The Nokia Go, formerly the Withings Go, falls somewhere between a pedometer and a fitness watch, although many will argue that finding the time is one of the most difficult thing to do on this wearable. Essentially it is an activity tracker that is simple to use. Designed to simply help the wearer monitor activity throughout the day, the Nokia Go keeps activity front of mind. It uses a sleek design with few bells and whistles, as well as an E Ink display screen to show progress throughout the day. While the watch itself keeps everything simple, its accompanying app is designed to upgrade the data that some users may want. The watch will automatically detect activity that is occurring in and out of the gym, but does not have a built in GPS or heart monitor. The Nokia Go is about as simple as they come with a relatively low price.
Activities
The Nokia Go will automatically detect when the wearer is participating in an activity. The wearable will detect walking, running, swimming and sleeping, and then will track what is accomplished. As noted, it can be worn for swimming and is waterproof up to 50m, and will monitor swim strokes. When it comes to running and walking, the watch will monitor duration, distance, and calories. Reviewers were pleased with how the wearable picks up on the activity, however they wanted more options for items like
biking, weight training and other fitness activities.
Basic Features
The Nokia Go is set up to track basic items related to running, swimming and sleeping. The watch will start out by tracking the number of steps taken in a day. For
running and walking, the Nokia Go will monitor duration, distance and calories. For swimming, the number of swim strokes will be noted. However, the only items that the watch actually displays are the progress toward the wearer’s step goal for the day. To see these other items, the user much use the Health Mate app.
Advanced Features
Outside of the basic features, the Nokia Go provides a comprehensive look at the user’s sleep cycle, identifying how long they are in a light, deep or awake stage. The watch also provides insight into how many calories are burned every day, and allows the user to input items into the app to monitor calories in versus calories burned. With no GPS or altimeter, the watch is lacking the ability to dive into some of the other metrics that other more advanced wearables often provide. However, the watch is designed to be simple and easy to use, so athletes looking for minimal information will appreciate the Nokia Go.
Accuracy
The Nokia Go seems to be highly accurate in calculating steps per day. In comparisons with other models, reviewers felt that the data was very similar.
Distance would be an issues since there is no GPS built into the watch, however reviewers did not seem to mind as they knew this was not an included item. Reviewers were frustrated with the sleep tracking as the estimates for each stage of the sleep cycle seemed to be off. Overall, the watch is average in terms of accuracy.
Connectivity
The Nokia Go connects wirelessly to iPhones and Androids via Bluetooth. The watch can hold up to 10 days’ worth of data, a bit on the low side compared with other models. The watch also takes time to not only sync with the smart devices, but also to start recording activities. Depending on the user’s level of patience and expectations, this could pose an issue.
Apps
The Nokia Go pairs well with its app, Health Mate. While the watch does not display much data, as noted above, the Health Mate app is where the user can see more data specific to activities throughout the day. Syncing automatically with the Go, the app is able to provide metrics like actual step counts, distance and duration for activities, calories and more. The app allows the user to enter measurements, blood pressure readings and heart rates, as well as log food throughout the day. Users were pleased with the redesigned layout of the app and metrics, however they felt that missing from the app was training or coaching options. The app does provide motivation though in the form of rewards and the ability to compete with friends.
Comfort
The Nokia Go weighs in at 0.32 ounces. It can be work on the user’s wrist, clipped on, or in a pocket. The lightweight wearable is said to be very comfortable. The band uses rubber that doesn’t pull on the arm. Most described the watch as something you forget is on.
Style
The Nokia Go is a simple, sleek wearable that comes in a variety of colors. The plain design that utilizes a lightweight, rubber band leaves little room for style. Many felt that the design was lacking and fit with the wearable’s cheap price. However, this watch is designed for those looking for simple. The circular face displays the goal progress for the day, with no focus on making the face actually look like a watch. Reviewers felt that the watch could not be worn for many occasions, and was simply used for fitness tracking, rather than as a design piece. Some reviewers even went so far as to keep the device in a pocket, so that it was not visible. This is clearly an area where Nokia needs to focus a bit more time. Even with the cheap price and the goal of simplicity, having a stylish option that can be worn out will become more important as more models enter this market.
Durability
The Nokia Go, while simple, still provides a good amount of durability. With its waterproofing and strong rubber band, the user can feel comfortable wearing the Nokia Go in all types of elements. Reviewers felt that the watch held up and was highly durable.
Face
The Nokia Go uses an E Ink display that helps conserve energy, allowing the battery to last much longer than other models. The face of the watch is defaulted to show progress toward the steps per day goal, with no focus on making the watch actually show the time. The display is about an inch from each end, however with little ability to see any data, this isn’t really a factor. The watch allows the user to select a dark or light background for better visibility. The display also is surrounded by white bezel. The main highlight of the Nokia Go, though, would have to be its use of the E Ink on the screen. Reviewers were frustrated with the lack of visibility of the time on what should be a watch, and also wanted the ability to customize the face of the watch. However, those looking for a simple fitness tracker to monitor goals throughout the day will enjoy the sleek display.
Band
The Nokia Go has a band that is made of rubber with a clasp designed to fit wrists up to 230 mm. Most reviewers were pleased with the light weight band, even though they felt it had a cheap look to it. The clasp on the band, while similar to some other models, is not like a watch so users were disappointed with how it worked and felt. It is also very comfortable, causing no discomfort that some other lower priced models often do. Despite lacking some style, the band is a good part of the watch.
Sizes
The Nokia Go is sized to fit wrists up to 230mm or about 9 inches. It has a width of 1.4” and a height of 1.4.” The watch also weighs 0.32 ounces. Reviewers felt that the watch is sized to fit most wrists and had no issues with sizing on the Nokia Go.
Ease of Use
The Nokia Go is designed to be a simple to use wearable with little user intervention needed. With automatic activity tracking, the user should have little to do with the watch. Since it only displays the goal progression for the day for steps, there are no buttons or menus to dig into. Setting up the watch is a little more involved as is involves downloading the Health Mate app. The app will guide you through a series of commands to guide setup. Once the watch is set up and the activity is started, the app gets a little involved depending on what the user wants to see, but this is not a direct reflection on how easy the tracker actually is to use.
Power Source
The Nokia Go uses a CR2 battery that lasts approximately 8 months, due in large part to the use of E ink. There is no charging required, since it simply runs on what is described as a coin cell battery. After the eight months is up and a new battery is needed, the user can get a new battery for the low price of $5. This helps Nokia promote this wearable as a simple to use, affordable option.
Price
The Nokia Go is priced at approximately $50. While the wearable used to have a price tag closer to $80 when it was under the Withings brand, Nokia has adjusted to the price point to be more competitive in the market. Some reviewers still feel the price is a little high given the lack of data provided and its cheap design. However, users who are new to fitness or simply looking to monitor activity goals will find this a reasonably priced option.
Accessories
The Nokia Go has several accessories available to complement the product. Wristband and clips are available for purchase. The product also works with Withings’ previous scales.
Key Features
- Automatic activity tracking
- Water resistant to 50m
- Calculates metrics based on measurements
- E ink display screen
- 8 month battery
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Health mate app
Bottom Line
The Nokia Go, formerly a Withings product, is an affordable option for those looking to enter fitness tracking. With a price tag of $50, Nokia has created an affordable model that appeals to users looking for something without all the bells and whistles. With a display that only shows the user’s progress toward their daily step goal, Nokia has decided to keep it simple and easy to use, building in more flexibility in its Health Mate app. Shaping its goal of simplicity is the wearable’s ability to track activities, running, walking, swimming and sleeping, automatically with nothing for the user to do. While those who participate in activities outside of those listed will be disappointed to not have the tracking, this model is designed mainly for those who want simple data like steps, distance and duration. The watch does not have a
GPS or altimeter so highly accurate distance and elevation is not something that is a part of the Go. However reviewers were impressed with the battery that lasts up to 8 months and is replaceable for a cost of $5. Serious athletes will want something more, but the Nokia Go is a simple option for those getting into fitness and looking for simple metrics. The app that works with the watch provides additional metrics that provide insight into activity throughout the day. The affordable price makes this a good option for an entry level wearable.