Andrew O'Hara
The Nike version of the Apple Watch Series 5 is not all that different than the regular Apple Watch, so which one should you buy? Let's a take a look at what separates them.
Let's get this out of the way up front — the Nike Apple Watch Series 5 has all the same hardware specs as the standard Apple Watch. You won't get better performance, a better display, or anything else differentiating between the two in the Apple Watch itself by choosing the Nike version.
What sets the Nike model apart from the Apple Watch Series 5 are the watch faces and the bands. Above all else, the faces and bands are the deciding factors when choosing an Apple Watch.
We consider the Nike Apple Watch Series 5 a better value because while everything else is the same, it does pack three exclusive watch faces. These faces — Nike Hybrid, Nike Analog, and Nike Digital — are customizable with complications, and present a wide variety of options to users.
If you simply want the best bang for your buck, go with the Nike Apple Watch Series 5.
Another reason to choose the Nike is the band selection. Only the Nike models can be bundled with any of the Nike Sport Bands or Sport Loops. They can be purchased separately, but that is $50 atop what you spend on the watch and the initial bundled band. Again, much better value to bundle them from the get-go.
But, if you want the Apple Watch Series 5 in ceramic, titanium, or stainless steel, then you can't consider the Nike version. It simply isn't available in those materials., you don't have a choice. The Nike Apple Watch only comes in aluminum, either silver or space gray.
Thanks to the new Apple Watch Studio, you can now fully customize which size, case material, color, and band you get when buying your Apple Watch. With the Apple Watch Series 5 Nike version, you don't have access to the full Apple Watch Studio.
Many take this opportunity to buy a pricer band and save a little bit of money. Instead of buying an Apple Watch with a Sport Band and then separately buying the Leather Loop, you can forgo the Sports Band, just get the Leather Loop, and save $50 versus buying it separately.
If you want one of the other bands, then go with the standard Apple Watch as the Nike cannot be bundled with any band but the Nike versions.
The Nike Apple Watch Series 5 is a great value, distinct from the other Apple Watch models. If you are considering the aluminum and want the best deal, go with the Nike for the additional watch faces. Otherwise, choose the Apple Watch that suits you best with your preference of size, case, and band.
Compared
| Apple Watch Nike Series 5 | Standard Series 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Case Material | Aluminum | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Ceramic, Titanium |
| Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Color | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Space Black, White |
| Nike Watch Faces | Nike Hybrid, Nike Analog, Nike Digital | N/A |
| Starting Cost | $399 | $399 |
| Bundle with Nike bands | Yes | No |
| Bundle with Apple bands | No | Yes |
Where to buy
Apple Watch 5 Nike models are available to purchase from B&H Photo and direct from Nike, starting at $399. Sprint is also running a promotion on cellular Nike Apple Watch devices, with savings of 50% off the monthly installments (terms and conditions do apply, please see Sprint for details).
Those looking for the best deal on standard Apple Watch Series 5 styles can find savings of up to $50 off at Amazon and B&H.
For the latest deals on additional Apple Watch styles, be sure to check out our Apple Watch Series 5 Price Guide.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Oliver Haslam
8 Comments
But if you're an athlete being wooed by the always-on face, because pundits have claimed it is a great idea for people, think twice. Because it does NOT keep the app on. It blurs out the app and puts an ugly display of time over it, making it totally useless, but still burning more battery.
A big fail on Apple here, that hopefully they'll improve with an update. I want to see the Intervals app times by glancing down, as I can't always turn my wrist up or tap.
This is useless as is. And I imagine it burns battery by having the active app blurred but still showing color-ish in the background. Useless, but burns battery.
And, if you want to just force your watch to show your cool watch face if you can't use the app to glance, you're out of luck there, too. It forces you back to the ugly white display of the time if you have any, ANY active app (not just third party apps).
Super frustrating. I won't even go into the idiotic volume control switch out (to supposedly "match" with the phone). The control gets hidden by third party apps. And you can't interact with the progress circle as it is. Pointless, bad UI which is becoming more and more common with Apple. Design/function/usability inconsistencies across devices, poor usability. Priorities there have really shifted. To profits. Great.
Since it’s not available in Gold it’s a non-starter for me.
I wish Nike would work with Apple to produce a truly exceptional workout app (particularly for endurance athletes). One that could compete with the Garmins. The hardware is there --- more than there in fact. All it needs is the software. (And no, Nike Run Club doesn't cut it).