Withings ScanWatch Light test: our full review –

Withings unveils its new generation of connected watches. If the ScanWatch 2 is part of the evolutionary continuity of the first eponymous model, the manufacturer markets a more affordable version of its toquant, the ScanWatch Light. Offered at the price of €249.95 and equipped with the essential features of its big sister, will this lighter version, but cheaper by around a hundred euros, be able to convince?

Withings ScanWatch Light Technical sheet

The watch for this test was loaned by the manufacturer.

Withings ScanWatch Light Beautiful finishes for a discreet watch

Faithful to its previous generations of connected watches, Withings is once again unveiling a watch with sober lines whose design is the polar opposite of the competition. Similar in appearance to a non-connected watch, it is undoubtedly considered a hybrid watch. This is illustrated in particular by the presence of real hands and a classic dial, rather than a color touch screen. In this same vein, neither speakers nor microphone are present on the device.

Shaped in a round shape, the case, like the side crown, is made of stainless steel and topped with Gorilla glass, designed to protect the object against accidental impacts. Once on the wrist, the ScanWatch Light is quite discreet. This characteristic is mainly based on the dimensions of the watch, displayed at 37 mm. For comparison, the most complete version of the range, the ScanWatch 2 has two sizes to choose from (38 mm and 42 mm).

From an aesthetic point of view, Withings markets an object with beautiful finishes. The original strap, with a pin buckle, is made of a silicone-like material and fits easily on the wrist. Comfortable when wearing, its lightness works in concert with that of the dial, the latter weighing only 27.1 g.

Regarding this dial, let us point out that it exists in three colors to choose from when ordering: Sand, White and Black.

Since this ScanWatch Light reveals a rather classic design, Withings markets a range of interchangeable bracelets 17 mm wide, for increased personalization of the object. The latter, thirteen in number, are available in different colors and materials and attach to the dial using a horn-based attachment.

For optimal tracking throughout the day, the ScanWatch Light is waterproof to 5 ATM. This means that you can keep it in the shower, for washing dishes or for your swimming sessions. However, this watch is not designed for scuba diving.

Withings ScanWatch Light Small screen relevant to this model

Devoid of any tactile interaction, the 282 pixels per inch screen displayed by this striking model also plays the sobriety card. Using a 16-bit OLED display in shades of gray and taking the form of a small window at the top of the dial, this screen allows you to display the different measurements from the sensors integrated into the watch. The brightness is more than adequate and allows data to be read in all circumstances. Although the ScanWatch Light does not offer an always-on mode for its screen, it is nevertheless possible to choose whether or not to turn it on when you turn your wrist.

We appreciate the presence of a brightness sensor, responsible for adjusting this parameter automatically depending on the ambient lighting. Note, however, that to manually adjust this brightness, it will be necessary to use the Withings application: the settings accessible from the watch do not include this functionality.

Due to its small size, the screen offers very few customizations, thus excluding any additional dial. It will only be possible to modify the measurements displayed when browsing the menus on the watch. To do this, we use the side crown, representing the only button on the object. A navigation mode which is intended to be very close to that adopted by the Apple Watch. Furthermore, particularity of this model “ light » compared to the previous Withings ScanWatch and the ScanWatch 2: it does not include any second dial in the form of a complication allowing you to display your number of steps taken during the day.

Withings ScanWatch Light Tailored health programs and progression history

Besides receiving notifications from user-specified applications, the Withings ScanWatch Light does not allow you to install any applications. Neither speaker nor hands-free kit, this exciting device is the polar opposite of the high-tech features found on most connected watches currently on the market. There are few features other than those related to health, with the exception of silent alarms to wake you up to the vibrations of the watch in the morning.

The Withings companion application, available on Android and iOS, allows you to keep all the measurements recorded by the watch. We will visualize these on the graphs presented on the smartphone screen. Note the compatibility in data exchange with Apple Health, Strava, Google Health Connect and Google Fit.

The data consultation interface in the application is clean and pleasing to the eye. If the measurement history benefits from a beautiful clarity in its presentation, the real added value of the application lies in the numerous programs offered as part of the Withings+ premium subscription. The user selects his objectives and programs, which are personalized according to the measurements taken by the connected watch. This paid subscription is billed at €9.95 per month, after a free trial period.

Although optional, this premium offer provides essential features for any user interested in improving their overall health. Focused on getting the body back into shape, cardiovascular health as well as resuming daily activity, the programs offered consist of articles, exercises and cooking recipes. Subscribing to the Withings+ subscription allows you to be guided step by step in your progress. A helping hand generally appreciated by those who don’t know where to start to achieve their goal.

Withings ScanWatch Light Essential features present, but basic

Designed by Withings with a view to monitoring health in the broad sense, this watch integrates an accelerometer as well as a heart rate monitoring sensor. On the other hand, the watch does not include any GPS module and will use the measurements provided by the smartphone. It also does not offer an electrocardiogram or temperature sensor, unlike the ScanWatch 2. Based on algorithms and the sensors present in the device, the ScanWatch Light is able to offer the monitoring of different vectors: health heart, physical activity, sleep and menstrual cycles.

Cardiac function:

• Heart rate tracking day and night
• Reporting a frequency that is too high or too low
• Nightly monitoring of heart rate variation (activation of this feature is planned for the end of 2023)

Activity monitoring :

• Number of steps daily
• Total calories burned for the day
• Number of active minutes
• Visualization of heart rate zones during sports training

Sleep tracking:

• Sleep phase analysis
• Calculation of total sleep duration, taking into account nighttime awakenings
• Detection of respiratory disturbances
• Respiratory rate tracking (feature planned for end of 2023)

Menstrual cycle tracking:

• Menstrual cycle phase calendar
• Cycle duration
• Diary of menstrual symptoms and flow
• Journal of Menstruation-Induced Moods and Emotions
• Symptom and flow trends

Certain advanced measurement features are exclusive to the Light version’s big sister, the ScanWatch 2. Thus, unlike the ScanWatch 2, this watch that we received does not have a body temperature sensor and does not have an ECG function. and does not allow the calculation of VO2 max.

If the pedometer integrated into this watch seemed rather reliable in counting steps, we were disappointed by the reliability of the heart rate sensor. During our test, the watch did not record any data relating to this parameter during the first 100 seconds of the workout. Subsequently, if the device does indeed seem to very roughly follow the movement of the heart rate curve – measured using a Garmin HRM-Pro belt – it is not without lag. The difference in measurements widens significantly during accelerations and decelerations. Concerning the reliability of the heart rate sensor itself, the ScanWatch Light displays an average difference of -6.37% compared to our reference measurement. It’s a lot.

Withings ScanWatch Light Generous autonomy

The autonomy announced by the manufacturer is among the most autonomous connected watches on the market. If Withings announces autonomy of up to 30 days, we did not exceed 9 days during our test. The watch was nevertheless used in the context of normal, non-intensive use. This announced autonomy should be able to be achieved by deactivating certain energy-consuming parameters such as continuous heart rate monitoring, as well as sleep-related features. Placing this model in context and taking into account the performances obtained by the competition on this subject, the ScanWatch Light is doing very well, despite a real autonomy far from that announced by Withings.

On the subject of charging, a full charge only takes two hours, leaving the watch resting on its USB-C charging base. In terms of connectivity, the manufacturer has chosen minimalism: no Wi-Fi, the object only connects to the smartphone using Bluetooth Low Energy.

Withings ScanWatch Light Price and availability

The Withings ScanWatch Light is available at a price of 249.95 euros. It is available in a single format, but in different colors: black, sand or white.