OnePlus Nord Watch Review – A Stylish Everyday Smartwatch with a Practical Edge
Introduction
OnePlus has always had a knack for making tech that feels just a little more premium than the price tag suggests. When they announced the OnePlus Nord Watch, I was curious. The Nord line is known for delivering solid performance without the flagship price, and this watch promised to bring that same philosophy to the wrist.
My first impression? It’s clean, modern, and surprisingly refined for its segment. The moment I strapped it on, it didn’t scream “budget smartwatch” — it felt like something I could wear to the gym in the morning and to a casual dinner in the evening without looking out of place.
Design & Build Quality
The Nord Watch has a rectangular case with rounded edges, giving it a softer, more approachable look than the sharp, industrial designs you see on some fitness watches. The zinc alloy case feels sturdy in hand, and the silicone strap is comfortable enough for all‑day wear — no pinching, no stiffness, and it doesn’t get clammy during workouts.
The 1.78‑inch AMOLED display is the star of the show here. It’s bright, crisp, and has deep blacks that make watch faces pop. The bezels are slim enough that you don’t feel like you’re staring into a black border. The watch is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, so it can handle sweat, rain, and the occasional splash without worry.
Durability-wise, it’s not a rugged military watch, but for daily wear and gym sessions, it feels more than capable.
Features & Functionality
OnePlus has kept the Nord Watch focused on the essentials, which I appreciate. You get:
- AMOLED touchscreen with smooth navigation
- 100+ fitness modes including running, cycling, yoga, and strength training
- Heart rate monitoring and SpO₂ tracking
- Sleep tracking with breakdowns of deep, light, and REM stages
- Step counting and calorie burn estimates
- Notifications for calls, messages, and apps (read‑only, no replies)
- Music control and camera shutter control from the wrist
- Customizable watch faces via the OnePlus N Health app
It pairs via Bluetooth 5.2 and works with both Android and iOS, though you’ll get the smoothest experience with a OnePlus phone.
Performance & Real‑World Use
In daily use, the Nord Watch is snappy. Swipes and taps register instantly, and the UI is simple enough that you don’t get lost in menus.
Battery life is a highlight — OnePlus claims up to 10 days on a single charge with typical use, and in my experience, that’s realistic if you’re not constantly tracking workouts with GPS. Heavy use with continuous heart rate monitoring and multiple workouts a day brings it closer to 5–6 days, which is still solid.
The IP68 rating means it’s fine for sweaty gym sessions or running in the rain, but it’s not designed for deep swimming or diving.
For army personnel or outdoor enthusiasts, it’s not a full tactical watch — no MIL‑STD‑810G certification or built‑in GPS — but it’s light, comfortable, and reliable enough for daily PT, field runs, and general fitness tracking.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.78-inch AMOLED, 368×448 pixels |
| Case Material | Zinc alloy |
| Strap Material | Silicone |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Sensors | Heart rate, SpO₂, accelerometer |
| Fitness Modes | 100+ |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 days (typical use) |
| Charging | Magnetic charging cable |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Compatibility | Android & iOS |
| Weight | ~52 g (with strap) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Bright, sharp AMOLED display
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Long battery life for its class
- Wide range of fitness modes
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Affordable price point
Cons
- No built‑in GPS (relies on phone)
- Limited smart features (no voice assistant, no replies to messages)
- Not rugged enough for extreme military use
Comparison – OnePlus Nord Watch vs Amazfit Bip 3 Pro
The Amazfit Bip 3 Pro is a close competitor in price and features. It offers built‑in GPS, which the Nord Watch lacks, making it better for runners who don’t want to carry a phone. However, the Nord Watch’s AMOLED display is far superior to the Bip 3 Pro’s TFT screen in terms of color and contrast. Battery life is similar, though the Bip 3 Pro can stretch a bit longer with GPS off.
If display quality and design are your priorities, the Nord Watch wins. If standalone GPS tracking is a must, the Bip 3 Pro edges ahead.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord Watch is a well‑balanced smartwatch for anyone who wants a stylish, comfortable, and capable fitness companion without spending a fortune. It’s perfect for gym‑goers, casual runners, and those who want basic health tracking with a premium‑looking display.
For army personnel or outdoor adventurers, it works well as a lightweight daily tracker, but you might want to pair it with a more rugged, GPS‑equipped watch for field operations.
At its price, the Nord Watch delivers exactly what it promises — and does it with style.
