Nokia Steel HR Smart Watch Review

The device, which will be discussed in this review, until recently was issued under the brand Withings Steel HR. Models with an index of HR received several additional convenient features.

Registration

In terms of design, the described model has not changed much, all the main components resemble the previous Steel HR. Immediately worth noting two sizes: 36mm and 40mm. The color scheme is very strict, only white and black models are available. On the one hand, concisely, on the other - the choice is severely limited.

Important! Even the largest model sits on the arm very compact, fits well with the wrist, but is not felt on it as a foreign object. Despite the classic look, it is very convenient to play sports in these smart watches.

The model turned out pretty easy.The silicone strap, which comes in the kit, allows you to wear your watch everyday, during fitness sessions, and at work. Although it is better to wear a leather strap for some kind of official event, good, there are plenty to choose from, because the mount is standard.

Screen

Nokia Steel HR made of of stainless steel. This is a standard that did not change, even changing the brand. The watch dial is made in the traditional style. But despite the classic performance, the screen is very informative. In addition to the main one, there are two additional screens of a small size: the first additional dial is digital, located at the top, the second, analog one - at the bottom.

With the help of the lower dial you can find out the progress of activity per day. The functions of the second screen are much wider: thanks to it, you can display various notifications on the main screen. It is necessary in order not to solve the indicators of arrows, as well as receive messages from the phone. The digital screen itself is not striking, it looks very organic. Most importantly, with its help it is convenient to view the main events of the tracker and the phone.

On a note! In the version with the black background of the screen, you will have to look closely atthat the main dial has a digital screen.

Monochrome display can scare lovers of all the most modern. On the other hand, with such dimensions, the need for a full-fledged color display is called into question - why is it there? With its main functions, the screen copes well, the display of events and indicators is clear, legible.

Delivery Notifications

Nokia smart watches are able to inform the owner about the main events from the smartphone. Using the appropriate application, you can set up a notification for calls, display calendar indicators and messages. When an event occurs, the screen displays the contact's name, text, or application name, then information. Vibration depends on the event. True, with the implementation of this function, everything is not so smooth.

1. Unfortunately, Screen size does not allow to display the event in full, the entire text will scroll, which is not very convenient.
2. The text of the received message is also impossible to read due to the size of the screen.
3. Support for all relevant instant messengers is not provided.

Options and Sensors

Nokia Steel smart watches are equipped with a rich set of functions.Management of these options is carried out through a proprietary application from Nokia.

1. The gadget can be used as regular pedometer, but nowadays this will not surprise anyone.
   
2. The second useful feature is pulse stopped.
   

3. Very convenient is the option counting the distance traveled and run taking into account the distance and pulse activity.

The company has skillfully adapted the operation of the analog mechanism with a digital display. In this direction, the maximum possible compromise is reached. A small display does not cause complaints, if you use it for its intended purpose. Button on the right information circles are switched. They can be both subtracted and added. Each circle indicates some informational event, the distance traveled, the number of calories burned, calendar events, etc. You can duplicate the clock display on the information circle, which is quite convenient when you are in a dark room, given that the main screen does not have an additional backlight.

With pulse sensor Easily view your running activity. Not surprisingly, this option has received the most favorable user feedback.The sensor can recognize several types of activity, including tennis and basketball. However, to eliminate errors, you can start training by pressing the appropriate button.

The case material allows you to swim without removing the watch. According to the developers, the gadget has protection that can withstand up to 5 ATM. This is enough for swimming in the pool. However, when bathing activity sensor does not work. During water treatments, only calories are counted.

Heart rate monitor

This is an optical sensor. He is able to record the activity of the pulse throughout the day. The reading of the activity is performed automatically, however, this option can be started and disabled manually.

Important! The heart rate monitor has an error: the upper mark is overestimated by 9-12 beats, but they are calibrated in the process, and they are aligned to more accurate numbers.

The indicated error is most likely related to the feature of reading. Hybrid from Nokia measures the pulse every few minutes, so it takes time to get more accurate results. It is worth noting that this method of taking readings of activity greatly increases the autonomy of the gadget.In addition, with increased physical activity data is read more often.

Jogging and training

The tracker and kilometer counter works surprisingly well. In addition, while jogging, the heart rate monitor displays readings close to measurements with a more accurate technique. From here there is a small dissonance: the watch from Nokia looks strictly, but in fact it turns out to be useful when playing sports. Very pleasant surprise.

Important! Due to the peculiarities of taking activity readings, it is worth remembering that the longer the run is, the more accurate the tracker performance will be. In the latter case, the activity indicators practically do not diverge from specialized heart rate monitors.

Sleep timer

Another significant advantage of the watch from Nokia. Sleep timer implemented very productively. Most of the competitors get off at the moment of getting out of sleep, or active falling asleep, but the described device surprises with its smoothness in this direction. Fast and smooth immersion in sleep and contribute to the small size of the gadget. After all, falling asleep with a small clock on his hand, the owner will not feel their girth on the wrist.

Software Management

Nokia is developing its own application for managing indicators collected using different sensors. The resulting application is very convenient. The control is intuitive, the indicators are displayed in a convenient format.

Important! This software received the corresponding award in 2016 as "the best application for wearable platforms for tracking health and fitness."

Anyone who has used this application remembers that the big screen displays the history of the user's entire power activity for the day. At first, the abundance of numbers and letters can be confusing, but when the user understands the principle of displaying information, it becomes easy and comfortable to use the watch. A well-implemented motivation program with virtual rewards, goals, and hints.

Autonomy

With the autonomy of a smart watch from Nokia, all is well. The maximum rate of up to 25 days from one charge - few of the competitors can boast of such figures. Moreover, this indicator includes a constantly activated pulse sensor. When the heart rate monitor is turned off, you can add about 20 more days to the above designated figure. In this case, only the step activity module and the sleep timer will be active.

disadvantages

Despite the fact that the activity sensor turned out to be very accurate, you should not pin high hopes on these components. Yet this is primarily a watch, albeit with a smart prefix. In addition, there are other drawbacks in the watch.

1. For active tracking and counting the distance traveled is extremely important. GPS availability, and the presented model does not possess this module. The function of reading steps is allocated to other sensors, which increases the error. As a result, a detailed report on the training will not be provided. Although ordinary sports watches easily cope with this.
2. Separate claim to clock charger - it is very uncomfortable. The first thing that attracts attention is the absence of at least some attachment to the watch case. The charger looks like a flat stand, on which it is very difficult to fix the gadget. In addition, it is necessary to slightly touch the whole structure, as the clock can fall from it. Of course, you can use it, it is still a matter of habit, but an unpleasant aftertaste remains.

Cost of

Nokia steel hr watches can be bought priced from 13 to 14 thousand rubles. The price tag will depend on the chosen size (as we remember, there are two of them) and the retailer. There should be no problems with buying on the territory of Russia, the dealer network is well-established and developed, the products of Nokia are present in almost every major city. In the absence of a model, you can always use the Internet sites where you can find a gadget at a discount.

Conclusion

The review shows that Nokia managed to produce a quality hybrid. In addition, the company has managed to keep a delicate balance between analog and digital technologies that live well under one body. Moreover, this neighborhood only adds aesthetics and exclusivity to the gadget. Many fitness functions are implemented correctly and do not cause complaints. Running performance is a controversial point, with its pluses and minuses, and all the ensuing conclusions. The heart rate monitor is their strong point, as is the design. Of course, this gadget is not for everyone.

In conclusion, I would like to mention the subtle aesthetics and smooth ergonomics, which are almost invisibly present in the model in question, giving a positive user experience.One of the best solutions on the market today.