Withings ScanWatch 2 review: a closer look at elegance & efficiency

Withings Scanwatch 2

8

Design

8.5/10

Ease of use

7.5/10

Use of information

8.0/10

Value for money

8.0/10

Pros

• Beautiful design, quality materials
• Lighter than 1st gen
• Comprehensive health monitoring
• Tracks temperature
• Long battery life

Cons

• Connected GPS rather than built-in GPS
• Heart rate inaccuracy during high intensity exercise
• HRV & some other features not enabled yet
• Smartphone app design issues

Withings

The Withings ScanWatch 2, as a successor to the original ScanWatch, emerges as an updated iteration of one of the most feature-rich hybrid timepieces out there. In this review I look at the changes and enhancements that define this second-generation model, setting it apart from its predecessor.

The original ScanWatch made a significant impact by successfully combining medical-grade health monitoring with a classic watch design. The ScanWatch 2, while continuing this legacy, goes a step further. It not only maintains the aesthetic elegance that appeals to traditional watch lovers but also introduces new features such as temperature monitoring, a notable addition in today’s health-conscious post-COVID world.

ScanWatch 2 along with Scanwatch Light can be purchased on the Withings website. They can also be picked up on Amazon (ScanWatch 2; ScanWatch Light).

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Withings ScanWatch 2 review: Design, hardware

Look & feel

Like its predecessor, the ScanWatch 2 skilfully masquerades as a conventional watch, complete with real hands, yet it houses advanced health features beneath its classic facade. Available in 38mm and 42mm sizes, it caters to various wrist sizes without sacrificing style or comfort. My experience with the 42mm model, despite having relatively smaller wrists, was notably comfortable, confirming that I found it to be a good fit.

If you’ve handled the first generation device, right out of the box you’ll notice a difference with the second generation. Compared to its predecessor, the ScanWatch 2 comes with a lighter design. The 42mm model, at 52.6 grams, and the marginally lighter 38mm variant, strike a much better balance between a substantial feel and wearability. This design improvement offers a stable fit during movement which is a notable improvement, particularly for those engaged in vigorous activities. This was one of my gripes with the first generation device.

Mind you, you still get the same high-quality build and aesthetic as before. Many people would agree, this is one of the most beautiful smart timepieces out there.

Improvement in screen, rotating crown

The watch face is a key element of its design. The large dials display time in a traditional manner while a small sub-dial located beneath the OLED screen provides a novel way to track your daily step goal. For instance, if you are aiming for 10,000 steps, the sub-dial’s progress is an intuitive and visually pleasing way to track your activity, adding a functional yet stylish aspect to the watch face.

The OLED display is the only clue this is not a conventional watch. It is now slightly larger than in the first generation, enhancing readability. Measuring 16 mm in diameter with a 282 PPI resolution, it provides clear visuals for health metrics. However, those who rely on reading glasses might find the small font a bit challenging to read without them. But that goes with the territory.

The glass on top of the display has a glossy finish that reflects light, which could be distracting for some people. However, I didn’t find it overly bothersome.

The rotating crown, a clever design element, serves dual purposes: it’s both a button and a gesture control for the OLED screen, enhancing the user experience with its intuitive design. Press the crown to wake up the display or switch on the turn to wake wrist option. Rotating the crown cycles through time, heart rate, temperature, steps, distance, floors, workout, ECG, SpO2, guided breathing exercises and settings by default.

This is a health watch, not a smartwatch

The absence of app support, apps, payments, calls, and music controls points to the focused design ethos of ScanWatch 2: health tracking over smartwatch versatility. So its not competing with the likes of the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy watches. Also, there is no notification memory. The device just relays your phone notifications as they arrive, scrolls it 3 times. Using the button you can scroll the message back and forth while it’s displayed. But after that the message is gone from the watch.

In terms of durability and resilience, the ScanWatch 2 is equipped with sapphire glass, known for its scratch resistance, ensuring the display remains unscathed from daily wear and tear. The watch’s water resistance, rated at 5 ATM, further adds to its versatility, making it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. You can wear the device 24/7 worry free.

To sum up, the Scanwatch 2 is attractive and well-made, with a design that’s both subtle and strong. It feels like it’s built to last. For women and those with small wrists, I would suggest opting for the 38mm edition. The larger iteration might feel a bit too bulky for their liking.

Under the Hood

The ScanWatch 2 is equipped with an array of sophisticated sensors and features that set it apart from its predecessor. At its core, the timepiece houses a third-generation multi-wavelength PPG sensor, which offers enhanced accuracy in tracking heart rate and other vital health metrics. This is complemented by the TempTech24/7 module, a new addition that continuously monitors body temperature, providing additional data for overall health assessment.

Another upgrade is the PowerSens (Gen 3) technology, which improves the efficiency and accuracy of the device’s health monitoring capabilities. The high dynamic range accelerometer is there to track physical activities, while the altimeter adds an extra dimension to fitness tracking by measuring elevation changes during activities like hiking or stair climbing.

In terms of memory, the ScanWatch 2 can store up to 7 days of health data directly on the watch. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to track their health trends over a week without needing to sync with a smartphone constantly.

Impressive battery life

What stands out about the ScanWatch 2 is its remarkable battery life. The device can operate for up to 30 days on a single charge, significantly reducing the inconvenience of frequent charging. This extended battery life is a testament to the watch’s efficient power management system and is integral to its design, requiring minimal interaction from the user.

The charging mechanism, however, is somewhat unusual and may require time to get accustomed to. The watch rests in a plastic clip-type gadget, which connects to a USB outlet via an extension cord. The charging duration is quite reasonable, taking only about two hours to fully charge from zero.

In my experience, I did witness the ScanWatch 2’s battery longevity, though I cannot confirm the month-long battery life claim. After approximately 10 days, the battery level would drop to around 60%. A brief half-hour charge would nearly restore it to full capacity. I experimented with various health settings, activating all available functionalities, which inevitably reduced the maximum battery life of a month.

Comparison: Withings ScanWatch 2 vs ScanWatch Light vs ScanWatch 1

Compared to the first-generation, the ScanWatch 2 introduces several new features, including the upgraded sensors and the temperature monitoring module. These enhancements make the second generation not just a step up in terms of design but also in functionality and health tracking precision.

Worth a mention is ScanWatch Light, another variant in the 2023 series. The 37mm device offers a different experience with its slimmer 9.85 mm profile and lighter weight of 27.1 grams. It opts for Gorilla Glass instead of sapphire, providing a more casual look while still maintaining durability. The color options for the ScanWatch Light, including Sand, Blue, Green, Pearl White, and Black, offer a playful and diverse palette compared to the more classic tones of the ScanWatch 2. This edition is cheaper, but it also comes with stripped back functionality. The device uses a 2nd PPG sensor rather than 3rd and does not include the TempTech24/7 module for temperature monitoring.

Tech specs table

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main specs.

Withings ScanWatch 2 review: Features

This is a primary a health watch

ScanWatch 2 is primarily a hybrid health watch, and it serves this function exceptionally well. However, it should not be mistaken for a sports watch, like those offered by Garmin, as that is not its intended purpose.

The device boasts some of the most advanced health tracking features out there. These include heart rate monitoring, detection of breathing disturbances, blood oxygen level measurement, and around-the-clock temperature tracking. Additionally, it offers high and low heart rate alert notifications and an electrocardiogram monitor with FDA-approved atrial fibrillation detection. Impressively, it achieves all this without resembling a typical smartwatch.

These features are tracked automatically, with the exception of the ECG. But taking an ECG reading is straightforward: activate the ECG app on the watch and place your other hand on the face of the device. Within 30 seconds, you’ll receive a readout, which includes an assessment for irregular heartbeats. For more details and the option to play back the ECG recording, you can refer to the Withings Health Mate app.

Blood oxygen saturation is monitored continuously, but there is also the option for a manual reading, similar to the ECG procedure.

Regarding temperature tracking, it operates similarly to Fitbit’s approach. The watch calculates your baseline temperature and then shows deviations from this norm. The latest readout is viewable on the watch, while the app provides a longer-term trend. A unique feature is the temperature tracking during workouts, categorized into different sections, which can be particularly useful for training in warm conditions.

Overall, the temperature monitoring feature functions effectively. However, I believe it is currently underutilized. The insights provided are minimal, leaving users uncertain about how to interpret the data. Nonetheless, such features could be invaluable for early detection of health issues, such as the onset of illness.

HRV and respiratory rate is in the works

Additional health features for the ScanWatch 2 are expected to arrive soon through a firmware update. These include heart rate variability tracking during sleep and respiratory rate monitoring. I plan to update this review once these features are available.

Of course, the device also offers essential functions, such as 24/7 activity tracking, very detailed sleep tracking with easy-to-understand sleep scores, and monitoring of floors climbed, all executed proficiently. The automatic activity recognition is another feature I appreciate. However, I’ve noticed that the step count is slightly lower than what other devices report, typically by about 5-10%.

For most users, this is a device that can be worn on the wrist with minimal interaction required. You can check your status directly on the watch or use the smartphone app for more detailed insights. These are definite positives, and there’s a lot to appreciate about the device.

On the downside, the recent redesign of the iOS and Android apps has resulted in a somewhat bloated and less responsive interface. Additionally, there are minor annoyances, such as overly large notifications at the top of the app display. There’s also the option of a $10 per month premium subscription, which offers a Health Improvement Score, additional health data, Daily Missions, and deeper insights. However, these features are not essential, and you get plenty as it is.

Side-by-side comparison of features

Here’s an overview of the health features that can be found on ScanWatch 2, Light and the first generation hybrid watch. 

Sports tracking could be improved – a fix is in the works

While health and general fitness tracking is a highlight of the device, sports tracking lags behind. For starters, you do not get built-in satellite connectivity. Rather, the device has Connected GPS. Which means you need to have your phone with you in order to get detailed maps and stats of your workouts. This generally works well and I like the fact that you can still start and stop exercise from the watch itself and it will still connect to the smartphone GPS. Just make sure to give the app the necessary permissions to access your smartphone’s signal. The other option is to start the exercise from the smartphone app.

Where I did have difficulty, though, is in getting consistently accurate heart rate readings during running. They would generally be too high. I suspect that this is largely due to my small wrists. As mentioned, the watch is lighter than the first generation device so it doesn’t move on the wrist when your are engaged in high intensity activity. Which should, in theory, improve its readings. Regardless, the heart rate readings would be off.

Resolution forthcoming?

Withings has acknowledged that there is an issue for some people. So hopefully a fix is in the works. A person has posted on Reddit a reply he received when he raised the issue with Withings Support.

“…the algorithm for heart rate measurements we have in place works well for most of our users, factors such as individual skin properties or certain types of movements may cause the heart rate measurements to be inaccurate.

Our development team is working to improve the heart rate algorithm used by the watch so that heart rate detection can improve as future firmware updates are released.”

So it’s good to know they are working on a fix. Actually, this would be resolved if there was the ability to connect ScanWatch 2 to external heart rate chest straps. But you don’t have this option. To be fair, the watch works perfectly well for heart rate at all other times. So resting heart rate and average heart rate during the day are absolutely fine. As are the other stats.

Also worth a mention is that the timepiece spits out VO2 Max readings. I found these fitness level estimates to be pretty much in line with the information I receive from the Garmin on my other wrist. So that’s another item for the plus column.

Withings ScanWatch 2 review: The bottom line

The Withings ScanWatch 2 presents itself as an elegant evolution of its predecessor. It masterfully combines the timeless look of a traditional watch, complete with physical hands, and a discreet screen, with the capabilities of contemporary health monitoring technology. A notable enhancement in this second-generation model is the addition of a temperature sensor, particularly relevant in today’s health-aware, post-COVID world.

In design and usability, the ScanWatch 2 upholds the high-quality build of its predecessor but with a lighter, more comfortable form. The larger OLED display is a welcome improvement. The rotating crown is still there, providing an intuitive way to navigate the watch’s functions. All of this is coupled with impressive battery life which further enhances its appeal.

The device stands out in health and fitness tracking, equipped with advanced tech such as the 3rd gen PPG sensor, ECG and the TempTech24/7 module. However, it’s important to note that for intensive sports tracking, it may not match the performance of dedicated sports watches. This device is ideally suited for those who prefer a classic watch appearance over high-tech designs and prioritize health monitoring features.

All things considered, the Withings ScanWatch 2 is a well-crafted, feature-rich hybrid smartwatch that successfully marries the elegance of traditional watch design with the practicality of modern health technology. It’s an excellent choice for the health-conscious who prefer to minimise their screen-time.

Additionally, there’s the more compact ScanWatch Light, priced at $250. It omits features like the ECG, blood oxygen and temperature monitoring, but is available at a $100 lower cost.

Both devices can be purchased on the Withings website. They can also be picked up on Amazon (ScanWatch 2; ScanWatch Light).

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