Fitbit Versa 3 is perhaps one of the most talked about smartwatches of 2020, it was released alongside Fitbit Sense and Inspire 2. Although the Versa 3 lacks ECG, EDA stress monitor, and temperature sensor – all present on Sense, it however comes with an inbuilt GPS, loudspeaker, and has a slightly longer battery life than its predecessor Versa 2 which was released in 2019. The question that pops up most times is which is better? Should you upgrade? Well, this detailed comparison of Fitbit Versa 2 vs Versa 3 compares the differences between these two to help you decide if you should upgrade.
Fitbit Versa 2 vs 3 – Specifications Compared
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Fitbit Versa 2 vs Versa 3 – Features Compared
DESIGN
The Versa 3 has a similar design to Versa 2 in terms of appearance as each of these two is compact and lightweight. Although, the Versa 3 is slightly more curved at the edges than Versa 2. The Versa 3 has a slightly larger display size than Versa 2 eventhough I didn’t notice any difference in display size while using these two.
AMOLED still powers the display of Versa 3 just like Versa 2, so both have colorful and easy to read displays, and touchscreen is supported on both smartwatches. However, while Versa 2 has a physical button, Versa 3 has a haptic button which is claimed to help improve the device’s resistance to water. I have a problem with the button, it’s oftentimes unresponsive unless pressed really hard.
You can save up to 5 watch faces on both smartwatches and there are many more options to choose from in the Fitbit app watch face gallery.
In terms of available models, while the Versa 2 comes in both standard and a special edition that comes with a woven band, Versa 3 is only available in a standard edition.
Fitbit has also replaced the band of Versa 3 with an infinity band that’s easier to change unlike the pin-style used on other Fitbit smartwatches.
The interface of Versa 3 is neater than that of Versa 2 in such a way that it’s easier to access information. Double pressing the haptic button of Versa 3 allows you to access 4 of your favorite apps which can be customized from the settings app. Moreover, the Fitbit Today is now onboard and consists of weather, relax, food logging, core stats, and advanced stats widgets. This allows you to easily see your activity stats.
FITNESS AND HEALTH TRACKING
Just like Versa 2, Versa 3 is equipped to track your sleep, steps, heart rate, calories, manage stress, and more. Both smartwatches also feature 20 preset workout modes and can auto-track 6 of these which can be set from the Fitbit app.
Versa 3 has an inbuilt GPS which Versa 2 lacks, and this is the biggest addition as far as I’m concerned. With inbuilt GPS, you can track outdoor activities such as routes, locations, and real-time pace without carrying your phone along. Unlike Versa 2 which requires you to carry your phone along in other to track your routes and more.
The heart rate sensor of Versa 3 has been improved according to Fitbit. It comes with a multi-path heart rate sensor with an improved algorithm that enables better heart rate tracking. When I compared the heart rate tracking of these two, the figures were just about the same with 1-3 figures with slight discrepancies.
There’s a device temperature sensor on Versa 3 which allows you to log your temperature with a thermometer, the Versa 3 will then monitor temperature changes. Fitbit premium is required to get skin temperature variations over time.
MEDIA AND CONNECTIVITY
Versa 2 and 3 come with 4GB storage capacity that allows you to store music in any of these two. However, it’s quite unfortunate that you can’t add your personal music to Versa 3 as we did with Versa 2. You can only control Spotify playlists on your phone, download Pandora stations and your Deezer playlist – all of which require a subscription.
Versa 3 comes with a loudspeaker, and this enables on-wrist calls. You’ll be able to receive and answers call directly on Versa 3 which isn’t possible with Versa 2. You can also start a call using Google Assistant. Moreover, there is now Google Assistant on Versa 3 which in addition to Alexa makes it two voice assistants. Meanwhile, Versa 2 has only Alexa.
You also get voice replies from both Google Assistant and Alexa on Versa 3 – thanks to the built-in speaker.
BATTERY LIFE
Fitbit claims the Versa 3 can last 6 days or more, it isn’t far-fetched when I tested it. I charged the Versa 3 to full, used it to track outdoor workouts for 30 minutes every day, and I got about 5 days of battery life. It would be longer if I didn’t use GPS. This is longer than Versa 2 which gave me about 5 days on average with mixed usage, 30 minutes of Fitbit Coach every day, wore it to sleep every day and switched off the always-on display.
The Versa 3 has a new style for the charger, a magnetic charger instead of the charging dock of Versa 3 which is easier to fix. The Versa 3 also has fast charging, it took me less than an hour to fully charge the Versa 3 compared to Versa 2 which took 1 hour+
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Versa 3 at a Glance
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Which Should You Buy?
If you need an inbuilt GPS to conveniently track your outdoor workout activities, then get Versa 3. Otherwise, save your money and get Versa 2.
Fitbit Versa 2 vs 3 – Should You Upgrade?
Again, if you really need built-in GPS, then it’s worthwhile to upgrade to Versa 3. Moreover, you can make and receive calls on Versa 3. You can also hear voice replies from the voice assistants, and it has a slightly longer battery life with fast charging technology that results in less charging time.
VERDICT: The Versa 3 is a more comprehensive smartwatch that’s lightweight and compact with inbuilt GPS, speaker, slightly longer battery life, and fast charging. Although, I’m disappointed that you can’t add personal music to the watch.
On the other hand, Versa 2 remains one of my favorite smartwatches, but however, lacks inbuilt GPS which every fitness-focused smartwatch should have.