On the surface, Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3 look so good that you would most likely want to have them both. But it’s only until you look deeper that you unearth the differences that tell them apart.
So in this Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3 guide, I do a complete side-by-side comparison of the two models to help you make an informed choice on what to buy.
Let’s get started.
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3 Specs Comparison
The table is a summary of my findings on the comparison between Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Versa 3:
| Fitbit Versa 2 | Fitbit Versa 3 | |
| Display | 1.3-inches Gorilla Glass 3 AMOLED always on screen | 1.58-inches Gorilla Glass 3 AMOLED always on screen |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C minimum and 60°C maximum | -20°C minimum and 60°C maximum |
| Bands | Replaceable bands made of silicone | Replaceable bands made of polyester and silicone |
| GPS | Connected GPS | GPS + GLONASS |
| Water Resistance | Up to 5 ATM | Up to 5 ATM |
| Calls | Not available | Receives call alerts |
| Activities | Sleep, calories burned, pace, steps taken, distances covered. | Sleep, calories burned, pace, steps taken, distances covered. |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 2 to 3 hours |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 days on smartwatch mode on a single full charge | Up to 6 days on smartwatch mode on a single full charge |
| Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3: Differences Explained
Undoubtedly, Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3 are a cream of the crop in the brand’s wearable timeline.
Both have features that overlap and differences that set them apart.
Here’s how they compare:
Design
Fitbit’s approach to design has revolutionized over time. And the Versa 2 and 3 is a clear emblem of how well change in time can make a brand switch from a boring look to an appealing aesthetic.
These two models are just hard not to love.
To begin with, Versa 2 is 40mm by 40mm while Versa 3 is 40.44mm by 40.4mm. Obviously, the difference in dimension is menial and hardly ever noticeable even from a close distance. Even the thickness vary slightly.
Versa 2 and 3 weigh 40 grams and 30 grams respectively. And while the difference in weight isn’t as big, I’d recommend going for Versa 3 if you need a lighter smartwatch.
Made out of durable, pliable, hypoallergenic elastomer, the bands of both devices feel smooth and comfortable. And if you wish to switch them for a more personalized pair, you’re welcome to do that.
In my Fitbit and Apple Watch comparison, I stated that both brands design watches that can withstand water pressure to certain degrees. And Versa 2 and 3 are examples of models that have a 5 ATM rating.
That value means both watches can go as deep as 50 meters in water and stand up to that much pressure underneath. However, do keep in mind that the more you get in water with either watches the faster the water-resistance wear out.
Display
There is an instantly noticeable difference in display size between Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3.
From where I sit, the Versa 3 appeals to an audience that waited for Fitbit to unveil an update with a bigger screen in the Versa series. It has a 1.58-inch AMOLED display, which is 0.28 inches more the size of Versa 2.
The screen real estate of both smartwatches feel smooth to touch and offers a much better touch and swipe experience than older models. And the inclusion of Gorilla 3 is a clear indicator that you’re putting you money on a wearable that can survive accidental falls.
Both smartwatches have colored display, but the image quality differ albeit by small margin. Versa 2 displays quality images at 300 pixels and improvements made on Versa 3 increased pixel value by 36 to 336 pixels.
The display on both watches is always on. But you want to turn that off unless you aren’t bothered about why Fitbit battery drains fast. Plus, you aren’t going to stare at the screen all the time, so this had better not be active.
GPS Technology
There was a time when GPS on smartwatches was nothing short of a unicorn. But a change in wearable technology saw big companies like Fitbit integrating the technology into their brand.
A smartwatch with GPS is somewhat a superior investment to the watches that don’t include the technology.
Because, with GPS, you can determine your positions, move from one location to another with ease, and make precise time measurements possible.
Fitbit Versa 2 doesn’t have an on-board GPS. Instead, it relies on your phone’s GPS signals to record data for bike activity, run, and walk.
On the other hand, Versa 3 has the GPS system built into it, which means you don’t have to carry your phone with you to use the technology.
Body Temperature Detector
That you can use a smartwatch to detect your body temperature is something that never crossed my mind until I began exploring different Fitbit models.
And as it turns out, the feature is available only to selected models.
For example, Fitbit Versa 2 doesn’t have this feature. So, if you’re looking for a smartwatch that comes with integrated temperature sensors, go with Versa 3.
The sensors monitor your body temperature changes from the skin on your wrist. And, in my view, being able to measure how hot or cold your body just might help you determine whether you need medical attention.
Heart Rate Monitors
Fitbit Versa 2 and 3 have sensors that detect and measure your heart rate throughout the day.
As to the accuracy of Fitbit heart rate, the recommendation is that you wear either model to a snug fit to get useful results.
With the help of heart rate data, you can understand your fitness level, get an estimate of the calories your body burns during exercises, and even calculate and optimize your workout intensity.
SpO2 Sensors
Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3 have SpO2 sensors built into them. And these are incredibly helpful.
Now, SpO2 sensor sounds like a concept that’s difficult to understand.
To simplify things, you can also refer to is as a Pulse Oximeter. It tells you how much saturated oxygen is in your red blood cells, and therefore how much is getting into your muscles.
Low oxygen saturation in your red blood cells will make you feel weak when working out. So you should aim to improve your levels by engaging in regular exercise.
As a side note, I’m not qualified to offer medical advice to my audience. And smartwatches are in no way a replacement for professional medical guidelines. But I did find an interesting article by Healthline that explains blood oxygen level quite well.
Barometric Altimeter
I’m not sure you’d use the barometric altimeter on a daily basis, but it’s undeniably a unique technology built into the Versa series.
The sensor uses barometric pressure to track changes in elevation, as well as pressure caused by weather patterns.
You can use this sensor to help you determine the most appropriate mode of dressing depending on the current weather patterns.
Sleep Tracking
Knowing how long and how well you sleep can help you improve the quality of your life by balancing between strain and recovery. And Fitbit Versa 2 or Versa 3 can help you do just that.
These two smartwatches use the same technique to track sleep.
Ideally, they combine your movements and pulse rate patterns. If the watches don’t detect motion for more than hour, they’ll get into sleep mode.
There is more to learn about this topic. So I recommend you check out my guide on how Fitbit tracks sleep for more information.
Activity Tracking
Fitbit Versa 2 and Versa 3 allows you to track your steps throughout the day, so you can get an idea of how active you’ve been.
In addition to determining the total distance covered throughout the day, both smartwatches even show you the pace of your movement.
Combined, this data set gives you a clear idea of how your activity looked like throughout the day.
As you move, these smartwatches will use your activity data and Basal Metabolic Rate to determine how much calories you burn. Be sure to check my guide to how Fitbit calculates calories to learn more about this.
Just to reiterate, the Basal Metabolic Rate is the rate at which your body burn calories to maintain vital functions like blood circulation, breathing, and heart rate.
Final Thoughts
It’s good to see just how far Fitbit has come with its wearable technology. And they have the Versa 2 and 3 to show for it.
One last thing I should mention is the runtime on a single charge. Apparently, both smartwatches run on rechargeable batteries, and it takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes to charge them to full capacity.
As for the runtime on a single charge, and this is in real-time testing, expect the Versa 2 to run for 5 days in smartwatch mode. Versa 3 lasts for about 7 days before you have to charge it again.
Expect the battery life for the Versa 3 to be 12 hours or less on GPS mode.
