OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Nokia Steel HR 36mm review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£160Screen size:1.30 inchBattery life:25 daysDisplay type:OLED

Nokia Steel HR 36mm Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 32 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Nokia Steel HR 36mm
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

35%

4.5

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.1

Reviews score

10%

8.4

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 61% of smartwatches
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

▼Worse than 62%
4.5

Technical score

Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

24%

3.7

Health

21%

6.5

Fitness

16%

6.0

Battery

14%

3.3

Smart features

12%

2.4

Connectivity

9%

5.5

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

▼Worse than 93%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 59% of models

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

8.5

Popularity

Grades by review (32)
19 reviews + 13 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 59%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Nokia Steel HR 36mm

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers love the classic design and long battery life, but find the fitness features, notifications and display too limited.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Nokia Steel HR 36mm

Technical score
Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

24%

3.7

Health

21%

6.5

Fitness

16%

6.0

Battery

14%

3.3

Smart features

12%

2.4

Connectivity

9%

5.5

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

4.5
Reviews score
8.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.6
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 71.3% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
25 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 25 days on a charge, which is longer than 93.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.8% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
5 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 5 h on a charge, which is shorter than 91.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 3.4% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
155 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 155 mAh battery, which is smaller than 95.5% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Proprietary OS
This smartwatch runs Proprietary OS, which is less advanced than the system in 54.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 42% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 46.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 53.9% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 59.8% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
Screen size
1.3 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.3 inch screen, which is smaller than 67.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 10.8% of Smartwatches.
Display type
OLED
This smartwatch uses OLED, which is less advanced than the screen in 53.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
36x 72
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 36x72 which is lower than that of 98.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
62 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 62 ppi, which is lower than 99.7% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 0 GB of internal storage, which is less than 76.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 23.5% of Smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Nokia Steel HR 36mm vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 18 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (25 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    25 days vs 7 days
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses sapphire display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    sapphire vs mineral glass
  • 15.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 59% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (32)
    19 reviews + 13 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.0
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Hybrid watch design
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.6% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather vs silicone
  • 15.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 59% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (32)
    19 reviews + 13 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.0
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • 18 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (25 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    25 days vs 7 days
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses sapphire display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    sapphire vs mineral glass
  • Hybrid watch design
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.6% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather vs silicone
  • 8.7 mm shorter case
    This smartwatch has a shorter case than the average smartwatch (36.3 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    36.3 mm vs 45 mm
  • 6.2 mm narrower case
    This smartwatch has a narrower case than the average smartwatch (36.3 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    36.3 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 66.8% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No smart scale support
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • 4 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    December 2017
    2017 vs 2021
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 62.6% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • 60 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (30 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    Reported as at least 30 exercise modes.
    30 vs 90
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 15 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    5 h vs 20 h
  • 150 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (155 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    155 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Rechargeable battery; chemistry unspecified.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • 48.5 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 70.3% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (OLED vs AMOLED).
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 36x72, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    36x72 vs 360x360
  • 264 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (62 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    62 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 1.3 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (13 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    13 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 0.1 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.5% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 68.1% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No passcode
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 70.4% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No phone finder
    This smartwatch does not include phone finder, the average smartwatch does. 96.4% of smartwatches include phone finder.
  • No widget support
    This smartwatch does not support widgets, the average smartwatch does. 84.4% of smartwatches support widgets.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Krystal Lora
≈ estimated
01/06/2018
Hands-on review · several days of daily use
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm is a good-looking everyday tracker with long battery life, best suited to casual users.
8.0
Andru Edwards
≈ estimated
04/05/2018
Hands-on discussion · fitness tracking and scale system
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm is recommended for simple health tracking, but not for buyers who want a flashy or feature-rich smartwatch.
9.0
Kris Hay
≈ estimated
07/04/2018
Hands-on review · heart rate, distance and sleep tests
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm is a very good-looking classic watch with excellent battery life, held back by weak step counting.
8.0
Lon.TV
≈ estimated
21/01/2018
Hands-on review · battery, app and sleep tracking
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm is a decent hybrid tracker with a classy look and great battery life, but its hands are hard to see and the band is uncomfortable.
9.0
Chase Reeves
≈ estimated
16/04/2019
Personal review · style and daily wear
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm is a small, elegant hybrid watch that suits everyday wear, though it is not built for advanced tech features.
9.0
JBTech17
≈ estimated
26/06/2018
First impressions · health tracking and battery life
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm looks like a classic watch and tracks health well, with promising battery life so far.
7.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
22/03/2018
Hands-on review · everyday use, fitness and sleep tracking
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm handles hybrid-watch duties well and is competitively priced, but lacks GPS and contactless payment.
8.0
Tech Nuovo
≈ estimated
21/03/2018
Brief overview · design, app and buttons
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm looks like a classic watch and works well, but the small screen and non-glowing hands are drawbacks.
9.0
Byte My Bits
≈ estimated
05/01/2018
Hands-on review · a couple of weeks of daily use
Verdict
Nokia Steel HR 36mm is a pleasant surprise with a good-looking design and long battery life, with no real downsides in use.
Shop video
Not graded
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
28/11/2017
Hands-on review · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is still a stylish hybrid with accurate heart rate readings and long battery life, but its sleep and swim tracking fall short.
6.0
express.co.uk
✓ explicit
10/12/2017
Hands-on test · Classic-look smartwatch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR suits people who want a classic-looking watch with a battery that lasts for days, but its frustrating button controls and text-only alerts hold it back.
7.0
macworld.com
✓ explicit
07/05/2018
Two-month test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR suits watch lovers more than data fans: it looks like a classic timepiece and lasts about 25 days, but its tracking is often off.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
09/12/2019
Hands-on review · Minimalist hybrid
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a comfortable, understated hybrid with weeks of battery life, suiting people who want a watch first and a smartwatch second.
8.0
hothardware.com
✓ explicit
19/07/2018
Feature overview · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a classic-looking hybrid with about 25 days of battery in normal use, but workouts drop that to five days.
8.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
31/08/2016
Hands-on review · Hybrid tracker
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a stylish watch for everyday tracking with good sleep data and call alerts, but it has no GPS and only basic notifications.
9.0
spin.atomicobject.com
≈ estimated
23/07/2017
One-month review · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a durable, good-looking hybrid for everyday alerts and tracking, but you should carry a backup alarm, as its sleep records are unreliable.
7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
28/03/2019
Hands-on review · Stylish fitness tracker
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR suits people who want tracking without a sporty look, though it offers fewer fitness features than dedicated trackers and trails them on battery.
7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
01/02/2017
Hands-on test · Classic-look tracker
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a unisex, classic-looking tracker that suits petite wrists, but its heart rate readings run high at rest.
8.0
derbund.ch
≈ estimated
08/02/2017
Hands-on test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR looks like a classic watch, lasts about 25 days between charges and tracks fitness, but its charger is fiddly.
10
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
11/02/2017
Hands-on test · Hybrid analogue watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is an elegant analogue watch whose heart-rate sensor and long battery suit everyday tracking, though it is no sports watch.
7.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2023
Full review · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR suits people who want fitness tracking in a discreet, classic watch that lasts about 25 days, though heart-rate readings can be erratic.
9.0
diisign.com
≈ estimated
29/05/2017
One-month test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a discreet classic-looking watch for smaller wrists, but its mineral glass scratched within three days.
8.6
antoineguilbert.fr
✓ explicit
[No date available]
One-month test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR suits people who want a watch that tracks activity, with a comfortable design and about 25 days of battery, but it lacks GPS.
8.0
generation-nt.com
≈ estimated
01/02/2017
Hands-on review · Analogue activity watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a classic-looking watch with a tiny OLED display that suits everyday wearers who want heart-rate data and weeks of battery, not serious athletes.
watchgeneration.fr
22/02/2017
Not graded yet
8.0
dday.it
≈ estimated
05/12/2017
Hands-on test · Analog hybrid watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a classic-looking activity watch with a battery that can last up to 25 days, but it only alerts you about calls and texts.
7.0
panorama.it
≈ estimated
28/12/2017
Full review · Classic-look hybrid
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR looks like a classic watch and lasts nearly a month on a charge, but it can't show WhatsApp alerts.
8.0
macitynet.it
≈ estimated
01/01/2018
Review · Discreet hybrid watch
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is a discreet watch with 25-day battery life and a good app, best for first-time smartwatch buyers, but its features are limited.
8.0
tech.everyeye.it
✓ explicit
15/03/2018
Detailed review · Long-battery hybrid
Verdict
The Nokia Steel HR is an elegant hybrid lasting about 20 days, but it shows few notifications and its hands are hard to read at night.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Nokia Steel HR 36mm

  • Elegant, traditional analogue watch design that suits small wrists
  • Exceptional battery life lasting up to 25 days on a single charge
  • Discreet OLED screen for basic notifications and health stats
  • Water-resistant up to 50m, making it suitable for swimming and showering
  • Comfortable, lightweight build with easily interchangeable 18mm straps
  • Smart wake-up alarm that vibrates during light sleep cycles

What customers don't like about Nokia Steel HR 36mm

  • Lack of integrated GPS requires carrying a phone for route tracking
  • Heart rate monitoring can be inconsistent or lag during high-intensity exercise
  • Notifications are limited to calls, texts, and calendar; lacks deep app integration like WhatsApp
  • Small screen makes reading long scrolling notifications difficult
  • Sleep tracking occasionally misidentifies quiet activities (like reading) as sleep
  • Magnetic charger can be finicky to align correctly

Verdict

The Nokia Steel HR 36mm is a hybrid smartwatch that combines traditional analog aesthetics with modern fitness tracking, featuring a 36.3mm stainless steel case, an 18mm interchangeable strap, and a discrete OLED notification screen. Key specifications include 5 ATM (50m) water resistance, an integrated optical heart rate sensor for 24/7 monitoring, and an industry-leading battery life that lasts up to 25 days on a single charge, plus an additional 20 days in power-reserve mode. Its main advantages are its elegant, lightweight design that fits any occasion, automatic activity recognition for over 10 sports, and comprehensive sleep cycle analysis. However, it lacks built-in GPS (relying on a connected smartphone instead), has limited notification customisation compared to full smartwatches, and some users find the analog hands lack sufficient contrast against the watch face in low-light conditions.

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