Last Updated on September 14, 2020 by Emma Morris
Fitbit is best known for fitness trackers and it’s iconic Versa has reached its third generation. The Fitbit Versa 3 has come along, which may be marginally overshadowed by the release of the new Fitbit Sense smartwatch. It has GPS, an improved Pulse Monitor and now supports Google Assistant alongside Alexa.
Generally, it’s an improvement on the Versa 2. But, does that mean it’s the best of the two? We’re going to look at five aspects of the Versa versions to guide your decision.
Design
The Fitbit Versa 2 and 3 look almost identical, but an educated eye will see some subtle changes. The Versa 3 is curvier. This is something Fitbit says offers better comfort. Also, it’s bigger. You get a 1.58 inch AMOLED screen which is huge compared to the 1.34 inch OLED screen on the Versa 2. The bigger size could mean it feels bulkier on the wrist, but this will come down to your wrist size.
The display sizes are close. On the Versa 3 you get 336 by 336 pixels where the Versa 2 offers 300 by 300. You won’t notice a dramatic difference. You might prefer the slightly larger display size of the Versa 3, though.
There isn’t a clear winner in this category.
Fitness and health tracking
Again, another even match between the Fitbit Versa 2 and the Versa 3. Both devices track your steps, calories burned, distance and active minutes. Heart rate monitoring is round the clock and both offer sleep tracking and menstrual cycle tracking for women.
One major difference is the built-in GPS tracking from the Versa 3. This is the first time for any Fitbit device. This is going to be a huge win for cyclists and runners who will be able to map their outdoor adventures.
There’s an improved heart rate monitor in the Versa 3, too. It will collect data from more points on the watch and utilise machine learning to provide accurate information about your heart health. More so than the Versa 2 can offer. If you’re interested in looking at yours closely, the Versa 3 is your friend.
So, the winner of this category is clearly the Versa 3.
Battery life
The Fitbit Versa 2 claims to have a six day battery life between charges. Equally, the Versa 3 claims the same. But the Versa 3 takes the top spot here because it has new fast charging capabilities. You can get a full day of charge in just 12 minutes. The Versa 2 can’t keep up with this. So, yes the battery life is the same, but the Versa 3 is more convenient.
Another win for the Versa 3.
Special features
Both the Versa 2 and 3 have extracurricular features beyond the traditional Fitbit fitness ones. Now you can control your music (for Deezer and Spotify), reply to messages (if you’re an Android user) and make contactless payments with Fitbit Pay. Both have a Do Not Disturb mode and compatibility with many non-fitness and health apps.
The Versa 3 welcomes the addition of Google Assistant compatibility. The Versa 2 came with Alexa support and the Versa 3 offers a choice.
Another victory for the Versa 3.
Price and availability
You can get the Versa 2 now, whereas you’ll need to pre-order and wait until 25 September for the Versa 3.
- Use amazon Alexa built in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and...
- Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, sleep score helps you better understand your...
- Control your Spotify app, download Pandora stations and add Deezer playlists, plus store and play...
The Versa 2 comes in at $198.20 and the Versa 3 will set you back $229.95.
Final winner – Versa 3
Truth be told, there isn’t a lot in it. If you like the new features then the Versa 3 marginally takes the lead over the Versa 2. The built-in GPS, the addition of Goole Assistant, a better heart rate monitor and the ability to fast charge are certainly worth the additional $30.
- Run, bike, hike and more phone-free—and see your real-time pace & distance—with built-in GPS....
- Active Zone Minutes uses your resting heart rate to gauge exercise effort and gives you a buzz when...
- Better track heart rate 24/7 with PurePulse 2.0, Fitbit’s enhanced heart rate technology
The Versa 2 is still a viable option. It is just as clear, offers the same battery life and fitness and health tracking bar the GPS and advanced pulse monitor. You can still utilise Fitbit Premium and save yourself $30 on the device itself. Either way, Fitbit is a reliable brand.
Do you already have the Versa 2 and if so, will you be looking to upgrade to the next generation? Let us know in the comments
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Maygen is a multifaceted writer, proofreader and an experienced smartwatch industry writing and editing professional.
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