Fitbit Versa Vs Versa 2: Is The New Gen Smartwatch Better Than The Old?

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Hemant and his team mentions and reviews only those products that they find good enough after using & researching them for several weeks. By doing this we make sure that you get a well rounded review and recommendations to make the best decision for yourself.

When it comes to fitness trackers, Fitbit is the first name that strikes in our minds. Over the years, Fitbit has produced some of the best fitness trackers in the form of smartwatches and fitness bands.

Fitbit Versa is among the first generation of smartwatches released by Fitbit, and it soon became popular among people due to its fitness and health tracking abilities.

Moreover, it had the first of its kind female health tracking feature that allowed women to track their mensuration cycle and log periods, symptoms, and more, making the Fitbit Versa the first choice for women buyers.

But in 2019, Fitbit launched the newer version of the Fitbit Versa known as the Versa 2, which has all the features of the former and some additional features of its own. After this launch, people were confused between the previous and latest generation of this Fitbit smartwatch. They can’t decide whether they should stick to the Fitbit Versa or upgrade to the Versa 2.

If you are among these people, stay tuned as we bring you a detailed comparison of Fitbit Versa vs Fitbit Versa 2 that will surely help you make the right decision. So without any further delay, let’s get going.

Below are the quick links to directly navigate to different sections of the article:

Fitbit Versa Vs Fitbit Versa 2 Design And Display Quality Comparison

We will start the comparison with both the watches’ design and style because that’s what everyone notices first in a smartwatch, right?

Design

Talking about the looks, both the Fitbit watches have a somewhat identical design; however, the Versa 2 has a slightly bigger display with rounded curves. Whereas, on the Fitbit Versa, you get a boxy rectangular display that looks old school.

Another noticeable difference is the buttons on both the devices; on the older smartwatch; you see three buttons on the display’s sides. In contrast, you only get to see a single button on the new Fitbit smartwatch that gives it a clean and minimalist look.

However, the new Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch is a bit thicker than its older counterpart but not by a significant margin. The Fitbit Versa measures 11.2 mm in thickness, while the Versa 2 is 12mm thick

But, you get interchangeable bands on both the devices so you can customize the watch fitting and look at your will. 

Display Quality

A considerable upgrade is done in Fitbit Versa 2 from its earlier generation in terms of the display. Where you used to get to see an LCD touchscreen on the Fitbit Versa, you now get an AMOLED touch display on the Versa 2.

The AMOLED display is far more clear, sharp, and vivid than the LCD screen on the older smartwatch, i.e., Fitbit Versa. Also, for the first time in the Fitbit history, you see an Always-on display on its smartwatches, which is on none other than the Fitbit Versa 2.

Features Comparison

Fitbit Versa features

Fitbit Versa 2 has all the features present on the Fitbit Versa and comes loaded with some new features of its own. Here’s a list of features that you get on both smartwatches and those that are only present on the Fitbit Versa 2.

Similar Features

1. Swim Proof

The first feature that both the smartwatches share is that both these watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters. So you can take them swimming in the pool and also out in the rain.

2. Fitness Tracking

Since Fitbit is known for its fitness tracking, both these smartwatches feature many health monitoring sensors and apps that help you track your daily activities and keep an eye on your overall health.

For example, both these watches have an optical heart rate sensor for monitoring heartbeats. You can also track other fitness parameters such as distance covered, calories consumed, and steps taken in a day. Sleep tracking is also available on both watches.

3. Female Health Monitoring

Female health is a serious topic and Fitbit understands it. Therefore they have provided the women health tracking feature on both of these smartwatches.

4. Bluetooth Connectivity

Fitbit Versa and Versa 2 both come with wireless Bluetooth connectivity for wirelessly pairing with your smartphones. However, Versa 2 has a newer Bluetooth version, i.e., Bluetooth 5.0, whereas Fitbit Versa is still working on Bluetooth 4.0.

5. Notification Alerts

When your phone is synced to either of these Fitbit watches, you get call, text, and email alerts on the screen, which is a great feature to have on a smartwatch.

6. NFC

On both smartwatches, you get an NFC chip that allows you to make contactless payments at shops near you without using a card or cash.

7. Gorilla Glass Protection

You also get the gorilla glass protection on both of these smartwatches. So your screen is protected from scratches and damage due to daily wear and tear.

Features Exclusive To Fitbit Versa 2

1. Alexa

Fitbit Versa 2 has the Alexa voice assistant used for voice commands for tasks like checking the weather forecast, replying to text messages, turning ON/OFF smart devices in your home, etc. It has a built-in microphone that is used to give the commands to the watch.

2. Spotify Compatibility

You can control your Spotify playlist directly from your wrist using Fitbit Versa 2, which is sadly not possible with the Versa.

3. Always-On Display

The always-on display on the Fitbit Versa 2 enables you to view all the information at a glance without raising your hand or pressing the buttons.

Versa Vs Versa 2 Battery And Price

Battery

In the battery department, both the watches are strictly average, where you can expect a maximum of 4 days battery backup on the older smartwatch. A slight improvement is made in the new Versa watch as it can last up to 5 days at max.

However, since Versa 2 smartwatch features an Always-On display, its battery will not last as advertised if you continuously use the Always-On feature.

Price

There’s not a very big margin as far as the prices are concerned you can get the new Fitbit Versa smartwatch at a similar price point to the older smartwatch. However, after the new watch’s release, the older one’s price started fluctuating, and you can get a good deal on it, especially during sales.

Fitbit Versa And Versa 2 Editions

Fitbit Versa editions

You will get to see different versions of both these smartwatches that have to offer something other than what their regular editions can’t. Fitbit Versa comes in three editions that are regular, lite, and special edition, respectively. While you only get the regular and special edition on the Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch.

Fitbit Versa

1) Fitbit Versa Lite Edition

Fitbit Versa Lite edition is slightly cheaper than the regular Fitbit Versa. However, it has an identical look, and you can’t tell the difference by just looking at both the watches. But there’s one difference: there are three buttons on the Fitbit Versa, whereas you only get only one button on its lighter version. Also, it lacks NFC for making contactless payments.

2) Fitbit Versa Special Edition

Fitbit Versa special edition comes with a woven brand that gives it a premium look, while on the regular and lite edition, you get to see the standard bands. This watch has a more square screen than a rectangular one as on the other versions of Versa. And you also get an NFC chip on this smartwatch for making payments on the go.

Fitbit Versa 2

1) Special Edition

The special edition of Fitbit Versa 2 is more expensive than the regular edition. That’s because it comes with a built-in GPS that is not present on the regular edition and any editions of the Fitbit Versa watches. Moreover, you get woven bands on this smartwatch, so the price is justified.

Pros And Cons

Both the smartwatches have a share of pros and cons to it which you must know about before making a decision of whether you should go with the first generation or the second generation watch.

Fitbit Versa

The Good
  • Has extensive health & fitness tracking features

  • Shows call, text, and email notifications

  • Available in two other versions

  • Apps & music supported

  • Can make contactless payments

  • Swimproof

The Bad
  • No built-in GPS

  • No built-in Amazon Alexa

  • Shorter battery life

  • Slow speed due to slower processor

  • Screen quality is not that great

Fitbit Versa 2

Pros
  • Amazon Alexa built-in

  • AMOLED screen with Always-On feature

  • Has extensive health & fitness tracking features

  • Shows phone notifications on the screen

  • Supports voice command for quick replies

  • Supports Apps & Music

  • NFC chip for contactless payments

  • Customizable clock face & interchangeable bands

  • Water-resistant

Cons
  • No built-in GPS in the regular edition

  • Battery backup is not great

Fitbit Versa VS Fitbit Versa 2 Final Verdict

So finally, we have completed the comparison, and now it’s time for the final verdict. According to the review, it is quite evident that the Fitbit Versa 2 is the clear winner among both the Fitbit devices. You get more features, better looks, and display at a somewhat similar price on the 2nd generation Versa smartwatch.

However, if you are already using the Fitbit Versa and are happy with it, you can skip the upgrade.

But if you are a first-time buyer and are confused between both the smartwatches, you can go for Fitbit Versa 2 watch. And if you want GPS for tracking your activities, then go with the special edition of Fitbit Versa 2 as it comes with an integrated GPS.

FAQs

Is It Worth Buying Fitbit Versa 2?

Yes, its worth buying because it has all neccesay features that are required in a smartwatch except built-in GPS but you can use your phone's GPS instead.

Can You Text On Fitbit Versa 2?

Yes, but only if you are connected to your Android devices. Sending text is not supported through iOS devices on the Fitbit Versa 2.

How Do I Read My Text Messages On my Fitbit Versa?

For reading your text messages you need to sync your smartwatch with a smartphone to receive text notifications on the screen.

Can Fitbit Versa 2 Be Used Without A Phone?

You can use your Fitbit Versa 2 without a phone but connecting it to phone gives you more detailed stats about your activities. Also the Versa 2 doesn't have a integrated GPS so you have to be dependent on your phone's GPS.

Hemant Mendiratta

Hemant's love for watches started when his grandfather gifted him his Rolex watch when he turned 18! Being a teenager it was a big deal for him. Later when he got his first job he bought Fossil Palm Pilot back in 2003 which was a smartwatch. Since then smartwatches have come a long way and so is Hemant's love for them. His experience with watches inspired him to start Wearholic and share his knowledge of wearables including watches, smartwatches, smart glasses, & smart clothing.

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