21 Reasons Why We Think Fitbit Versa Is Better Than Apple Watch As A Fitness Tracker-Smartwatch Hybrid
- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
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- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
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- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Justin Sullivan | Getty Images)
- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
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- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Paul Morigi | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Justin Sullivan | Getty Images)
- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Justin Sullivan | Getty Images)
- (Paul Morigi | Getty Images for Fitbit)
- (Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images)
Battery Performance
When it comes to a showdown between how long each smartwatch can last on a single charge, it is an automatic win for the Fitbit Versa over the Apple Watch. Cupertino's wearable only promises its users up to 18 hours of usage time on a single charge. Meanwhile, the former reportedly lasts up to four days or more depending on the usage pattern of the owner.
Battery life has always been the biggest weakness of the premium fitness tracker hybrid, which hardly improved even when it is already their third-generation version. Additionally, the LTE version of the smartwatch lasts even shorter than before.
Battery Performance
When it comes to a showdown between how long each smartwatch can last on a single charge, it is an automatic win for the Fitbit Versa over the Apple Watch. Cupertino's wearable only promises its users up to 18 hours of usage time on a single charge. Meanwhile, the former reportedly lasts up to four days or more depending on the usage pattern of the owner.
Battery life has always been the biggest weakness of the premium fitness tracker hybrid, which hardly improved even when it is already their third-generation version. Additionally, the LTE version of the smartwatch lasts even shorter than before.
Affordability
Now that users know about the Fitbit Versa's longer battery life over the Apple Watch, sources provided the details that reveal the price of each device. Immediately, the numbers put the Versa at an advantage with its cost-friendly $199 price point.
Meanwhile, Cupertino's wearable hybrid device features a base model that already costs $329 for the base model and can go up to $1,399 depending on the type and configuration, which are entirely optional. Still, this marks the device as a premium accessory that needs to be recharged every day.
Even though there are other brands that offer smartwatches at almost the same starting price as the Apple Watch, its price against the Fitbit Versa makes it a difficult choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Guided Workouts
Smartwatch hybrids that feature fitness tracking are expected to use its array of sensors to detect different types of movement and record its repetition. Depending on the capabilities of the gadget, it is possible to support more than just the basic workouts like running, cycling, swimming, and others. The Apple Watch as well as the Fitbit Versa are capable of such features, but the latter comes with another option exclusive to the model.
The wearable reportedly comes with an app called Coach, which actually provides a guided workout for its user with a slight caveat. The app requires a subscription that costs $40 for a year of service.
Accuracy With Tracking
As a company that specializes in fitness tracking accessories and wearables, the Fitbit Versa apparently borrows some of the features found in the Fitbit Ionic. This allows the device to somewhat accurately detect if its user has started an activity. Unlike the Apple Watch that requires its users to already have a basic knowledge of different workouts, the Versa comes with on-watch workouts that show how the different exercises are performed directly on its display.
Just like other Fitbit fitness trackers, the Versa comes with an optical heart rate sensor, which is reportedly as accurate as its predecessors. The only issue with the biometric sensor is the unavailability of blood oxygen levels detection, which will be enabled during a later software update.
Design And Form Factor
A quick look at the Fitbit Versa and Apple Watch side by side would most likely prompt users to mistake the former as the latter. This might seem like the Versa copied Cupertino's wearable, but it could also mean that most people generally cannot tell the difference between the two.
Some owners suggest that its premium-appearance makes it hard to believe that it only costs $199. Moreover, a closer inspection reveals that the Versa's form factor makes it slimmer than the Apple Watch, which is quite bulky especially on a woman's slender wrist.
Yet its slim profile can hardly justify the large charger that comes with it compared to the one that comes with Apple's device.
Compatibility With Different Smartphones
Another thing that the Fitbit Versa can flaunt over the Apple Watch is its willingness to play with different smartphone platforms. Most of the functions expected from a fitness tracking smartwatch will work on Android, Windows Phone, and iOS.
The Apple wearable, on the other hand, is ideally designed to work with iOS devices only, but it comes with a limited connectivity to Android smartphones as well. Industry insiders suggest that the Versa's wide range of compatible operating systems was probably helped by Fitbit's acquisition of Pebble, a notable smartwatch manufacturer responsible for products like the Pebble Watch, Pebble Steel, and more.
Making It More Appealing To Women
As suggested by its slimmer profile compared to the Apple Watch, the Fitbit Versa appears to have been designed to appeal to female smartwatch users. Even though Cupertino offers a 38mm and 42mm model intended to give users a choice between the two sizes, the overall form factor of the wearable makes it look big on a smaller wrist.
Meanwhile, Fitbit also announced that the Versa is scheduled to receive an update that will include female health tracking features. This allows women to track their cycle and determine their ovulation. An option to track their period will also become available when the operating system gets updated next month.
Keeping It Simple
When Fitbit opted to develop its first smartwatch, the Ionic, it presumably did its research to find out what consumers actually want in a fitness tracking wearable. Notifications are very important for tech-savvy users, and connectivity with different kinds of smartphones and operating systems are a big plus. Just like the Ionic, the Versa comes with all of the basic functions, sensors, and applications that the owner would want in a smartwatch.
Although the Apple Watch can flaunt its claim to have more available apps than the Versa, most of these only serve to annoy some users who already receive the notifications on their phone and computer and then additionally get notified on their wrists.
Contactless Payments For An Entry-Level Device
One of the perks of premium smartwatches such as the Apple Watch, Samsung Gear, and some Garmin models is the pre-installed NFC component that enables wireless payments. Yet their top-shelf price encourages potential buyers to hold back and think twice before they plunk down a serious amount of money for a wearable. Therefore, the news that the Fitbit Versa will have an alternative model with NFC contactless payment option available soon is great news.
With an attractive $199 price point, users who want the convenience of making payments with a tap of their smartwatch can do so at a much cheaper cost. More features that require NFC connectivity might be enabled in a future update.
Getting A Good Night's Sleep
Based on its history as a company that specializes in digital health trackers that flaunted sleep tracking as one of its great features, the Fitbit Versa continues the tradition and gives its users a detailed look at how well they slept. The Apple watch can track almost all of the same activities that the former device can, but it does not seem equipped to handle a restful snooze.
Another feature that was taken from its predecessors is the silent alarm mode, which peacefully nudges the user aware via gentle vibrations. Studies have shown that sleep interrupted by loud noise can have an adverse effect on a person's quality of rest.
User-Friendly Interface
Cupertino went for a unique approach when it designed the WatchOS interface for the Apple Watch. The digital crown, side button, and touch-screen controls all combine to give users different levels of control over the wearables functions. Meanwhile, Fitbit opted for a simpler scheme that uses three different physical buttons, along with different swipes to navigate and select the various functions of the smartwatch.
The manufacturer likewise included shortcuts for each of the physical buttons on the Versa. The button on its left side can be held down to access the user's music, notifications, and screen behavior. The button on the bottom right is assigned to the timer or alarm but can be reassigned to a specific app or option. The final button is on the top right, which controls exercise options and text notifications.
Standing Out From The Rest
When it comes to gadgets and personal electronics such as wearables, the more color choices and accessories available, the more appealing it usually becomes to consumers. If possible, users would love to own something unique and customizable. The Apple Watch is available in three colors such as Space Gray, Gold, and Silver with interchangeable wristbands that come in a variety of colors. The Fitbit Versa attempts to trump the former with options such as Black, Graphite, Rose Gold, and Silver enclosures with replaceable straps as well.
With its accessible price range and looks that can be mistaken as the premium smartwatch from Cupertino, consumers might be tempted to go for the Fitbit Versa instead.
Sticking To What It Does Best
Opinions from users who have had the opportunity to test out both the Fitbit Versa and Apple Watch are almost the same. The group pointed out that the latter has its advantages when it comes to the number of apps, functions, and various notifications that a user might possibly want on their wrist.
In most cases, the majority of consumers usually decide to get a wearable to replace their analog or digital watch. Moreover, advertisements and promotions of what the devices can do to help people get in shape is another factor for the purchase.
If users carefully compare the fitness-related capabilities of both models, it would appear that the Fitbit Versa would stand out due to the manufacturer's pedigree when it comes to fitness trackers.
Surveys Show What The Users Want
A study done by researchers from the NPD Group came up with results that predicted more people in the United States will invest in a smartwatch before 2019. The numbers apparently suggest that a 60 percent growth is possible, as more users become familiar with the advantages of owning a wearable. The study likewise included data that could determine if consumers would prefer the Apple Watch, Fitbit Versa, Galaxy Gear, or other models.
According to the survey results, the majority of users and interested buyers want devices that have activity tracking features and notifications. Prudent buyers would find the Fitbit Versa ideal for their needs, while those with money to spend will usually opt for the Apple watch.
Barely Scratching The Surface
A collection of insights from industry analysts predict that the Fitbit Versa is a step in the right direction for the company. It is positioned properly with enough features and gimmicks that could rival top-shelf wearables such as the Apple Watch. Majority of tech experts noted that the digital health company made the right decision to acquire Kickstarter-darling Pebble in 2016.
The Fitbit Ionic was already considered a step in the right direction when most buyers called it the Pebble Watch they've always wanted. Now that the Versa has been revealed, it noticeable that improvements were made, and it looks promising that future models could even be better.
Lightweight And Natural Shape
Another aspect that was tested out by reviewers was how the Fitbit Versa compares to the Apple Watch when it was worn on their wrists. A common feedback that was immediately given by users is how light the former feels compared to the latter. It should be noted that the Versa's enclosure is constructed out of metal as well as its buckle.
When the Apple Watch came out, some users complained about the awkward form factor that makes the wearable feel bulky. Furthermore, it allegedly feels heavier than the Versa even when both units used similar wristbands for comparison. Therefore, its lighter weight and ideal shape apparently make it more comfortable than Apple's wearable.
A Growing Collection
It is quite obvious that the Apple Watch holds a distinct advantage over the Fitbit Versa when it comes to apps and watch faces, but that might change soon. The Pebble Watch was praised for its wide array of available designs for its watch faces that were considered creative by gadget reviewers. Now that Fitbit owns all of the former's assets when it took over the company in 2016, the list of available options for the Versa might grow exponentially, as existing content gets ported over to the Fitbit OS.
The manufacturer confirmed that more apps and cosmetic changes are in the process of being converted to work on the new device.
A Capable Music Player
Another feature that is available on both the Apple Watch and Fitbit Versa is its built-in music player. In order to move music to the former device, users are required to use iTunes. When the Versa, users can just side load the music files directly from their computer. Both wearables can wireless stream music to compatible Bluetooth speakers or headsets.
However, due to its limited battery life, the Apple Watch is not an ideal gadget for a long period of music playback. The four-day battery life boasted by the Fitbit Versa makes it a great music player for impromptu trips that require a bit of entertainment along the way.
More Accessory Options For Apple And Android Users
For consumers who absolutely want to flaunt their brand loyalty, an iPhone must only be paired with the Apple Watch, while flagship Android smartphones are partnered with premium Android Wear smartwatches from the same manufacturer. The Fitbit Versa was intentionally designed to work on several platforms. Therefore, buyers who already spent a fortune on their top-tier smartphones might consider third-party device instead.
Again, its price and premium looks make it a stunning match for the latest handset models available now. The money users can save with its purchase can also be used to purchase other accessories such as Bluetooth earphone and others.
Additional Sleep Tracking Metrics
By now, users familiar with the digital health company know that it specializes in devices that not only track activities but also highlight the user's sleeping patterns. The Apple Watch, unfortunately, does not have the same capabilities as the Fitbit Versa. Data gathered from its various biometric sensors can show how restful the user was able to sleep.
An upcoming update for the hybrid wearable will reportedly activate its SpO2 sensor, which can add another dimension to how owners monitor their health. According to experts, data collected alongside heart rate and oxygen levels during sleep can detect problems such as sleep apnea and other sleeping disorders.
Popular fitness company Fitbit unwrapped a smartwatch-like tracker known as the Charge 3. The Charge 3 is mobilized with a water resistance feature, seven-day battery life, and an enhanced OLED touchscreen display.