The newly released Charge 4 comes with inbuilt GPS, more fitness tracking features, NFC that supports Fitbit Pay and the ability to control music on your phone. The Versa 2 which is slightly priced higher has all these features except inbuilt GPS. This makes the Charge 4 a worthy challenger to the Versa 2, this is why in this post we compare these two to find out the differences and which is a better choice.
Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2 Specs Compared
| Fitbit Charge 4 | Fitbit Versa 2 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
ABOUT DEVICE | ||
| Device name | Fitbit Charge 4 | Fitbit Versa 2 |
| Device type | Sport/Fitness smartwatch | Sport/Fitness smartwatch |
| Predessesor | Fitbit Charge 3 | Fitbit Versa |
| Successor | Fitbit Charge 5 | __ |
| Released date | March, 2020 | September, 2019 |
| Ideal for | Unisex | Unisex |
DISPLAY | ||
| Display type | OLED (monochrome) | AMOLED |
| Display size | 1.57 inch | 1.4 inch |
| Display resolution | 100 x 160 pixels | -- |
| Pixel density | 120.2 PPI | -- |
| Input type | Touchscreen | Touchscreen and 1 button |
| Always-on | No | Yes |
| Customizable watch face | Yes | Yes |
BODY | ||
| Shape | Rectangular/curved | Rectangular/curved |
| Dimension | 35.8 x 22.7 x 12.5 mm | 40 x 40 x 11 mm |
| Weight | 27 g | -- |
| Casing material | Resin | Aluminum |
| Strap/band material | Elastomer | Silicone |
| Bezel Material | Resin | Aluminum |
| Strap size | 140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) | 140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) |
| Interchangeable band | Yes | Yes |
| Screen protection | Hardened Glass | Corning Gorilla glass |
| Water resistant/Protection | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color(s) | Black Rosewood/rosewood | Carbon/black Bordeaux/copper rose Petal/copper rose Stone/mist grey |
MEMORY | ||
| RAM | N/A | -- |
| Internal storage | N/A | About 4GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v4.0 LE | Bluetooth v4.0 LE |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Payment system | Fitbit Pay | Fitbit Pay |
| GPS | Yes | No, (connected GPS) |
CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY | ||
| Technology | No | No |
| SIM | No | No |
| Band | No | No |
NOTIFICATIONS | ||
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps | Yes | Yes |
| Text response | Yes (Android only) | Yes |
FITNESS TRACKING | ||
| Sleep apnea | No | No |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Blood pressure | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Under-water heart rate tracking | No | No |
| Preloaded maps | No | No |
| On-screen workout modes | No | Yes |
| Triathlon mode | No | __ |
| ECG Tracking | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes, 20+ | Yes |
| Safety tracking | No | No |
MEDIA | ||
| Audio | No | mp3/mp4 |
| Music streaming | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | No | Yes |
| Radio | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No |
| Microphone | No | Yes |
| Camera | No | No |
SENSORS | ||
PLATFORM | ||
| Operating system (OS) | Fitbit OS | Fitbit OS |
| Chipset | N/A | -- |
| CPU | N/A | -- |
| GPU | N/A | -- |
BATTERY | ||
| Type of battery | Non-removable lithium polymer | Non-removable lithium polymer |
| Battery capacity | N/A | -- |
| Battery life | Standby: 10 day+ Mixed usage: 7 days Continuous GPS Tracking: 5 Hrs | Mixed usage: up to 6 days |
| Charging type | Charging Dock | USB based charging dock |
| Charging time | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
| Battery saver mode | No | Yes |
| Solar power | No | No |
| Rapid charging | No | No |
CLOCK FEATURES | ||
| Time/Date | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS | ||
| Control camera | No | _ |
| Music control | Yes | Yes |
| Find phone | No | Yes |
MISC | ||
| Compatibility | Android 7.0+ iOS 12.2+ Check your device compatibility | Android, IOS Check supported devices |
| Companion app | Fitbit App | Fitbit App |
| Voice command | No | Yes |
BOX CONTENTS | ||
| Fitbit Charge 4 | Fitbit Versa 2 | |
| Strap (small and large) | Strap (small and large) | |
| Charger | Magnetic charging dock | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
| NOTE: We can't guarantee that all the information on this table are 100% correct. Read full disclaimer. Please, report an error. | ||
| Official Site | Official Site | |
Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2 Features Compared
- Design
- Activity Tracking
- Media/Storage
- Battery Life
Both the versa 2 and Charge 4 look decent and stylish too. Each of these two is sleek and elegant – attributes of a perfect wearable and fitness tracker. However, the Versa 2 has a more sophisticated design than the Charge 4. While the Versa 2 has a more durable aluminum case, the Charge 4 has a plastic resin case. Moreover, while Corning Gorilla Glass mounts the screen of the Versa 2, a hardened glass protects the Charge 4 screen. However, the Versa 2 at 11mm thick is slimmer than the Charge 4 which makes it sleeker. Although, Charge 4 weighs a little less than the Versa.
A look at the display, while full-color AMOLED powers the display of the Versa 2, monochrome OLED is for the Charge 4. Thus, the Charge 4 is easier to read outdoors, but the Versa 2 display is richer, more interactive and with ambient light available, it can also be read easily outdoors.
So, from the design section, each of these two has got a nice design, but Versa 2 certainly has the upper hand.
Each of these two features the very best of Fitbit fitness tracking technology and as such can track a whole lot of activities which include,
– Track your heart rate continuously including resting heart rate and heart rate zones which gives you a clear picture of your intensity during training.
– Track calories all day.
– Track your complete sleep cycle which includes REM, deep and light, and time spent in each.
– Track floors climbed.
– Automatic exercise recognition with over 20+ preloaded workout modes to choose from.
– For women, log the menstrual cycle and monitor changes.
– Track your blood oxygen saturation via the SpO2 sensor.
– Sedentary reminders that monitors how active you’ve been and reminds you to move.
– Track your swimming activities which includes SWOLF.
– (new) Active Zone Minutes allows you to set a target heart rate which the device will alert you when your heart rate reaches the preset goal.
– Track your VO2 Max and overall fitness level.
– Guided breathing sessions can help you resolve stress.
The difference though, is that Charge 4 now has inbuilt GPS just like the ionic which allows you to track outdoor activities such as routes, distance, real-time pace and locations without carrying your phone along. But with the Versa 2, you’ll need to carry your phone along.
– However, the Versa 2 features an onscreen workout that coaches you through your favorite moves (subscription-based). The Charge 4 lacks this feature.
The Versa 2 has got significant onboard storage capacity that allows you to store your favorite track on this device which isn’t possible with the Charge 4. Moreover, Versa 2 with a microphone that supports Amazon Alexa voice assistant features. There’s also Wi-Fi in the Versa 2 which the Charge 4 lacks, this offers more ways to stay connected with your phone beyond Bluetooth.
The Charge 4, according to Fitbit, will last about 7 days with continuous heart rate tracking and about 5 hours with continuous GPS tracking. This is a little longer than the Versa 2 with about 5 days or more.
Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 2 – The Difference
| Features | Charge 4 | Versa 2 |
|---|---|---|
| SMART FEATURES | ||
| Display | Monochrome OLED | AMOLED |
| Ambient light | No | Yes |
| Always-on-display Just glance to see what you need during workouts or when your hands are full. (will require frequent charging) | No | Yes |
| Syncs Wirelessly Automatically sync to most popular iOS and Android devices to show your stats, trends and progress on your Fitbit dashboard. | Yers | Yes |
| Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant Check the weather, set timers, control your smart home devices, and more, powered by Amazon Alexa. Amazon Alexa not available in all countries | No | Yes |
| Google Voice Assistant Check the weather, set timers, control your smart home devices, and more, powered by Google Voice. | No | Yes |
| Music Storage Store and play 300+ songs on your smartwatch—plus download your favorite Pandora stations or Deezer playlists. Paid subscriptions required. Pandora is US only. | No | Yes |
| Make Payments Use your credit and debit cards to make secure purchases anywhere that accepts tap-and-pay.See participating banks | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Notification See call, text, or calendar notifications on screen & get push notifications from smartphone apps. | Yes | Yes |
| Connect With Wireless Headphones Listen to your favorite tunes without the wires. | No | Yes |
| Connect and Control Music on Spotify Control your music, songs, and browse recent playlists and podcasts all from your wrist. Works with phone nearby; Spotify Premium subscription required. Not available in all countries. | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Mode Use the sleep mode to mute smartphone notifications and stop your screen from turning on at night. | Yes | Yes |
| Do Not Disturb Mode Use do not disturb mode when you want to mute call, text, calendar, and app notifications during the day. | Yes | Yes |
| Access Apps On Watch Access your favorite apps for fitness, sports, news, travel, transit, and more with a simple tap. | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker and Microphone Has a loudspeaker that allows you to play music aloud and as well make and receive calls via Bluetooth connection to the phone. | No | Only microphone. (can't make calls) |
| EXERCISE FEATURES | ||
| Real-Time Using Built In GPS See your real-time pace and distance without a phone, then get a map of your route in the Fitbit app. | Yes | No |
| Real-Time Using Phone GPS See your real-time pace and distance by connecting to your phone's GPS, then get a map of your route in the Fitbit app. | No | Yes |
| Workout Intensity Map After outdoor exercise, check your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app to see your heart rate zones throughout your route. | Yes | Yes |
| Active Zone Minutes Feel a buzz when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercise and celebrate when you earn extra minutes outside of workouts. | Yes | No |
| Active Minutes Calculates active minutes through metabolic equivalents (METs). This metric, which factors in your body mass, is used to estimate exercise intensity. | Yes | No |
| Personalized Reminders Stay on track toward your goals with personalized reminders that remind you to stay active, get hydrated, stick to a sleep schedule and more. | Yes | Yes |
| SmartTrack Exercise Recognition Automatically record select exercises like running, biking and more & see detailed workout information in the Fitbit app. | Yes | Yes |
| 20 Preset Workout Modes Choose from 20+ exercise modes like run, bike, swim, yoga and more, set a goal, and get real-time stats during your workouts. | Yes | Yes |
| Swimproof Water-resistant up to 50M, so you can wear your tracker or smartwatch in the shower, pool, and beyond. | Yes | Yes |
| Onscreen Workout Coach Get personalized on-screen workouts that play on your wrist, coach you through each move and adapt based on your feedback. | No | Yes |
| Sedentary Reminder See how long you've been active throughout the day and get reminders to fit in a few extra steps when you've been sitting a bit too long. | Yes | Yes |
| See Your Heart Rate Zones Use your personalized fat burn, cardio, and peak heart rate zones to optimize your effort during workouts. | Yes | Yes |
| HEALTH FEATURES | ||
| EDA Scan App The on-wrist EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity—which may indicate your body’s response to stress—and reveals a graph in the Fitbit app to illuminate it. | No | No |
| ECG tracking Monitors your heart rate and can help you detect irregular heart rhythms which can lead to AFib is left untreated | No | No |
| Cardio Fitness Score (VO2 Max.) Get a better understanding of your fitness level and see how you can improve over time with a personalized Cardio Fitness Score. | Yes | Yes |
| Complete Sleep Tracking See your time spent in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get sleep insights to help you improve. https://www.fitbit.com/us/technology | Yes | Yes |
| Female Health Tracking Know your body on a deeper level using your tracker or smartwatch with the Fitbit app to follow your cycle, record symptoms and more. | Yes | Yes |
| Guided Breathing Session Find moments of calm throughout your day with personalized breathing sessions based on your heart rate. | Yes | Yes |
| SpO2 Sensor Allows you to see how well your blood utilizes oxygen. | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking Use 24/7 heart rate to better track calorie burn, see your resting heart rate trends and get real-time guidance to optimize your workouts. | Yes | Yes |
| Resting Heart Rate Wear your tracker or smartwatch all day and night to record your resting heart rate and track heart rate over time. | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Activity Tracking Track steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity, and stationary time. | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter Counts floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Score Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, this personalized score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night. | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking Understand your rest with automatic sleep tracking and silent alarms on your wrist & bedtime reminders and helpful tips in the app. | Yes | Yes |
| All Day Calorie Burn Better understand the total number of calories you burn—all day and during workouts—to manage your weight and stay on track toward your goals. | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 7 days | 6 days |
| Fast Charging | No | No |
Verdict
Clearly, each of this two is an outstanding smartwatch (I think the Charge 4 qualifies as one). Top-notch fitness tracking features, decent design and impressive long battery life.
However, Versa 2, although it lacks inbuilt GPS, has more features that makes it a more comprehensive smartwatch. It features music storage, allows you to add third-party apps, microphone, better display, and on-screen work-out coach, it’s clearly a better smartwatch.
On the flip side, the Charge 4 priced a bit lower is a worthy alternative.
Prices
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Hi! I’m Jude, the chief editor at Smartwatchseries.com
I’m a graduate of biochemistry, a 3D artist and a passionate fitness enthusiast. On here, I and other smartwatch fans work hard to help you find the right smartwatch for you with our guides, reviews, and comparisons.
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