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

Withings Steel HR 40mm review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£180Screen size:1.40 inchBattery life:25 daysDisplay type:OLED

Withings Steel HR 40mm Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 18 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Withings Steel HR 40mm
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

35%

4.6

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.1

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 66% of smartwatches
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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 69% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 69%
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

24%

2.9

Health

21%

7.5

Fitness

16%

5.3

Battery

14%

4.2

Smart features

12%

2.4

Connectivity

9%

6.1

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 92%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

7.9

Popularity

Grades by review (18)
18 reviews, average 8.2/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 59%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • withings-steel-hr-40-mm
  • withings-steel-hr-40-mm
  • withings-steel-hr-40-mm
withings-steel-hr-40-mm
withings-steel-hr-40-mm
withings-steel-hr-40-mm
Where to buy
    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.

What reviewers say about the Withings Steel HR 40mm

Based on 7

Reviewers love the long battery life and handy step-goal dial, but the charging setup draws complaints.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Withings Steel HR 40mm

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

24%

2.9

Health

21%

7.5

Fitness

16%

5.3

Battery

14%

4.2

Smart features

12%

2.4

Connectivity

9%

6.1

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

4.6
Reviews score
8.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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 69% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.5
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
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
?
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
25 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 25 days on a charge, which is longer than 93.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.8% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
5 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 5 h on a charge, which is shorter than 91.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 3.4% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
110 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 110 mAh battery, which is smaller than 98.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.3% of Smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% of Smartwatches.
Normalized from hour-based sources to 120 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Proprietary OS
This smartwatch runs Proprietary OS, which is less advanced than the system in 54.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 42% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
?
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
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
1.4 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen, which is larger than 48.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 6.7% of Smartwatches.
Display type
OLED
This smartwatch uses OLED, which is less advanced than the screen in 53.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
36x 72
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 36x72 which is lower than that of 98.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
57 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 57 ppi, which is lower than 100% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 0 GB of internal storage, which is less than 76.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 23.5% of Smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Withings Steel HR 40mm vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 18 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (25 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    25 days vs 7 days
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 23% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • 15.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 59% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    7.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    18 reviews, average 8.2/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.0
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Hybrid watch design
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.6% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    316L stainless steel case
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather vs silicone
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • 15.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 59% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    7.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    18 reviews, average 8.2/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.0
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • 18 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (25 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    25 days vs 7 days
  • Hybrid watch design
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.6% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    316L stainless steel case
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather vs silicone
  • 5.5 mm shorter case
    This smartwatch has a shorter case than the average smartwatch (39.5 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    39.5 mm vs 45 mm
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 23% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No 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.
  • 3.9% worse value for money
    Withings Steel HR 40mm has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.47 vs 7.8).
    7.47 vs 7.76
  • 63.6% more expensive
    Withings Steel HR 40mm is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£180 vs £110).
    £180 vs £110
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 66.8% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No inactivity alerts
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 92.6% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • 5 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2016 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2016
    2016 vs 2021
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 62.6% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • 60 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (30 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    30 vs 90
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 15 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    5 h vs 20 h
  • 195 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (110 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
    110 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 70.3% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (OLED vs AMOLED).
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 36x72, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    36x72 vs 360x360
  • 269 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (57 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    57 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 1.3 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (13 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    13 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.5% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • 4 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (49 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    49 g vs 45 g
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 68.1% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No call controls
    This smartwatch does not offer call control, the average smartwatch does. 91.2% of smartwatches offer call control.
  • No passcode
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 70.4% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No phone finder
    This smartwatch does not include phone finder, the average smartwatch does. 96.4% of smartwatches include phone finder.
  • No widget support
    This smartwatch does not support widgets, the average smartwatch does. 84.4% of smartwatches support widgets.
  • No gesture control
    This smartwatch does not support gesture control, the average smartwatch does. 79.6% of smartwatches support gesture control.
  • 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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
consumer.org.nz
≈ estimated
19/10/2023
Product test · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR looks stylish and lasts up to 25 days, but its single button and notifications that disappear after one showing make it a limited smartwatch.
7.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
02/02/2017
Real-world test · Hybrid fitness tracker
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR looks like a classic watch and suits business clothes, but its heart rate readings often run high or lag.
8.0
macworld.com
✓ explicit
19/01/2017
Two-week test · Hybrid fitness tracker
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a good everyday watch with long battery life, but its running distances are overestimated and it lacks built-in GPS.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Review · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR looks like a classic watch and lasts weeks on one charge, but it only shows calls, texts and calendar alerts.
7.3
cnet.com
✓ explicit
01/02/2017
Everyday test · Hybrid fitness watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a classy watch with long battery life, but its erratic heart rate tracking makes it less suited to serious training.
8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
03/02/2017
Hands-on test · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a stylish, well-built watch with excellent battery life, suiting people who don't want a touchscreen smartwatch.
9.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
04/01/2017
Full test · Running tracker
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a light, classic-looking watch whose heart rate sensor works well for running, but it lacks GPS and app notifications like WhatsApp.
9.0
android-user.de
≈ estimated
08/02/2024
Hands-on test · Hybrid fitness watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a classic-looking hybrid that tracks steps and sleep with a long battery, but its loose charging clip and dirt-prone strap are weak spots.
7.0
inside-digital.de
≈ estimated
09/04/2017
Hands-on test · Hybrid fitness watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a classic-looking fitness watch that tracks steps, heart rate and sleep reliably, suiting people who want fitness tracking without a full screen.
10
heise.de
✓ explicit
29/03/2018
Test report · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR suits buyers who want a classic-looking watch with fitness tracking and a small OLED, though it lacks a full-colour screen.
9.0
computerbase.de
≈ estimated
27/03/2017
Lab test · Analog fitness watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a hybrid watch with solid heart rate and step counting and weeks of battery life, suiting those who want fitness data without constant alerts.
8.7
testr.at
✓ explicit
26/04/2019
Hands-on test · Classic hybrid watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a well-finished, classic-looking hybrid with quick strap swaps and 50m water resistance, but it is thick and should come off for sea swimming.
9.0
derbund.ch
≈ estimated
08/02/2017
Hands-on test · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a classy hybrid watch with a gentle alarm and a 25-day battery, best for people who want fitness tracking without a touchscreen.
9.0
fitness-uhr.net
✓ explicit
20/04/2017
Hands-on test · Waterproof tracker
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a waterproof tracker that detects swimming, walking and sleep, and monitors heart rate day and night, suiting swimmers who don't need GPS.
7.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2023
Hands-on review · Discreet hybrid watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is an easy-to-wear, discreet hybrid with good battery life, but its erratic heart-rate readings and tricky Bluetooth pairing hold it back.
8.0
lesnumeriques.com
≈ estimated
11/02/2017
Hands-on test · Hybrid fitness watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is an elegant everyday tracker with heart monitoring and weeks of battery life, but it lacks GPS and isn't a sports watch.
9.0
justegeek.fr
≈ estimated
21/02/2017
Hands-on test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR is a discreet, smart-looking watch that suits people who want a classic watch rather than an extra touchscreen.
8.0
techpulse.be
✓ explicit
31/01/2017
Hands-on review · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Withings Steel HR looks like an analogue watch, lasts 20 days or more on a charge and suits casual tracking rather than serious sport.

Third-party reviews

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 don't like 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

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.

Compare Withings Steel HR 40mm with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Withings Steel HR 40mm and other Smartwatches

No results found