Fitbit Versa 2 vs Versa 3: Which Smartwatch Reigns?
Choosing a fitness tracker can feel overwhelming, but what if you’re deciding between two top contenders from Fitbit? The Fitbit Versa line has been a favorite for years, offering a blend of style, features, and affordability. Today, we’re diving deep into the details of the Versa 2 and the Versa 3 to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Both the Versa 2 and Versa 3 promise to track your activity, monitor your sleep, and keep you connected with notifications. However, the Versa 3 comes with some exciting upgrades and improvements. These features make for a compelling comparison, so let’s explore the key differences to see which smartwatch is the right fit for you.
We’ll examine everything from design and display to fitness tracking capabilities and smart features. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both devices. This detailed analysis will equip you to make an informed decision when choosing between the Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | versa 2 | versa 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 1.34″ | 1.58″ |
| GPS | Connected GPS | Built-in GPS |
| Heart Rate Tracking | Yes | Yes (Enhanced) |
| SpO2 Sensor | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant |
| Active Zone Minutes | Yes | Yes |
| Swim Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 days | Up to 6 days |
| Fast Charging | No | Yes |
| Always-on Display | No | Yes |
| Design | Aluminum Case | Aluminum Case |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Display
- Versa 2: Features a sleek, rounded design with a single button. It has a vibrant AMOLED display. However, the screen is not as bright as the newer model and lacks the always-on display.
- Versa 3: Boasts a more modern, rounded design with a larger display and a touch-sensitive side button. It offers a brighter screen and an always-on display option.
- Winner: versa 3
Built-in GPS
- Versa 2: Relies on connected GPS, meaning it uses your phone’s GPS for tracking outdoor activities. This is dependent on having your phone with you.
- Versa 3: Includes built-in GPS, allowing for independent tracking of runs, walks, and other activities without needing your phone.
- Winner: versa 3
Voice Assistant
- Versa 2: Supports Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control smart home devices, set reminders, and more, but with limited functionality and voice responsiveness.
- Versa 3: Offers both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, providing more comprehensive voice control options and improved responsiveness.
- Winner: versa 3
Battery Life
- Versa 2: Offers up to 5+ days of battery life on a single charge, depending on usage.
- Versa 3: Provides up to 6+ days of battery life, with a faster charging capability.
- Winner: versa 3
Charging
- Versa 2: Uses a proprietary charging cable.
- Versa 3: Uses a new magnetic charging cable, along with faster charging.
- Winner: versa 3
Heart Rate Tracking
- Versa 2: Features Fitbit’s PurePulse heart rate tracking technology, which monitors heart rate 24/7.
- Versa 3: Upgraded with an improved heart rate sensor, offering more accurate and reliable heart rate monitoring during workouts.
- Winner: versa 3
Call Functionality
- Versa 2: Does not have call functionality.
- Versa 3: Includes a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing you to take calls on your wrist when connected to your phone.
- Winner: versa 3
Price
- Versa 2: Typically more affordable, making it a good option for those on a budget.
- Versa 3: Generally more expensive, reflecting its enhanced features and capabilities.
- Winner: versa 2
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Built-in GPS | versa 3 |
| SpO2 Sensor | versa 3 |
| Voice Assistant | versa 3 |
| Fast Charging | versa 3 |
| Always-on Display | versa 3 |
| Overall Value | versa 2 |
What They Have in Common:
- Heart Rate Tracking: Both the Versa 2 and Versa 3 offer continuous heart rate monitoring, allowing users to track their heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. This data helps in understanding fitness levels and optimizing training.
- Sleep Tracking: Both smartwatches automatically track sleep stages, providing insights into sleep patterns and quality. This helps users understand their sleep habits and identify areas for improvement.
- Smartphone Notifications: Both devices display smartphone notifications, including calls, texts, and app alerts, directly on the wrist, keeping users connected without needing to constantly check their phones.
- Activity Tracking: Both track steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes, providing comprehensive activity data to help users meet their fitness goals.
- Swim Tracking: Both watches are water-resistant and feature swim tracking, allowing users to monitor their performance in the pool.
Versa 2 Vs Versa 3 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Versa 2 features a more rounded design with a single button on the left side, offering a classic smartwatch aesthetic. Its aluminum case feels premium, and the watch is comfortable for all-day wear. The Versa 3, on the other hand, boasts a more streamlined and modern design with a slightly squarer face and a capacitive button. This design change, coupled with the integrated band attachment, contributes to a sleeker appearance. Both watches are swim-proof and have similar durability, but the Versa 3’s design feels more contemporary.
Display and User Interface
Both watches feature AMOLED displays, but the Versa 3’s screen is slightly brighter and larger, enhancing readability, especially outdoors. The Versa 2’s display is still vibrant and clear, but the Versa 3 offers a more immersive viewing experience. The user interface on both is generally intuitive, allowing for easy navigation of features and metrics. The Versa 3 benefits from a refined interface, offering faster response times and improved animation smoothness, making the overall experience more fluid.
Fitness Tracking Capabilities
Both devices track essential fitness metrics like steps, heart rate, and sleep. The Versa 3, however, introduces built-in GPS, eliminating the need to carry your phone for accurate distance and pace tracking during outdoor activities. The Versa 2 relies on connected GPS, meaning it uses your phone’s GPS. Both offer a variety of exercise modes, but the Versa 3 has more advanced features, including Active Zone Minutes and a more comprehensive workout intensity tracking. These features help users optimize their workouts.
Smartwatch Features
Both smartwatches provide notifications, music control, and access to apps. However, the Versa 3 expands on these capabilities with the inclusion of Google Assistant (in addition to Alexa) for voice commands and a speaker for taking calls directly from your wrist (only available on the Versa 3). The Versa 2 offers a more basic smartwatch experience. The Versa 3’s added smart features make it a more versatile device for daily use. This includes features like the ability to answer calls.
Battery Life
The Versa 2 boasts impressive battery life, typically lasting around 5-6 days on a single charge. The Versa 3, while still offering decent battery performance, has a shorter battery life, averaging around 6 days. While the Versa 3’s battery life is a little less, it benefits from fast charging, allowing for a full day’s use with just a short charge. This is a noticeable advantage for those who are always on the go. Both devices offer a good battery life.
Price and Value
The Versa 2 is generally more affordable, representing an excellent value proposition for those seeking a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank. The Versa 3 is more expensive, reflecting its upgraded features and improved performance. Considering its added functionalities, including built-in GPS, the Versa 3 offers a compelling value for those prioritizing advanced fitness tracking and a more comprehensive smartwatch experience. The best choice depends on user needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy versa 2 If…
- You want a stylish and affordable smartwatch.
- You primarily need basic fitness tracking and sleep monitoring.
- You are satisfied with connected GPS.
- You prefer a device with a simpler user interface.
Buy versa 3 If…
- You want the latest features and a more advanced experience.
- You value built-in GPS for more accurate workout tracking.
- You want the SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen level monitoring.
- You prefer a faster, more responsive device with an always-on display option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Versa 2 and Versa 3?
The Versa 3 includes built-in GPS, a brighter display, a speaker for calls, Google Assistant, and a more streamlined design. The Versa 2 lacks these features, offering a more basic smartwatch experience. The Versa 3 also has faster charging and a slightly different band attachment mechanism. The differences focus on convenience, accuracy, and advanced features.
Does the Versa 3 have built-in GPS?
Yes, the Versa 3 features built-in GPS, allowing for accurate tracking of distance and pace during outdoor activities without needing your phone. The Versa 2 relies on connected GPS, using your smartphone’s GPS signal. This feature is a significant upgrade for fitness enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor running, cycling, or walking.
Can I take calls on the Versa 3?
Yes, the Versa 3 has a built-in speaker and microphone, enabling you to answer and make calls directly from your wrist when paired with your phone. The Versa 2 does not have this capability, limiting phone call integration. This offers a convenient hands-free experience for users.
What is the battery life of the Versa 2 and Versa 3?
The Versa 2 offers a battery life of up to 5-6 days. The Versa 3 has a battery life of up to 6 days. The Versa 3 benefits from fast charging capabilities. Both offer good battery life. Battery life may vary depending on usage.
Which smartwatch has a better display?
The Versa 3 has a slightly larger and brighter AMOLED display, offering improved readability, especially in direct sunlight. The Versa 2 still has a vibrant display, but the Versa 3 provides a more immersive viewing experience. The improvements include screen brightness and better visibility for outdoor activities.
What are the fitness tracking features of both smartwatches?
Both track basic metrics like steps, heart rate, and sleep. The Versa 3 includes built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes, and a more comprehensive workout intensity tracking. Both offer various exercise modes. The Versa 3 offers more advanced fitness tracking tools and features for users.
Which smartwatch is the better value for the money?
The Versa 2 is more affordable, making it a great value for those seeking a feature-rich smartwatch without the advanced features of the Versa 3. The Versa 3 is more expensive, but it offers a more comprehensive experience, making it a better value for users. The best choice depends on individual needs.
Final Verdict
The Versa 3 emerges as the superior smartwatch, offering a more modern design, built-in GPS, a brighter display, and more advanced features. While the Versa 2 remains a solid choice, the Versa 3’s enhanced capabilities and overall performance make it the more compelling option for most users, especially those prioritizing fitness tracking and smart features. The Versa 3 is a clear upgrade.
Winner: Versa 3