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Fitbit Versa 2 vs Versa 3 – I’m Disappointed

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Fitbit Versa 3 succeeds Versa 2, and it comes with new features such as inbuilt GPS, a loudspeaker, and a slightly longer battery life than its predecessor. I have been using both smartwatches for some time now, and in this comparison post, I’m comparing Fitbit Versa 2 vs Versa 3 features head to head to help you make the right choice.

Don’t want to read through, you can watch the video comparison of Versa 2 vs 3.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs Versa 3 Full Specifications Compared

Fitbit Versa 2Fitbit Versa 3
fitbit versa 2 specsFitbit Versa 3 full specs

EDITOR'S RATING

Design:
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)
Battery:
4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Fitness tracking:
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Features:
4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Price:
4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)
Average:
4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)
Design:
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)
Battery:
4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)
Fitness tracking:
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)
Features:
4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)
Price:
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Average:
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

ABOUT DEVICE

Device nameFitbit Versa 2Fitbit Versa 3
Device typeSport/Fitness smartwatchSport/Fitness smartwatch
PredessesorFitbit VersaFitbit Versa 2
Successor__Fitbit Versa 4
Released dateSeptember, 2019September, 2020
Ideal forUnisexUnisex

DISPLAY

Display typeAMOLEDAMOLED
Display size1.4 inch1.58 inches
Display resolution--336 x 336 pixel
Pixel density--300.74 PPI300.74 PPI
Input typeTouchscreen and 1 buttonTouchscreen
Haptic button
Always-onYesYes
Customizable watch faceYesYes

BODY

ShapeRectangular/curvedSquare/curved
Dimension40 x 40 x 11 mm40.5 x 40.5 x 12.4 mm
Weight----
Casing materialAluminumAluminum
Strap/band materialSiliconeSilicone
Bezel MaterialAluminumAluminum
Strap size140 - 180 mm (small)
180 - 220 mm (large)
140 - 180 mm (small)
180 - 220 mm (large)
Interchangeable band YesYes
Screen protectionCorning Gorilla glassCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Water resistant/ProtectionYes, 5ATMYes, 5ATM
Swim-proofYes, recommendedYes, recommended
Color(s)Carbon/black
Bordeaux/copper rose
Petal/copper rose
Stone/mist grey
Pink clay/soft gold
Midnight/soft gold
Black

MEMORY

RAM----
Internal storageAbout 4GBAbout 4GB
Memory card slotNoNo

CONNECTIVITY

BluetoothBluetooth v4.0 LEBluetooth v5.0 LE
Bluetooth callingNoYes
Wi-FiYesYes
NFCYesYes
Payment systemFitbit PayFitbit Pay
GPSNo, (connected GPS)GPS/GLONASS

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

TechnologyNoNo
SIMNoNo
BandNoNo

NOTIFICATIONS

Email alertYesYes
SMS alertYesYes
Calls alertYesYes
Event reminderYesYes
WeatherYesYes
Third-party appsYesYes
Text responseYesYes

FITNESS TRACKING

Sleep apneaNoNo
Sleep trackingYesYes
StepsYesYes
Floors climbedYesYes
Heart rate monitoringYesYes
CaloriesYesYes
DistanceYesYes
StressYesYes
VO2 Max.YesYes
Blood oxygenYesYes
Blood pressureNoNo
Menstrual cycle trackingYesYes
Swim trackingYesYes
Under-water heart rate trackingNoNo
Preloaded mapsNoNo
On-screen workout modesYesYes
Triathlon mode__No
ECG TrackingNoNo
Preloaded sport modesYesYes, 20
Safety trackingNoNo

MEDIA

Audiomp3/mp4mp3/mp4
Music streamingYesNo
Bluetooth musicYesYes
RadioNoNo
LoudspeakerNoYes
MicrophoneYesYes
CameraNoNo

SENSORS

PLATFORM

Operating system (OS)Fitbit OSFitbit OS
Chipset----
CPU----
GPU----

BATTERY

Type of batteryNon-removable lithium polymerNon-removable lithium polymer
Battery capacity ----
Battery lifeMixed usage: up to 6 daysMixed usage: up to 6 days+
Charging typeUSB based charging dockUSB based charging dock
Charging timeAbout 1-2 hoursAbout 1-30 mins
Battery saver modeYesYes
Solar powerNoNo
Rapid chargingNoYes

CLOCK FEATURES

Time/DateYesYes
StopwatchYesYes
AlarmYesYes

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Control camera_Yes
Music controlYesYes
Find phoneYesYes

MISC

Compatibility Android, IOS

Check supported devices
Android 8.0+, IOS 14.0+

Check supported devices
Companion appFitbit AppFitbit App
Voice commandYesYes (Alexa & Google Assistant)

BOX CONTENTS

Fitbit Versa 2Fitbit Versa 3
Strap (small and large)Strap (small and large)
Magnetic charging dockCharging cable
Quick start guideQuick 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 SiteOfficial Site

Fitbit Versa 3 vs Charge 4 Features Compared – At a Glance?

FeaturesVersa 2Versa 3
SMART FEATURES
DisplayAMOLED1.58 inches AMOLED
Ambient lightYesYes
Always-on-display
Just glance to see what you need during workouts or when your hands are full. (will require frequent charging)
YesYes
Syncs Wirelessly
Automatically sync to most popular iOS and Android devices to show your stats, trends and progress on your Fitbit dashboard.
YesYes
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
YesYes
Google Voice Assistant
Check the weather, set timers, control your smart home devices, and more, powered by Google Voice.
YesYes
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.
YesYes
Make Payments
Use your credit and debit cards to make secure purchases anywhere that accepts tap-and-pay.See participating banks
YesYes
Smart Notification
See call, text, or calendar notifications on screen & get push notifications from smartphone apps.
YesYes
Connect With Wireless Headphones
Listen to your favorite tunes without the wires.
YesYes
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.
YesYes
Sleep Mode
Use the sleep mode to mute smartphone notifications and stop your screen from turning on at night.
YesYes
Do Not Disturb Mode
Use do not disturb mode when you want to mute call, text, calendar, and app notifications during the day.
YesYes
Access Apps On Watch
Access your favorite apps for fitness, sports, news, travel, transit, and more with a simple tap.
YesYes
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.
Only microphone.
(can't make calls)
Yes
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.
NoYes
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.
YesNo
Workout Intensity Map
After outdoor exercise, check your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app to see your heart rate zones throughout your route.
YesYes
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.
NoYes
Active Minutes
Calculates active minutes through metabolic equivalents (METs). This metric, which factors in your body mass, is used to estimate exercise intensity.
NoYes
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.
YesYes
SmartTrack Exercise Recognition
Automatically record select exercises like running, biking and more & see detailed workout information in the Fitbit app.
YesYes
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.
YesYes
Swimproof
Water-resistant up to 50M, so you can wear your tracker or smartwatch in the shower, pool, and beyond.
YesYes
Onscreen Workout Coach
Get personalized on-screen workouts that play on your wrist, coach you through each move and adapt based on your feedback.
YesYes
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.
YesYes
See Your Heart Rate Zones
Use your personalized fat burn, cardio, and peak heart rate zones to optimize your effort during workouts.
YesYes
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.
NoNo
ECG tracking
Monitors your heart rate and can help you detect irregular heart rhythms which can lead to AFib is left untreated
NoNo
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.
YesYes
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
YesYes
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.
YesYes
Guided Breathing Session
Find moments of calm throughout your day with personalized breathing sessions based on your heart rate.
YesYes
SpO2 Sensor
Allows you to see how well your blood utilizes oxygen.
YesYes
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.
YesYes
Resting Heart Rate
Wear your tracker or smartwatch all day and night to record your resting heart rate and track heart rate over time.
YesYes
24/7 Activity Tracking
Track steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity, and stationary time.
YesYes
Altimeter
Counts floors climbed
YesYes
Sleep Score
Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, this personalized score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night.
YesYes
Sleep Tracking
Understand your rest with automatic sleep tracking and silent alarms on your wrist & bedtime reminders and helpful tips in the app.
YesYes
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.
YesYes
Battery Life6 days6 days+
Fast ChargingNoYes

– The Differences?

Features compared
  • Design
  • Fitbit Versa 2 vs 3

    The Versa 3 spots a similar appearance to Versa 2, it is however curved at the edges than Versa 2. From specs, Versa 3 has 1.58 inches which is slightly larger than the 1.4 inches of Versa 2, but I can bearly spot the difference.

    Both smartwatches are very lightweight and compact. It’s the same AMOLED powering the displays of both watches. Both smartwatches also have touchscreen support as a means of navigation. However, while Versa 2 has a physical button, Fitbit replaced that with a haptic button for the Versa 3 which I find very annoying. It’s unresponsive most times and that’s very annoying. You need to press it real hard to get the best results. The haptic button was adopted to help improve the water-resistance capabilities of the Versa 3.

    Fitbit has introduced a new infinity band for Versa 3 which is easier to swap unlike the hook style of Versa 2.

    Versa 3 has a new user interface that makes it easier to find apps and other features faster. For instance, instead of swiping down twice on Versa 2 to reveal your quick settings panel, you simply swipe right to reveal the quick settings panel.

    Secondly, double pressing the haptic button of Versa 3 will allow you to configure 4 shortcuts for your favorite apps which isn’t possible with Versa 2.

    Fitbit has also added a Fitbit today app that shows you all your stats unlike Versa 2 which allows you to view only 7 stats out of 9 available.

    So in terms of interface, Versa 3 has a better interface. But in terms of navigation, for me, Versa 2 has better navigation.

  • Fitness Tracking
  • Both Versa 2 and 3 will track your sleep, calories, heart rate, steps, help you manage stress through guided breathing sessions with up to 20 preloaded sport modes, and the ability to auto-track 6 of these sports. There is also a Fitbit coach app that can coach you through your favorite moves.

    However, Versa 3 is a more comprehensive fitness tracker. It has an inbuilt GPS which is long overdue, this allows you to track your routes, locations, and real-time pace without carrying your phone along. This brings a lot of conveniences if you’re coming from Versa 2 which requires you to carry your phone along to track your routes, locations, and other metrics while working out outdoors.

    Versa 3 allows you to have all 20 preloaded sport modes on the shortcut list, while Versa 3 allows you to have only 7 sport modes on the shortcut list.

    Versa 3 comes with a redesigned multi-path heart rate sensor which Fitbit claims have an upgraded algorithm for better heart rate tracking. I compared the two and the heart rate figures were just about the same with a small gap of 2-3 figures on average.

  • Media – No Improvement
  • Both Versa 3 and 2 have a microphone that allows you to use your voice to do simple tasks via Alexa or reply to messages. However, only Versa 3 will have Google Assistant later in the future which gives more options to do tasks with your voice.

    Versa 3 also has a loudspeaker which Versa 2 lacks. However, the loudspeaker on Versa 3 only allows you to answer calls, but you can’t talk directly from Versa 3 which defeats the purpose of having a loudspeaker on the watch.

    Moreover, you can’t hear Alexa reply back to you via the loudspeaker and you can’t play music files aloud, all these makes the loudspeaker on Versa 3 totally useless. Unlike Galaxy Active 2 where you can play music aloud, talk directly from the watch, and more.

    Both Versa 2 and 3 have music storage capability, but only Versa 2 allows you to add your personal music. With Versa 3, you can’t add personal music which is a huge turn off for me, you can only add playlist from Deezer and you can download Pandora stations and as well control Spotify Playlists on your phone.

    There is no improvement whatsoever as far as music storage is concerned on Versa 3.

  • Battery Life – Magnetic Charger and Fast Charging Introduced
  • Both Versa 2 and 3 will allow you to go multiple days from a single charge. However, Versa 3 has a longer battery life than Versa 2. From my experience, when I tested both smartwatches, Versa 3 lasted up to 6 days despite 1 hour daily of continuous GPS tracking compared to Versa 2 which averaged 5 days.

    Versa 3 also offers a quicker magnetic charger with fast charging technology that takes less than an hour to charge to full.

    Which is Better?

    I cannot outrightly say which is better between these two smartwatches despite a successor that took one year to produce.

    Both smartwatches are lightweight and compact with long battery life. Both are also equipped to track your active life comprehensively.

    However, in terms of fitness tracking, Versa 3 is a better smartwatch than Versa 2. It has an inbuilt GPS which for me is a must for a fitness smartwatch. Versa 3 also has a better interface and slightly longer battery life. And if I must add, it has a loudspeaker that lets you answer calls which you can continue on your phone.

    On the flip side, Versa 2 is a very nice smartwatch that offers multiple days of battery life. You can add personal music that you can enjoy with a paired Bluetooth headphone which isn’t possible on Versa 3, and with a physical button, you can easily navigate unlike the frustrating haptic button of Versa 3. It’s unfortunate it lacks inbuilt GPS.

    Should You Upgrade?

    If you workout outdoors and want inbuilt GPS, then it’s worth upgrading to Versa 3. Otherwise, there’s nothing much on Versa 3, Versa 2 for me is an interesting smartwatch.

    Prices

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