smartwatch, affordable, with all-around functionality.
Features:
over 24 hours per charge battery.
irregular heart rhythm notification
advanced fitness and sleep tracking.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Track over 90 exercises, monitor heart rate zones, get insights on workout duration, distance, calories burned, and more to achieve your fitness goals.
Despite being less well-known, this the watch is among the most feature rich Wear OS devices in 2025. Fitness enthusiasts are the target market for the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5. Like the Google Pixel Watch on our list, it has a potent Snapdragon W5+ chip, which makes the pricing far lower and more reasonable.
Features
great battery life, around 80 hours.
great fitness tracking
dual-screen design for better usability.
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
Powered by the latest Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 Wearable Platform and Wear OS by Google, the TicWatch Pro 5 delivers faster and smoother performance with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, enabling seamless multitasking and app usage.
The OnePlus Watch 2, which has a dual-chip system for efficiency and seamless Wear OS + RTOS integration, combines performance and style. Its stylish design fits most wrists, even though it does not have an LTE version. The AMOLED screen is excellent.
Key Features
Snapdragon W5 + BES2700
great battery life
accurate fitness tracking,
dual operating system
OnePlus Watch 2
The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a durable stainless-steel chassis and a robust 2.5D sapphire crystal face, offering a sophisticated design with 5ATM and IP68 water resistance ratings, ensuring protection against water and dust.
The 3nm fast CPU powers this high-end, long-lasting smartwatch. Simple pinch movements can be used to control tasks like answering calls. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra elevates health tracking with its intelligent Galaxy AI technology. If you do not want to sacrifice user experience, do not skimp on this one.
Features
battery life is 36-48 hours per charge.
2nd gen BioActive Sensor
10ATM & IP68 Rating
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Climb the highest peak; Bike the long way home; The durable titanium design is our toughest yet, able to stand up to the rigors of your workout, including rainy or dusty conditions — even ocean swimming
Wear OS is still concentrating on enhancing the user interface, allowing dual-band GPS, and polishing health-tracking features this year. You are aware that now is the ideal moment to purchase the newest smartwatches running Android Wear OS.
Fitness monitoring, battery life, and high-end design are just a few of the features that the smartwatches on our list provide to meet various needs. In 2025, take advantage of an improved Wear OS experience by selecting the one that most closely matches your lifestyle!
Building on the successful formula of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R, the OnePlus 13R offers a long battery life, a stunning display, and a lot of power in a stylish, high-end package. The OnePlus 13R offers a lot of features at a price that is not as competitive as the brand’s original “flagship killers,” but if you are looking for a flagship phone without the incredibly high price tags that accompany them, this phone is a great choice.
The first “R” branded phones (of series 9, 10, and 11) did not make it to the coasts of Europe or North America, making this the second time an R-Series cellphone has been released abroad.
The OnePlus 13R is a less advanced, and therefore more cost-effective, variant of the flagship OnePlus 13, which was released concurrently. Consider this phone to be similar to Google’s “A” range of Pixel phones and Samsung’s “FE” versions of its high-end S series.
Even in direct sunshine, the 6.78-inch display is easy to use due to its color and brightness. The phone’s flat screen makes for a pleasant viewing experience because it is flush with the aluminum chassis.
Even heavy users will get more than a day’s use out of the OnePlus 13R before reaching for the charging wire, thanks to its large 6,000mAh battery, which lasted me two days on a single charge. However, as there is not wireless charging, grab the cable.
With 12GB of RAM skillfully supporting the previous flagship generation Snapdragon CPU at its heart, there is a ton of power beneath the hood. It implies that the 13R is capable of handling almost everything.
The three cameras on the back may not have the newest capabilities seen in flagships of the current generation, but they are still excellent point-and-shoot cameras that perform well in the majority of situations.
However, because the 13R is a large phone, it might be a little difficult for people with little hands to hold. Furthermore, as this phone is not waterproof, you should exercise caution when near water. It will be fine in the rain because it is only splash-proof.
While it retains many of the features of the brand’s previous flagship phone, the OnePlus 13R is a capable smartphone that is just out of reach of some of the newest technology that has been saved for its non-R, numbered twin.
Pricing & Availability
With only one storage option—256GB ROM + 12GB RAM—available in North America and Europe, the OnePlus 13R is a straightforward purchase. A more robust 512GB + 16GB extra combination is available for those living in India, which would make some Western markets jealous of Asia.
The pricing of the OnePlus 13R is $599/£679, which is the same as the OnePlus 12R’s debut price in the US but £30 higher in the UK.
The 13R is positioned well in the market, delivering a large screen, a large battery, and plenty of performance at a price point that undercuts Apple, and it was launched in the US at the same price as the 256GB OnePlus 12R from the previous year.
Although the £30 price rise is a little annoying for UK customers, OnePlus has made improvements to the 13R, which still provides a good all-around experience. The OnePlus 13R is priced at the upper end of the “affordable flagship” market, and unlike the OnePlus 12R, it only comes with 256GB of ROM and 12GB of RAM in the US. This time, there is not a less expensive model with 8GB or 128GB of RAM and storage.
This means that it costs more than Google’s own version of a cheap flagship, the smaller, more portable Pixel 8a, but it is around the same as the AI-enabled Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the alternative Nothing Phone (2), albeit the latter is already a year and a half old. The OnePlus 13R’s exceptional battery life is one of its main selling points, but if you value battery life above all else in a large-screen phone, you might want to check out the Honor Magic 7 Lite. Although it is not accessible in North America and has a larger battery (6,600mAh), it is significantly less expensive.
Storage / RAM
US Price
UK Price
India price
256GB / 12GB
$599
£679
Rs TBC
512GB / 16GB
N/A
N/A
Rs TBC
OnePlus 13R specs
Three key specifications are included with the OnePlus 13R. It has a large, bright, and striking 6.78-inch screen with a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits, a massive 6,000mAh battery that lasts for two days, and smooth performance because it uses the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU as the OnePlus 12, the brand’s flagship from the previous generation.
All but the most frequent power users will be satisfied with the 256GB of storage, three cameras around the back, and quick 80W wired charging.
Dimensions:
161.72 x 75.77 x 8.02mm
Weight:
206g
Display:
6.78-inch, 19.8:9 ProXDR Display with LTPO 4.1, Support 100% Display P3, 10-bit Color Depth
Resolution:
1264 x 2780, 450 ppi
Peak brightness:
4,500 nits
Chipset:
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM:
12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:
256GB
OS:
Android 15 w/ OxygenOS 15
Main camera:
50MP Sony LYT-700, 1/1.56”, f/1.8, 84-degree field of view, OIS, EIS
Telephoto camera:
50MP S5KJN5 with 2X optical zoom, 1/275”, f/2.0, EIS
Ultra-wide camera:
8MP, 1/4″, f/2,2, 112-degree field of view, EIS
Selfie Camera:
16MP, 1/3.09”, f/2.4, 82-degree field of view, EIS
Battery:
6,000mAh
Charging:
80W wired
Colors:
Astral Trail, Nebular Noir
OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R builds on the winning formula of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R, by delivering prolonged battery life, a dazzling display, and plenty of power in a slick, premium package.
With a sleek aluminum frame encircling the phone and glass on either side, the OnePlus 13R is a stylish piece of hardware. Because both companies are owned by the same business, the flat sides are reminiscent of both the Oppo Find X8 range and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro series. The latter shares several design characteristics with the OnePlus 13 series.
Gorilla Glass 7i, the first OnePlus phone to use this new glass type, is used to cover the phone’s screen and back to complete the luxury package. According to manufacturer Corning, the glass is “particularly created to answer the demand for increased drop protection and scratch resistance.” This implies that the 13R should be resilient to the occasional drop and knock, but I did not actually test this out when I was reviewing the phone.
The OnePlus 13R has a high-end appearance and feel, is well-built, and performs better than its pricing suggests, even though its design is not totally original. I would have preferred the power and volume buttons on the right of the 13R to be positioned lower down, but those with smaller hands will find the gadget too large, especially for one-handed operation.
My thumb was strained by the volume rocker in particular, which made it difficult to turn up the volume without making awkward hand shuffles. The buttons would naturally fall beneath the thumb if OnePlus positioned these a few millimeters lower, making manipulation simpler.
The OnePlus 13R has OnePlus’ now-iconic alert slider, which makes it simple to choose between silent, vibration, and ring modes. However, it has the same placement problem as the volume and power buttons; it is positioned a bit too high up on the left side of the phone for my taste.
The speaker and SIM tray, which can hold two cards, are on either side of the USB-C connector, which is located in the middle of the phone’s bottom edge. Only the massive round camera housing on the back breaks the sleek, minimalistic finish of my Nebular Noir-colored smartphone.
The IP65 water resistant rating of the phone is one unsatisfactory feature. Although an IP68 rating (water resistance for submersion) is not unusual in this price range, it is an upgrade over the IP64 rating of its predecessor and offers protection against water jets.
Display
The good news is that the display on this phone, which OnePlus makes a huge deal out of, lives up to the hype. It is large, vivid, and multicolored. It is a massive device at 6.78 inches, slightly larger than the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (6.7 inches) and much larger than the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch screen. It is also about the same size as the Honor Magic 7 Lite, another big-battery contender.
The resolution of 1264 x 2780 (1.5K), which provides a pixel density of 450 ppi, is standard. While OnePlus claims that the 13R can reach a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits, you will not be able to view that level of brightness in practical applications.
The OnePlus 13R’s screen did a great job in bright light during my time with it, both indoors and out. You can be sure you will be able to see what is on screen in direct sunlight if you are lucky enough to be in an area with lots of sunshine.
It is not surprising that interactions do take a bit more force than when not wearing gloves. Glove mode does not support gameplay, according to OnePlus, so if you want to play PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) while on vacation in Lapland, Finland, you might want to wait until you are indoors and gloveless before launching yourself into combat. But it is simple to open and close apps, navigate the interface, skim through social media, and tap out messages.
Software
The software you see on the screen of the OnePlus 13R is powered by the most recent version of Google’s mobile operating system, which is Android 15. It is not entirely Android because OnePlus has layered its OxygenOS 15.0 interface over top, giving the phone a familiar appearance and feel for those who have used the company’s earlier models.
This offers the stock Android platform—found on Pixel phones—a slightly distinct appearance and feel. Other apps were pre-installed on my OnePlus 13R in addition to the standard system apps.
According to OnePlus, OxygenOS 15 has been made 40% smaller overall, providing more capacity for apps, games, pictures, movies, and other media by using less of the 256GB of internal storage.
With OnePlus promising to provide the smartphone with six years of security upgrades and four years of software updates, the OnePlus 13R is also future-proof. Although this product is decent, it is not the best in its field.
While Google and Samsung provide seven years of software and security updates on their most recent devices, Apple has long provided five years. And a 2025 smartphone would not be complete without mentioning artificial intelligence. You may use the AI Editor option, which has four tools, in the Photos app (the OnePlus version, not Google’s Photos app). See the camera section for more details.
The OnePlus 13R also has Google’s Gemini AI assistant pre-installed, which allows you to use tools like Magic Compose (which helps you write text messages) and Circle to Search.
Camera
The large, circular camera housing of the OnePlus 13R houses three cameras, the most prominent of which are a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor and a 50MP telephoto sensor that supports 2x zoom. An 8MP ultra-wide sensor with a 112-degree field of view completes the sensor array. An LED flash is also included to assist light up dim areas.
There is a 16MP selfie camera on the front, however it lacks a wide-angle lens to accommodate more faces. You will have to accept that some people might not be included in the picture or put your cheeks together.
With easy access buttons for Google Lens, exposure, retouch (beautification mode), and filters, the OnePlus 13R camera software launches quickly and is jam-packed with features that will have you Instagram-ready in no time.
In addition to offering more precise options for ISO, shutter speed, exposure, focus, and white balance, the “Pro” mode allows users to shoot in RAW instead of JPG for more editing flexibility in applications like Photoshop.
In summary, the OnePlus 13R camera app offers a wide range of customization choices. However, for those who prefer not to tinker with settings, the good news is that it shoots fantastic pictures in the default configuration.
The 13R is a pretty good smartphone camera under most circumstances. Given that it is a tier below the genuine premium flagship offers, it is not on par with the greatest camera phones available, but that is to be anticipated.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is the same flagship chipset used in the OnePlus 12, but it is not Qualcomm’s most recent top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite offering. What this means is the 13R still packs a punch, backed up by a capable 12GB of RAM.
Social media scrolling is quick and fluid because to the performance and the 120Hz screens, and the interface works well. Although apps load swiftly, the OnePlus 13R does not feel as snappy as the real flagships on the market when it comes to more demanding games.
That is not really a problem, and I was more than satisfied with the performance I was getting for the price of this phone, whether I was using it for social media browsing, video streaming, email checking, work (including writing some of this review), or taking a well-earned break to play games.
Genshin Impact ran smoothly on the OnePlus 13R at 60 frames per second and at its maximum graphics setting of 30 frames per second.
Compared to flagship phones, load screens were a bit slower to complete, but this did not interfere with gameplay. The phone did warm up, but it never got to a point where it was unpleasant.
Moreover, it works well; we had no read errors when using the phone, and it was very responsive. Enabling face unlock is an additional option. Even from unusual angles, like surreptitiously glancing at your phone from behind a desk, the OnePlus 13R can quickly recognize your face and unlock it in the sunshine.
Battery
One of the greatest selling points for the OnePlus 13R is its massive 6,000mAh battery, offering the handset with excellent longevity and giving you the piece of mind of true all-day battery life without the need to even contemplate reaching for a charger.
We discovered that on days when we reduced our gaming and video watching, we could simply unplug at 7am and then plug in at 11pm with 50% of the power remaining. On days when we used the device heavily, we would still be going to bed at the end of the day with at least 20% of the battery remained.
To extend the lifespan of the massive power pack within, the company lowered the SUPERVOOC charging speed from 100W on the OnePlus 12R to 80W on the new OnePlus 13R.
The OnePlus 13R can go from 1% to 100% in as little as 52 minutes with the correct fast-charging plug converter (in the UK, you only receive a USB-C cable in the box), and the 80W charging still provides a respectable amount of power in a short period of time.
The OnePlus 13R charged from 15% to 31% after 15 minutes using a quick 60W charging block, and the battery returned to 48% after 30 minutes, a 33 percentage point increase in 30 minutes. Fair top-up times, particularly if you have to quickly add charge before leaving the house.
The OnePlus 13R’s lack of wireless charging is the only drawback to its battery life. You will want a wire to recharge the 13R because this feature is exclusive to its more expensive sister, the OnePlus 13.
OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R builds on the winning formula of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R, by delivering prolonged battery life, a dazzling display, and plenty of power in a slick, premium package.
Even though Black Friday is still a few weeks away, there are already some amazing bargains available. There is good news if you are specifically interested in upgrading to a flagship smartphone or joining the Android bandwagon.The OnePlus 12 is currently on sale at Amazon for $649, down $150 (19%).
For the black-finished base edition of the OnePlus 12 with 256 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM, this is the greatest deal. Additionally, there is a $150 reduction on the 512 GB model, which is now only $749 instead of $899.
Is OnePlus 12 worth it?
OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 (review) was only released in February in the USA and other international countries after OnePlus announced it last year.
The OnePlus 12 (review) was only released in February in the USA and other international countries after OnePlus announced it last year. It has many worthwhile improvements over its predecessor, including a bigger and noticeably brighter AMOLED screen. Although there are not any significant design changes, it has a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass protection and a more robust IP65 rating.
Its internal components include a larger base memory and a speedier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Even in demanding situations, the processor operates quickly and with plenty of power. The 5,400 mAh bigger battery offers more running time than the previous model. The gadget can be charged from 0% to 100% in under 30 minutes, even with the larger cell size.
You will also receive Bluetooth 5.4 and a speedier USB-C 3.0 port. You will not be let down if you want this gadget to be your next camera phone. It features a new 64 MP 3x telephoto lens in addition to an improved 50 MP primary camera. Better software optimizations and AI-enhancing features will also be advantageous to you. With 32 MP, the front-facing selfie is much bigger and can now record 4K video.
The OnePlus Watch 2 is now available on Amazon for $250, which is $50 less than its usual price. Because of this, it is among the greatest and easiest smartwatches we have tried.
In 2021, OnePlus released the OnePlus Watch, and I ordered it right away because the hardware looked amazing and it cost $159. I sent the item back after a few weeks because it did not provide anything useful.
Since many smartwatches operate lean and mean, the Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) used by the original OnePlus Watch was ideal. With a dual-engine design, the OnePlus Watch 2 this year goes one step further by providing both Wear OS 4 and RTOS on a single watch. The gadget has a longer battery life than any other Google Wear OS or Apple Watch thanks to its innovative design, making it the most effective Wear OS watch on the market right now.
OnePlus Watch 2
32GB, 100-Hour Battery, Health & Fitness Tracking, Sapphire Crystal Design, Dual-Engine, Wear OS by Google
OnePlus has produced one of the most stylish smartwatches on the market right now, in addition to a strong operating system strategy. The watch features a 2.5D smooth sapphire crystal face, a sturdy silicone band, and a stainless steel watch case. With an oval button on the bottom and a round button on top, the buttons on the right are elegantly integrated into the bezel.
With its IP68 rating and 5 ATM water resistance, the OnePlus Watch 2 is safe to wear when swimming and engaging in other outdoor activities. Furthermore, the device surpasses even the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro because it was constructed to meet MIL-STD-810H specifications.
According to OnePlus, the watch may last up to 12 days in power-saver mode, 100 hours in Smart Mode, and 48 hours when used extensively. Its battery is 500 mAh. I was able to charge the watch every three to four days and wear it around the clock during my two weeks of testing. I used the gadget for active heart-rate monitoring while indoor rowing, GPS tracking while running and walking, and more.
The always-on display mode will use up the battery more quickly. However, when I first tested it, I left the always-on display off because I discovered that the lift-to-wake feature worked great.
The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a great battery life, but it also supports 7.5W VOOC fast charging, which allows you to charge it to 100% in just one hour and wear it for a day much faster. Fast charging, CPU efficiency, and a long battery life are the ideal combinations for a smartwatch.
Both L5 and L1 satellite positions are available, and Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and QZSS GNSS are supported. The tracking of the watch was nearly identical to that of my specialized GPS sports watches. Additionally, Wear OS support allows you to utilize your favorite watch apps instead of OHealth. The watch’s heart-rate tracking was precise as well.
The OnePlus watch does not function with an Apple iPhone, and you must have the OHealth software installed on your Android phone. The OHealth app is used to control the watch apps and settings, as well as the health and wellness functions, thus the Wear OS app is not used.
OnePlus Watch 2
32GB, 100-Hour Battery, Health & Fitness Tracking, Sapphire Crystal Design, Dual-Engine, Wear OS by Google
I find the OHealth app to have a more user-friendly UI than the Fitbit and Google applications that come with Pixel Watches. OnePlus has stated publicly that it has intentions to offer syncing to other services, like Strava, in the future, but for now, the data gathered by the OnePlus Watch 2 is still in OHealth.
You can measure your heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, sleep, workouts, and more with the OHealth app and OnePlus Watch 2. The Wear OS tiles that show up when you swipe left and right on the watch face may also be managed through the OHealth app. I found the OHealth app to be more user-friendly than the Wear OS app on a Pixel phone, and it has a lot of settings.
Check out the many workout and health options, such as heart-rate alerts, breathing tests while you sleep, auto-workout detection, and even the ability to customize the screens for your preferred routines.
There is potential for development even if the OnePlus Watch 2 is a far better watch than the original model. The watch lacks cellular connectivity, has a single 47mm diameter and weighs 80 grams, is not the best for people with smaller wrists, does not support fall detection, can not control a OnePlus phone camera from the watch (though this will be fixed in a future update), does not have any features for tracking women’s health, can not record ECG readings, and does not have a skin-temperature sensor.
But I really enjoyed wearing this classy watch and used the face swipe to access my favorite tiles. I can not use the Google Pixel Watch since it is very small and has a limited battery life. Better solutions at affordable prices are possible, as demonstrated by the OnePlus Watch 2.
OnePlus Watch 2
32GB, 100-Hour Battery, Health & Fitness Tracking, Sapphire Crystal Design, Dual-Engine, Wear OS by Google
Surprisingly, Android 15 was not made available on Pixel phones. Chinese company Vivo outperformed the whole Android ecosystem by releasing a solid Android 15 update first, following the stable AOSP release without a Pixel OTA update. Check to see if your phone is set to receive Android 15 if you do not already own the pioneering (and specialized) Vivo X Fold 3 Pro.
The developer versions of Android 15 could be tested on a few phones even before Google declared it had achieved “platform stability.” In order to choose which phones should receive the upgrade first, brands like Honor, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, and others established their own official test programs.
Google
The Pixel phones will be the first to get the upgrade because they are the flagship model for the Android operating system. Additionally, there are more Google phones eligible for the upcoming Android update this time around because the Pixel 9 phones were released prior to the 2024 release of Android 15.
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google Pixel 6a
Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel Fold
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Unlocked Android Smartphone with Telephoto Lens and Super Actua Display
After many years of poor updates, Samsung has started fulfilling its pledge to improve phone support. Customers may now know how long their phones will be updated to protect them from security dangers according to the South Korean company’s transparent software strategy.
At SDC 2024, Samsung did, however, declare that the One UI 7, which is based on Android 15, would not be made available to the general public until early 2025. However, the Koreans also mentioned that by the end of 2024, the One UI 7 beta will be accessible for public testing by developers and testers.
Galaxy phones promised to receive Android 15:
Samsung Galaxy A05
Samsung Galaxy A05s
Samsung Galaxy A14
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Samsung Galaxy A15
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Samsung Galaxy A24
Samsung Galaxy A25
Samsung Galaxy A33
Samsung Galaxy A34
Samsung Galaxy A35
Samsung Galaxy A53
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Galaxy A55
Samsung Galaxy A73
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung Galaxy S22
Samsung Galaxy S22+
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung Galaxy S24+
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
SAMSUNG Galaxy S24
256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, 50MP Zoom Camera, Long Battery Life, S Pen
We expect that Xiaomi will further enhance its update program to meet (or surpass) Samsung’s, but only time will tell as the Chinese behemoth is presently switching from MIUI to HyperOS.
To find out which phones are promised the Android 15 upgrade, we may currently rely on the company’s official list of security updates. Furthermore, we highlighted in italics Xiaomi models that are not included in the Android Enterprise program but are promised the Android 15 update.
Xiaomi phones in the Android 15 beta test:
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Xiaomi 14
Xiaomi devices promised to be updated to Android 15:
Poco F5
Poco F5 Pro
Poco F6
Poco F6 Pro
Poco M6 Pro 5G
Poco X6
Poco X6 Pro 5G
Xiaomi 12
Xiaomi 12 Pro
Xiaomi 12 Ultra
Xiaomi 12T
Xiaomi 12T Pro
Xiaomi 13
Xiaomi 13 Lite
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Xiaomi 13T
Xiaomi 14 Pro
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Xiaomi 14T
Xiaomi 14T Pro
Xiaomi Redmi 12
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
Xiaomi Redmi 13C
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
Xiaomi Pad 6
OnePlus
By introducing really intriguing phones in 2023, like the OnePlus Open, OnePlus was able to quiet its detractors and equal Samsung’s flagship software update program.
While we are very confident which flagship OnePlus devices will get Android 15, the same cannot be said for the Nord mid-range versions.
OnePlus phones in the Android 15 beta test:
OnePlus 12
OnePlus Open
Android 15 is anticipated for OnePlus phones:
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9R
OnePlus 9RT
OnePlus 10R
OnePlus 10 Pro
OnePlus 10T
OnePlus 11
OnePlus 11R
OnePlus 12R
OnePlus Nord 3
OnePlus Nord CE 3
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite / Nord N30
OnePlus Nord CE4
OnePlus Open
6GB RAM+512GB, Dual-SIM, Voyager Black, US Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone, 4805 mAh Battery, 67W Fast Charging, Hasselblad Camera, 120Hz Fluid Display
Even though the Japanese manufacturer has not actually committed to an official update program, Sony has been very reliable when it comes to Android updates despite having a limited phone range. The Xperia phones listed below are anticipated to get the Android 15 update:
Sony Xperia 1 IV
Sony Xperia 1 V
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Sony Xperia 5 V
Sony Xperia 10 V
Sony Xperia 10 VI
Sony Xperia Pro-I
Asus
In 2023, the Taiwanese company’s dedication to Android was momentarily called into question, and Asus swiftly refuted reports that the Zenfone line may be discontinued. The list of Zenfone and ROG phones that will receive the Android 15 update is extremely limited due to its small flagship lineup and short update strategy, which typically only includes two Android upgrades:
Asus ROG Phone 7
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
Asus ROG Phone 8
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Asus Zenfone 10
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
Motorola
An outlet was able to search through Motorola’s website for the potential candidates after the company revealed the complete list of its handsets that will receive the Android 15 update. This contains the most recent Motorola foldable smartphones as well as a number of Moto G mid-range variants.
Moto G Power 5G (2024)
Moto G 5G (2024)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Moto G34 (5G)
Moto G35
Moto G45
Moto G55
Moto G75
Moto G85
Motorola Edge (2023)
Motorola Edge+ (2023)
Motorola Edge (2024)
Motorola Edge 40 Pro
Motorola Edge 50
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Motorola Edge 50 Neo
Motorola Edge 50 Pro
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
Motorola Razr (2023) in the US / Razr 40
Motorola Razr+ (2023) in the US / Razr 40 Ultra
Motorola Razr (2024) in the US/ Razr 50
Motorola Razr+ (2024) in the US / Razr 50 Ultra
Nothing
Nothing, a startup brand, has started its Android 15 beta program. Nothing OS 3.0 is the version of the upgrade. It was revealed that Android 15 will be available for all Nothing Phone variants, including the CMF Phone 1.
Nothing Phone (2)
Nothing Phone (2a)
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Nothing Phone (1)
Other brands
In addition to the models above, these brands are also taking part in the Android 15 public beta test:
Honor
Honor Magic 6 Pro
Honor Magic V2
Vivo
Vivo managed to beat not only Samsung but also Google at its own game. The Chinese brand released the stable Android 15 update before other brands to its Vivo X Fold 3 Pro smartphone, with its FuntouchOS 15 release. The next phones should be the ones that were in the beta program:
Smartwatches are one of the most interesting subcategories of consumer technology. From Apple to Samsung, everyone is vying for market share, and they will stop at nothing to achieve it. But as of late, OnePlus has proven that it can produce high-quality goods, as evidenced by the remarkable OnePlus Watch 2, which we examined earlier this year.
The OnePlus Watch 2R, a second wearable that the firm just launched to its inventory, is typically priced at $229 ($70 less than the Watch 2) and provides a virtually identical experience to OnePlus’ flagship watch, with a few functions being removed to reduce the price.
Menstrual cycle tracking and EKG support are two of those capabilities; if these are important to you, get the regular Watch 2. But the Watch 2R is a great option if all you need is a reliable timepiece to pair with your Android phone.
With the exception of the glossy finish and the “flat tire” on the right side of the 2R, the two watches are nearly identical from the exterior. The watch is identical in size to the Watch 2 and has a single case size of 46mm. Additionally, aluminum alloy—rather than stainless steel—is used in its construction.
All things considered, it is a stylish, thin watch that is easy to forget about once you put it on thanks to its light construction. The case size is the sole possible complaint from some people, as it is somewhat large for people with smaller wrists. Additionally, there are just two color options available: silver with a green band or matte black/gray with a black band. You will have to make due with subtlety as there are no options for blue or gold.
Although it is not the most stunning wristwatch screen I have ever seen, the 2R’s 1.43-inch AMOLED display is more than sufficient for the price. It can go up to 1,000 nits bright thanks to the 466×466 resolution, and everything is accurate in terms of contrast and colors.
You may access Wear OS 4.0 after pairing the Watch 2R with your preferred Android phone (iOS is not supported here, incidentally). Though OnePlus has not tweaked the system as much as Samsung with its Galaxy watch lineup, they have added a number of first-party apps, a few UI components, and a ton of custom watch faces.
I am pleased to report that Wear OS is in excellent condition every time I visit it. Though it does not operate quite as smoothly as Apple WatchOS, it nevertheless has comparable functionality. The Tiles interface allows you to swiftly peek at fitness trends and calendar appointments, and the Play Store offers an enormous selection of apps. This is Wear OS’s greatest iteration to yet.
It functions well as well. The Watch 2R’s internal Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip is quick and effective, and I have not noticed any noticeable slowdowns when using it. It has performed well in handling everything from managing notifications to navigating between apps.
We pointed out that the OnePlus Watch 2‘s battery life, which could easily last two to three days due to its novel approach to processing power—combining a conventional Snapdragon chip with a co-processor for handling smaller tasks that drew far less power—set a new standard for Wear OS watches. Using the same methodology, the Watch 2R can go up to three days between charges thanks to a 500mAh battery.
The fact that OnePlus managed to get such amazing battery life on a second smartwatch impresses me. Furthermore, with the provided charging puck, you can recharge it from zero to 100 percent in about an hour.
You will undoubtedly want to monitor your fitness progress with any smartwatch. Unfortunately, the Watch 2R may not meet your needs if you are a die-hard fitness enthusiast or someone who closely monitors health parameters.
The Watch 2R lacks a skin temperature sensor, an advanced health tracking app, menstrual cycle tracking, and EKG functionality. OHealth is useful for basic statistics, but its simple charts and graphs do not actively show you how you are doing in terms of achieving your long-term objectives.
While it is true that OnePlus has made improvements to the accuracy of other sensors, such as the heart rate sensor, GPS, and Sp02 sensor for blood oxygen monitoring, the overall experience still seems a little lackluster when compared to the Galaxy Watch 7 or Pixel Watch 2. Rather, the Watch 2R is far more accommodating to individuals who are just beginning their fitness adventure.
While we are discussing the drawbacks of the phone, I should also mention that I have seen a decrease in durability. The 2R lacks the same sapphire glass covering the display and does not have the same military-grade drop protection. Fortunately, it still possesses 5ATM water resistance, so it will function well down to 50 meters. However, avoid using it for deep-sea diving.
Lastly, it is a little unfortunate that the watch cannot have an LTE plan added to it. Though I know many people may not care, I frequently do things without my phone and I value being able to receive calls and notifications directly on my wrist.
Yesterday saw the partial announcement of the OnePlus Watch 2, which included a first glimpse and some important facts. We can now compare the OnePlus Watch 2’s battery size to those of rival devices thanks to an FCC listing that has made it clear.
Long battery life will be the OnePlus Watch 2’s primary selling point, as was disclosed yesterday. According to OnePlus, the gadget will last 100 hours on a single charge, which is far longer than the majority of popular smartwatches on the market right now. However, it turns out that it will not be able to accomplish it without a very large battery.
According to the FCC listing, the OnePlus Watch 2 features a 500 mAh battery. The wristwatch was recently released.
That makes it, for contrast, 64% larger than Google’s Pixel Watch 2 and nearly 20% larger than the 44mm Galaxy Watch 6. However, with 2022’s Galaxy Watch 5 Pro—which we lauded for its multi-day battery life—coming in at a higher 590 mAh, OnePlus is not exactly breaking ground.
It’s also higher by a considerable margin compared to the original OnePlus Watch. A few key battery capacities follow:
Although OnePlus’s boast of 100 hours of use from this 500 mAh battery seems absurd, it may not be when you consider the whole picture. Samsung stated that the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro may last up to 80 hours, while the larger Galaxy Watch 6 versions could last up to 40 hours. Although 100 hours is a significant amount, software could be able to extend this capability to meet that requirement.
Nevertheless, it is still unclear if OnePlus will employ Wear OS to reach this goal. While it appears that OnePlus is using a customized version of Wear OS, we are unsure if it is the basis for Samsung’s results.
The two main flagship chipsets for Android this year are expected to be MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Both chipsets seem to deliver comparable performance, but AnTuTu’s most recent results suggest that the Dimensity 9300 in the new Vivo X100 has a slight advantage over the OnePlus 12 and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
A closer look at the numbers reveals that the Dimensity 9300 outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with the MediaTek chipset scoring higher in the CPU and GPU tests. At first glance, the reverse seems to be true, with the OnePlus 12 ranking first with a total score of 2,188,135. The Vivo X100 comes in second with a score of 2,186,019.
The OnePlus 12 scores 493,187, whereas the Vivo X100 and its Dimensity 9300 register 515,745, indicating a roughly 5% CPU advantage for the MediaTek chipset. The difference is less pronounced in the GPU category, where the Vivo X100 scores 899,989, while the OnePlus 12 scores 887,620. Nevertheless, other Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered devices, such as the iQOO 12 duo, marginally outperform the Vivo X100 in this regard.
Evidently, the Dimensity 9300 edges over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in both the CPU and GPU tests. The OnePlus 12 having the higher AnTuTu total score is completely down to it having superior memory, with the reported 24 GB of RAM earning it a higher score in the memory test than the Vivo X100’s 16 GB of RAM.
Together with the release of the Ace 3, OnePlus also unveiled the Buds 3, a new TWS wearable that boasts an ultra-light body, two drivers, and active noise suppression that can reach up to 49 dB.
The Buds 3 bear a striking resemblance to the Buds 2 Pro, without the shiny exterior. OnePlus employed the same dual-driver setup found in its Pro earphones, which should result in a richer audio output.
Rubber tips on the earbuds aid in noise isolation. There are multiple modes for noise cancellation, with 10 dB and 20 dB serving as the intermediate settings before the dramatic rise to 49 dB. An intelligent mode is also available, which automatically detects the surroundings and adjusts the ANC levels.
The OnePlus Buds 3 boast an IP55 certified design, three microphones, a touch-sensitive area on the outside of the stem, and OnePlus claims AI is assisting in reducing noise during calls. The buds themselves weigh just 4.8 grams each, and their combined batteries are 520 mAh and 58 mAh.
The Oppo store in China is currently accepting pre-orders for the OnePlus Buds 3, which will go on sale on January 8 and come in black or blue. The price is CNY 500, or $63/€57.
Over the last fifteen years, smartphones display have grown in size exponentially. It is funny how, while six inches was once considered the definition of a phablet, these days we can call a six-inch device compact. Along with larger screens come improvements in color fidelity, resolution, refresh rate, and other technical marvels that enhance the smartphone experience.
Over the last fifteen years, smartphones have grown in size exponentially. It is funny how, while six inches was once considered the definition of a phablet, these days we can call a six-inch device compact. Along with larger screens come improvements in color fidelity, resolution, refresh rate, and other technical marvels that enhance the smartphone experience.
When buying a new smartphone, it is important to consider the display specifications because people are consuming more and more content on their phones, whether it is through watching HDR movies and shows or binge-watching your favorite TikToks. Innovations have made it possible for displays to take on new forms, such as edge-to-edge, curved, and OLED, and competition has made these phones more affordable than ever.
Here are five Android phones with some of the best screens in the market, ranging from incredibly clear 4K panels to the really fluid displays found in foldable smartphones. However, there are always a select handful at the top with the most advanced display technologies.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
With its Ultra-series of phones, Samsung has polished the recipe with its many design advancements, such as folding panels or the overflowing edge displays in its previous flagships. Samsung has been the undisputed ruler in display technologies, and not just in its smartphones.
With its tried-and-true build and design, the Galaxy S23 Ultra certainly plays it safe, but that does not mean it shys away from what may be the best all-around smartphone display: a massive 6.8-inch 2K AMOLED display that refreshes at 120 Hz and boasts great outdoor visibility thanks to its 1,750 nits of peak brightness. The nearly bezel-less, edge-to-edge panel with a centrally aligned hole-punch camera is just one of the many features that combine to create an immersive experience.
With its robust specifications and S Pen, the S23 Ultra is an incredible phone—especially considering how well users have rated its battery life. It also boasts one of the best camera setups, with a 200-megapixel camera that can record 8K video and a dedicated periscope lens that can zoom up to 100 times.
Samsung’s good track record with quick software updates and long-term support further make this phone a solid recommendation. As expected, all of this comes at a hefty price of $1,200, but there really isn’t anything like the Galaxy S23 Ultra in the market.
Sony Xperia 1 V
The Sony Xperia 1 V boasts a 6.5-inch 4K OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 21:9 refresh rate, making it one of the only smartphones available with such an absurdly crisp resolution of 643 ppi. The display is typically slimmer and taller than most phones, making it perfect for scrolling through vertical videos or watching widescreen HDR content. Yes, Sony is still making smartphones in 2024, even though it is marketed towards a niche audience of display and camera enthusiasts.
With a triple camera setup that uses Zeiss optics and Sony’s proprietary S-Cinetone video look, the Xperia 1 V runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage that can be expanded further using the microSD card slot. All three cameras can record in 4K HDR at 120 frames per second and have the same autofocus technology as Sony’s professional cameras.
The Xperia 1 V, touted as the ideal media powerhouse, boasts front-facing stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack that supports Dolby Atmos and LDAC for wireless earphones, and a sleek yet robust in-hand feel thanks to Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus protection up front. However, the phone’s steep $1,200 price tag must be justified by its impressive display and camera features.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The improved display is one of the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s main selling points this time around, as the device still manages to be a great value for $1,000 even after a price increase from last year’s model. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts one of the brightest smartphone displays ever, peaking at 2,400 nits at maximum output thanks to the adoption of an OLED panel. When you combine that with its flat 6.7-inch 120 Hz display, you have yourself a winner.
The Pixel 8 Pro offers a respectable movie-watching experience even without Dolby Vision thanks to its LTPO technology, which enables the phone to lower its refresh rate to as low as 1 Hz. This helps greatly preserve battery life, especially when using the always-on display. Android 14’s Material You design loves splashing colors throughout the user interface, and they do reflect really well on the HDR10+ certified panel.
Though not the most powerful, the Tensor G3 chipset powering the phone is efficient and offers a seamless user experience because it has been designed specifically for Pixel devices. Pixels have always been known for their cameras and software, and the 8 Pro takes both of these aspects to new heights. Google’s computational photography has seen even more improvements thanks to the addition of software features. Exclusive Pixel-only goodies include AI-generated wallpapers, background noise remover, and a one-tap magic editor.
OnePlus Open
Although OnePlus is primarily recognized for its flagship smartphones that offer a good balance between price and performance, its debut in the foldable smartphone market shows just how high-end the brand can go. The $1,500 OnePlus Open, the company’s most expensive phone to date, is still fairly competitive when measured against other phones in the same market.
Both the 2K displays refresh at 120 Hz and have a ridiculously bright peak brightness of 2,800 nits. The cover display is a 6.31-inch 20:9 panel that can go as low as 10 Hz to save battery. When unfolded, the massive 7.82-inch nearly square display is immersive and surprisingly has the least visible crease in any foldable smartphone. Both panels are Dolby Vision compatible and provide a fantastic HDR viewing experience.
The OnePlus Open’s fluid display, combined with OxygenOS’s smooth and fluid experience, makes for an unparalleled experience. The phone, in typical OnePlus fashion, is powered by flagship-grade internals, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The triple camera setup, optimized in collaboration with Hasselblad, makes the Open an excellent shooter as well. Being foldable unlocks unconventional use cases, such as multitasking with split-screen apps and floating windows.
Asus ROG Phone 7
With its ROG series of phones pushing the limits in terms of raw performance, Asus has been at the forefront of the smartphone gaming space. The ROG Phone 7 is no different, sporting one of the fastest displays on any smartphone along with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and up to 16GB of RAM. The phone’s robust internals are expected considering its gaming-focused design.
You can set specific refresh rates for individual games, bypassing any default capped limits. The 6.78-inch 165 Hz AMOLED panel with support for HDR10+ and an impressive peak brightness of up to 1,500 nits provides an experience like no other handset when gaming. Pairing a touch sampling rate of 720 Hz with Asus’ rather bloat-free and stock Android user interface, this phone has perhaps the most fluid experience.
Unlike most modern slabs of glass and metal, the ROG Phone 7 has a noticeable forehead and chin, preventing mistouches while gaming. This also leaves space for a dual front-facing stereo speaker configuration, allowing for an immersive multimedia experience. The ROG Phone 7’s cooler accessory not only promises better thermal performance but also has a subwoofer, a 3.5mm audio jack, another type-C port, and four tactile remappable buttons.
Asus has always placed a high priority on long battery life, and the ROG Phone 7’s 6,000 mAh battery offers remarkable endurance. Passthrough charging is supported, which allows the battery to power the phone without the need for additional charge.
