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Withings Steel Hr 40mm Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£180
Avg. price in US: ~$200
Screen size: 1.4 inch
Battery life: 25 day/s
Display type: OLED

Withings Steel Hr 40mm review. Compare 126 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartwatches and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Good

4.6

Poor

8.9

Excellent

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#33 in Best Hybrid Smartwatches
#118 in Best Smartwatches With Fall Detection
#208 in Best Smartwatches For Men
#255 in Best Swimming Smartwatches
#474 in Best Smartwatches For iPhone
#480 in Best Smartwatches For Android
#480 in Best Android Smartwatches For Men
#480 in Best Android Smartwatches For Women
#508 in Best Smartwatches

Verdict

The Withings Steel HR 40mm is a hybrid smartwatch featuring a 39.5mm stainless steel case, a 20mm swappable strap, and a 5 ATM water resistance rating suitable for swimming. It combines traditional analog hands with a small OLED display for heart rate data, steps, and basic smartphone notifications, while a dedicated sub-dial tracks progress toward daily activity goals. Key pros include an exceptional battery life of up to 25 days, plus an additional 20 days in power reserve mode, along with automatic tracking for over 30 activities and detailed sleep cycle analysis. However, notable cons include a lack of built-in GPS (requiring a connected phone), a single-button interface that limits navigation, and basic notifications that do not store history or support many third-party apps.

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Withings Steel Hr 40mm

Overall score

5.1

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Popularity

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.

Health

3.1

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Brand name

What it is: The company that designs, sells, and supports the watch.

When it matters: When brand ecosystem, style, or support matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Withings

Heart rate monitor

What it is: A built-in sensor that measures your pulse directly from the wrist.

When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

Importance: HIGH

Blood oxygen monitoring

What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.

When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

Importance: HIGH

ECG

What it is: The ability to record a single-lead electrocardiogram from the wrist.

When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

Importance: HIGH

Irregular heart rate warnings

What it is: Notifications that flag heart-rate patterns which appear unusually irregular.

When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Fitness

7.1

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Accelerometer

What it is: A motion sensor that measures acceleration, steps, gestures, and general movement.

When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

Importance: MEDIUM

Barometer

What it is: A pressure sensor used for altitude changes, elevation estimates, and weather-related context.

When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Gyroscope

What it is: A motion sensor that measures rotation and helps interpret wrist movement more accurately.

When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cadence sensor

What it is: A sensor input used to measure step or pedal rhythm during training.

When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

Importance: MEDIUM

Distance tracking

What it is: The ability to measure how far you move during walks, runs, rides, or other activities.

When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Battery

5.3

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Battery life

What it is: The typical endurance the watch can deliver on a full charge under the stated usage pattern.

When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=7 days

Battery life in training mode

What it is: The expected endurance while workout tracking and related training functions are active.

When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=36.8 h

Battery life with GPS on

What it is: The expected runtime when satellite tracking stays active throughout use.

When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=35 h

N/A

Battery power

What it is: The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).

When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=397 mAh

Charge time

What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery from empty to full or to a stated percentage.

When it matters: When you want to top up the battery quickly.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <=102 min

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Smart features

4.3

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Operating system

What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.

When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

Importance: HIGH

Software update frequency

What it is: Shows how actively the watch is still updated: regular means ongoing updates throughout active support, occasional means updates every few months or only from time to time, and ended means active software support has mostly stopped.

When it matters: When you care how actively the watch is still supported with fixes, patches, and new features.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Third-party app support

What it is: Support for installing or using apps from developers beyond the watch maker.

When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

Importance: MEDIUM

Notifications

What it is: Mirroring of calls, messages, apps, or other alerts on the watch.

When it matters: When you want to check alerts without taking out your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Voice assistant support

What it is: Support for a voice assistant that can answer queries or trigger actions from the wrist.

When it matters: When you want to control the watch or reply without typing.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Connectivity

2.4

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Cellular module

What it is: Built-in mobile connectivity that can keep the watch online away from the phone.

When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

Importance: HIGH

SIM cards

What it is: The number or type of SIM options the watch accepts for cellular service.

When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

Importance: LOW

Good value: eSIM support

?

GPS

What it is: Built-in satellite positioning that lets the watch record location during outdoor activity.

When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

Importance: HIGH

Galileo support

What it is: Support for Galileo satellites alongside other positioning systems.

When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Compass

What it is: A directional sensor that helps the watch determine heading and orientation.

When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Display & Design

6.2

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Screen size

What it is: The diagonal measurement of the visible display area, usually expressed in inches.

When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1.5 inch

Display type

What it is: The screen technology used by the watch, such as AMOLED, OLED, or memory-in-pixel LCD.

When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

Importance: HIGH

Resolution

What it is: The total number of pixels available on the watch display.

When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=416 x 416

Pixel density

What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display.

When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=326 ppi

Display brightness

What it is: The peak brightness the display can reach, usually expressed in nits.

When it matters: When you want the screen to stay readable outdoors and in strong sunlight.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1000 nits

?

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Hardware

2.4

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CPU speed

What it is: The clock speed of the watch processor, usually expressed in GHz or MHz.

When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Modern standard

?

Processor model

What it is: The processor model is the chipset or SoC that powers the watch's performance, connectivity, and efficiency.

When it matters: When you care about app responsiveness, platform generation, and long-term feature support.

Importance: LOW

Good value: modern smartwatch chipset

?

RAM

What it is: The amount of working memory available for apps, watch faces, and background tasks.

When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1 GB

Internal storage

What it is: Built-in storage for apps, music, watch faces, and other local data.

When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8 GB

External memory slot

What it is: A slot for expandable storage such as a memory card, if the watch provides one.

When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

Importance: LOW

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Withings Steel Hr 40mm vs the average smartwatch

Why is Withings Steel Hr 40mm better than the average smartwatch?

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18 day/s longer battery life
Withings Steel Hr 40mm offers 25 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.
What it is: The typical endurance the watch can deliver on a full charge under the stated usage pattern.
When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=7 days
Withings Steel Hr 40mm offers 25 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.25 day/s vs 7 day/s
Includes fall detection
Withings Steel Hr 40mm supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 22.4% of smartwatches support fall detection.
What it is: Automatic detection of hard falls that can trigger checks or emergency actions.
When it matters: When you want extra help in an emergency.
Importance: HIGH
Withings Steel Hr 40mm supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 22.4% of smartwatches support fall detection.
Has multi-sport mode
Withings Steel Hr 40mm includes a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does not. 49.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
What it is: A training mode designed to handle multiple sports within a single session.
When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.
Importance: MEDIUM
Withings Steel Hr 40mm includes a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does not. 49.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
Has weight tracking
Withings Steel Hr 40mm supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.2% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
What it is: Logging or syncing of body-weight records over time.
When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.
Importance: LOW
Withings Steel Hr 40mm supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.2% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
Has hybrid design
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 9% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
What it is: A watch design that mixes smart features with traditional analog or low-power elements.
When it matters: When you wear the watch all day or sleep with it on.
Importance: LOW
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 9% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
Better case material
Withings Steel Hr 40mm uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
316L stainless steel case
What it is: The main material used for the watch case.
When it matters: When you wear the watch all day or sleep with it on.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: Aluminium, stainless steel, or titanium
Withings Steel Hr 40mm uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.stainless steel vs polycarbonate
Better band material
Withings Steel Hr 40mm uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
Band material may vary by included strap version or package.
What it is: The main material used for the watch strap or band.
When it matters: When you wear the watch all day or sleep with it on.
Importance: MEDIUM
Withings Steel Hr 40mm uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.silicone, leather vs silicone
2 mm narrower band
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22 mm wide.
What it is: The strap width used by the watch body, usually expressed in millimeters.
When it matters: When you wear the watch all day or sleep with it on.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 18-22 mm
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22 mm wide.20 mm vs 22 mm
Has weight tracking
Withings Steel Hr 40mm supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.2% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
Has multi-sport mode
Withings Steel Hr 40mm includes a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does not. 49.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
18 day/s longer battery life
Withings Steel Hr 40mm offers 25 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.
Has hybrid design
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 9% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
Better case material
Withings Steel Hr 40mm uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
Better band material
Withings Steel Hr 40mm uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
2 mm narrower band
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22 mm wide.
Includes fall detection
Withings Steel Hr 40mm supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 22.4% of smartwatches support fall detection.

Display & Design

Why is Withings Steel Hr 40mm worse than the average smartwatch?

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No blood oxygen
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
Readings are for wellness use, not medical diagnosis.
No stress monitoring
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
No cycle tracking
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.6% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
No inactivity alerts
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 85.7% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
No elevation tracking
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 62.7% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
No gyroscope
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 64.6% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
No coaching
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 51.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
No auto pause
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
No voice feedback
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 62.1% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
50 fewer exercise profiles
Withings Steel Hr 40mm supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (30 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
190 mAh smaller battery capacity
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (110 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
15 h shorter training battery life
Withings Steel Hr 40mm lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
No GPS
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
GPS works only via connected smartphone (no built-in GPS chip).
Older Bluetooth version
Withings Steel Hr 40mm supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5.0). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
No always-on display
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 66.4% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
269 ppi lower pixel density
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (57 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
Lower resolution
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has a display resolution of 36x72, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
Basic display type
Withings Steel Hr 40mm uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
1.4 mm thicker watch body
Withings Steel Hr 40mm is thicker than the average smartwatch (13 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
No touch screen
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.8% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
No music playback
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
No call answering
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 57% of smartwatches support call answering.
No voice commands
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 64.5% of smartwatches support voice commands.
No voice assistant
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 68% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
No camera remote control
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.2% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
No passcode
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 68.5% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
No call control
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not offer call control, the average smartwatch does. 90.1% of smartwatches offer call control.
No gesture control
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support gesture control, the average smartwatch does. 78.1% of smartwatches support gesture control.
No phone finder
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include phone finder, the average smartwatch does. 94.6% of smartwatches include phone finder.
No widgets
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support widgets, the average smartwatch does. 83.1% of smartwatches support widgets.
No speaker
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
1 GB less RAM
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
1 MB RAM
1 fewer microphones
Withings Steel Hr 40mm has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
4 GB less storage
Withings Steel Hr 40mm offers less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
No local user storage for apps/media.
5 year/s older release date
Withings Steel Hr 40mm is an older model than the average smartwatch (2016 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
October 2016
No GPS
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
GPS works only via connected smartphone (no built-in GPS chip).
What it is: Built-in satellite positioning that lets the watch record location during outdoor activity.
When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.
Importance: HIGH
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
No blood oxygen
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
Readings are for wellness use, not medical diagnosis.
What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.
When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.
Importance: HIGH
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
No always-on display
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 66.4% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
What it is: A display mode that keeps key information visible even when the watch is idle.
When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.
Importance: HIGH
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 66.4% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
No speaker
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
What it is: An onboard speaker for calls, prompts, alarms, or media playback.
When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.
Importance: LOW
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.No vs yes
No stress monitoring
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
What it is: Stress estimates derived from heart rate, HRV, or similar body signals.
When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.
Importance: HIGH
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
No elevation tracking
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 62.7% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
What it is: Tracking of climbed, descended, or current elevation during activities.
When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 62.7% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
No music playback
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
What it is: Playback of music or audio directly from the watch, with or without a phone nearby.
When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.
Importance: MEDIUM
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
No gyroscope
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 64.6% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
What it is: A motion sensor that measures rotation and helps interpret wrist movement more accurately.
When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.
Importance: MEDIUM
Withings Steel Hr 40mm does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 64.6% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.

Display & Design

Graphic comparison of Withings Steel Hr 40mm and other Smartwatches

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: April 2026)

What customers like about Withings Steel Hr 40mm?

Elegant and stylish traditional analogue watch design that suits both casual and formal wear
Exceptional battery life, often lasting up to 25 days or longer on a single charge
Lightweight and slim profile (13mm thick) making it comfortable for all-day use and sleep tracking
Effective silent vibrating alarm for gentle waking without disturbing others
Water-resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming and showering
User-friendly Health Mate app with detailed activity and sleep score reporting

What customers dislike about Withings Steel Hr 40mm?

Small monochrome digital display can be difficult to read, especially in bright sunlight or at night
Limited notification functionality, only showing scrolling headers for calls, texts, and calendar events
Magnetic charging dock can be fiddly to align and lacks a secure 'click' mechanism
Occasional inaccuracies in step counting when arms are not moving naturally (e.g., pushing a stroller)
Heart rate monitoring can show lag or inconsistency during high-intensity workouts
Absence of built-in GPS requires a connected smartphone for accurate distance tracking during runs

Expert reviews

wareable.com

04/01/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR review - Wareable

The Withings Steel HR is highlighted as a top-tier hybrid smartwatch, blending a classic, lightweight, and premium analog design with discreet, smart fitness tracking capabilities. Key strengths include impressive battery life of up to 25 days, accurate heart rate monitoring, and reliable automatic sleep tracking. However, the device lacks built-in GPS for distance tracking, which is a drawback for serious runners, and the notification system on the small OLED screen is limited. While the Health Mate app is highly praised for its user-friendly, informative interface, the magnetic charging mechanism is criticized for being awkward. Ultimately, the device is considered an excellent choice for users prioritizing style and daily health tracking, providing a solid "smart compromise".

techadvisor.com

03/02/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR review - Tech Advisor

The Withings Steel HR is a stylish, well-built hybrid smartwatch that bridges the gap between traditional timepieces and fitness trackers, according to Tech Advisor. Key advantages include an exceptional 25-day battery life (up to 45 in power-reserve mode), a durable 50-meter waterproof design, and a discrete OLED screen for notifications and heart rate tracking. However, the review notes drawbacks, including an OLED display that can be difficult to read due to glare and limited to simple notifications. Additionally, the heart rate monitoring can be inconsistent, and the magnetic charging cable is noted as weak. Tech AdvisorUltimately, Tech Advisor highlights the Steel HR as a great value "semi-smartwatch" for those favoring an analog look with automatic activity tracking and detailed health insights via the Health Mate app.

cnet.com

01/02/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR review: Your everyday watch with heart rate - CNET

The Withings Steel HR is a stylish hybrid smartwatch that balances a classic analog design with modern activity tracking. Pros include an elegant stainless-steel construction and exceptional battery life lasting up to 25 days, while a notable con is the small, sometimes dim OLED screen. Performance-wise, the device offers 50-meter water resistance and accurate tracking for steps and sleep. However, the heart rate monitor is described as inconsistent, particularly during intense exercise, and the device lacks advanced smart features, such as reading full text messages. The accompanying Withings Health Mate app provides a user-friendly interface for tracking health metrics, though it offers limited social features compared to competitors. The watch is best suited for those prioritizing style and basic activity tracking over high-end fitness data. CNET

techradar.com

28/03/2019

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR review - TechRadar(www.consumer.org.au) | October 19, 2023 | Withings Steel HR hybrid smartwatch review - Consumer NZ

The TechRadar review describes the Withings Steel HR as a stylish, premium hybrid smartwatch that effectively conceals fitness tracking within an analog design. It features a 36mm or 40mm stainless steel casing, a small OLED screen for data, and a 25-day battery life, making it a comfortable, 24/7 wearable for those seeking a professional aesthetic over a sporty look. Pros highlighted include a highly accurate heart rate monitor, a comprehensive Health Mate app, and a lightweight design suitable for continuous, including sleep, monitoring. However, cons include a high price point compared to trackers, lack of built-in GPS for precise tracking, limited notification readability, and a finicky magnetic charger. For more details, visit TechRadar.

mountainsandmacros.co.uk

27/02/2026

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Sport Watch Review Would you like a breakdown of the specific pros and cons mentioned across these 40mm model reviews?

The Withings Steel HR Sport is characterized as a versatile, stylish, and durable analog-style hybrid tracker, ideal for users needing a device that functions well in both professional and gym settings. Key advantages include an exceptional 8-week battery life, 50m water resistance, and robust tracking capabilities for up to 30 activities, including a "Connected GPS" feature that preserves phone battery during hikes. While highly functional, the device requires an initial, somewhat steep learning curve for the Health Mate app and manual setup for optimal, realistic, and personalized calorie goal tracking.

expertreviews.co.uk

27/02/2026

Summary of the review

Nokia Steel HR review: A classy, minimalist smartwatch

The Nokia Steel HR is a stylish hybrid smartwatch featuring a stainless steel case and traditional hands that effectively combine a classic look with modern activity tracking. Key advantages include an impressive 25-day battery life, 50-meter water resistance, and the comprehensive Health Mate companion app. Limitations, or "cons," include a very small OLED screen that restricts notification capabilities, lack of built-in GPS for tracking, and potential inaccuracies in heart rate and sleep data for intense users.

macworld.com

19/01/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR review: A hybrid smartwatch with heart

The Withings Steel HR is a hybrid smartwatch that blends a classic analog design with modern fitness tracking, featuring a 50-meter water-resistant casing and a comfortable silicone strap. Its primary strength is an exceptional battery life of up to 25 days, alongside a discreet OLED screen for notifications. While it succeeds as an everyday timepiece, Macworld notes significant accuracy issues, particularly with overestimated running distances and erratic heart rate monitoring during high-intensity training. Additionally, the small screen is hard to read in sunlight, and the magnetic charging cable is difficult to attach securely.

tomsguide.com

27/02/2026

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Sport Review: A Fitness Tracker You'll Actually Wear

The Withings Steel HR Sport combines a traditional analog design with a long-lasting battery that can last up to 25 days, offering a stylish alternative to rubberized trackers. While it includes features like heart rate monitoring and VO2 Max estimation, it lacks built-in GPS, requiring a phone connection for tracking, and has a small OLED display that can be hard to read in direct sunlight. At $199, the device caters to casual users prioritizing aesthetics and endurance over advanced, built-in fitness metrics.

au.pcmag.com

02/02/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR - Review 2017 - PCMag Australia

The Withings Steel HR is a stylish, lightweight, and waterproof hybrid smartwatch featuring a traditional analog design and a small, discreet OLED screen. Its main advantages include a remarkably long battery life lasting up to 25 days and a versatile, customisable look suitable for both professional and casual wear. Conversely, the review highlights drawbacks such as inconsistent, lagging heart rate data during intense exercise, and an inability to manually edit sleep tracking in the app. It lacks a sedentary alert and offers only basic, rather than advanced, smartwatch functionality. PCMag concludes the device is ideal for users seeking a fashionable watch with long-lasting, basic wellness tracking rather than high-performance fitness metrics. For the full, detailed review, visit PCMag AU. PCMag

pcmag.com

01/02/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Review - PCMag

The Withings Steel HR is a stylish, lightweight hybrid smartwatch featuring a stainless steel case and a 25-day battery life, prioritizing a traditional watch aesthetic over complex technology. It is waterproof up to 50 meters and includes a small LCD screen for basic, functional notifications. However, the device falls short in fitness tracking, showing significant inaccuracies in heart rate monitoring during intense exercise and lacking an idle alert feature. It is ideal for users prioritizing design, but not recommended for serious athletes.

theaureview.com

21/07/2020

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Review: Outstanding looks, but very few hooks - The AU Review

The Withings Steel HR is highlighted as an exceptionally attractive hybrid smartwatch featuring a sleek, stainless steel design with a standout, long-lasting battery. While praised for its aesthetic, the review identifies significant cons, including inconsistent heart rate/sleep tracking, a limited one-button interface, and a screen that is difficult to read in direct sunlight. Despite a user-friendly companion app, the device lacks advanced smart features like GPS or NFC, ultimately earning a three-star rating as a stylish, though technically limited, timepiece.

consumer.org.nz

19/10/2023

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR hybrid smartwatch review - Consumer NZ

The Withings Steel HR Hybrid Smartwatch combines a traditional aesthetic with essential fitness tracking, featuring a stainless steel case and a specialized sub-dial for daily step progress. A major advantage is its 25-day battery life, though it faces limitations with limited smart features and a notification system that fails to store alerts. The device offers health tracking for heart rate and sleep, but struggles with accuracy, often misidentifying activities and offering a finicky charging experience.

fitness-uhr.net

20/04/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Review: Waterproof Tracker with 1,000 Features

The Withings Steel HR is a hybrid smartwatch that combines a traditional, elegant aesthetic with fitness tracking, featuring a stainless steel case, an analog watch face, and a secondary dial for daily step progress. Its primary strengths include an exceptional battery life lasting up to 25 days, with an additional 20 days in power reserve mode. Key drawbacks, however, include sometimes inconsistent heart rate monitoring during intense exercise and a small, difficult-to-read OLED screen in direct sunlight, along with a lack of integrated GPS. Functionally, the device excels in daily health tracking, providing 24/7 activity monitoring, sleep analysis, and water resistance up to 50 meters. It supports over 30 sports modes via the Withings Health Mate app but may lack the advanced metrics required by hardcore athletes. The watch serves as a stylish, low-maintenance option for those needing basic health metrics rather than comprehensive performance data.

derbund.ch

08/02/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Review: A Beautiful Tracker with Flaws

The Withings Steel HR is a stylish hybrid smartwatch that successfully blends traditional watch aesthetics, featuring a stainless steel case and analog hands, with modern health tracking capabilities. It boasts an exceptional 25-day battery life and a discreet OLED screen for notifications, making it ideal for both professional and casual use. However, the device has limitations as a dedicated fitness tracker, with sometimes inaccurate, lagging heart rate monitoring during intense exercise and a small screen that can be difficult to read in bright sunlight. Ultimately positioned as a "smart-ish" watch, it excels at basic, everyday activity and sleep tracking through the user-friendly Withings app rather than offering advanced, high-precision, or data-intensive analytics.

testr.at

26/04/2019

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR - Hybrid Smartwatch Review

The Withings Steel HR is a hybrid smartwatch that pairs a classic analog aesthetic with essential fitness tracking, featuring a 50m water-resistant design in 36mm or 40mm sizes. It utilizes a small, circular monochrome OLED screen for notifications, allowing for a traditional look suitable for various settings. Key strengths include an exceptional battery life of up to 25 days and robust automatic activity recognition, supported by the intuitive Health Mate app. However, the device has limitations, notably the tiny OLED display which can be difficult to read in direct sunlight and insufficient for displaying full messages. It lacks built-in GPS, relying on a tethered smartphone, and some users may find the magnetic charger connection finicky. Additionally, while generally reliable, heart rate tracking may struggle during high-intensity workouts.

computerbase.de

27/03/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Review: The Hybrid Smartwatch with Heart Rate Sensor

The Withings Steel HR combines a stylish analog design with effective, long-lasting fitness tracking. Key pros include an exceptional battery life of up to 25 days (plus 20 days in power reserve mode), a high-quality stainless steel build, and a discreet OLED screen for notifications and heart rate data. However, the device has cons, such as a very small, sometimes hard-to-read display, and a heart rate sensor that can be unreliable during high-intensity workouts. For more details, visit ComputerBase.

heise.de

29/03/2018

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Review: Hybrid Smartwatch with Display

The Withings Steel HR is a hybrid smartwatch featuring a traditional analogue face with an integrated, small OLED screen for digital notifications, lauded for its stylish, durable design. Its primary advantage is exceptional battery life, lasting up to 25 days in normal use. The device includes continuous heart rate monitoring and automatic tracking for over 30 sports, syncing with the Withings Health Mate app. Key strengths include a high-quality stainless steel build, 50-meter water resistance, and "wear and forget" comfort suitable for various occasions. However, the device lacks built-in GPS, requiring a connected smartphone, and the small screen can be difficult to read in direct sunlight. Limitations include basic, non-interactive notifications and potential inaccuracies in heart rate monitoring during intense workouts. Despite these, the Steel HR offers a robust, elegant, and long-lasting alternative to standard, battery-intensive smartwatches. Read more in the full reviews at PCMag and CNET.

inside-digital.de

09/04/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Review: Classic Elegance Meets Smart Tech

The Withings Steel HR is a hybrid smartwatch that blends classic analog design with essential health tracking, featuring a durable stainless steel casing, an inconspicuous OLED screen, and an exceptional battery life lasting up to 25 days. It provides comprehensive activity tracking (including swimming) and 24/7 heart rate monitoring, supported by the user-friendly Health Mate app for data visualization. However, users may find the heart rate sensor inconsistent during intense workouts, the screen difficult to read in direct sunlight, and the lack of integrated GPS limiting, with a finicky charger noted as a minor inconvenience. For the full, detailed review, visit inside-digital.de.

android-user.de

08/02/2024

Summary of the review

Review: Withings Steel HR 40mm – The Fitness Watch with Heart Rate Monitoring

The Withings Steel HR 40mm is a hybrid smartwatch that combines a traditional stainless steel aesthetic with smart functionality, featuring an analog dial, a small OLED screen for notifications/heart rate, and a 40mm case. Key pros include an exceptional battery life of up to 25 days, automatic tracking for various sports, and comprehensive, user-friendly data in the Health Mate app. Cons include a small, hard-to-read screen in bright light, limited notification display, lack of built-in GPS, and occasional inaccuracies in sleep tracking.

justegeek.fr

21/02/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR: A most unusual smartwatch

The JusteGeek review describes the Withings Steel HR as a stylish hybrid smartwatch featuring a high-end stainless steel design, exceptional battery life, and 50m water resistance. While offering discreet fitness tracking and seamless app integration, the watch is limited by a tiny, hard-to-read screen in sunlight and inconsistent heart rate data during intense workouts. Ultimately positioned as a superior alternative to "plastic" trackers, it is recommended for users seeking a durable, elegant, and long-lasting wearable, rather than professional-level athletic precision.

lesnumeriques.com

11/02/2017

Summary of the review

Nokia Steel HR Review: Its heart has started beating

The Withings Steel HR is recognized as a premier hybrid smartwatch, successfully blending a traditional, elegant analog design with essential modern health monitoring, notes Les Numériques. Key advantages include a 25-day battery life, 50-meter water resistance, and a stylish stainless steel aesthetic suitable for professional environments. However, the device features a small, often illegible monochrome screen and provides inconsistent heart rate data, particularly during intense exercise. While the accompanying Health Mate App offers a user-friendly experience, the lack of built-in GPS and limited notifications may hinder its appeal for serious fitness tracking.

frandroid.com

20/09/2023

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Review: Elegant, Connected, and Sporty

The Frandroid review hails the Withings Steel HR as a successful hybrid, blending an elegant, comfortable, and discreet stainless steel design with effective daily activity tracking. Key advantages highlighted include the intuitive analog sub-dial for step tracking, a comprehensive Health Mate app, and exceptional battery life lasting up to 25 days. Continuous heart rate monitoring and functional OLED screen notifications further enhance its, providing a practical, modern experience without sacrificing style. Despite its strengths, the review notes that the 13mm thick case feels slightly more massive than its predecessor, a minor design drawback. The proprietary magnetic charger is also described as finicky and difficult to attach, impacting daily usability. Finally, the lack of an onboard GPS and limited, basic text-only notifications on the small screen are noted as significant limitations for, especially for serious fitness enthusiasts.

darty.com

07/06/2019

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Sport Smartwatch Review

The Darty review highlights the Withings Steel HR Sport as a premium hybrid smartwatch, offering an elegant 40mm stainless steel design suitable for both work and fitness, with a discreet OLED screen for data. A standout feature is the exceptional battery life, lasting up to 25 days, paired with advanced tracking capabilities like VO2 Max estimation and 30+ activity types. However, drawbacks include the small, hard-to-read screen in sunlight, reliance on "Connected GPS" via a smartphone, and inconsistent heart rate monitoring if not worn tightly.

nakan.ch

18/10/2018

Summary of the review

A Comprehensive Review of the Withings Steel HR Sport Smartwatch

The Withings Steel HR Sport combines a classic analog design with modern fitness tracking, featuring a 40mm stainless steel case, a breathable strap, and advanced metrics like VO2 Max. It boasts an exceptional battery life of up to 25 days, continuous heart rate monitoring, and 5ATM water resistance for swimming. Key drawbacks noted include the reliance on a connected smartphone for GPS data, a small screen that can be hard to read in sunlight, and limited notification interactivity.

journaldugeek.com

14/12/2018

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Sport Review: A hybrid smartwatch with plenty of stamina

The Withings Steel HR Sport is reviewed as a sophisticated, lightweight 40mm hybrid smartwatch featuring an exceptional battery life of up to 25 days. It offers comprehensive health tracking including heart rate, sleep, and VO2 Max estimation, with a design suitable for both sports and professional settings. While praised for its, the device is limited by a small, basic OLED screen that struggles with notifications and relies on Connected GPS rather than a built-in sensor.

commeuncamion.com

15/05/2017

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Watch: Review & Verdict

The Withings Steel HR is lauded for blending traditional analog aesthetics with functional, discreet health tracking, featuring a 36mm/40mm stainless steel design suitable for all occasions. Key technical strengths include a 25-day battery life, continuous heart rate monitoring, 5ATM water resistance, and the user-friendly Health Mate app. While noted for its style, the review highlights constraints regarding a small notification screen, a weak vibration motor, and a lack of built-in GPS.

computerhoy.20minutos.es

10/07/2019

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Limited Edition: Review and Opinion

The Withings Steel HR Limited Edition merges classic analogue aesthetics with modern functionality, featuring a premium stainless steel case, 50-meter water resistance, and an exceptional 25-day battery life. It includes a discreet OLED screen for notifications and continuous heart rate tracking, while automating activity recognition for various sports via the Health Mate app. However, the device lacks built-in GPS for independent route mapping, and the small screen can be difficult to read in direct sunlight.

macitynet.it

26/06/2022

Summary of the review

Withings Steel HR Sport Review: The Multisport Hybrid

The Withings Steel HR Sport is highlighted as a refined, 40mm stainless steel hybrid smartwatch combining traditional aesthetics with modern tracking, featuring a breathable, perforated silicone strap. It boasts an impressive 25-day battery life, Connected GPS via smartphone, VO2 Max estimation, and 50m water resistance. While lauded for its versatility, the small, monochrome OLED display can be difficult to read in direct sunlight. Performance-wise, the Health Mate app provides excellent data aggregation, but the watch has limitations, including restricted, sometimes hard-to-read, smart notifications and inconsistent heart rate monitoring during high-intensity workouts. It is considered an ideal, stylish choice for fitness tracking, rather than deep, independent athletic analysis.

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