Suunto Race vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
The Suunto Race is the premium choice here, boasting a vibrant 1.43" AMOLED display and an impressive battery life of up to 40 hours in GPS mode. In real-world use, that means you can track your toughest adventures without worrying about charging for days. Meanwhile, the Withings ScanWatch Nova offers a stylish design with clinical-grade health metrics, but its 30-day battery life is impressive mainly for casual users. So what does this mean for you? If you need a robust smartwatch for serious training, the Suunto Race is the smarter buy. Key specs: Weight: 2.93 oz vs 2.22 oz and Display: 1.43" AMOLED vs 0.63" OLED.
Why compare these? Both the Suunto Race and Withings ScanWatch Nova are high-end smartwatches competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Suunto Race | Withings ScanWatch |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.2★ (297 reviews) | 4★ (268 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability | Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass |
| Main Drawback | No NFC payments or music storage (music controls only) | Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
Suunto Race
Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Suunto UI
49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Suunto Race vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
Suunto Race
Withings ScanWatch Nova
| Criterion | Suunto Race | Withings ScanWatch Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(297)Amazon | ★4(268)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) | iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+) |
Operating System | Suunto UI | HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in) | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) |
Case Material | Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone | Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal |
Display Type | AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable) | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) |
Display Size | 1.43 in | 0.63 in (digital screen) |
Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness) | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Analog hands always visible) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (10 ATM) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) | Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent) |
GPS | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU | Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads) | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Sensors | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes |
Health Features | HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status | ECG (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV) |
Workout Modes | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) |
Storage | 16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model) | Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only) | No (Notification alerts only) |
Battery | Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS) | Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Charging | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A) | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) |
Weight | 83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model) | 63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width | Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width |
Extras | Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync |
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Suunto Race
Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Suunto UI
49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable)
1.43 in
Pros
- Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability
- Excellent battery life (up to 40 hours in max accuracy GPS mode)
Cons
- No NFC payments or music storage (music controls only)
- No built-in speaker or microphone for calls
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid)
0.63 in (digital screen)
Pros
- Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
Cons
- Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
Which one is better?
The Suunto Race is the better buy for most people - its 40-hour GPS battery life crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's standard use of 30 days. That said, grab the Withings if you prefer a sleek design and less weight at 63 oz - it’s perfect for everyday wear.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Suunto Race if: you need long GPS tracking for outdoor adventures, want a stunning AMOLED display, or require advanced fitness metrics. (2.93 oz weight)
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you prefer a stylish design for daily wear, need a watch that tracks health metrics discreetly, or want a long-lasting battery for everyday use. (2.22 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.2★ vs 4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Suunto Race
Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED Priority
Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability
→ Choose Suunto Race
Elegant 'diver' aesthetic Priority
Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
→ Choose Withings ScanWatch
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Suunto Race edges ahead with a 4.2★ rating compared to 4★. However, Withings ScanWatch Nova remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Suunto Race or Withings ScanWatch Nova?
Suunto Race is the better choice if you prioritize vibrant 1.43” amoled screen with sapphire crystal durability. Withings ScanWatch Nova wins if you value elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Both are rated highly (4.2★ vs 4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Suunto Race and Withings ScanWatch Nova?
Key differences: Suunto Race offers vibrant 1.43” amoled screen with sapphire crystal durability, while Withings ScanWatch Nova stands out with elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Consider that Suunto Race no nfc payments or music storage (music controls only). Meanwhile, Withings ScanWatch Nova small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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