Smartwatches still have a long way to go as a category and taking a more hybrid approach is the right way forward when it comes to mass adoption. As such, Withings is leading the charge when it comes to a device untethered to any one ecosystem (like Apple and Samsung). This puts the ScanWatch 2 in a very good position to showcase the profound importance of owning one of these devices in a more health-conscious and proactive world.
Health isn’t reactive anymore thanks to technology. And that’s an important point to think about. We’re now more aware of the importance of tracking and managing our health to keep us in check and avoid anything getting out of control.
Going to your doctor and getting a check is often reactive. It shouldn’t be. There are numerous studies that show one of the biggest predictors of longevity is how often people get health check ups (should be every six months). If a stylish hybrid smartwatch can help push people towards doctors at the exact right time, that’s going to have benefits both an individual and a societal level.
I know, I know. I’m being a bit dramatic and placing too much importance on modern technology, but this is one category where I feel like it’s important to take steps forward and really refine the way we monitor our health. It’s important for young people who typically buy watches like this for their parents, it’s important for anyone with immediate health concerns, and it’s important for those looking for kick some health goals this year.
Does the ScanWatch 2 live up to that? Mostly yes. While Apple continues to refine the market, Withings continues to offer a brilliant alternative that’s more suited for those who want simple insights, no less credited to the importance the brand places on simple aesthetics and ease-of-use.
Design
Withings likes to keep it classy and sophisticated. While the Apple Watch has certainly established its identity as unquestionably future-forward, Withings opts for a more classic aesthetic that’s closer to the analogue wristwatches people prefer to have sitting pretty on their wrist. The wrist presence, as they say, is strong.
I tested the 42mm version with reasonably sized beveled lugs and a single rotating crown which functions as the button to control the OLED screen. The one compromise here is the size of the OLED screen. It’s small but sharp, chasing you to the companion app which adds another step and get be annoying at times if you want larger text. Yes, there’s thankfully raise-to-wake which works efficiently, but in my time with the watch, I found myself pulling out my phone more just because I like larger lettering.
Withings has used sapphire glass and stainless steel which feels incredibly lightweight and comfortable, which should be easier to get used to for those who are switching from a traditional watch. They’ve also managed a 5ATM water resistance so you don’t have to worry too much about this while swimming in shallow water.
You can use the crown to bring up time, date, heart rate, steps, skin temperature (the big new sensor), and readings like ECG and Sp02. Of course, you can also toggle the settings here but again I found it’s much easier to do it via the very intuitive app.
The biggest issue I have with the size of the screen is reading text. When I read a text on my Apple Watch, it’s simple and can fit more words in. I have to scroll more if I get a longer text with the ScanWatch 2, which takes longer to read. Every second counts here as most people read texts on their smartwatch when they’re on the move.
Performance
Apple is still better balanced between health tracking and smart features. The ScanWatch 2 is best thought of as a comprehensive health tracker. This won’t replace your phone. There’s no support for third party apps, you can’t use your wrist to pay or make calls, and there aren’t even any music controls. However, Withings doesn’t claim these things and what it offers is just a really nice health tracker instead.
The TempTech24/7 sensor is the new headline feature of the Withings ScanWatch 2. It tracks your baseline body temperature, learns it, and then uses an algorithm to alert you to any significant spikes. This is great and has many uses, the most obvious one being to alert you to any illnesses so you can pay more attention to how you’re feeling. Although there are also other benefits.
It helps make sleep tracking more efficient, so in addition to measuring how you breathe and your sleep quality, the watch can also consider how often you stray from your baseline temperature. You can present these results to your doctor which will assist them in any check up.
Atrial fibrillation detection is a big one for anyone overly concerned about their hearth health and this is complemented by measurements in blood oxygen levels.
Sports tracking work brilliantly. Not that I’ve been very active lately, but the ScanWatch 2 is calibrated to track just under 50 different activities. Given the single button and the size of the screen, it just takes a longer time to actually set up and start tracking activities than it would with the latest Apple Watch. I used it to track running but the absence of a GPS means I needed to take my phone out for my jog, which makes it less likely Garmin or Suunto users would make the switch.
The battery is rated and tested for 30 hours which is behind some competitors but still decent enough. You’d just need to remember to keep this charged up every night.
Verdict & Value
The ScanWatch 2 is the best health tracker I’ve played with to date. At least for those who want to keep it simple. For anyone who wants app support and more smart features, Withings hasn’t yet caught up to the competition. But for those who just want a nice, elegant watch that helps them monitor their health, sleep and fitness, there’s really nothing better on the market.
The insight of the ScanWatch 2 might not get at something deeper, and you’ll have to use your phone more often than you’d like, but as long as you’re happy with the compromises, I don’t see anyone being disappointed by this purchase.
When you consider how helpeful the technology is, the ScanWatch 2 is undervalued. Not only is this the best product Withings has put out to date, but $600 is a small price to pay to not only keep you alert, but to keep you thinking about how you can take proactive steps to improve you health which will have both physiological and psychological benefits.
I’m starting to hate a lot of technology, especially social media. This is one category I’m actually excited about, and it helps that Withings has made it accessible for a wider variety of people by making the ScanWatch 2 incredibly easy and uncomplicated.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Very classic look; lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear; simplifies the health tracking process; can now track temperature.
Lowlights: No smart features; no GPS; texts are too annoying to read on the small screen.
Price: $599
Review unit supplied by Withings.
