Why you can trust Live Science
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
Smart scales can be invaluable for stepping up your fitness routine. These clever devices not only measure your body weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) in the way that regular digital bathroom scales do, but they can also provide various body composition metrics, such as muscle mass, bone mass and body fat percentage. Some of the more premium models can also calculate your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate, the lowest amount of calories your body needs to stay alive and function properly), distinguish between visceral (abdominal) and subcutaneous (under the skin) body fat, or assess your biological age (an estimate of how old a person’s body is based on their body composition stats). Put simply, smart scales can show your progress in excruciating detail and help identify areas for improvement.
The best smart scales on the market even go a step further — they conduct a segmental body analysis. In simpler terms, they can measure the differences in body fat, bone mass and muscle mass between different “segments” of the body. Usually, that would mean between the left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg and trunk.
We can attest to this — last year, we reviewed a similar foot-to-hand model and were impressed by how much it outperformed the more basic models. But can the Renpho Morphoscan Nova match its functionality and tracking accuracy? We took it for a spin to find out.
Renpho Morphoscan Nova smart scale review: Tried and tested
Renpho Morphoscan Nova: How it works
Most smart scales measure body composition using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), or bioimpedance. The Renpho Morphoscan Nova is no different. While this method may sound somewhat dangerous or overly technical, it is actually non-invasive and safe for most people (except for pregnant individuals and those with implanted electronic devices, such as pacemakers). It is also based on a relatively simple principle.
Here’s how it works: When you stand on the platform with your bare feet and hold onto the handle with your bare hands, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova sends low-voltage electricity through your body. Then, it measures how much resistance your body puts up against this current. Muscles and other tissues with high water content will allow electricity to flow through freely, but tissues with low water content, such as your body fat, will either slow the passage of that current or completely stop it in its tracks. The smart scale then uses complex algorithms to convert these electrical data points into body composition metrics.
Bioimpedance can produce relatively accurate body composition measurements, but it is important to note that smart scales (even those as advanced as the Renpho Morphoscan Nova) should never be treated as diagnostic tools. Only Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and other clinically validated methods of measuring body composition can be used for that purpose.
The validity of BIA readings also depends on multiple different factors — hydration level and skin temperature, to name but two. As such, smart scales are best used for casual check-ins and monitoring long-term trends.
Renpho Morphoscan Nova: Design
- Suitable for larger and taller individuals
- Light and portable for its size
- Easy to clean and relatively resistant to smudging
Key specs
Dimensions (in): 14.08 x 12.2 x 1.61 (W x D x H)
Dimensions (cm): 35.76 x 31 x 4.1 (W x D x H)
Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
Display: 4.3-inch, full-color TFT handle
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Max user profiles: Unlimited
Max user weight: 397 lbs (180 kg)
Supported apps: Renpho Health, Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit and Samsung Health
Power source: USB rechargeable with built-in lithium battery
Warranty: 24 months
The Renpho Morphoscan Nova costs $219.99, which is about three to four times more than most stand-on smart scales we have tested before. It does look and feel quite premium, though. This device should easily fit in with most bathroom decors, even though it comes in just one style and color.
As mentioned, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova uses foot-to-hand technology, meaning it collects body composition measurements from both a stand-on platform and a retractable handle. Design-wise, it seems to strike a good balance between build quality and functionality. The glass platform feels quite sturdy but not particularly heavy, and it is large enough to accommodate individuals with big feet or a wide stance. The handle is quite wide and long, but we had no issue gripping it securely, and it did not tend to jam when being pulled out of the platform.
We also liked that the Renpho Morphoscan Nova comes with a relatively long retractable cable, as it makes this smart scale very height-inclusive. As tall folks ourselves, we appreciated the fact that we did not have to stoop over while having our measurements taken. Speaking of inclusivity, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova can accommodate individuals weighing up to 397 lbs (180 kg) — more than most smart scales available on the market.
We were also impressed with the 4.3-inch TFT-LCD handle display. It is bright, colorful and easy to read, and it presents your body composition metrics in an easy-to-understand format.
Overall, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova feels relatively user-friendly and well-designed. We are not too sure about its durability, though. This smart scale is light and easy to move around, but this also means it could be prone to accidental damage over time. In all fairness, though, our testing unit did not sustain any scratches or dents — and we are not particularly careful with our appliances.
Renpho Morphoscan Nova: Features
- 23 body composition stats and segmental body analysis
- Only two weighing modes available: Standard and Athlete
- Printable reports to share with fitness coaches or healthcare professionals
The Renpho Morphoscan Nova measures a wide range of body composition metrics, including weight, fat-free body mass, BMI, body fat percentage, bone mass, muscle mass, body water percentage, Basal Metabolic Rate, biological age and waist-to-hip ratio. Overall, we counted 23 different data points. Then there is the segmental body analysis — this smart scale can differentiate between muscle and fat mass in your trunk, left arm, right arm, left leg and right leg, giving you a good overview of your body composition.
All metrics can then be viewed on the handle display or tracked in the free Renpho Health app, or even turned into comprehensive printable reports that can be shared with your fitness coach or healthcare professional. Some of the metrics can also be shared with the Apple Health, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal and Samsung Health apps, and if you use the Renpho Lynx smart ring, also synced with the data collected by your fitness tracker.
Speaking of the Renpho Health app, it looks very “clean” and easy to navigate. All measured data points are laid out clearly and relatively well-explained. That said, some of these descriptions may lack the depth and nuance that could bring more clarity and understanding to those who have never used a smart scale before.
However, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova still feels relatively beginner-friendly, and that is thanks to its personalized insights and wide app functionality. If you set the goal to weight loss, for example, this smart scale will calculate how many calories per day you should consume to get to where you want to be, and then allow you to track your diet in a separate section of the Renpho Health app. Most smart scales focus on body composition only. The Renpho Morphoscan Nova, on the other hand, puts your body analysis in a slightly wider context.
Last, but not least, the weighing modes — we could only find two, Standard and Athlete. This means that you can’t use the Renpho Morphoscan Nova for measuring pets, objects or during pregnancy (a mode in which the BIA capabilities are switched off). Given that even some of the most affordable smart scales offer at least three weighing modes, this feels like a big oversight.
Renpho Morphoscan Nova: Performance
- Relatively accurate body composition measurements
- Long battery life
- App connectivity can be patchy
We were also quite impressed with its tracking accuracy. We compared the body composition measurements taken with the Renpho Morphoscan Nova to the data we obtained with a FitQuest machine — a much bigger, more precise bioimpedance scale used in our local gym — and found only minor discrepancies. For example, the difference in body weight readings was a negligible 0.2 lbs (0.1 kg), while the body fat percentage and muscle mass were only slightly overestimated (by 5% and 2%, respectively). In terms of accuracy, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova is on par with the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro (another foot-to-hand smart scale), and significantly more reliable than every stand-on smart scale we have reviewed before.
The app connectivity, on the other hand, leaves something to be desired. First, we struggled with connecting our Renpho Morphoscan Nova to the app. It took us three attempts and one app reset to get it set up. Then, the smart scale seemed to randomly cut off the connection for no reason. We are not sure whether these connectivity issues had something to do with our phone or the smart scale, and they were not frequent enough to cause us a massive headache — but they were annoying nonetheless. If you like your smart devices to connect flawlessly, you may need to take that into account.
All in all, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova performs relatively well. However, we are not convinced that the sky-high price of this smart scale is entirely justified. To put it into perspective, the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro offers similar value and costs approximately $50 less.
Renpho Morphoscan Nova: User reviews
At the time of writing this review, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, while the customer reviews on Renpho‘s own website placed it at a slightly higher, 4.88-star rating. This smart scale was generally praised for its portable design, comprehensive body composition stats and ease of use.
One user commented: “This is not your grandma’s bathroom scale! It’s so intelligent and sophisticated that I wonder if I will ever fully grasp all its features and intricacies. […] Despite my lack of knowledge of or experience with devices such as this smart scale, I didn’t have any difficulty installing and connecting the free fitness tracking app. If you or a loved one are truly serious about physical training, body transformation through fitness or other health-related factors, this smart scale would make an awesome addition to your bathroom or workout area.”
On the other hand, the Renpho Morphoscan Nova also received a significant number of complaints regarding its poor tracking accuracy and app connectivity.
As one user pointed out: “The app is clunky and feels unfinished. After repeated attempts, the only measurement I could successfully capture was weight. The app constantly warned that it had not finished collecting data before the scale automatically powered off. It never provided a clear reason for the failure, only a long list of possible issues. At that point, the scale becomes nothing more than a basic weight scale. The handheld scanner is comfortable to hold, and the retracting mechanism is a nice design feature, but it does not seem to communicate properly with the app. Because of that, none of the advanced readings that are advertised ever worked for me. Overall, I cannot recommend this scale. It may look smart, but if the key features do not function correctly, it is simply not worth the money.”
Should you buy the Renpho Morphoscan Nova?
The Renpho Morphoscan Nova is a great piece of kit for exercise beginners and fitness geeks alike. It is light, portable and easy to use, but more importantly, it delivers in-depth body composition analysis and useful weight management insights. That said, its temperamental app connectivity and limited weighing functionality can diminish your overall user experience.
✅ Buy it if: You want in-depth insights into your body composition stats, and do not mind occasional lapses in app connectivity.
❌ Do not buy it if: You are looking for something more budget-friendly.
If Renpho Morphoscan Nova is not for you
The RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro is a great alternative to the Renpho Morphoscan Nova. These smart scales are eerily similar in design, functionality and tracking performance, but the former costs approximately $50 less and is more frequently on sale.
If you are looking for something more affordable, consider these two stand-on smart scales instead: the Renpho Elis 1 (we named it the best overall in our guide to the best smart scales on the market) and the Wyze Scale X (a slightly more basic and cheaper model). While they are less technologically advanced and functional than the Renpho Morphoscan Nova, these stand-on smart scales do a relatively good job of measuring basic body composition stats and cost less than $50.
Renpho Morphoscan Nova: How we tested
We spent over a month testing the Renpho Morphoscan Nova, looking into its design, functionality, ease of use, app connectivity and value for money. Next, we compared the body composition measurements taken with this smart scale to the data we obtained with a FitQuest machine (a bigger, more precise BIA scale used in our local gym), and gave our verdict on the general reliability and tracking performance of the Renpho Morphoscan Nova.
