The Fitbit Versa 2 vs versa 3 are two of the most popular fitness tracker options. They both offer a variety of features that appeal to fitness enthusiasts and those looking to get a little more out of their fitness trackers.
In this article, HereOfamily will compare the two devices and see how they stack up against each other.
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Price And Availability
The Fitbit Versa 2 was released in September 2019 and is presently available for $179.95 / £169.99 / AU$299.95 directly from Fitbit. You can typically get it for less at third-party shops, but Fitbit also has deals where you can get it for even less.
Pre-orders for the Versa 3 began in August 2020, with deliveries starting in September of the same year. In the United States and the United Kingdom, it is slightly more expensive than the previous model, while it is significantly more expensive in Australia.
The Versa 3 is available through Fitbit for $229.95 / £199.99 / AU$399.99 at writing, but you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere. We’ve compiled a list of the most incredible bargains below.
When you buy either watch, you can also join up for a free three-month trial of Fitbit Premium, which gives you access to more historical data and meditation sessions shared by Deepak Chopra and additional workouts through the Fitbit app.
Design
- The basic shape and materials are the same.
- Versa 3 has a more contemporary design.
- Versa 2 features a limited-edition version.
At first sight, the Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3 appear to be very identical, but there are a few differences.
The business unveiled some new design ideas for the 3, which include curved curves that are said to be inspired by the human body. It has a more modern appearance overall, which may help tip the scales in its favor if the design is a priority for you.
It looks almost identical to the Fitbit Sense, released simultaneously. Still, it has a significantly different set of capabilities, including a sensor that detects changes in your skin’s conductivity, which it uses to determine your stress level.
Both two watches include a polymer case, an intelligent aluminum bezel, and a soft silicone band as standard. At the same time, the Versa 2 has a particular edition version that includes an extra woven jacquard band.
You’ll get both small and large bands in the box with every watch you buy, and you can purchase different styles if you want to switch things up.
The Versa 2 is available in three different colorways:
- Carbon aluminum with a black finish
- Mist Gray metal with stone
- Aluminum Petal with Copper Rose
The Versa 3 comes in five different colors:
- Aluminum Midnight with Soft Gold
- Aluminum with a black finish
- Aluminum in pink clay with a soft gold finish
- Aluminum Thistle with Soft Gold
- Aluminum in Olive with Soft Gold
Display
- Both have AMOLED screens.
- The Versa 3 has a more excellent resolution than the 2.
The square-shaped AMOLED display on both watches has rounded corners.
The Versa 2 has a resolution of 300 x 300 pixels. In contrast, the Versa 3 has a resolution of 336 x 336 pixels, allowing for more detailed graphs, better graphics, and more text to be displayed simultaneously (particularly useful when receiving smartphone notifications).
Health And Fitness Features
- The Fitbit Versa 3 has built-in GPS.
- Breathing exercises are included in Versa 3.
- Both are equipped with a SpO2 sensor.
The most significant difference between the two watches is that Versa 3 has its onboard GPS, whereas Versa 2 must rely on the GPS receiver on your phone.
This means Versa 3 owners may go for a run, bike ride, or stroll without their phone and still have their workout route, distance, and speed tracked.
Watches with onboard GPS are also more precise than those that rely on a smartphone connection, so the model 3 is better if you’re training for a 5k or 10k race where every meter counts. The 2 can suffice for more everyday exercise.
Heart rate monitoring is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Versa 2 and Versa 3 and all-day step tracking on Versa 3. They also include over 20 dedicated training modes and auto-tracking if they detect that you’ve begun working out without manually starting tracking.
This smartwatch also tracks your sleep, providing you with a report on your sleep patterns and quality each morning via the Fitbit smartphone app.
Both watches can monitor your breathing rate, but only the Versa 3 comes with a pre-installed app that allows you to participate in guided breathing exercises.
Both the Versa 2 and 3 monitor your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels, though it’s worth noting that they only do so while you’re sleeping, unlike some more advanced sports watches that allow you to check your SpO2 levels at any time.
This isn’t a medical device, but it can help detect symptoms of diseases like sleep apnea (which causes you to stop breathing for a few seconds during the night), which should be discussed with your doctor. Fitbit can generate information that you can share with your doctor.
Smartwatch Features
- Versa 2 can save music.
- Versa 3 allows you to receive phone calls.
- Both are compatible with contactless payments.
When it comes to standard smartwatch capabilities, there are some significant variations between the Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3, making the newest watch a more tempting possibility.
They both support Amazon Alexa, but Versa 2 also supports Google Assistant, making it the ideal pick if you have Google Home smart devices.
When it comes to music, there are also disparities. Both watches let you control your Spotify playlist from your wrist (if you have a Spotify Premium subscription), and the Versa 3 also supports Deezer streaming.
On the other hand, this brand does not have storage for up to 300 songs, although the Versa 2 does. If you don’t utilize a music streaming service,it may be the better option.
If your phone is within Bluetooth range, you can take calls on your wrist and put callers to voicemail if you’re in the middle of a workout, unlike the Versa 2.
Both devices can get app notifications and use Fitbit Pay to make contactless payments. However, it’s worth double-checking that your bank is one of the supported ones. Apple Pay and Google Pay have a substantially larger user base.
Additional apps for either watch can be found in the Fitbit app store, accessed through the smartphone app.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, these two watches are on par. Whether you choose the Versa 2 or the Versa 3, you can expect a battery life of 6+ days.
When we used the 2’s always-on display option, we usually got 3-4 days. When we tested 3 models for our review, we found that it lasted 5-6 days without being in always-on mode, having alerts activated, or using the GPS more than twice a week.
Versa 3 has revolutionary rapid charging technology, a significant upgrade over 2. It uses a novel magnetic charger that can provide 24 hours of battery life after only 12 minutes of charging. That’s a very appealing feature.
Are you still wondering if that is worth buying a smartwatch, see this guide: Are Smartwatches Worth It?
FAQs
Is the Versa 3 upgrade worthwhile?
Users can expect more accurate heart rate data, more voice assistant options, a mic/speaker for conversations and voice assistant responses, Active Zone Minutes, and built-in GPS, to name a few features. For those who value the new features, it’s a good upgrade.
Is there a difference in size between the Fitbit Versa 2 and the Fitbit Versa 3?
The screen of Versa 3 is more significant.
The Versa 2 has a 1.39-inch display with a 300×300-pixel resolution. The Versa 3 watch case measures 40.48mm x 40.48mm x 12.35mm, instead of 39.95mm x 39.84mm x 12.15mm for the Versa 2.
Is it possible to use the Versa 2 and Versa 3 bands interchangeably?
No. Fitbit Versa bands from prior models will not work with the Versa 3. The new infinity bands are interchangeable with a quick-release technology in the current model.
Is the charger for the Fitbit Versa 2 and 3 the same?
Unfortunately, the old Fitbit Versa charger isn’t compatible with Versa 2.
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Conclusion
Versa 2 and 3 are two of the most popular fitness trackers. Both offer a variety of features that appeal to fitness enthusiasts, but some might prefer one model over the other based on budget or personal preference.
Thank you for reading this Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3 review. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below in the comment section.
