Withings Steel HR: A Hybrid Smartwatch for Your Everyday Use
Over the years, technological advancement has been an unstoppable force, making our lives more and more convenient. Televisions, computers, and mobile phones have all become increasingly high-tech as time passes. Wristwatches, likewise, are no strangers to the world of technological advancements. In the past decade, more and more watch brands have focused their best efforts on creating powerful smartwatches that cater to our every need.
One underrated smartwatch in the industry today is the Withings Steel HR, which was released in 2019. Frequently overlooked in favour of more well-known brands like Suunto and Garmin, the Withings Steel HR is a stylish hybrid smartwatch that combines the best of tradition and modernity. Without further ado, let us take a closer look at the Withings Steel HR, what it has to offer, and how it can make your everyday life easier.
Specifications
Case
The Withings Steel HR is actually offered in two distinctive models, catering to sports enthusiasts and casual wearers respectively. The regular Withings Steel HR comes in silver stainless steel cases of two different sizes, 36mm and 40mm. Aside from their sizes, these two regular Withing Steel HR variants are identical. This goes to show just how versatile Withings is in terms of its marketing. Not only do they provide different watch models for different niches, but creating timepieces of varying sizes also gives men and women more options in terms of choosing the size that best fits their preferences.
The second model Withings offers is the Withings Steel HR meant for sports. This model is only available in a 40mm ion-plated stainless steel case in matte black. This is a fairly standard case size, so it should fit quite well on wrists of all sizes.
Compared to the regular version, the sports Withing Steel HR has a more outdoorsy, casual design. This is highlighted by the watch’s all-black exterior and the attractive red accents scattered across its dial. That said, this does not have any bearing on the durability of the sports Withing Steel HR, which is about as strong as the regular version of the watch. Both models also offer the same water resistance rating of 50m. While it is enough to survive some splashes and showers, it is not quite as good as the depth ratings offered by professional outdoor smartwatches like the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar.
On the casebacks of both versions of the Withings Steel HR, you can find a solid stainless steel caseback along with a heartbeat sensor. This is quite standard for smartwatches, however, the sensors on the Withings Steel HR are actually smaller and less obtrusive, making them easier and more comfortable to wear. They are also waterproof, so you do not have to worry about the sensors getting damaged by water or sweat.
On the right side of the case, you can find a single push button, which you can use to control and navigate the watch’s features. This button is smaller than the typical crown, which ensures it will not dig uncomfortably into the skin on your wrist.
Dial Display
Since this watch is a hybrid of sorts, you should not expect it to come with a full-on LCD display. In fact, only a small portion of the dial accommodates the digital screen. The Withings Steel HR offers a nice combination of both a mechanical dial and an LED display. It showcases a regular analogue black dial adorned with Arabic numeral markers, slim indices for the minute track, slender stick hands, and two sub-dials. One sub-dial serves as the power reserve indicator, while the other acts as the LED display. This design is what separates the Withings Steel HR from other smartwatches in the market, making it a truly unique standout.
Unlike other smartwatches, the Withings Steel HR does not have a touchscreen display. However, you can still easily control the watch’s features using the push button that replaces the crown. If you are worried about how to adjust the watch’s time without a crown, fret not! As a hybrid smartwatch, the Withings Steel HR can be connected to any smartphone that has Bluetooth compatibility, and the time display can be adjusted from there. This makes setting the time on the Withings Steel HR easy and hassle-free.
Features
The smartwatch capabilities of the Withings Steel HR primarily revolve around the use of smartphones. Without a smartphone, you will not be able to access many of this watch’s amazing features. For instance, once the Withings Steel HR is connected to your phone, you will receive notifications on messages, calls, chosen applications, and more. Other functions of the Withings Steel HR include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, daily activity tracking, a step counter, automatic sleep monitoring, sports monitoring, an alarm and Smart Wake-up mode, and Fitness Level assessment.
The Withings Steel HR also comes with a GPS capability, although you have to be connected to your phone to use it. With this, you can use your Withings Steel HR to navigate precise routes to reach your destination. Finally, one of the greatest things about the Withings Steel HR is that it comes with a record power supply that can last up to 25 days long. Thanks to this, you will never have to worry about the Withings Steel HR running out of charge while you are on an adventure.
Watch Strap
Withings offers a number of strap options, which you can pick from to enhance the stylishness or comfort of the Withings Steel HR. Choices include various coloured straps made of leather, textile, soft silicone, or stainless steel bracelets. The standard strap for the regular Withings Steel HR is a smooth and elegant black leather band. The sports Withing Steel HR, on the other hand, is typically paired with a black perforated rubber strap, enhancing its outdoorsy aesthetic.
Price
Compared to other watch brands that offer smartwatches, the Withings Steel HR is easily one of the most affordable smartwatches available today. For just $200 USD, you can acquire the regular Withings Steel HR model and customise its strap to your liking. For those who want a more rugged piece, you can also get the sports version for around $225 USD.
Alternatives to the Withings Steel HR
1. Garmin Vivomove 3 Ref. 010-02239-00
One great alternative to the Withings HR Steel is the Garmin Vivomove 3 Ref. 010-02239-00. With this watch, Garmin went for a more simplistic route to accommodate casual sports lovers or the average health-conscious individual. As a result, the functions included in this watch are not as extensive as other dedicated Garmin outdoor smartwatches. Nevertheless, this Garmin Vivomove 3 is a great choice if you are looking for something to wear as an everyday watch or for casual gatherings.
This Garmin watch comes in a 44mm fibre-reinforced polymer case, with a robust stainless steel bezel that keeps the case protected from impacts and slim grey lugs that accentuate the round case and bezel. The LED dial display is simple, with slender hour indices on the very rim of the dial and handy touchscreen capabilities. This is paired with a comfortable grey silicone strap. Like the Withings Steel HR, this watch offers a 50-metre water resistance capacity.
The Garmin Vivomove 3 Ref. 010-02239-00 retails at around $275 USD. It is a great starter watch for smartwatch enthusiasts just starting out in the watch community.
2. Suunto 9 G1 Baro Lime Ref. SS050450000
The Suunto 9 G1 Baro Lime Ref. SS050450000 is another viable alternative to the Withings Steel HR. Over the years, Suunto has proven itself an expert at creating fashionable smartwatches that offer exceptional durability and capabilities. Compared to the Garmin Vivomove 3 and the Withings Steel HR, the Suunto 9 G1 Baro Black shows off a brighter, funkier design that caters more to younger audiences.
This Suunto 9 watch is presented in a large 50mm fibre-reinforced polyamide case, with an ion-plated stainless steel bezel in black. Finishing off its youthful aesthetic is a vibrant yellow and black textile strap that blends perfectly with the watch’s black case. This watch also comes with an incredible set of functions, including various sports modes, GPS tracking, phone connectivity, different battery modes to keep the watch running, and more.
The Suunto 9 G1 Baro Lime Ref. SS050450000 is the most expensive watch on this list, with an estimated price of $500 USD. That said, considering its versatility and stylish ruggedness, this watch is definitely well worth the cost.
3. Suunto 3 ZH Slate Grey Copper Ref. SS050495000
The Suunto 3 ZH Slate Grey Copper Ref. SS050495000 is another exceptional alternative to the Withings Steel HR. While it might not be the best option for those who enjoy extreme activities like hiking or mountaineering, this Suunto 3 watch is a budget-friendly choice that offers you a lot of conveniences.
This Suunto watch is housed in a 43mm fibre-reinforced polycarbonate case, along with an ion-plated stainless steel bezel in rose gold. A perforated black silicone strap completes the watch’s sporty look. As a smartwatch, this watch has a compact touchscreen display, and its functions can be navigated using the five subtle push buttons on the sides of its case. Its features include 24/7 activity tracking, sleep quality tracking, adaptive training guidance, phone connectivity and notifications, and more. One downside is that this watch only has a depth rating of 30 metres, which is less than what the previous watch options offer.
You can get your hands on the Suunto 3 ZH Slate Grey Copper Ref. SS050495000 for around $275 USD.
Final Thoughts
The Withings Steel HR is a great minimalist choice if you want a handy smartwatch that can make your life easier while not being too overloaded with confusing capabilities. A timepiece that does not bombard you with notifications with every move you make is probably the best option for those who just want to go out for a bit or relax at a cafe. As an everyday watch that provides seamless assistance and very reliable timekeeping functions for an affordable price, the Withings Steel HR is worth considering.
All images courtesy of The Watch Company, unless stated otherwise.Featured image courtesy of Withings.
If you are into smartwatches that promote a healthy lifestyle, check out our review on the Suunto Traverse Alpha—it might be what you are looking for!
