The Sense 2 which was released alongside the Versa 4 and Inspire 3 are the latest Wearable devices from Fitbit. While Sense 2 succeeds the Fitbit Sense, Versa 4 succeeds Versa 3. Meanwhile, Inspire 3 succeeds Inspire 2. The new Sense 2 and Versa 4 welcome a physical side button instead of a haptic button on their predecessors. The new watches also welcome Google Pay, Google maps, and more workout modes. However and unfortunately too, the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 unlike their predecessors have lost Google Assistant and have no option to add music to the watch. This guide will discuss the differences between the Fitbit Sense and Sense 2 to help you decide if it’s a worthy upgrade.
Before we proceed, it’s important that you know that like the Versa 3 and Sense, the Versa 4 and Sense are absolutely the same. The only difference is that the Sense 2 like the Sense, has more health-tracking features. It features a dedicated temperature sensor that monitors your skin temperature variation, an ECG sensor, and an EDA sensor that can monitor stress.
Fitbit Sense vs Sense 2 Full Specifications and Features Comparison
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Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2: What’s New?
- Versa 4 and Sense 2 are slimmer
- The physical button is back
- More workout modes added
- Google Pay and Google maps present
- You can now make calls directly from the Versa 4 and Sense 2
- OS updated, improved interface
The Versa 4 and Sense 2 are slimmer than their predecessors. These two are 11.2mm thick compared to 12.4mm of the Versa 3 and Sense.
Fitbit has heard the cry of their fans by ditching the haptic button for a physical button. I was one of those who really hated the haptic button. Now the Versa 4 and Sense 2 have a physical side button.
Fitbit has also increased the number of workout modes from 20 to 40 workouts. The newly added workout modes include HIIT, Crossfit and more.
Since Google has acquired Fitbit, it’s no surprise to see that Google Pay and Google maps will be available on Versa 4 and Sense 2. We have seen how Google maps works on the Galaxy Watch 4, and it’s actually great. With Google Pay added, you now have two payment options; Fitbit Pay and Google Pay.
Fitbit introduced a speaker to the Versa 3 and Sense, but that only allows you to answer calls. There was no way to start a call except by using Google Assistant. Even at that, Google Assistant will only start a call on the phone. Now, Fitbit is saying that the Versa 4 and Sense 2 will not only be able to answer calls but will also be able to make calls just like you would on a Galaxy Watch 4 or Apple Watch.
The operating system has been updated, and this results in a refined interface that’s more user-friendly. For instance, you don’t need to scroll one at a time through options, instead like you would on a smartphone, you simply scroll through. I don’t know about all the features yet, but publishers say the interface is heavily inspired by the Wear OS.
Missing Features on Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4
- Google Assistant Removed
- No Music Option
Fitbit has removed Google Assistant from the Versa 4 and Sense 2. When you go through the list of features for both the Versa 4 and Sense 2, Google Assistant was nowhere to be found. This publication by Google9to5 also believes Fitbit has ditched Google Assistant leaving just Alexa.
I find this very frustrating because Google Assistant was the only way I could ask the Versa 3 to start a call on my phone, and from every other indication, it’s better than Alexa.
Also, there is no music option for Versa 4 and Sense 2. On the official site of both watches, Fitbit didn’t make any mention of music. With Versa 2, I was able to add my personal music for free, and with Versa 3 and Sense, the personal music option was ditched leaving only Deezer and Pandora (the US only) with the ability to control Spotify on phone. However, with the release of the Versa 4 and Sense, there is no way to add music to the watch nor do we get a basic music controller.
Going by the removal of music options on the Versa 4 and Sense 2, it seems Fitbit is trying to make their watches more fitness-focused while leaving productive features for the Pixel Watch.
Personally, a smartwatch with no music option is practically useless to me.
Fitbit Sense vs Sense 2 Features Reviewed
Design
The Sense 2 and the Sense look very similar. Both watches have a square shape with a case made of aluminum and a stainless steel bezel. The straps made of silicone are also the same in terms of size and material.
However, the Sense 2 is now slimmer and weighs a little less than the Fitbit Sense. This is Fitbit trying to make the Sense and Versa series more fitness-focused and comfortable to wear.
Moreover, Fitbit has also discarded the haptic button on Sense and Versa 3 for a physical button. It’s no surprise seeing that they have replaced the haptic button, it was very annoying to use and oftentimes was unresponsive. One of the reasons I preferred the Versa 2 to the Versa 3.
With a physical button and touchscreen display, the Versa 4 and Sense 2 are easier to navigate.
In terms of available colors, the Sense 2 is available in Graphite/shadow-grey, Platinum/lunar-white and Soft-gold/blue-mist colors while the Fitbit Sense is available in Carbon/graphite and Lunar white/soft gold colors.
Both watches are rated 5ATM, which means you can wear any of these to the pools or shower.
Display
The display type and size are also the same. Despite being slimmer, the Sense 2 spots the same 1.58 inches display size as its predecessor while both watches are powered by AMOLED.
Meanwhile, Fitbit has revamped the operating system for the Sense 2 and Versa 4. The updated OS brings an improved user experience that makes navigation a lot easier.
Fitness Tracking
In terms of fitness tracking, the Sense 2 has the same health-tracking features as the Sense. However, it welcomes more workout modes.
The Sense 2 like the Fitbit Sense, also has an EDA sensor that monitors stress and an ECG sensor that will allow you to take ECG tests right on your wrist. It also features a dedicated temperature sensor that will enable the device to monitor your skin temperature variation during the day and when you wear it to sleep.
Other regular health tracking features include the ability to track your heart rate, sleep in all four stages, calories, steps, blood oxygen and more.
Fitbit has added 20 more workouts which makes it a total of 40 workout modes for the Sense 2 and Versa 4. The newly added workouts include Crossfit and HIIT workouts.
Media and Productivity
Like I mentioned earlier, there is no music option for the Versa 4 and Sense 2. The Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 will allow you to download your Deezer or Pandora stations to the watch, and you can also control Spotify on your phone. However, these three features have been dropped on Versa 4 and Sense 2, and that is totally ridiculous.
Battery Life
Although the Sense 2 is slimmer, it still spots the same battery life as the Sense. Fitbit says the Sense 2 has up to 6 days of battery life which is the same as what you get on the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3.
Fitbit Sense vs Sense 2 – Should You Upgrade?
I always like to see new features on new products, it’s the main reason anyone would want to upgrade. However, the introduction of Google Pay, Google maps and more workout modes while leaving out music options seems like no upgrade to me.
A smartwatch should be a fitness-focused device that can help you reach more fitness goals and with music onboard the watch, it doesn’t only motivate you but also ensures you can train without carrying your phone along. That’s a whole lot of convenience.
Nonetheless, the revamped interface and addition of Google maps, Google pay, and more workout modes are no doubt significant additions that might make sense to other people but absolutely not to me.
Fitbit Versa 4 vs Sense 2 – What’s the difference?
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The difference between the Versa 3 and Sense was that the latter had an EDA stress monitor, an ECG sensor, and a dedicated temperature sensor which the former lacked.
Similarly, the Sense 2 has an EDA stress monitor, ECG sensor, and a dedicated temperature sensor not available on Versa 4.
The available colors are also different. While the Versa 4 is available in four colors which include Graphite/black, Platinum/waterfall blue, Copper-rose/pink-sand, and Copper-rose/beet-juice colors, the Sense 2 is available in three colors; Graphite/shadow-grey, Platinum/lunar-white, and Soft-gold/blue-mist colors.
The Versa 4 like the Versa 3 also leverages an existing sensor to monitor skin temperature variation. However, unlike the Sense and Sense 2 which will monitor your temperature variation during the day and night, you will need to wear your Versa 3 or 4 for at least 3 days before the device can show your temperature variation.
As a result of the EDA, ECG and temperature sensors on the Sense 2, it’s priced higher than the Versa 4.
Versa 3 vs Versa 4 – What’s New?
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The Versa 4 and Sense 2 are slimmer and welcome Google maps, Google pay, and more workout modes. The haptic side button has also been replaced with a physical button.
In other words, the difference between the Versa 3 and Versa 4 is that the latter has a physical side button while the Versa 3 has a haptic button.
There is now Google Pay, and Google maps on Versa 4 which are not present on Versa 3.
Moreover, the Versa 4 has 40 workout modes including HIIT and Crossfit exercises while the Versa 3 has only 20 exercises.
With the Versa 3, you can download your Pandora stations or Deezer playlists to the watch. You can also control Spotify on your phone. The Versa 4 alongside Sense 2 lack all three music options.
The available colors are also different.
In terms of price, the Versa 4 is slightly priced higher than the Versa 3.
Fitbit Versa 3 vs Versa 4 – Should You Upgrade?
The same reason why I won’t upgrade to the Sense 2 is also the reason why I won’t upgrade to the Versa 4. The omission of music options on the new watches is not just absurd but totally ridiculous.
However, if the addition of Google maps, Google pay, more workouts, a slimmer design, and a physical button speaks volume to you, then it’s not a bad investment to upgrade to the Versa 4.
