At a Glance: Quick Ratings
Heart Rate Functions
Fitness / Sport Features
Ease of Use
Battery Life
Where To Get It
A Deep Dive Into Apple Watch 2 Nike+
Apple Watch Nike+ is the culmination of the partnership between Apple and Nike. Designed specifically with runners in mind it connects you to your running friends at the Nike+ Run Club. An attractive iOs compatible smartwatch with built-in GPS and wrist based heart rate. The Apple Watch Nike+ is reviewed by Tristan Haskins aka CardioCritic.
With all the new and innovative features introduced to the new Apple Watch Series 2, the Nike+ has been designed to keep you active, connected and motivated throughout the day. As with all Apple watches it comes with built-in GPS, wrist based heart rate and it’s water-resistant to 50 meters, meaning you can pool swim in it. The new Series 2 watches, like this Nike+ version incorporate a new display that’s twice as bright as the original version.
Video Review
Pros
Cons
It goes without saying but the Nike+ Apple Watch is the obvious choice for runners with iPhones. The Apple Watch was an instant success when it was initially introduced in 2021. The new version is faster, lighter, brighter and easier to use. The Nike partnership adds serious functionality that will be appreciated by anyone who runs. Suitable for all levels of runners from casual jogger to club runner.
Main Features and Functions
Built-in GPS & off the wrist HR
In my opinion a genuine sports watch MUST have built-in GPS and heart rate, whether acquired off the wrist or from a chest strap. The Nike+ Apple watch has built-in GPS to measure your workout accurately. Suitable for running, cycling or any other outdoor sport you can go and train and leave your iPhone at home.
The wrist based heart rate sensor continuously monitors your heart rate throughout the training session. Not only for runners, the Apple Watch 2 has 12 workout profiles. So you can see what is relevant to you while working out you can view as many as five training metrics in the same training window.
Sizes 38mm or 42mm
As with other versions of Apple Watch this Nike+ version is available in either 38mm or 42mm case size. I personally prefer the larger 42mm size that is still a nice fit on my small, 18cm circumference, wrists. I’m not quite sure why Apple with it is acceptable to charge more money for the larger option…
Specs
- Built-in GPS (not in original Apple Watch)
- 50m water resistant, swim proof (original Apple Watch just splash proof)
- Wi‑Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz)
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Wrist based heart rate sensor
- Accelerometer (for step counting etc)
- Gyroscope
- Ambient light senso
Other Features
Display
Power and Battery
Alternative Products
If you are considering this Apple Watch Nike+ then I can assume you need some or all of the following criteria
- you own an iPhone
- you Run (and probably partake in other sport)
- you want to track heart rate from your wrist (no chest strap)
- you want accurate GPS based speed & distance feedback
- you want smartphone connectivity and the ability to add apps and receive notification alerts from the phone.
- you want to be able to SWIM with the watch on
If these are your primary requirements then other wearable tech watches that can satisfy these demands are the Garmin Vivoactive HR with connection to Garmin Connect IQ apps and the Motorola Moto 360 Sport. If you’re after a more traditional fitness tracker Garmin have their new (April 2021) Vivosmart 3 with breathing exercises, VO2 Max, Stress score and Fitness age.
- Garmin Vivoactive HR works with Garmin widgets. Full colour display, multi-sport support and more
- Moto 360 Sport Android Wear GPS running watch
- Garmin Vivosmart 3 new in April 2021. Top of range fitness tracker with improved styling over previous model
Comparison - Nike+ vs Apple 2
Aside from the branded cosmetics the only real difference between this Nike+ version and the regular Apple Watch series 2 is the pre-installation of the Nike+ Run Club app and some Nike logo’d watch faces. The Nike+ Run Club CAN be installed on a regular Apple Watch if you want to partake in Nike’s running community.
Nike+ Run Club
The aim of the Nike+ Run Club app is simple … to make your running better and more fun. Motivated by millions of like-minded runners to support you and provide expert guidance. Nike+ Run Club lets you track your progress and provides all the important running data in one place. Just like many other popular fitness apps, eg. Strava, you can receive notifications from friends, check latest PB’s and share your running experiences.
Review Summary
If you love your iPhone and want to mirror it’s functionality on your wrist then it’s a no brainer. The Apple Watch 2 adds heart rate to your workouts and daily activity tracking. The built-in GPS means you can leave your iPhone at home when training. But it’s NOT the best GPS heart rate monitor on the market. Nor is it the only one that works with an iPhone. If you are a serious athlete looking for a GPS sports watch that has been designed by athletes for athletes then CardioCritic would recommend the Polar M430, Garmin Forerunner 35, Forerunner 235 (for runners) or the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR, Garmin Forerunner 735XT or Forerunner 935 for multisport athletes. The Garmin Forerunner 935 does everything from analyse your VO2 Max and lactate threshold level to identifying your training status e.g. over-trained, under-trained, optimal training state etc.
