After a Year-Long Delay, the Nokia Steel HR Hybrid Smartwatch is Now Available for Pre-Order - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

After a Year-Long Delay, the Nokia Steel HR Hybrid Smartwatch is Now Available for Pre-Order

by

Nokia has announced that its Steel HR hybrid smartwatch will ship in time for the holiday season, almost a year after it was supposed to launch under the Withings moniker.

The watch was first announced in September 2016, but its scheduled launch the following month never happened as Nokia began negotiating its takeover of Withings, which was eventually finalized in June.

Screen Shot 6
Shortly thereafter, Nokia relaunched several Withings products under the Nokia brand, including the Nokia GO and Nokia Steel watches, as well as Nokia BPM+ and Nokia Body+ connected devices.

The Steel HR finally joins the existing line-up and will be available in 36mm and 40mm case sizes. It features a simple and stylish analog watch face with unobtrusive digital meters for tracking heart rate and movement over the course of the day. In addition, the watch features automatic and learned activity tracking for over 10 activities, a comprehensive sleep monitor, and text, call and event alerts.

Nokia says it has also made some software improvements to the smartwatch since its Withings iteration, including an improved heart rate algorithm to ensure more accurate tracking. A design change has also been made that replaces the face with sapphire glass to guarantee up to 50 meter waterproofing.

The Steel HR syncs with the Nokia Health Mate iOS app, costs $179.99, and is available to pre-order from the Nokia website in either black or white.

Top Rated Comments

haruhiko Avatar
114 months ago
Withings has more brand value in my mind than Nokia. Nokia somehow is related to outdated, irrelevant, etc. in my mind.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ginkobiloba Avatar
114 months ago
There is definitely a market for hybrid watches ( traditional watches with added digital information and tracking features ). Some people don’t need the full capabilities of an Apple Watch ( or Android based), and like the classical look of a mechanical watch.
Unlike computers and phones, a watch is still seen more of a jewelry or fashion accessory than a computing device.

In addition to my Apple Watch, I’m considering getting either this Nokia or the Boss hybrid smartwatch https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/hugo-boss-smart-classic-review
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
114 months ago
I think there is still a small market for it. Some people still think the Apple Watch looks pretty goofy.
I think there is a market for people who like to have a watch that looks like a watch. I personally feel that the Apple Watch is too "intrusive" just like other Android smart watches. I just don't want a smartphone or a computer on my wrist. But this enhanced watch strikes the right balance.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
honglong1976 Avatar
114 months ago
There are some changes on this model though :)

According to nokia health twitter account :

The Nokia Steel HR has Sapphire glass on the heart rate sensor for improved heart rate accuracy, improved heart rate algorithm, and a redesigned charger that boasts a more intuitive form factor and a stronger magnet for ease of use.

I think i'll be buying this watch as it represents the perfect balance between a tracker and a smartwatch. not too intrusive while being useful. All of this with a reasonable price point.
I give it 6 months before they go bust!

It was dead if it was released earlier. Before xmas with the Apple Watch juggernaut, will ensure it will be super dead!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
114 months ago
Not sure why Nokia are announcing this as a new watch. I've had it for a year under the Withings brand.

I'd fully recommend it to anyone as it's a smart watch that is actually smart, doesn't break the bank and lasts around a month before needing a recharge. They're replacing all Withings watches with Nokia versions as there was a condensation issue with most the Withings versions.
There are some changes on this model though :)

According to nokia health twitter account :

The Nokia Steel HR has Sapphire glass on the heart rate sensor for improved heart rate accuracy, improved heart rate algorithm, and a redesigned charger that boasts a more intuitive form factor and a stronger magnet for ease of use.

I think i'll be buying this watch as it represents the perfect balance between a tracker and a smartwatch. not too intrusive while being useful. All of this with a reasonable price point.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thisisnotmyname Avatar
114 months ago
I have several WiThings/Nokia health products but this doesn't interest or excite me at all. Too little too late with the Apple Watch dominating this space now.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Working on All-New Operating System

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:39 am PDT by
Apple is developing an all-new operating system that is essentially a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the operating system will feature a grid of icons, widgets, and apps, along with customizable clock faces. The new software platform is intended for Apple's long-rumored smart home hub. With built-in facial recognition,...
imac video apple feature

Apple Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever This Year

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:03 pm PDT by
Apple this year acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019. Q.ai...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Twelve Changes Coming to Apple's Next Flagship

Thursday July 30, 2026 3:43 am PDT by
We're less than two months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a dramatic change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year,...

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors