- The new OnePlus Watch 3 looks promising, but US users won’t get the same features
- Notably, ECG support won’t be included because it didn’t get FDA approval
- It’s tied into the new “60-Second Health Check-In” feature, which will also be absent
The OnePlus Watch 3 is shaping up to be one of the best smartwatches of the year, based on our hands-on experience. However, for users in the US and Canada, there’s a catch—some features will be missing due to the smartwatch’s lack of FDA certification for its ECG (electrocardiogram) sensor.
FDA approval is widely regarded as the gold standard for smartwatch health features. It signifies accuracy and reliability, with top-tier devices like the Apple Watch offering FDA-certified tools such as irregular heart rhythm notifications, which are even used in medical studies.
In a statement to Android Authority, OnePlus confirmed that because the OnePlus Watch 3 has not received official FDA certification for its ECG capabilities, the ECG Analyzer feature will not be available in the United States or Canada. While this may not impact other aspects of the watch, it’s an important factor for those who prioritize advanced health tracking.
OnePlus Watch 3 missing features in US and Canada
As we highlighted in our preview, one of the standout new features is the 60-second health check-in, which simultaneously records multiple health metrics, including an ECG. However, its absence means that two key flagship features—the ECG and the 60-second health check-in—will not be available, at least at launch.
It’s not uncommon for devices to face issues with certain features at launch, and even Apple has had its share of setbacks. Recently, Apple had to disable its blood oxygen monitoring feature due to a patent dispute with health tech company Masimo. Although the hardware remains capable, the feature is currently deactivated until the legal matter is resolved.
Similarly, while OnePlus may receive FDA approval in the future, it hasn’t happened yet. For now, users should be aware of this limitation.