What To Know
- The Jawbone UP4 boasts a minimalist design with a sleek, black band and a small, unobtrusive sensor.
- The UP4 excels in comfort and discreetness, while the Withings Steel offers a more stylish and versatile aesthetic.
- The Steel is a good choice for basic sleep tracking, but it lacks the depth of the UP4’s sleep insights.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the market are the Jawbone UP4 and the **Withings Steel**. Both devices offer a sleek design and comprehensive tracking features, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This detailed comparison will help you decide which fitness tracker aligns best with your fitness goals and lifestyle.
Design and Comfort: Sleek vs. Classic
The Jawbone UP4 boasts a minimalist design with a sleek, black band and a small, unobtrusive sensor. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during sleep. The band is made of a soft, flexible material that feels comfortable against the skin.
The Withings Steel takes a more classic approach, resembling a traditional wristwatch. It features a stylish stainless steel case and a variety of band options, including leather, metal, and silicone. While it’s slightly bulkier than the UP4, it’s still comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Verdict: The UP4 excels in comfort and discreetness, while the Withings Steel offers a more stylish and versatile aesthetic. The choice depends on your personal preference for design and your priority for comfort or style.
Activity Tracking: Comprehensive vs. Focused
Both trackers offer robust activity tracking capabilities, but they differ in their approach. The Jawbone UP4 tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. It also provides sleep tracking, including sleep duration, quality, and wake-up times. The UP4’s strength lies in its comprehensive data collection, offering a detailed picture of your overall activity levels and sleep patterns.
The Withings Steel focuses on tracking steps, distance, and calories burned. It also monitors sleep duration and quality, but it lacks the detailed sleep insights of the UP4. However, the Steel compensates with its automatic activity detection, which can accurately identify different types of activities, such as walking, running, and swimming.
Verdict: The UP4 provides a more comprehensive tracking experience, while the Withings Steel offers focused tracking with automatic activity detection. Choose the UP4 for detailed insights, or the Steel for simplified tracking with automatic activity recognition.
Sleep Tracking: Detailed Insights vs. Basic Monitoring
The Jawbone UP4 stands out in its sleep tracking capabilities. It utilizes advanced sensors to monitor sleep stages (light, deep, REM), providing detailed insights into your sleep quality. You can also set smart alarms that wake you up during your lightest sleep phase for a more refreshed morning.
The Withings Steel offers basic sleep tracking, monitoring sleep duration and quality. It doesn’t provide detailed sleep stage information or smart alarms. While it’s sufficient for basic sleep monitoring, it lacks the advanced features of the UP4.
Verdict: If you’re serious about improving your sleep quality and understanding your sleep patterns, the UP4 is the clear winner. The Steel is a good choice for basic sleep tracking, but it lacks the depth of the UP4’s sleep insights.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting vs. Frequent Charging
The Withings Steel boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 8 months on a single charge. This makes it a convenient choice for travellers and those who don’t want to constantly worry about charging their device.
The Jawbone UP4, on the other hand, has a shorter battery life of about 7 days. While this is still manageable, it requires more frequent charging compared to the Steel.
Verdict: The Steel’s long battery life is a significant advantage, especially for those who prefer less frequent charging. The UP4’s shorter battery life might be a drawback for some, but it’s still acceptable for most users.
Water Resistance: Splash-Proof vs. Swim-Ready
The Jawbone UP4 is splash-proof, meaning it can withstand light rain or accidental splashes. However, it’s not recommended for swimming or showering.
The Withings Steel is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering. This feature is particularly valuable for those who engage in water-based activities or want to wear their tracker throughout the day.
Verdict: The Withings Steel‘s water resistance is a significant advantage for those who lead active lifestyles involving water. The UP4’s splash-proof rating is sufficient for everyday use but not ideal for water-based activities.
Connectivity and App: Comprehensive vs. Simple
The Jawbone UP4 connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and utilizes the UP app for data visualization and insights. The app offers a comprehensive dashboard with detailed activity and sleep data, personalized recommendations, and social sharing features.
The Withings Steel also connects via Bluetooth and utilizes the Health Mate app. The app provides a clean and intuitive interface, displaying your activity and sleep data in a straightforward manner. It also offers basic insights and integration with other health apps.
Verdict: The UP4’s app provides a more comprehensive and personalized experience with detailed data, insights, and social features. The Steel’s app is simpler and more focused on basic data visualization. Choose the UP4 for a more robust app experience, or the Steel for a streamlined and straightforward app.
Price: Affordable vs. Premium
The Withings Steel is generally more affordable than the **Jawbone UP4**. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
The Jawbone UP4 is priced at a premium, reflecting its advanced features and comprehensive tracking capabilities. While it’s more expensive, it offers a higher level of detail and insights.
Verdict: The Withings Steel is the more affordable option, while the Jawbone UP4 offers premium features at a higher price point. Choose the Steel for a budget-friendly choice, or the UP4 for a premium tracking experience.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Fitness Tracker
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Jawbone UP4 if you:
- Desire a comfortable and discreet design.
- Prioritize detailed activity and sleep tracking.
- Value comprehensive insights and personalized recommendations.
- Are willing to pay a premium for advanced features.
Choose the Withings Steel if you:
- Prefer a classic and stylish design.
- Need a water-resistant tracker for swimming and showering.
- Value long battery life and less frequent charging.
- Seek a more affordable option with basic tracking features.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I use the Jawbone UP4 for swimming?
A: No, the Jawbone UP4 is only splash-proof and not designed for swimming.
Q: Does the Withings Steel track heart rate?
A: No, the Withings Steel does not include a heart rate sensor.
Q: Can I use the Jawbone UP4 app on both Android and iOS?
A: Yes, the Jawbone UP app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Q: What is the difference between the Withings Steel HR and the Withings Steel?
A: The Withings Steel HR includes a built-in heart rate sensor, while the Withings Steel does not.
Q: Is the Jawbone UP4 compatible with Apple Health?
A: Yes, the Jawbone UP4 can sync data with Apple Health.