OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Pebble Time Steel Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Screen size:1.25 inchBattery life:10 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Pebble Time Steel Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 21 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

6.0

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Technical score

30%

7.6

Review score ( 10 · 11)

Review score 30% · 7.6 · based on 21 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 16 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–¼Worse than 75% of smartwatches
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

24%

1.9

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

7.0

Battery

14%

5.8

Smart features

12%

3.6

Connectivity

9%

6.8

Display & Design

4%

5.0

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 79% of smartwatches
7.6

Review score

Review score
7.6/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Grades by review (21)
10 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
1

6.7%

8.0

creativebloq.com

≈ estimated
3

6.7%

8.0

fonearena.com

6.7%

6.0

techraman.com

6.7%

6.0

cybershack.com.au

Video reviews 8

3.3%

9.0

minitwatch

3.3%

9.0

Mark J Draper

3.3%

8.0

C4ETech English

3.3%

8.0

Geekyranjit

3.3%

7.0

Tech with Jerad (How I Use This)

3.3%

5.0

Matthew Moniz

3.3%

5.0

Adam Savage’s Tested

1.7%

8.0

NewGadgets.de

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 52% of smartwatches
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £180

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Pebble Time Steel

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

24%

1.9

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

7.0

Battery

14%

5.8

Smart features

12%

3.6

Connectivity

9%

6.8

Display & Design

4%

5.0

Hardware

5.2
Review score
Review score
7.6/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Grades by review (21)
10 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
1

6.7%

8.0

creativebloq.com

≈ estimated
3

6.7%

8.0

fonearena.com

6.7%

6.0

techraman.com

6.7%

6.0

cybershack.com.au

Video reviews 8

3.3%

9.0

minitwatch

3.3%

9.0

Mark J Draper

3.3%

8.0

C4ETech English

3.3%

8.0

Geekyranjit

3.3%

7.0

Tech with Jerad (How I Use This)

3.3%

5.0

Matthew Moniz

3.3%

5.0

Adam Savage’s Tested

1.7%

8.0

NewGadgets.de

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.6
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Pebble Time Steel has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 70.7% of smartwatches.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components:

60%

6.0

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

7.0
Brand name
Pebble
Heart rate monitor
no
Heart rate monitor
no
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor. 89.6% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 48.2% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
Barometer
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
Cadence sensor
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Distance tracking may depend on phone GPS/app on some models.
Show more
Battery life
10 days
Battery life
10 days
â–² Better than 63% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 10 days which is longer than that of 63.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.7% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
250 mAh
Battery power
250 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 250 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 70.6% of smartwatches and equal to those in 1.5% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Pebble OS
Operating system
Pebble OS
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This smartwatch runs Pebble OS which is less advanced than the operating system in 52.5% of smartwatches and the same as that in 0.9% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
Software update frequency
ended
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
GPS
no
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
Galileo support
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.25 inch
Screen size
1.25 inch
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.25 inch which is smaller than the screens of 84.2% of smartwatches and equal to those of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
Display type
MIP LCD
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This smartwatch uses a MIP LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 60% of smartwatches and the same as that of 5% of smartwatches.
Resolution
144x 168
Resolution
144x 168
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168 which is lower than that of 94.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
177 ppi
Pixel density
177 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 177 ppi which is lower than that of 96.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
0.1 GHz
CPU speed
0.1 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.1 GHz which is slower than that in 87.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 2.4% of smartwatches.
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
?
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Pebble Time Steel vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 3 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    10 days
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 10 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    10 days vs 7 days
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Pebble OS
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 1.1 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    10.50 mm
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10.5 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    10.50 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • Better band material
    Band material
    leather
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch uses leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather vs silicone
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    316L stainless steel case
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 3 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    10 days
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 10 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    10 days vs 7 days
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 1.1 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    10.50 mm
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10.5 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    10.50 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • Better band material
    Band material
    leather
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch uses leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather vs silicone
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    316L stainless steel case
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 15 °C higher max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    60.0 °C
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    60.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Pebble OS
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No heart rate monitor
    Heart rate monitor
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No route tracking
    Route support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No auto-pause
    Auto pause
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No cycle tracking
    Menstrual cycle tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • 6.12x less popular
    Pebble Time Steel has a lower popularity than the average smartwatch (1 vs 6.1).
    1 vs 6.12
  • 6.8% worse value for money
    Pebble Time Steel has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.04 vs 7.5).
    7.04 vs 7.52
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No heart rate monitor
    Heart rate monitor
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    Menstrual cycle tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No smart scale support
    Smart scale compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 53.7% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • No inactivity alerts
    Inactivity alerts
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 91.7% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • No route tracking
    Route support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No auto-pause
    Auto pause
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 m
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 50 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    250 mAh days
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (250 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
    250 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 20 m lower water resistance depth
    Waterproof depth rating
    30 m
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <1 m – >50 m
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (30 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    3 ATM class (ISO 22,810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
    30 m vs 50 m
  • 0.15 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.25 inch
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.25 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 17.3 g heavier weight
    Weight
    62.3 g
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (62.3 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    62.3 g vs 45.0 g
  • 149 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    177 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (177 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    177 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    144 x 168
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    144x168 vs 352x430
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • No touchscreen
    Touch screen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.3% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • 2 mm taller watch height
    Height
    47.0 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (47 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    47.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No passcode
    Passcode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 67.8% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No gesture control
    Gesture control
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This smartwatch does not support gesture control, the average smartwatch does. 77.7% of smartwatches support gesture control.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 6 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2015
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2015 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2015
    2015 vs 2021
  • Slower CPU speed
    CPU speed
    0.1 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.1 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    0.1 GHz vs 1 GHz

Video reviews

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

8.0
C4ETech English
≈ estimated
08/06/2016
Long-term test · about a month of daily use
Verdict
Pebble Time Steel is a decent smartwatch that does its job most of the time, though its display and strap raise real concerns.
8.0
Geekyranjit
≈ estimated
25/05/2016
Three-week review · battery, tracking and music
Verdict
Pebble Time Steel is a good watch for simplicity and battery life, but its polarizing design is not for everyone.
5.0
Matthew Moniz
≈ estimated
30/10/2015
Daily-use review · six weeks of use and a screen fault
Verdict
Pebble Time Steel is functional, but its screen fault and weak iOS support make it hard to recommend.
9.0
minitwatch
≈ estimated
04/10/2015
Hands-on review · daily use and watch face tests
Verdict
Pebble Time Steel is basic but very comfortable and easy to read, a good choice for a budget smartwatch.
7.0
Tech with Jerad (How I Use This)
≈ estimated
08/09/2015
Hands-on review · a day of use and notification focus
Verdict
Pebble Time Steel is a decent minimal notification watch, though its platform limits mean it is not for everyone.
5.0
Adam Savage’s Tested
≈ estimated
07/09/2015
Hands-on review · steel model and software update
Verdict
Pebble Time Steel brings improved software and screen, but its body design and price make it hard to recommend right now.
9.0
Mark J Draper
≈ estimated
05/09/2015
Hands-on review · a week of use and new interface
Verdict
Pebble Time Steel is a clear improvement over the original, with a slick interface and long battery life.
8.0
NewGadgets.de
≈ estimated
03/03/2015
First look · hands-on at a trade show
Verdict
Pebble Time Steel feels comfortable and looks good, and its steel version offers longer battery life.
Overview video
Overview video

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers praise the long battery life and strong vibration alerts, but are split on the display and size, and find apps lacking.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theguardian.com
25/08/2015
Not graded yet
forbes.com
01/09/2015
Not graded yet
randomnerds.com
04/09/2015
Not graded yet
techradar.com
08/09/2015
Not graded yet
6.0
cybershack.com.au
≈ estimated
18/12/2015
Hands-on review · Nice-to-have gadget
Verdict
The Pebble Time Steel is a gadget you want rather than need; it sets up quickly on iPhone or Android but feels more passive with an iPhone.
8.0
creativebloq.com
✓ explicit
12/01/2016
Month-long test · Color e-paper watch
Verdict
The Pebble Time Steel suits anyone who wants a characterful watch that lasts about a week between charges, though it has fewer apps and a small screen.
6.0
techraman.com
≈ estimated
07/09/2016
Long-term test · Quiet e-paper watch
Verdict
The Pebble Time Steel suits people who want a smartwatch that stays in the background, with a sunlight-readable screen, but touchscreen fans may want more.
cnet.com
10/08/2015
Not graded yet
trustedreviews.com
03/03/2015
Not graded yet
pocket-lint.com
25/08/2015
Not graded yet
wareable.com
28/08/2015
Not graded yet
lesnumeriques.com
23/09/2015
Not graded yet
lesoir.be
09/10/2015
Not graded yet
forumamontres.forumactif.com
12/10/2015
Not graded yet
8.0
commeuncamion.com
≈ estimated
01/07/2016
Hands-on test · Minimalist smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Time Steel is a light, simple smartwatch that puts messages, dictated replies and vibrating directions on your wrist, but its alerts need tuning first.
letemps.ch
30/08/2015
Not graded yet
9.0
gadgetgear.nl
✓ explicit
13/12/2015
Hands-on review · E-ink smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Time Steel is a good pick for anyone who wants a readable screen and up to 10 days of battery life, though it has no touchscreen.
tweakers.net
25/06/2015
Not graded yet
iculture.nl
29/11/2015
Not graded yet
id.nl
05/11/2015
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What we like about Pebble Time Steel

  • Exceptional battery life, often lasting 7 to 10 days on a single charge.
  • Always-on color e-paper display that is highly readable in direct sunlight.
  • Premium stainless steel construction and high-quality tactile buttons.
  • Wide compatibility, functioning well with both Android and iOS smartphones.
  • Water-resistant design (up to 30m), making it suitable for swimming and showering.
  • Comfortable, slim profile compared to bulkier contemporary smartwatches.

What we don't like about Pebble Time Steel

  • Display can be dim and difficult to read in low-light environments without the backlight.
  • The 64-color screen appears washed out and lacks the vibrancy of LCD or OLED screens.
  • Large bezels around the screen are a common aesthetic complaint among users.
  • Limited app ecosystem and basic functionality compared to Apple or Android Wear.
  • Uses a proprietary magnetic charging cable that is easy to lose and not cross-compatible with older Pebbles.
  • PVD-coated bezel on the black version is reportedly prone to visible scratches over time.

Verdict

The Pebble Time Steel is a premium smartwatch featuring a 1.25-inch always-on color e-paper display with a 144x168 resolution, protected by curved Gorilla Glass 3. Housed in a 10.5mm-thick marine-grade 316L stainless steel chassis, it includes a built-in microphone for voice replies and is water-resistant up to 30 meters (3 ATM). Its primary strengths include an exceptional battery life of up to 10 days, excellent outdoor legibility due to the reflective screen, and broad compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. However, it lacks a touchscreen, relying entirely on four physical side buttons for navigation, and omits modern sensors such as a heart rate monitor or integrated GPS. Additionally, while functional, the 64-color display lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors, and the device is no longer officially supported with software updates.

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