Both brands are giants in the smartwatch arena but which is best, the Apple Watch 6 or Fitbit Versa 3?
It’s not a surprise that Apple and Fitbit work hard to upgrade their smartwatches. It’s the best way to stay on top of the competition. They share most of the same functions, but you shouldn’t take their differences lightly. Their price points reflect that. The Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $529, and the Fitbit Versa 3 retails for $229 ($30 off during Fitbitsales).
Each smartwatch dominates in different categories. You’re likely wondering about the costs and whether it’s worth putting down the extra $300+ for the Series 6? Or would the Fitbit have been the most practical and sensible choice? So in this article, we’re going to discuss this further to help you figure out which is the best smartwatch for you!
We will analyze the benefits and unfavorable differences between the two super watches. We’re comparing the Apple Watch Series 6 to the Fitbit Versa 3 based on the category of features.
Smartwatch Design
Both of these sleek-looking watches offer an always-on display and a square-shaped case. They both offer 5 ATM water resistance, touch sensitivity, and an LED display. Also, they both provide interchangeable wristbands with different materials and designs.
Furthermore, both of the watches come in a 40 mm case with similar weight and dimensions. Additionally, the Apple Watch also comes in a 44 mm size for larger wrists (130-200 mm circumference). The cases are available in 100% recycled aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
Apple or Fitbit?
All smartwatches produced by Apple or Fitbit offer interchangeable wristbands/watchbands. However, you might notice the Apple cases are marginally wider than its wrist band. It takes on a more rectangular shape compared to its Fitbit counterpart. As a result, the Apple watch appears smoother and more unified (with the band) for a sleeker appearance. So you can see how small details can make the most impact.
The Apple Series 6’s retina display is a work of art. This super watch will never go dark because of its LTPO OLED Force Touch Retina Display and 1000 nits of brightness. For this reason, the Apple watch trumps the Versa 3’s display.
Bear in mind not to overlook the Versa 3’s screen. It’s a 2.54 cm (1.58 inch) AMOLED display and an optional “always-on” feature. It’s perfect for days when you need to conserve battery power.
All in all, both of these watches are worthy of comparison from an aesthetic perspective. But the Apple Watch surpasses the Versa 6 because of its impressive screen and sleek design. If you never want to break your stride during a run, or you enjoy the MOST cutting edge designs, then it might be worth a visit to the Apple store. Otherwise, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a worthy competitor to consider.
Comfort
For smartwatches, selecting an appropriate wristband (or watchband) is essential. Wearing a poor-fitting band can interfere with its oxygen and heart rate sensors. Thus, the two super watches offer interchangeable bands for custom style and comfort. Also, as a bonus: you can order bands made from 100% recycled materials (nylon, plastic fibres, silicone). Environmentalists will appreciate that.
Fitbit allows you to choose from their knit, woven, sport, leather, and infinity bands. They designed each wristband for different activities. Each band’s comfort level will vary. The Fitbit’s Infinity bands appear to compete with Apple’s Sport Band because of the similar design. You can buy small or large-sized bands to match your wrist’s size. Yet, that’s the extent of customizing hardware for the Fitbit Versa 3.
Customized options make the most impact on a smartwatch’s comfort and wear. So this is when the Apple Watch 6 shines. First, you can choose between a 40 mm or 44 mm case size that suits your wrist size. This way, the watch will look consistent and proportionate to the user’s wrist size.
Second, you can opt for a watch case made from lighter metals (aluminium or titanium). It decreases the weight of the watch on your wrist. As a bonus for environmentalists: Apple’s aluminium cases are made out of 100% recycled material.
Finally, you have interchangeable wristbands. Select wrist-band models will offer an extra-large size, surpassing the Versa 3’s size selection (2 sizes for all bands). The Apple Watch Series 6 also introduces their new “Solo Loop” and “Sport Loop” bands. The loops offer soft and lightweight materials to maximize comfort. Apple removed the need for a buckle or clasp for a smoother feel and less bulk (or weight!).
Battery Life
Battery life depends on your device’s usage. What kind of apps are you running in the background? Are you using the always-on display? Are you tracking your movements 24 hours a day (GPS)? For any heavy-use smart device, better battery life is a challenging feat. The Apple Watches are no exception.
Both of the watches use a built-in lithium-ion battery. Like its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 6 advertises 18 hours of battery life. That’s enough to get you through your day with heavy use. Besides, they kept their rapid charging feature so you can receive a charged battery within 1.5 hours.
If you’re tracking workouts and taking calls every day, you won’t have enough power for sleep tracking. Apple recognized this, so their watch offers configurable charging reminders.
The Fitbit Versa 3 boasts 6+ days of battery life. But, it’s when the watch uses a dim screen setting. Configure “Always-on” and watch the battery life drop to 2 days. Add GPS configuration, and you can expect up to 12 hours; this is when it compares to the Apple Watch’s regular use.
Additionally, the Versa 3’s battery’s charge time is 1-2 hours. With a dim screen setting, you will only need 12 minutes on the charger to last an entire day. So ultimately, Fitbit has more commands in this category. In our eyes, the Fitbit Versa 3’s battery is more efficient, especially if you don’t need an “Always-on” display.
Activity & Health Tracking
Now we’re entering the realm of fitness trackers. Fitbit dominates the fitness tracker market, and it’s evident in its premium smartwatch. The Apple Watch 6 and FB Versa 3 offer: sleep tracking, fitness metrics based on your activity/sport, and heart health monitoring. So let’s see how their differences compete.
The Apple Series 6 offers additional metrics to relate to your specific activity. It displays your elevation levels for hikers and provides surfing conditions before taking off to the beach. The Apple watch uses motion sensors to track your sleep and integrates with the iPhone’s Clock App. The Apple watch offers well-rounded health tracking: it covers your standard features in a fitness band with a bit of extra.
The Fitbit Versa 3 doesn’t offer live surfing conditions, but you can check the weather forecast and environmental conditions. It doesn’t disclose elevation tracking. But you can still have it by downloading an Altimeter app.
With over 20 exercise modes, the Versa 3 surpasses the health tracking abilities of the Apple watch. First, their 24/7 Heart Rate tracker uses Pure Pulse 2.0― a sensor that checks your heart health/rate through multiple metrics.
As a result, it measures your blood’s oxygen levels (SpO2) and tracks your “Active Zone Minutes.” Each time you exceed your target (minutes/heart rate zone), it notifies you with a vibration and encouraging message.
Second, the Versa 3 tracks the depth of your sleep stages: Light, Deep, and REM sleep. It populates a sleep score in the Fitbit app to help you understand sleep quality. The Smart Wake feature wakes you up with a gentle vibration during your lighter sleep stage. This ensures that you will wake up refreshed. It even measures your breathing rate while you’re asleep (and awake).
Ultimately, the Versa 3 provides metrics that the Apple Watch can’t acquire. Women will appreciate the Menstrual health tracking feature (app). So you can log your periods and track your cycle for more accurate predictions. In addition, the watch measures your skin’s temperature and compares it to your body’s baseline. It’s a no-brainer that the Fitbit Versa 3 wins with its accuracy and variety of health metrics.
Connectivity and GPS
The two smartwatches cover the staple features in premium smartwatches: GPS navigation, Pace/distance tracking, connect apps, send/receive texts, make payments, phone calls. So what’s the difference between the connectivity-related benefits? A lot.
It’s significant to note that the Versa 3’s call, text message, and data features work if your phone is nearby. Only Android users can respond to text messages. Replies are with preset responses (called quick responses). It’s a significant setback in comparison to the Apple Watch’s capabilities. Yet, we do give Fitbit credit for allowing the Versa 3 to map out your workout intensity along your path. It’s great for runners or cyclists and gives a slight edge over the Apple Watch’s GPS.
As a cellular-compatible device, the Apple Watch won’t leave you stuck with your phone. You can stream music and podcasts from the watch and store offline music using the Spotify app. So it’s ideal for runners that don’t want to carry their phone during runs.
The Versa 3 cannot stream music, but it can play offline music with imported songs or the Deezer App.
Emergency SOS and fall detection is a great safety feature for the Apple Watch. It grants you access to emergency services without the need for cellular connectivity! Seniors will benefit from “fall detection.”
Apple’s Family Setup feature lets you pair watches with other family members. So you can stay connected with loved ones, even if they don’t have a phone.
As a bonus, the Apple Watch’s GPS gives you a short vibration or “tap” to prompt you to make a turn. As you can see, the Apple Watch 6 is the heavy contender. There’s no competition here- the Apple Watch 6 dominates as a cellular device.
User Interface (UI)
The Apple Watch 6 and FB Versa 3 offer interchangeable interfaces in the form of “watch faces.” That’s how you would include app integrations, clock settings, and lifestyle data.
Apple allows you to customize each watch face by adding “complications.” “Complications” are like app widgets. For example, Astronomy or Stargazers can use Nightsky or Solarwatch to access stargazing conditions and the current night cycle. The Apple Watch integrates with Apple’s third-party applications and offers more functionality with the latest watchOS7 system. The cellular nature of this watch allows unlimited app integrations. It adds tremendous value to Apple’s user interface. So once again, they dominate in this area.
Even so, the Fitbit Versa 3’s interface is quite impressive. You’ll have access to hundreds of watch faces to suit your style and needs. Also, Fitbit offers access to hundreds of app integrations.
Incident Detection
Fitbit
Fitbit, one of the most trusted companies in the smart wearable industry, has introduced a new range of cutting-edge smart wristwatches with a variety of features and functionalities. These include pulse oximetry, skin temperature monitoring, and ECG.
Despite this, the fall detection feature isn’t available in this situation.
According to Fitbit’s customer support, the lack of this feature in high-end Fitbit devices like Versa 3 and Sense is a letdown. Fitbit’s customer support claims that none of its smartwatches is capable of detecting falls.
Nonetheless, there’s a significant chance this functionality will be included in future product units. What makes you believe that? The Sense is a no-brainer since Fitbit’s best-in-class wearables, like the Fitbit Ionic and Versa series, feature all of the crucial sensors that may be utilised to detect falls.
Apple Watches with Fall Detection
When fall detection is activated on your Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Series 4 or later (thus the 6), it may connect you to emergency services and send a message to your emergency contacts. If your Apple Watch detects a significant fall and you have been still for about a minute, it will tap your wrist, sound an alert, and attempt to call emergency services.
If the birthdate you enter when setting up your Apple Watch (or adding it to the Health app on your iPhone) reveals that you are 55 or older, fall detection is turned on automatically.
The Verdict- Apple Watch 6 or Fitbit Versa 3?
Affordability and value are subjective for most consumers. Your needs and lifestyle will likely determine the value of your smartwatch’s price. We found that both devices are well-rounded and great choices… But which watch suits you better?
Suppose you’re someone who requires a constant line of communication. You use applications in almost everything that you do. You need a high level of comfort to function at your best. In that case, you will presumably find that the device’s experience is worth the $300 upgrade.
Alternatively, if you’re someone who wants to focus on health and only needs basic (but premium) features, then the upgrade isn’t necessary. You’re getting incredible value and the most out of a $230 investment in the Versa 3.
Did you like our comparison between the Apple Watch Series 6 or Fitbit Versa 3? Which smartwatch do you prefer and why? Let us know in the comments below!
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Last Updated on February 3, 2022