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
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Fitbit Versa 3 vs Charge 4 Features Compared – At a Glance?
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– The Differences?
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- Design
- Fitness Tracking
- Media – No Improvement
- Battery Life – Magnetic Charger and Fast Charging Introduced
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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