Among the finest new Android smartwatches simply bought a worth drop, however not within the atypical sense.
“After additional analysis, we’re happy to share that latest changes in our provide chain have allowed us to go some financial savings again to those that are excited about buying the OnePlus Watch 3 within the US,” shared Spenser Clean, Head of Advertising & Communications for OnePlus North America.
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“Because of this, the OnePlus Watch 3 within the US is now obtainable at its new worth of $349.99; that is the ultimate MSRP worth and won’t be modified going ahead.” Clients who purchased the OnePlus Watch 3 for the earlier $499 worth will obtain the distinction refunded to their unique fee.
For background, earlier this month, OnePlus launched the Watch 3 for $499, after delaying the gross sales date attributable to a typo on the again of the watch, proclaiming it “Meda in China” (as a substitute of “Made in China”). The issue wasn’t essentially the typo however the truth that the corporate initially unveiled the watch in February with a retail worth of $330, however — with out clarification — switched to $499, a rise of $170 or 50%.
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A number of media retailers assumed the worth was an error, however OnePlus has confirmed its accuracy. Since then, the corporate has additionally confirmed that the worth hike was tied to worsening US-China relations and the large tariff will increase by each international locations. Those self same tariffs have patrons scrambling to buy cell telephones earlier than these costs enhance, too.
The brand new adjustment would not match the unique worth of the Watch 3 per se, however does make it a extra accessible entry for purchasers.
When ZDNET’s Matthew Miller examined this watch final month, he praised its battery life, utility, and design, calling it a “stunning, useful smartwatch that’s obtainable for an inexpensive worth.” “Cheap” is goal, after all, however what’s not goal is that the gadget’s worth, a primary promoting level, is now a lot much less.
For comparability, the Pixel Watch 3 prices $399, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Extremely prices $419. It looks like these watches’ costs will enhance over time attributable to tariffs, too, however for now, the OnePlus 3 continues to undercut its closest rivals. That is nonetheless a superb watch with loads of benefits over its competitors; it will simply price you a little extra now.
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