Fitbit now exists in the world of brands owned by Google. As Google takes its first step into the smartwatch market with the Pixel Watch, Fitbit serves as a reminder that the company is still trying to compete for space on your wrist.
Fitbit Versa 4
With its fourth-generation smartwatch, Fitbit has brought some big apps from Google and aims to get you to reach your fitness and health goals in an extremely motivating way.
Compared to the Google Pixel Watch, the Apple Watch Series 3 has fewer features but costs less money. However, it doesn’t offer any unique features that aren’t available elsewhere.
Design and Build
Compare the Fitbit Versa 3 and the Versa 4 side by side and you’ll see that they’re pretty similar.
Appearance
It’s a bit thinner than its predecessor, but the graphite, silver, and gold rose case colors allow you to mix and match them with different strap options. You can even change those straps if you want to go from the gym to business meeting modes.
Buttons
The big difference between the new and old models is the addition of a physical button at the bottom. That’ll be right: physical buttons are coming back. Well, one is. Following Fitbit’s decision not to bother with physical buttons for the last version.
It doesn’t seem like a big deal when you’re just poking and swiping at a screen, but having physical controls makes things easier for people who want to use their fitness trackers during workouts.
Now they can wake up the display and talk to a virtual assistant or jump right into workout mode.
Design
You’re still getting to hold a 40.5-millimeters aluminum case with its gently rounded corners that aren’t too heavy and not too lightweight.
Waterproof
If you want to go swimming, you’re covered there too. It’s safe to dive into the pool and the open waters up to 50 meters deep.
Screen
Resolution
Despite its square shape, the display on the Versa 4 isn’t bad at all. It has an excellent resolution, goes really well in direct sunlight, and can be used for long periods without burning into oblivion.
Always-on Mode
If you want to use your phone without worrying about running out of power, you might be able to get away with using an Always On Mode. However, if you need to charge your phone every day, you may not be able to deal with a few extra hours of usage time.
AMOLED Screens
AMOLED screens tend to struggle for visibility in direct sunlight, but thankfully, this display doesn’t suffer from that problem.
You now have a button to wake up the screen, but a gentle double click on the screen or raising your arm will also bring it to light. It just doesn’t do it in a very fast manner.
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Interface
FitbitOS
Fitbit has been acquired by Google, but it’s keeping its own smartwatch operating system. Fitbit OS carries its influences from the original smartwatch company, Pebble.
It works well with both Android phones and iPhones but feels more like a Google Wear OS experience than an Apple Watch.
Phone Notification Feed
Fitbit has made some changes to its user interface. Now, instead of having multiple menus for notifications, you’ll see them in one place. It’s still easy to navigate through.
Fitbit Gallery App Store
One thing that isn’t so great is that some of the features found on the Versas haven’t returned. The Fitbit Gallery App Store has been stripped of third-parties apps, and there’s no Wi-Fi or MP3 player. Not a coincidence, considering the Pixel Watch just arrived?
Fitbit Pay
Contactless payments are available, but Fitbit Pay doesn’t have the widest support from British banks.
You can use Google Assistant to talk to Amazon’s Alexa through the onboard microphone. Google maps is another useful addition.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Fitbit has added some new fitness tracking capabilities to its smartwatch lineup, but they don’t add up to a major upgrade from the previous version.
Exercise Modes
There are now new types of exercises:
- Crossfit
- Paddle boarding
- Skiing push the total to over 40,
Fitbit‘s own analytics like Cardio Fitness and Activity Zones tell you if you’re putting enough effort into working out.
Sports Modes
It doesn’t offer any advanced features, but it’s easy to use and offers basic heart rate and workout tracking.
It certainly doesn’t rival what a Garmin or a Polar sports watch can dish out in terms if its ability to track your activity accurately and provide detailed statistics.
Sleep Scores
Fitbit’s strength is in its ability to encourage you to take more steps and track your sleep. From the Fitbit app, you can easily see if you’re close to reaching your daily step goals and how well you slept last night.
You can use sleep score apps to see how well you’re sleeping and you can also monitor your heart rate and body temperature to get an idea of your overall health.
Check out how to use all the modes with our guide.
Battery Life
Don’t want to charge your watch every day? You don’t need to worry about that with the Versa 4 — it lasts for over six full charges between top-ups.
Even if you don’t keep the phone plugged into an outlet at all times, it can last for up to seven days without charging.
Charging Support
If you need that phone to stay awake for 24 hours straight, then it takes a big toll on your battery life. Luckily, you do have some fast-charge support at your disposal.
It takes just 12 minutes to get a full day of battery power, so you can quickly top off your phone before heading out the door in the mornings.
Charging Cradle Setup
The charging cradle has not changed at all. It sits securely on top of the watch and cannot be moved by accident. If you want to chuck it off your nightstand, then you need to use a different method.
Conclusion
It’s still a decent option if you’re looking for a fitness tracker that tracks steps and sleeps, then spits out some stats in a friendly format. If you still have lots of love for Fitbit, this is the one you need.
That being the case, removing features from the Versa that made it a capable smartwatch was a big mistake and left questions about the future of FitBit’s less expensive wearable option.
Owners of Versa 3 devices who aren’t sure whether they want to make the switch from their current device to the new one should consider sticking with what they’ve already got.