The much successful Fitbit Versa has a new version, the Versa Lite which was announced recently and in addition to the former Versa Special edition makes it three fine timepieces under one Versa family. All three are fitness focused which is just in line with the Fitbit mission, although each has specific features that singles it out from the pack. This is a comparison of the Fitbit Versa Lite Edition vs Versa vs Versa Special edition, head-to-head we compare their specs, features and price. So you understand what’s in for you and which is the best choice for you.
Fitbit Versa Lite Edition vs Versa vs Versa Special edition – Specifications
| Fitbit Versa Lite Edition | Fitbit Versa | Fitbit Versa Special Edition | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
ABOUT DEVICE | |||
| Device name | Fitbit Versa Lite | Fitbit Versa (discontinued) | Fitbit Versa Special edition (discontinued) |
| Device type | Sporty/Fitness smartwatch | Sporty/Fitness smartwatch | Sporty/Fitness smartwatch |
| Predessesor | -- | -- | -- |
| Successor | Fitbit Versa 2 | Fitbit Versa 2 | Fitbit Versa 2 |
| Released date | March, 2019 | April, 2018 | April, 2018 |
| Ideal for | Unisex | Unisex | Unisex |
DISPLAY | |||
| Display type | Transflective colored LCD | Transflective colored LCD | Transflective colored LCD |
| Display size | 1.34 inch | 1.34 inch | 1.34 inch |
| Display resolution | 348 x 250 pixel | 348 x 250 pixel | 348 x 250 pixel |
| Pixel density | -- | -- | -- |
| Input type | Touchscreen 1 physical button | Touchscreen and 3 buttons | Touchscreen and 3 buttons |
| Always-on | No | No | Yes |
| Customizable watch face | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BODY | |||
| Shape | Rectangular/curved | Rectangular/curved | Rectangular/curved |
| Dimension | 35 x 24.07 x 11.2 mm | 35 x 24.07 x 11.2 mm | 35 x 24.07 x 11.2 mm |
| Weight | __ | 38 grams | 38 grams |
| Casing material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Strap/band material | Polyester | Polyester | Polyester |
| Bezel Material | -- | -- | -- |
| Strap size | 140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) | 140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) | 140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) |
| Interchangeable band | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla glass 3 | Corning Gorilla glass 3 | Corning Gorilla glass 3 |
| Water resistant/Protection | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color(s) | Marina blue Mulberry Lilac White | Gold, gray, black | Rose-gold Graphite |
MEMORY | |||
| RAM | -- | -- | -- |
| Internal storage | __ | About 4GB | About 4GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v4.0 LE | Bluetooth v4.0 LE | Bluetooth v4.0 LE |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes | Yes |
| Payment system | No | Fitbit Pay | Fitbit Pay |
| GPS | No, (connected GPS) | No, (connected GPS) | No, (connected GPS) |
CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY | |||
| Technology | No | No | No |
| SIM | No | No | No |
| Band | No | No | No |
NOTIFICATIONS | |||
| Email alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Text response | Yes (android only) | Yes (android only) | Yes (android only) |
FITNESS TRACKING | |||
| Sleep apnea | No | No | No |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood pressure | No | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Under-water heart rate tracking | No | No | No |
| Preloaded maps | No | No | No |
| On-screen workout modes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Triathlon mode | __ | __ | __ |
| ECG Tracking | No | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety tracking | No | No | No |
MEDIA | |||
| Audio | No | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Music streaming | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | No | Yes | Yes |
| Radio | No | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No | No |
| Camera | No | No | No |
SENSORS | |||
PLATFORM | |||
| Operating system (OS) | Fitbit OS | Fitbit OS | Fitbit OS |
| Chipset | -- | -- | -- |
| CPU | -- | -- | -- |
| GPU | -- | -- | -- |
BATTERY | |||
| Type of battery | Non-removable lithium polymer | Non-removable lithium polymer | Non-removable lithium polymer |
| Battery capacity | __ | 145mAh | 145mAh |
| Battery life | Mixed usage: 4 days+ | Mixed usage: up to 5 days | Mixed usage: up to 5 days |
| Charging type | USB based charging dock | USB based charging dock | USB based charging dock |
| Charging time | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
| Battery saver mode | No | No | No |
| Solar power | No | No | No |
| Rapid charging | No | No | No |
CLOCK FEATURES | |||
| Time/Date | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS | |||
| Control camera | _ | _ | _ |
| Music control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Find phone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
MISC | |||
| Compatibility | Android, IOS Check supported devices | Android, IOS Check supported devices | Android, IOS Check supported devices |
| Companion app | Fitbit App | Fitbit App | Fitbit App |
| Voice command | No | No | No |
BOX CONTENTS | |||
| Fitbit Versa Lite | Fitbit Versa | Fitbit Versa Special Edition | |
| Strap (small and large) | Strap (small and large) | Strap (small and large) | |
| Magnetic charging dock | Magnetic charging dock | Magnetic charging dock | |
| Quick start guide | 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 | Official Site | |
Fitbit Versa Lite Edition vs Versa vs Versa Special edition – The Differences
| Fitbit Versa Lite Edition | Fitbit Versa | Fitbit Versa Special Edition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floors climbed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage (stores over 300+ tracks) | No | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes, (APAC and EMEA countries) | Yes (US) |
| Onscreen Workout | No | Yes | Yes |
| Swim laps count | No | Yes | Yes |
| Number of bands | One (Large and small) | One (Large and small) | Two (classic: large and small) (woven: large and small) |
- Design
- Connectivity
- Memory
- Fitness Tracking
The three members of the Fitbit Versa family all look alike, same sleek and moderate case size that stylish and elegant. The main difference in the design of these three is the presence of one button on the Versa Lite instead of three present on both the Versa and Versa special edition.
Another differentiating factor is the color differences. The Versa comes in three variants; all black band/case, peach color band/rose-gold case and gray band/silver case, while the Versa Special edition comes in two variants; charcoal woven band/graphite case and lavender woven band/rose-gold case. The Versa Lite edition, on the other hand comes in four variants; white band/silver case, lilac band/sliver case, marine blue band/case and mulberry band/case. So, there are plenty of options here to choose from.
Out of the box, you will get two different sizes of bands (large and small) with any of these. However, if you order for the Versa Special edition, you will get one extra woven band (large and small). The Woven band looks quiet adorable and certainly will add the needed touch of class to your outfit.
Both the Versa Special edition and Versa standard edition have NFC chip that supports Fitbit Pay mobile payments. However, the NFC chip in the Special edition is only available in the US while that in the Standard edition covers APAC and EMEA countries. There is no NFC chip in the Versa Lite and it also lacks Wi-Fi which is present in both the Special and Standard editions.
In terms of memory storage, both the Versa special and standard edition have support for onboard music storage. There is about 2.5GB ROM available which is able to store over 300 tracks. So you can listen to your favorite tunes on the go while working out or perhaps just recreating. There isn’t that significant onboard storage available on the Versa Lite. So you won’t be able to store files on it.
Each of the three members of the Versa family are fitness-focused. Each contains all the necessary sensors in addition to a huge list of fitness tracking features. However, the Versa lite lacks an altimeter which deprives it of the ability to track altitude levels like counting steps climbed.
In addition, while all three are swim-proof, the Versa Lite isn’t able to count swim laps, so it isn’t the best companion for avid swimmers.
Which is the Best Choice For You?
Fitness tracking is at the heart of each of the three members of the Versa family, however, while there are slight differences in the price, the Versa standard edition is no doubt the best choice. The Versa costs less, even though it has almost the same features as the Versa Special edition except that the latter comes with an additional woven band. It’s no doubt the best bargain for someone outside the US.
However, for US residents, the Versa Special edition is the best choice. While it’s slightly costlier than the other two, it’s still a great bargain.
On the other hand, The Versa Lite edition is also a holistic choice. If you on a tight budget, the Versa Lite is a nice alternative to the other Versa versions. A great bargain that qualifies as a perfect choice for beginners.
Here is a summary;
| FITBIT VERSA | The best choice for residents outside the US, gives great value for money. |
| FITBIT VERSA SPECIAL EDITION | The best choice for residents in the US. |
| FITBIT VERSA LITE EDITION | A cheaper alternative, also a great fitness tracker. |
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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Take two. I’ve tried to leave this comment twice but the website keeps glitching. I will go ahead and do it one more time for the people 🙂
My comment is just a point out a small but important typo/mistake in the comparison chart. The Versa SE column shows “no” in the Wi-Fi row under connectivity. There are very few differences between the 3 watches and that being one of them makes it pretty important so I thought it would be worth mentioning. Most people probably figure it out but, it might be helpful to change that.
Sorry it took this long to reply. I’ve corrected the mistake, and thank you so much for taking out time to point that out.
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