With Nokia Steel HR, Nokia’s health division is involved in the hybrid smartwatch business. Among other things, the smart health watch shows message texts on the display. We show what makes the watch different from the competition.
Note: In April 2016 Nokia took over the French company Withings. Nokia Steel HR was originally launched last year under the name Withings HR Steel. However, the current product portfolio is now marketed under the Nokia brand name.
Design
The Steel HR is unobtrusive and only differs from a classic analog watch at second glance. The round watch case made of silver-colored metal with 36 millimeters in diameter and 13 millimeters in thickness is somewhat smaller than the competitor models from Kronaby or Fossil.
Immediately after unpacking, there is a bulge on the back of the watch. This ensures that contact with the surface of the skin is ensured and the integrated heart rate sensor is in good contact.
On the front, the small monochrome display – a small OLED – stands out in the upper area of the dial. In the lower area there is another analog display, the so-called progress display. It is a pedometer that indicates the percentage of achievement of a fitness goal. Users can specify in advance how many steps they want to take each day.
Instead of a crown, a single push button is available for operation. The 18 millimeter wide silicone wristband has a quick-change fastener that allows the wristband to be changed easily. The hands or the dial are not luminescent. The small OLED is illuminated for this, so it can be operated even in the dark. The Steel HR has a water resistance of 5 ATM and can therefore remain on the wrist when bathing or showering. However, it is better to take off the watch in the swimming pool or while snorkeling.
Packaging and processing are of high quality and give no reason for complaint. In addition to the watch, a magnetic USB charger is included.
Furnishing
The Steel HR sets new standards in hybrid smartwatches when it comes to displaying messages. The models from other manufacturers can also signal calls or incoming messages, but not as comfortably as with the Nokia model: Incoming calls or messages are not only shown by the vibration and position of the hands, but as text on the display. In addition, the watch offers a heart rate sensor that is fundamentally missing in other hybrid models. There is also a motion sensor to count steps and monitoring sleep phases.
The display is switched off in the normal state and only activates when an appropriate button is operated or a notification is received. Brightness is determined either by users manually via the app or a brightness sensor automatically. This reduces power consumption and enables a battery life of 20 to 25 days. Other hybrid watches last longer, but this value is extremely good compared to full-display smartwatches. In the Review, the watch used around three to five percent of the battery capacity per day when used very intensively. The given value of 25 days therefore seems quite realistic. For charging, the watch must be placed on the magnetic charging cradle and plugged into a USB port. Charging takes several hours.
service
Pressing the button on the side first activates the display of the Steel HR and then switches between the individual functions: It shows the time and date, heart rate, number of steps, distance covered, set wake-up time and remaining battery capacity.
App
To set the Steel HR, the free app Health Mate stands for Android and iOS to disposal.
In addition to the software, a registration with Nokia Health is also required to connect to the smartphone. Registration is free, but we would prefer it if we could do it without it.
Setup is straightforward and can be done in five minutes. After the successful connection of the watch and cell phone, our Review device immediately downloads an update and restarts.
First, the Steel HR must be coupled with the app.
The app is in the sub-items timeline, Dashboard, Programs, equipment and profile divided. Under the tab timeline steps, sleep times or heart rates of the last days, weeks or months can be seen. The Dashboard gives an overview of the current status of activities and key figures. Under the point Programs there are various guides and the possibility to share and compare his fitness values with other users. Under equipment the app lists which Nokia Health products are currently smart health connected to the smartphone in addition to the clock. Settings such as alarm clock, display brightness or the notification options are also available here. The alarm function can be limited to individual days of the week. It is also possible to set a time frame for the vibration alarm instead of a fixed time. Then the Steel HR analyzes the sleeping habits and tries to choose the wake-up time so that you are not in a deep sleep phase during the alarm. Under profile there are personal data and various reminder functions. For example, the Steel HR can remind you of going to bed. Anyone who uses other apps such as Google Fit, Runkeeper or ITTT can also use these profile link. In order to measure yourself against friends or family members, their accounts can be stored under this tab.
Variants
The Steel HR is optionally available with a silver or gold housing. The dial is available in white and black, the silicone bracelet in a total of seven colors. There are also braided and leather bracelets.
There is also a version with a slightly thicker edge. The diameter is then just under 40 millimeters.
Conclusion
The integrated OLED simplifies operation and thus offers real added value. Anyone who has not yet made friends with the hybrid concept should take a closer look at the Steel HR. With the successful combination of classic analog watch design, smart health watch and fitness tracker, the Steel HR is our favorite among the hybrid smart watches and our purchase recommendation.
If you can do without the display and the heart rate sensor, you should take a look at the very similar Nokia Steel: The hybrid smartwatch without OLED has a built-in battery that, according to the manufacturer, should last for about eight months. Otherwise, the models from Fossil, Kronaby or Armani come into question.
The models from Huawei, Boss or Skagen are interesting for those who are looking for a smartwatch with a full-color display.
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