One of the best-known brands of smartwatch out there is the Fitbit, and the Versa 3 is a popular choice. Pairing fitness tracking functions with some of the most important features of a smartwatch, it’s proven to be a stylish and good value option for those who aren’t ready to shell out huge sums for an Apple Watch Series 6. Here, we take a closer look at what the Versa 3 has to offer and whether it’s the right choice of smartwatch for your needs.
Background
The Fitbit Versa 3 is the third generation of the popular original Fitbit Versa. While it may not be a complete game-changer when compared with some of the other high-end smartwatch brands on the market today, it does offer a significant number of upgraded features over its older siblings that make it worth the investment.
Fitbit Versa 3 Features
Perhaps the top new feature that sets the Versa 3 above the original incarnation is its integration of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (though this is also available on the Versa ). This enables the wearer to ask questions just as you would to your Alexa or Google home speaker from your wrist.
This is a great touch, although it does have its limitations. The answer to the query appears on the watch display – there isn’t a speaker – and the feature has to be activated by holding down the button on the side of the face, you can’t simply say “Alexa” or “Hey Google” like you would at home. Nevertheless, for many people, this feature alone will be worth the investment.
Another great feature is the availability of Fitbit Pay. It comes as standard on this upgraded version. There are also notifications for specific apps including phone calls and messages, and Spotify music can be controlled via an app on the watch.
When it comes to the user experience, wearers can expect smooth running. The chipset is more powerful than that used in the original Versa and this also extends the battery life to around 5 days before needing a recharge.
Design
If you’re already familiar with the Fitbit Versa, you won’t have any difficulty in spotting the Versa 3. In fact, the pair are very similar to the naked eye. The Versa 3 is constructed from metal with a choice of straps including leather and silicone versions.
There are a few differences, however. The display is 8% larger than the original Versa. Also, this version is water resistant, and that means it can be used for tracking your swimming. It isn’t resistant enough to cope with extreme activities though like deep-water diving, so bear this in mind.
Fitness Tracking
The original Versa and second generation were already equipped with a number of fitness tracking features, and the Versa 3 offers these with some extras. The watch runs Fitbit OS, and that means that all of the original watch faces and apps from older Fitbit watches can be run on this device too.
There is regular activity tracking for your daily step count as well as the ability to track your exercise routines. There is also built-in GPS, and that means you’re able to track your location without your phone closeby.
The Versa 3 focuses more on an overall health tracking experience rather than just the fitness elements. There are sleep tracking improvements, helping you to see exactly how effective your sleep is with a simple score. You can also use the guided breathing exercises to focus on your inner wellbeing, too.
Also, an incorporated alarm feature wakes the wearer at just the right moment so that deep sleep won’t be disturbed but you still wake up on time.
What Are The Main Advantages of Fitbit Versa 3?
- Water-resistant
- New sleep tracking features
- Integrated Alexa and Google Assistant
- Fitbit Pay comes as standard
- Spotify can be controlled via the watch
- 6 day battery life
What Are The Main Disadvantages?
- No speaker for virtual assistants
Competition
Although the Fitbit Versa 3 offers an upgraded experience from the original Versa, it may not offer all the features that you’re looking for. If you’re prepared to pay more for your smartwatch, it would be hard to beat the Apple Watch Series 3, which both offer outstanding good looks, impressive processing power and a host of excellent features.
Alternatively, if you want to stick with the Fitbit brand but want more sports tracking capabilities and the ability to leave your smartphone at home when you want to track your location, you might also like the Fitbit Ionic. Offering multi sports-tracking capabilities, a stylish appearance and inbuilt workouts as well as integrated GPS functionality, it’s a great alternative depending on your style.
Check out our full review of the Fitbit Ionic, here.
How Do We Test Smartwatches?
We know that you’re relying on us to bring you all the key information you need to choose the right smartwatch for you. We take the evaluation and testing process seriously, looking at all the important elements of each watch so that we can give you the details. First, we examine the comfort and design of each watch to assess how easy it is to wear and how simple it is to use. We also examine the fitness tracking capabilities that it offers.
Of course, we not only test all of these but we also observe the effects that using these functions have on the battery life, memory and processing power of the device. After we’ve put every watch rigorously through its paces, we can then give you the vital statistics so you can determine which watch is best for you.
In Summary
If you’re a fan of the Fitbit brand and don’t want to spend too much on a smartwatch, the Versa 3 is certainly a better option than the original Versa, but perhaps not the Versa 2. It’s stylish, comfortable to wear, and offers enough fitness tracking functionality to suit the average user.
If you’re looking for a truly upgraded experience or more advanced fitness tracking functionality, however, the Fitness Ionic is a better choice overall, bringing you even better sports tracking options together with the convenience of integrated GPS.
Head over to our review of all the latest Fitbit models, here.
Last Updated on November 22, 2020
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