Compare Withings ScanWatch Nova vs Apple Watch Ultra 2

Reviewers generally found automatic activity detection useful, especially for walking, cycling, and everyday movement, though a few false detections show it is not flawless.

Automatic activity support appears around brisk-walk logging, running-track recognition, and contextual auto-marking, though reviewers do not dwell on broad workout auto-detection.

The Withings ecosystem is a major strength when paired with the app and other Withings health devices, with integrations into major phone health platforms.

The app ecosystem is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers praising Apple’s native and third-party app depth over competing watch platforms.

Band quality is mostly praised for included metal and fluoroelastomer options, but sizing and micro-adjustment complaints keep it from being universally positive.

Band impressions are mostly positive, especially for comfort and material quality, though one reviewer found the Alpine Loop slow to dry after sweat or water.

Battery life is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly reporting weeks of use and far less charging anxiety than standard smartwatches.

Battery life is excellent for an Apple Watch, often lasting two to three days, but dedicated GPS watches still make it look short for endurance use.

Blood oxygen tracking is consistently treated as a useful core health feature, usually easy to trigger and presented clearly in the app.

Blood oxygen coverage is mixed in the review set because some reviews mention the feature’s patent-related absence, while the updated PCMag review says monitoring was restored.

Bluetooth is only lightly discussed, with one review tying workout drain to an extended phone connection rather than offering broad praise or criticism.

Bluetooth support is strong for cycling accessories, especially power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors, with reviewers treating it as a useful sports upgrade.

Brightness is generally adequate thanks to automatic adjustment, though direct-sun visibility and reflections can still be an issue depending on the model.

Brightness is a major consensus strength, with repeated praise for the 3,000-nit display and flashlight improvement.

Build quality is repeatedly described as premium, watch-like, and appropriate for the price, especially because of the case, bezel, glass, and finishing.

Reviewers consistently describe the build as premium, rugged, and performance-oriented, with titanium, sapphire, and protected controls adding confidence.

The crown-based control system is simple and often intuitive, but one reviewer found the crown placement awkward because it presses toward the arm.

Button controls are a practical Ultra advantage, especially the Action Button and gloved-use crown, though one long-term reviewer admits the Action Button never became a habit.

Call handling is basic: callers can be shown or alerted by vibration, but the watch does not replace phone-based call interaction.

Call handling gets direct praise for clear and sufficiently loud audio, helped by the Ultra line’s microphone and speaker hardware.

Calorie tracking receives limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer finding estimated calories more accurate than a previous Fitbit experience.

Calorie tracking is framed through Apple’s activity rings and standard fitness metrics rather than as a lab-tested calorie measurement system.

Charging convenience is mixed: the long battery life reduces how often charging matters, but several reviewers disliked the proprietary or cheap-feeling charger.

Charging is convenient through familiar magnetic charging and occasional iPhone-powered charging, though reviewers still need to charge more often than with sports watches.

Charging speed is acceptable rather than exceptional, usually around two hours, with one reviewer reporting a faster recharge in real use.

Charging speed is acceptable, commonly around 0-80% in about an hour and full in roughly 90 minutes, but slower than the faster-charging Series 10.

Coaching is mostly app- and subscription-driven, with health scores, VO2 max context, and wellness programs providing guidance rather than deep on-watch coaching.

Coaching improved with Training Load and effort context, but several reviewers still find Apple’s coaching and analysis shallower than Garmin, Whoop, or similar platforms.

Comfort is widely positive, helped by lighter models, silicone strap options, and all-day wearability, although the metal band can feel heavy for some.

Comfort is context-dependent: some reviewers find the Ultra 2 comfortable all day, while others note size, tugging, or crown irritation on smaller wrists.

The companion app is a standout, repeatedly praised for clear presentation, useful explanations, seamless syncing, and dashboard-style health tracking.

Companion app quality is strong, with reviewers praising Apple Watch, Health, and Fitness app integration and easy configuration from the iPhone.

Contactless payments are explicitly absent, reinforcing that this is not a full-featured smartwatch.

Contactless payments are a reliable smartwatch strength, with Apple Pay repeatedly cited as part of the platform’s everyday convenience.

Cross-platform support is strong, with Android and iOS compatibility plus Apple Health, Google Health Connect, and Google Fit integrations mentioned.

Cross-platform compatibility is poor because the Ultra 2 requires an iPhone and does not work with Android phones.

Customization is practical rather than deep, covering notification permissions, menu order, workout order, OLED functions, goals, and strap choices.

Customization is strong across watch faces, complications, utility slots, action button choices, and app-driven personalization.

Display quality is mixed-positive: the small OLED is sharp and legible, but its tiny monochrome format limits detail and smartwatch interaction.

Display quality is one of the best-reviewed attributes, with multiple reviewers calling it among the best smartwatch screens they have tested.

Durability is supported by premium glass, water resistance, and real-world comments about the watch staying pristine through travel and use.

Durability is a major strength, supported by titanium, sapphire, MIL-STD testing, and reviewers’ reports of wear resistance.

ECG functionality is one of the strongest health features, with repeated praise for on-demand readings, medical framing, and AFib-related capabilities.

ECG functionality is well supported and repeatedly mentioned as part of the Ultra 2’s robust health suite, including Afib-related features.

Fit depends heavily on the band: some reviewers achieved an easy, secure fit, while others struggled with bracelet sizing or looseness affecting tracking.

Fit is mixed: the rectangular case can feel secure, but the single 49mm size can be challenging for smaller wrists.

Fitness tracking accuracy is good for casual use and workouts, but reviewers consistently caution that the Nova is not aimed at serious athletes.

Fitness tracking accuracy is excellent overall, with reviewers praising GPS, heart-rate, and overall workout tracking accuracy against reference devices.

GPS is a recurring weakness because the watch lacks built-in GPS, relying instead on connected phone GPS that limits phone-free workouts.

GPS accuracy is consistently strong, with dual-frequency/multiband tracking matching or approaching Garmin-class performance in several tests.

Health tracking accuracy is broadly praised, with reviewers comparing favorably against other devices and highlighting accurate sensor results.

Health tracking accuracy is viewed positively for sleep apnea, ECG-adjacent accuracy, and broad health tracking, though some insights still need manual interpretation.

Heart rate accuracy earns strong marks in the reviews, including direct comparisons to other devices and even a chest strap.

Heart-rate accuracy is one of the strongest measured areas, with reviewers reporting close agreement with chest straps and armband monitors.

LTE is a core feature because cellular support comes standard, enabling calls, streaming, and messaging away from the iPhone when a plan is active.

Mapping and navigation are useful but frequently caveated: Compass, waypoints, routes, and maps help, yet native GPX and phone-free offline mapping gaps remain.

Materials quality is consistently premium in the evidence, with stainless steel cases, sapphire glass, ceramic bezels, and polished finishing repeatedly cited.

Materials quality is high, with recycled titanium, sapphire protection, and premium band hardware recurring across reviews.

Menu navigation is simple and crown-driven, generally praised as intuitive despite the tiny display.

Menu navigation is helped by the crown, complications, Modular Ultra, and Smart Stack, which reviewers generally find useful for quick glanceable information.

Music controls are explicitly missing, making the Nova a poor fit for users who want watch-based media control.

Music controls work well through Double Tap and the Music app, with speaker playback and wrist controls adding everyday convenience.

Onboard storage is improved to 64GB, giving reviewers more confidence for offline music, podcasts, apps, and media downloads.

The operating system experience is polished, especially with watchOS 10 and 11 updates adding new watch faces, cycling features, Smart Stack, and Ultra features.

Outdoor visibility varies by reviewer and model, with sunlight readability praised in one review but reflections and direct sun criticized in others.

Outdoor visibility is excellent, with several reviewers reporting no trouble reading the screen in sunlight or bright reflective conditions.

Pairing and sync reliability are generally strong, with setup and app syncing described as simple or seamless.

Pairing evidence is limited but positive, with one setup transcript saying the familiar Apple pairing flow completed cleanly.

Recovery insights are weak or future-facing in the evidence, with one review noting recovery-related features were expected later rather than present.

Recovery insights are a recurring weakness; reviewers repeatedly say Apple lacks Garmin/Whoop-style recovery, readiness, and performance analysis.

Reliability is mostly good for daily wear and forget-it use, but connection loss and false activity detection appear as caveats.

Reliability is broadly positive in long-term and battery-use impressions, with reviewers describing stable every-other-day charging and dependable use.

Safety features center on heart-health alerts, AFib detection, ECG, and illness-related temperature signals, making this a strong health-first wearable.

Safety features are a standout Ultra trait, including siren, SOS, fall and crash detection, Backtrack, cellular waypoints, and emergency guidance.

Size options are limited on the regular Nova but improved by the smaller Brilliant model, so the evidence is mixed by variant.

Size options are a clear limitation because the Ultra 2 comes only in a large 49mm case.

Sleep tracking is useful and often accurate enough for trends, but reviewers report missed split sleep, rosy or anxiety-provoking analysis, and limited sleep-stage detail.

Sleep tracking is generally accurate but simpler than rival platforms; newer sleep apnea detection adds more health value.

Notifications are basic and polarizing: they can alert users, but the small display and lack of replies make them limited.

Smartphone notifications are handled well, with reviewers praising rich notifications, texting, and responsive notification handling within the Apple ecosystem.

Smartwatch features are intentionally minimal, with reviewers repeatedly framing the Nova as a health-first hybrid rather than a phone-on-wrist device.

Smartwatch features are outstanding overall, with reviewers treating the Ultra 2 as Apple’s most full-featured wearable and a top true smartwatch.

Software smoothness is strong around app syncing, although some activity/map issues suggest the software is not perfect.

Software smoothness is strong, with reviewers describing zippy, quick, responsive, and buttery-smooth operation.

Step counting is one of the more reliable daily metrics, with reviewers praising the subdial and accurate step results.

Style and design are the most consistent praise point, with reviewers emphasizing the luxury analog look and traditional-watch appeal.

Style and design are praised for the premium rugged look, especially the black titanium version, though the large look is not for everyone.

Third-party app support is a clear limitation, with direct evidence that users wanting such access should look elsewhere.

Third-party app support is excellent through the watchOS App Store and helps fill gaps in navigation, fitness, and everyday smartwatch use.

Touchscreen responsiveness scores low because the watch has no touchscreen; all interaction is crown-based.

Touchscreen responsiveness is excellent on land, with reviewers praising taps and swipes, though touch does not work underwater.

The user interface is intentionally minimalist: reviewers like its simplicity, but the small display makes notifications and richer interactions constrained.

The user interface is generally easy and polished, especially for iPhone users, Smart Stack, and redesigned watchOS apps.

Value for money is mixed: reviewers admire the quality and health features but repeatedly flag the high price and subscription angle.

Value is mixed: the Ultra 2 can justify its price for users who exploit its rugged, cellular, and battery advantages, but reviewers repeatedly note cheaper or more specialized alternatives.

Voice assistant quality improved with on-device Siri, faster commands, better dictation, and less cloud dependence, though a few minor voice quirks remain.

Watch face quality is positive overall, with analog hands, glow-in-the-dark indexes, subdial, and hidden display giving it a real-watch identity.

Watch face quality is strong, especially Modular Ultra and complication-rich layouts designed for the large screen.

Water resistance is a strength, especially on the 10 ATM standard Nova, though Brilliant models are rated lower at 5 ATM.

Water resistance is a major strength, with 100m/WR100 ratings, diving support, and better water credentials than standard Apple Watches.

Wellness insights are strong in the app, especially for health scores, trends, ECG review, dashboards, and actionable explanations.

Wellness insights are broad but uneven: Vitals, Health data, and trends help, but reviewers often want more interpretation and readiness-style guidance.

Wi-Fi is present as part of the core connectivity package, though reviews discuss it mostly as availability rather than as a tested performance differentiator.

Workout tracking variety ranges from limited basic modes in some reviews to more than 40 sports in others, so it is useful but not elite.

Workout tracking variety is strong across running, cycling, hiking, swimming, diving, strength training, structured workouts, and third-party sport apps.