Suunto Vertical Solar vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
The Suunto Vertical Solar is the better buy for most people - its insane 60-day battery life crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's 30 days. If you're an adventurer or fitness enthusiast, the Suunto is a no-brainer with features like free global offline maps and dual-band GNSS for precise tracking. In real-world use, the 32GB storage on the Suunto lets you download maps for your hikes or runs without needing your phone, which is a game-changer. Meanwhile, the ScanWatch Nova looks elegant with its diver-style aesthetic, but its smaller digital display and reliance on your smartphone for GPS tracking might limit its appeal for serious athletes. Both are premium devices, but your choice should reflect your primary usage needs.
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Suunto Vertical Solar

Withings ScanWatch Nova
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 Vertical Solar vs Withings ScanWatch Nova

Suunto Vertical Solar

Withings ScanWatch Nova
| Criterion | Suunto Vertical Solar | Withings ScanWatch Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(200)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 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in) | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) |
Case Material | Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; 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 | Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) |
Display Size | 1.4 in | 0.63 in (digital screen) |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) |
Always On Display | Yes (Passive technology) | Yes (Analog hands always visible) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (10 ATM) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); 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 (required 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; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m) | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes |
Health Features | HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max | 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 training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) |
Storage | 32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps) | 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; predefined quick replies on Android) | No (Notification alerts only) |
Battery | Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar) | Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Charging | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) |
Weight | 74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar 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 | Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync |
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Suunto Vertical Solar
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
- • Free global offline maps with ample 32GB storage and Wi-Fi downloading
- • Dual-band GNSS offers exceptional accuracy in deep canyons and forests
- • Military-grade construction (MIL-STD-810H) with Titanium and Sapphire
- • Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy
✗ Cons:
- • MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors
- • No music storage (music controls only)
- • No NFC payments or smart features like voice assistants
- • Large 49mm footprint may be too bulky for small wrists
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Withings ScanWatch Nova
✓ Pros:
- • Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- • Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
- • Exceptional battery life (30 days) compared to standard smartwatches
- • Water-resistant to 10 ATM (100m), suitable for swimming and snorkeling
- • Distraction-free interface with a small, discreet digital screen
✗ Cons:
- • Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- • No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
- • No music controls, NFC payments, or third-party apps
- • Heavy on the wrist (63g watch head only) due to steel construction
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Which one is better?
The Suunto Vertical Solar is the better buy for most people - its 60-day battery life crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's 30 days.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Suunto Vertical Solar if: you need exceptional battery life for extended outdoor adventures, want built-in offline global maps, or require precise GPS tracking for various sports. (2.61 oz weight)
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you prefer a luxury look with a ceramic bezel, want advanced health tracking features in a discreet form, or value a lighter device for everyday wear. (2.22 oz weight)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Suunto Vertical Solar excels if you value industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. Withings ScanWatch Nova is better if you prioritize elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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