Product Review: Nike Plus Apple Watch

written by runnergirl training

This is my review of the Apple Watch Nike+ running watch. I purchased it on release day and have used it for many runs since then. This is my cut to the chase review.

What's changed from Apple Watch Series 1 to Series 2:

Faster processor

Added GPS

Slightly thicker than series 1

Waterproof to 50 meters

Brighter screen than series 1

Heart rate sensor more accurate than series 1

Battery life improved to 2 days, verses 1 day for series 1

What’s the same:

Design of the watch

The Activity rings (moving, exercise & standing)

iOS 3 changes:

SOS calls

Dock for most used apps

Scribble for writing a text

Customizable watch faces 

Step count more accurate 

Breathe app for yoga type breathing reminders

Nike+ Run Club app features:

Reminders to run based on weather & previous run

Shows current pace, total time & distance when in use

Gives on the mile stats of overall time & current mile split

Audible encouragements from the likes of Kevin Hart

Pros of Apple Watch Nike+ :

Faster processor

GPS

Heart rate

Waterproof

Nike strap that’s breathable

Nike watch faces

Can run without iPhone

Cons of Apple Watch Nike+ :

Treadmill runs still not accurate on distance 

No sleep tracking

No elevation tracking

Mile splits don’t always show in Nike + Run Club phone app

What I like about Apple Watch Nike+ :

Colors are eye-catching

Sleek look of watch

Encourages you to get out & run

Fast loading apps

Accurate distance
Shows miles splits

Mile Splits (Pace)

Compared to Garmin Forerunner 235:

When comparing the 2 watches they were nearly equal in total distance, average pace & total running time.

Below are the graphs from the iPhone Garmin Connect app & Nike + Run Club app. You can see the Garmin Connect shows more detailed results & the Nike Plus Run Club app is more of a general concept. One is not better than the other. They are simply different. If you are the type of runner or athlete who needs to know the nitty gritty detail of each metric then the Nike Plus Run Club app may seem more like a general overview of data. If you are content to know the gist of the workout then the Nike Plus Run Club will be just fine. If you are overly obsessive (like me) and watch to know the full gamete of biometrical workout data then wear both watches. :)

Gamin Connect iPhone app; Pace is blue, Heart Rate is red

Nike Plus Run Club iPhone app; Pace is yellow, Heart Rate is red

My thoughts:

If you are looking for a fun running or fitness watch that is an extension of your iPhone the Apple Nike Watch fits the bill.

If you have the Apple Watch series 1 and are merely interested in the running and fitness components then simply download the Nike Run Club + app and you'll have a very similar experience to the Apple Nike Watch.

If you have the Apple Watch series 1 and are interested in the non-running and fitness aspects you'll find the series 2 Watch to be faster.

I personally purchased my Apple Watch Nike+ and all opinions expressed are my from my own experiences. I received no compensation for writing this review.