Detailed review and test of the Suunto Nautic S dive computer. AMOLED screen, air integration, GPS compass, and Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm: the perfect exploration match.
To learn how to get the most out of your gear underwater, discover the AquaExposure training.
For a long time, choosing a compact computer often meant compromises on screen readability or algorithm openness. With the release of the Suunto Nautic S, the Finnish manufacturer shakes up its own codes. The integration of an ultra-bright AMOLED screen replaces old LCD screens, offering essential clarity when handling a heavy photo housing for a Sony RX10V in the darkness and cold of a Belgian quarry. But the true revolution is under the hood: Suunto integrates the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm. Gone is the sometimes unpredictable RGBM, replaced by full customization of Gradient Factors. Designed purely for diving, the Nautic S offers air integration, a 3D compass, and even a surface GPS to mark your immersion points. Let's see in detail what this watch-format machine is worth.
Global Score: 4.6/5
| Criterion | Score | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithm & stops | 5.0/5 | Bühlmann ZHL-16C model with adjustable GFs, the absolute standard of transparent safety. |
| Air & multi-gas | 4.5/5 | Support for Nitrox, multi-gas, and Sidemount with Tank POD transmitters. |
| Screen & ergonomics | 4.8/5 | Brilliant AMOLED display in watch format, highly intuitive menus. |
| Battery & power | 4.5/5 | 60-hour rechargeable battery, exceptional for a compact AMOLED screen. |
| Connectivity & app | 4.9/5 | Fluid Bluetooth connection, onboard GPS, and integration with the excellent Suunto app. |
| Compass & instruments | 4.6/5 | Precise digital compass underwater and formidable surface GPS/offline maps. |
| Robustness & depth | 4.0/5 | Robust compact format, with a certified operational depth of 80 meters. |
| Price & service | 4.5/5 | Aggressive price (~€549) considering the onboard technologies, well-established European service. |
This computer is suitable for: The recreational or technical diver (Nitrox, Sidemount) who wants the compact format of a watch without sacrificing readability, while benefiting from the clarity of the Bühlmann model.
This computer is not ideal for: The deep tech diver (engaged CCR Trimix) who will prefer the giant screen of the classic Nautic version (or an Apeks DSX).
This is the major change of this Suunto generation. The computer offers total transparency on the calculation of desaturation parameters, allowing the configuration of a safe profile adapted to your own tolerances.
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Factors (GF). The device integrates the most reliable and transparent decompression standard in the industry. (Score: 5/5)
Gradient Factors: Fully configurable by the user to adapt conservatism to their physiology. (Score: 5/5)
Deco display: Clear graphical presentation of tissues, remaining no-stop time (NDL), and mandatory stops. (Score: 5/5)
Software reliability: Interface inherited from Suunto expertise, highly stable and readable. (Score: 5/5)
The compact format does not restrict the diver's potential for evolution, the display adapting remarkably well to managing multiple gas sources.
Number of gases managed: Multi-gas (Air, Nitrox). (Score: 4.5/5)
Air integration: Compatible with Suunto Tank POD transmitters. (Score: 5/5)
Sidemount mode: Natively manages the display of two separate probes with gas switch alerts. (Score: 5/5)
Being able to read parameters at a simple glance is fundamental, especially when swimming in highly loaded water with a buddy or holding an Insta360 pole with the other hand.
Screen type: Ultra-bright color AMOLED. (Score: 5/5)
Readability: Perfect day and night. The interface and data fields are customizable. (Score: 5/5)
Navigation: Responsive buttons, even with thick dry gloves. (Score: 4.5/5)
Strap: Comes with a robust elastic textile strap, which offers an impeccable hold over thick neoprene. (Score: 4.5/5)
Since AMOLED is known to be energy-hungry, Suunto has remarkably optimized its battery to avoid worrying about charging between weekend dives.
Battery type: Rechargeable internal battery. (Score: 3.5/5)
Autonomy: Up to 60 hours of continuous use in dive mode. (Score: 5/5)
Charge indicator: Precise and reassuring. (Score: 5/5)
The digital bridge with the smartphone is one of the brand's greatest assets.
Synchronization: Highly performing automatic Bluetooth. (Score: 5/5)
Companion app: The Suunto app allows you to overlay your dive data on an interactive map. (Score: 5/5)
Surface GPS: Captures entry and exit points for a highly detailed logbook. (Score: 5/5)
The secondary instruments are complete and bring true comfort for the diver's preparation.
Built-in compass: 3D digital, very fluid to navigate to the wreck. (Score: 5/5)
Surface functions: Integrates weather tools, tide data, and sun phase information, perfect for planning an optimal entry. (Score: 5/5)
The Nautic S takes salt and shocks inherent to life on a boat deck without flinching.
Certified depth: 80 meters (manufacturer waterproofness at 100m). (Score: 3.5/5)
Materials: Compact and solid casing, clean but functional design. (Score: 4/5)
Certifications: CE compliant. (Score: 4.5/5)
Offered around €549, its value for money is among the most interesting on the market, especially since the Finnish support is reassuring.
Value for money: Highly aggressive for the onboard technology. (Score: 5/5)
Service availability: Suunto's distribution network is vast and well-established in Europe. (Score: 5/5)
Warranty: Standard manufacturer 2-year warranty. (Score: 3.5/5)
Pure diving tool: Unlike the Suunto Ocean which positions itself as a hybrid multisport device, the Nautic S is dedicated solely to underwater and preparation functions (no optical heart rate sensor, no running tracking).
Air integration investment: Wireless functionality requires the acquisition of Suunto Tank POD(s). This is an additional cost, but the comfort of reading pressure (and consumption) on this color screen is incomparable.
The textile strap is a big plus: This elastic strap perfectly compensates for neoprene compression at depth, preventing the watch from suddenly turning on the wrist.
Switching to the Bühlmann model with Gradient Factors gives you technical control of your desaturation parameters. Keep in mind that manipulating these conservatisms (GF) requires a good understanding of hyperbaric physiology. Always maintain a setting that favors safety.
Likewise, although the transmission system of Tank POD probes is very reliable, diving practice requires maintaining mechanical analog redundancy (a classic pressure gauge). Whether planning your gas switch or activating the GPS at the surface, make sure your regulator remains in your mouth from descent to ascent, without any distraction.
The Suunto Nautic S is a masterly technological concentrate that demonstrates there is no longer any need to choose between compactness, ultra-readable display, and technical rigor. By finally abandoning its old algorithms to turn to the Bühlmann ZHL-16C, Suunto makes a strong choice and gives full latitude to the leisure or technical diver to structure their decompressions. The clarity of its AMOLED interface, combined with air integration (including in Sidemount) and surface GPS, makes this small watch format one of the most accomplished and performing computers in its category, perfectly tailored for our most demanding environments.
The computer runs on an internal rechargeable battery. Thanks to Suunto's rigorous software optimizations, the battery offers an exceptional battery life of up to 60 hours of active use in dive mode with the AMOLED screen active. Charging is simply done using its dedicated magnetic cable.
To learn more about choosing batteries and extending the life of your computer, read our complete guide to dive computer batteries.
If you prefer to compare this compact model with other similar high-end competing options, read our Shearwater Teric review or our Garmin Descent Mk3i review. For a larger, purely tech-oriented model, consult the Shearwater Perdix 2 review.
The adjustments offered by the Bühlmann algorithm are great for controlling your decompression. To exploit its full potential and secure your gas switches, discover the AquaExposure training.
To compare this computer with other models, check our dive computer comparator.
The Nautic S is the compact watch-format version. It focuses purely on diving, without the sports smartwatch features (like heart rate monitoring) found on other models like the Suunto Ocean, but retains the AMOLED screen and Bühlmann algorithm.
Yes, it is compatible with the Suunto Tank POD transmitter and can manage multiple cylinders, making it perfectly suited for Sidemount configuration diving.
This is a major novelty: Suunto abandons its restrictive algorithms here to adopt the industry standard Bühlmann ZHL-16C with Gradient Factors fully customizable by the diver.
The internal rechargeable battery offers up to 60 hours of battery life in dive mode with the AMOLED screen on.
