If you’re like me and love the sleek, modern designs that make tech look as good as it functions, then the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Edition might just be your next wrist companion. Not only does it pack all the punch you’d expect from a flagship smartwatch, but it also comes in an elegant design that wouldn’t look out of place whether you’re hiking a mountain or sealing a deal in the boardroom. I’ve had my hands on this beauty for a bit, and it’s been quite the experience—though not without a few quirks.
First impressions: Nordic flair meets modern tech
Right out of the box, the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Edition screams premium. The brushed and polished stainless steel chassis, coupled with the sapphire crystal face, gives it a classy, rugged appearance that feels right at home alongside the design of the OnePlus 12 Series. It’s understated, yes, but that’s where its charm lies. And let’s not forget, this thing can take a beating. With military-grade testing and an 8+ Mohs hardness scale sapphire face (diamond scores a 10, mind you), it’s built to handle whatever your day throws at it—whether that’s sand, freezing rain, or the odd bump into a door frame (we’ve all been there).
Now, onto the Nordic Edition’s one notable downside—its leather strap. Beautiful, sure, but practical? Not so much if you’re planning to take it for a swim. It’s a minor hitch, especially since you can easily pick up a more water-friendly strap, but it’s worth noting. Luckily, swapping straps is easy with its 22mm standard compatibility.
Setting up: A seamless OnePlus experience
The setup was an absolute breeze for me. As a OnePlus phone user—currently rocking the OnePlus 11 5G—the watch synced up almost immediately. It’s like the devices knew they were destined for each other. I didn’t even need to ask it to connect! Whether that’s just the ecosystem working its magic or something else, I don’t know. But I’ve seen some folks online struggle with the pairing process, so I imagine it could depend on what phone you’re using. If you’re within the OnePlus family, though, you’re golden.
Side note: One funny thing during setup—pay attention to those instructions! I learned the hard way that pressing the top button five times will trigger emergency services. Long story short, a middle-of-the-night visit from the police ensued after I accidentally set it off. A bit embarrassing, but at least I know the feature works!
Fitness tracking: An athlete’s dream
Now, let’s talk about the fitness tracking. As someone who’s been sticking to my getting fit with ChatGPT routines, I’ve really come to appreciate the Freestyle Workout mode. It’s been a fantastic tool for keeping track of my sessions, logging everything with precision. With over 100 sports modes to choose from, this watch is more than equipped for whatever workout you throw at it—be it running, cycling, or even skiing.
Plus, the dual-frequency GPS is top-notch. Whether you’re running through city streets or hiking in the wilderness, it tracks your route with stunning accuracy. I found it especially handy for my outdoor runs, even when darting between buildings or trees, and it kept up without missing a beat.
Health and wellness tracking: Full-body insights
For those who like to stay on top of their health metrics, the Watch 2 doesn’t disappoint. With features like VO2 Max, heart rate, and SpO2 tracking, it gives you a clear picture of where you’re at. Sleep tracking, in particular, has been a game-changer for me. It monitors not just your sleep stages but also breathing and snoring risks—perfect for those of us who need a bit more guidance on how to catch better Zs.
The OHealth app ties everything together nicely, offering real-time stats in an easy-to-navigate platform. So whether you’re trying to up your fitness game or just get a better night’s sleep, it’s got you covered.
Performance and battery life: A powerhouse on your wrist
Under the hood, the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Edition is powered by the Snapdragon W5 and BES 2700 chips, and let me tell you—it runs smooth as butter. I never experienced any lag or stutter, even when multitasking between apps or tracking a workout while listening to music. Speaking of music, with 32GB of storage, you can store all your favourite tracks directly on the watch—perfect for those workout sessions when you’d rather leave your phone at home.
And let’s talk battery life. OnePlus claims up to 100 hours on a full charge, and while I didn’t quite hit that figure, it easily lasted several days with mixed usage. Plus, the charging speed is insane. I usually pop it on the charger while I’m in the shower, and by the time I’m out, it’s good to go. The leather strap may not be water-friendly, but at least I never have to worry about battery life cutting my day short.
Final thoughts: Does the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Edition deliver?
Overall, the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Edition is an impressive bit of kit. It’s stylish, durable, and packed with features that make it a serious contender in the smartwatch game. The fitness and health tracking is on point, the performance is solid, and the battery life is more than enough to keep you going. Sure, the leather strap is a bit of a letdown if you’re planning on swimming, but that’s easily remedied.
For OnePlus users, especially, the Watch 2 is a no-brainer. The ecosystem integration is seamless, and the overall experience is as premium as they come. If you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Edition is well worth a look—just maybe steer clear of that emergency button.
The OnePus Watch 2 is available to purchase now, alongside the slightly cheaper OnePlus Watch 2R. You’ll find it at various stores, but for bigger discounts and free gifts, purchase direct. If you order a Watch 2 for yourself, why not check out some of our other tech reviews while you wait for it to arrive?
