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

Pebble Steel review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£95Screen size:1.26 inchBattery life:7 daysDisplay type:E-Ink

Pebble Steel Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 49 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Pebble Steel
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 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 55% of models
Score components

35%

4.3

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.4

Reviews score

10%

9.9

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 55% of smartwatches
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 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 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 51%
4.3

Technical score

Technical score
4.3/ 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 96% of models
Score components

24%

1.8

Health

21%

5.1

Fitness

16%

6.1

Battery

14%

5.3

Smart features

12%

3.0

Connectivity

9%

7.1

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

▼Worse than 96%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 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 81% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

9.0

Popularity

Grades by review (49)
37 reviews + 12 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 81%
?

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
  • pebble-steel
pebble-steel
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 Pebble Steel

Based on 9 · 10

Reviewers like the stylish design, solid battery and readable screen, but the dull display and clumsy message replies disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Pebble Steel

Based on 137 owners sharing their experience in online comments

73%positive8%mixed19%negative

Owners prize the long battery, always-visible screen, and simple rugged design, while recurring screen failures and weak support frustrate them.

What owners dislike

  • Screen tearing and flickering often come back after a while, and some owners say it grows worse over time.10
  • Owners find support mostly email-only, with replies taking days, and some say they were refused a replacement.10
  • Owners report Bluetooth dropping and failing to reconnect, and apps or watchfaces that will not download or show notifications.8
  • The heat fix often holds only briefly, and some owners say it left the screen blank or still flashing.7
  • Owners say it does little beyond notifications and time, with limited style, no background apps and separate companion apps for fitness.5
  • Owners say the large bezels make the small screen feel cramped, and it is hard to read clearly, especially at night.5
  • Some owners got no small screwdriver for opening the back, or no steel strap, and had to buy tools or pay a watchmaker.5
  • Owners say the included leather strap can rot or break within a year, and the folded steel links feel flimsy and stretch.5
  • Owners find the graphics look cheap and the colors less vivid when the backlight is on.4
  • Some owners got a replacement that failed the same way, and one had three defective watches in a row before giving up.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Pebble Steel

Technical score
Technical score
4.3/ 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 96% of models
Score components:

24%

1.8

Health

21%

5.1

Fitness

16%

6.1

Battery

14%

5.3

Smart features

12%

3.0

Connectivity

9%

7.1

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

4.3
Reviews score
8.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 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 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.8
Heart rate monitor
no
This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor. 90.7% 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
no
This smartwatch does not support HRV tracking. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
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
Battery life
7 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 7 days on a charge, which is longer than 36.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 15.9% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
145 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 145 mAh battery, which is smaller than 96.5% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Pebble OS
This smartwatch runs Pebble OS, which is less advanced than the system in 53.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.8% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
?
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% 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
1.26 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.26 inch screen, which is smaller than 83% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Display type
E-Ink
This smartwatch uses E-Ink, which is less advanced than the screen in 97.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 2.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
144x 168
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168 which is lower than that of 95.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
176 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 176 ppi, which is lower than 97.3% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.6% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
0.08 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.08 GHz which is slower than that in 92.7% of smartwatches and equal to that in 0.4% of smartwatches.
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

Pebble Steel vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 20.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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 81% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (49)
    37 reviews + 12 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.0
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses leather, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather, stainless steel vs silicone
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • 32.0% higher sentiment score
    9.9 vs 7.5
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 1.4 mm slimmer
    This smartwatch is slimmer than the average smartwatch (10.3 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    10.3 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 8.4 mm narrower case
    This smartwatch has a narrower case than the average smartwatch (34.1 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    34.1 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • 20.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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 81% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (49)
    37 reviews + 12 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.0
  • 32.0% higher sentiment score
    9.9 vs 7.5
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses leather, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather, stainless steel vs silicone
  • 1.4 mm slimmer
    This smartwatch is slimmer than the average smartwatch (10.3 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    10.3 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 7 mm shorter case
    This smartwatch has a shorter case than the average smartwatch (38 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    38 mm vs 45 mm
  • 8.4 mm narrower case
    This smartwatch has a narrower case than the average smartwatch (34.1 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    34.1 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • 15 °C higher heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a higher temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45 °C.
    60 °C vs 45 °C
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel, plastic for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel, plastic vs polycarbonate
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 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.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (E-Ink vs AMOLED).
    E-Ink vs AMOLED
  • 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 heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • 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 heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • 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.
  • 7 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2014 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    June 2014
    2014 vs 2021
  • No inactivity alerts
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 92.6% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • 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 pace tracking
    This smartwatch does not support pace tracking, the average smartwatch does. 80.6% of smartwatches support pace tracking.
  • No route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 77% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • 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.
  • No route support
    This smartwatch does not support route support, the average smartwatch does. 54.4% of smartwatches support route support.
  • No achievement tracking
    This smartwatch does not support achievements, the average smartwatch does. 87% of smartwatches support achievements.
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 5,534 m lower altitude rating
    This smartwatch has a lower altitude rating than the average smartwatch (3,000 m vs 8,534 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 8,534 m.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 160 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (145 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    145 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (E-Ink vs AMOLED).
    E-Ink vs AMOLED
  • Weaker ingress protection
    This smartwatch has weaker ingress protection than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    Also reported with 5 ATM water-resistance rating.
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    144x168 vs 360x360
  • 0.14 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.
    1.26 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 150 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (176 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    176 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 11 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (56 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    56 g vs 45 g
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.5% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • 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 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 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
  • Slower CPU speed
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.08 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    0.08 GHz vs 1 GHz

Video reviews

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

7.0
Adam Savage’s Tested
≈ estimated
25/06/2014
Month-long review · durability, battery and features
Verdict
Pebble Steel is a decent buy if you need a watch now, though it scratches easily and its battery life is short.
9.0
Linus Tech Tips
≈ estimated
24/06/2014
Long-term use · several months of daily wear and dealing with support
Verdict
Pebble Steel is a very satisfying watch and an improvement on the original.
9.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
23/03/2014
Hands-on review · notifications, apps and ecosystem
Verdict
Pebble Steel is a great smartwatch that groups notifications very well, though it is not the best one out there.
9.0
Pocketnow
≈ estimated
04/03/2014
Long-term test · 21 days of daily use
Verdict
Pebble Steel has an impressive design that fixes the original's flaws, and its higher price is easy to justify.
9.0
Marc The Geek
≈ estimated
24/02/2014
Personal review · two weeks of daily use
Verdict
Pebble Steel is worth buying for its battery life and apps, though the band and build are weak points.
8.5
Jon Rettinger
✓ explicit
21/02/2014
Full review · design, build and daily notifications
Verdict
Pebble Steel is a strong pick if you want a metal look, but for most buyers the original Pebble offers better value.
9.0
The Verge
≈ estimated
28/01/2014
Short hands-on review · design, apps and iOS limits
Verdict
Pebble Steel is the best smartwatch for Android users, though it still feels incomplete on iOS.
8.0
Engadget
≈ estimated
28/01/2014
Short hands-on review · design and app store
Verdict
Pebble Steel is elegant and wearable, but it is not perfect and has fewer features than rival smartwatches.
8.0
Mashable
≈ estimated
28/01/2014
Hands-on look · steel case compared with the original Pebble
Verdict
Pebble Steel has the same internals as the original in a nicer steel case, so upgrading only makes sense for looks.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.5
theverge.com
✓ explicit
28/01/2014
Full review · Design and apps
Verdict
The Pebble Steel looks like an ordinary watch and handles notifications well, but on iPhone it cannot reply to messages.
8.0
cnet.com
✓ explicit
19/11/2014
Long-term review · Notifications and fitness
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a stylish, reliable notification watch that lasts two to five days, but its eight-app limit and older hardware hold it back.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
07/12/2016
Full review · Design and apps
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a sharp-looking metal upgrade of the original Pebble, suited to notifications and quick apps rather than voice control.
8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
24/10/2014
Full review · Design and battery
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a stylish, understated watch whose e-paper screen gives excellent battery life, but its square design and small screen may not suit everyone.
6.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
16/02/2015
Hands-on review · Notification watch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a good-looking, always-on notification watch for iPhone and Android, but it has no standout feature and can't reply to emails.
10
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
08/03/2014
Hands-on review · Formal smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel looks like a formal watch and handles notifications and music well, but slow menus and all-or-nothing iPhone alerts hold it back.
6.0
appleinsider.com
✓ explicit
02/03/2014
Design-led review · Notification watch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is the first smartwatch that looks right with a suit, but its uneven app store and missing mechanical-watch charm hold it back.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
03/02/2016
Full review · Screen and apps
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a metal-cased watch with a readable screen and simple controls, best as a companion to your phone rather than a replacement.
8.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
04/02/2014
Hands-on review · Steel-cased smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a refined steel smartwatch that suits dressy occasions, but its growing app store still feels rough around the edges.
8.0
coolsmartphone.com
≈ estimated
17/03/2014
Hands-on review · Android-tested smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a dressy watch that suits formal wear, though its Android app had early pairing problems.
9.0
alphr.com
≈ estimated
14/10/2014
Hands-on review · Bare-bones smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a bare-bones notification watch with excellent battery life and an easy-to-read screen, but its low-resolution display and lack of a heart rate monitor limit it.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
13/10/2014
Hands-on review · Button-only smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a well-built, easy-to-use smartwatch that lasts 4–5 days between charges, though clunky menus and the lack of a touchscreen can frustrate.
8.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
22/05/2015
Lab test · Battery endurance
Verdict
The Pebble Steel lasted 40 hours 30 minutes under constant load, so it suits buyers who want notifications rather than replies.
4.6
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
08/07/2015
Hands-on test · Screen and notifications
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a discreet watch whose always-on screen stays readable in sunlight, but its low-resolution graphics look dated.
9.0
gadget-rausch.de
≈ estimated
12/04/2015
Hands-on test · Battery and comfort
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a plain watch with a brushed steel case, best for buyers who want a week of battery rather than a color screen.
9.0
die-smartwatch.de
≈ estimated
21/05/2016
Hands-on test · Metal design
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a light, elegant metal watch that shows phone alerts on your wrist and offers a large app store for adding features.
8.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
16/07/2015
Full review · Battery and readability
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a simple notification watch with one of the most readable screens and an above-average battery, but it lacks voice features.
8.0
xataka.com
≈ estimated
08/05/2014
Month-long test · Everyday smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a comfortable watch that looks like a classic timepiece, with a readable screen and a battery that lasts about five days.
8.0
es.gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
14/02/2014
Hands-on review · Steel smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is a good-looking smartwatch for its era, with a metal design and five-day battery, though it has no heart sensor and feels dated.
8.0
relojesasequibles.wordpress.com
≈ estimated
13/03/2016
Personal review · Apps and battery
Verdict
The Pebble Steel is an older watch whose app library and 5- to 7-day battery suit a second-hand buyer, though it lacks a color screen and heart-rate sensor.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pebble Steel

  • Premium brushed stainless steel and matte black design that looks like a traditional watch.
  • Excellent outdoor visibility due to the low-power monochrome e-paper display.
  • Always-on display ensures the time is always visible without needing a 'wake' gesture.
  • Multi-day battery life (typically 4–7 days), far outlasting most color-screen competitors.
  • Waterproof up to 5 ATM (50 metres), making it safe for swimming and showering.
  • Cross-platform compatibility with both iOS and Android.
  • Tactile physical buttons that allow for easy operation by feel, even with gloves.

What customers don't like about Pebble Steel

  • Proprietary charging cable that is not cross-compatible with the original Pebble.
  • Proprietary lug design makes it difficult to use standard 22mm third-party watch bands.
  • Software limitations, such as a historical limit of eight apps/watch faces at a time (mitigated in later firmware).
  • Prone to screen tearing issues, a known hardware defect involving the display connector.
  • Lack of advanced health sensors like a heart-rate monitor or GPS.
  • No official battery percentage indicator in the base software.
  • Bluetooth range can be slightly reduced compared to the plastic model due to the metal casing.

Verdict

The Pebble Steel is a premium smartwatch featuring a marine-grade stainless steel chassis and a 1.26-inch monochrome e-paper LCD (144x168 pixels) protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. Powered by an ARM Cortex-M3 processor, it offers 5 ATM water resistance, a vibrating motor for silent alerts, and physical button navigation rather than a touchscreen. Key advantages include an always-on display with excellent sunlight legibility, a robust battery life of 5 to 7 days, and broad compatibility with both iOS and Android platforms via Bluetooth 4.0. However, the device is constrained by a limited onboard storage capacity of only eight app slots, uses a proprietary magnetic charging cable, and lacks modern features like a heart-rate monitor, microphone, or color display.

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