The Fitbit Versa Special Edition
The Fitbit Versa is the second watch in the Fitbit Smartwatch series next to the Fitbit Ionic. The main difference between the Versa as compared to the Ionic is the cheaper price point and that the Versa does not have an integrated GPS system. Released in April 2018, the Versa is marketed as a lightweight, feature-rich and affordable smartwatch. Find out if this is really true in our review below.
Design - Simple yet Elegant
Included in the box: Fitbit Versa, quick start guide, user manual, additional bands and a charging cradle
Out of the box you get the device itself, the Fitbit Versa, a charging cradle, additional silicon bands with different lengths, as well as the longer woven band, a quick start guide and lastly the user manual.
The design of the Versa boasts a Minimalistic Circular Square design which looks simple and straightforward at a glance. The Versa unit that we're reviewing is the Fitbit Versa Special Edition which comes with a woven watchband out of the box that feels extremely comfortable and not as stiff compared to the silicon watch strap of the standard edition.
There are 3 physical buttons located on the FitBit Versa, two on the right and one on the left. The single button located on the left function as a screen on/off toggle while the two buttons located on the right side acts as a shortcut to applications set by the user. On the underside, you can also clearly see the heartrate monitor and the SpO2 sensor as well as the charging pins.
Single back button on the left side featuring the screen on/off toggle feature and back button
Two right buttons which functions as shortcuts to user defined applications
Heartrate Monitor, SpO2 sensor and charging pins right below it
Tech Spec and Features - plenty of sensors to help you keep track
Unlike the Fitbit Ionic, the Versa does not have a GPS tracking component which might be a deal-breaker for some. However, it does translate to the price of the Fitbit Versa which is priced at RM990 for the standard edition and RM1120 for the special edition while the Fitbit Ionic, on the other hand, is priced at RM1399.
Here are the available sensors and features of the Fitbit Versa:
- 3-axis accelerometer
- 3-axis gyroscope
- Optical heart rate monitor
- Altimeter
- Ambient light sensor
- SpO2 sensor
- Vibration motor
- Wi-Fi antenna (802.11 b/g/n)
- NFC
- Store up to 300+ songs onto the watch
- Estimated 4+ days battery life
- Water Resistant up to 50 metres
- 1.34-inch display
- weighs 38 grams
With its various sensors, it is able to track the heart rate, sleep pattern, steps taken, even as far as tracking the menstrual cycle of a female user. Unfortunately, Fitbit Pay isn't officially supported by any of the local Malaysian Banks at the moment but do expect to see some form of collaboration in the near future. The Versa also has a SmartTrack feature that automatically records certain exercise including but not limited to running, swimming and biking and then saves them onto the Fitbit App on your mobile phone.
Fitbit App repository
The smartwatch is running on a FitbitOS which grants the user multitudes of customizable options such as changing the watch face and also the ability to install apps from the Fitbit App Repository. Although in my opinion, there isn't a lot of supported applications as compared to Google's very own Android Wear 2.0. The user is able to change to watch faces through the Fitbit App to suit their needs and also makes their Versa feel more personal. Other than that, the Versa can also show notifications from mobile phones as well.
Watch faces available on the Fitbit App
Fitbit Versa under running water
Although it is water resistant up to 50 meters in depth, the Versa is not usable while submerged. Fitbit advises that the user should dry the device before continued usage as moisture may cause irritation to the skin.
Performance - Great battery life and lagless performance
In terms of performance, I have yet to experience any lags while using the smartwatch and swiping to access different features feel intuitive and doesn't feel awkward. Not only that, the smartwatch also lived up to its advertised 4-day battery life although your mileage may vary depending on use. Charging the smartwatch is literally a snap where you just snap the smartwatch onto the charging cradle and it will be fully charged in less than 2 hours.
Fitbit Versa on the charging cradle
In terms of material, the Fitbit Versa is built within an aluminium enclosure which makes it really light, weighing in at roughly 38 grams. I've even brought the Fitbit Versa to a jogathon and throughout the run, I could barely feel the weight of the Versa on my arm. On the flipside, however, the Versa can easily be scratched up and dented due to the fact that aluminium is less durable compared to stainless steel.
Small dent on the bottom right side due to the soft aluminium housing
Conclusion - Good value despite the amount of features
I find the Fitbit Versa somewhat affordable since it is priced at RM990 for the standard edition and RM1120 for the Special edition, considering the number of features packed into the smartwatch. Not only that, the battery life of the device is quite good as well since it is able to last up to 4 days before needing to charge again. The only concerns I have with the Versa is the lack of supported apps on the Fitbit Repository, as well as the lack of a GPS component in the watch itself.
In my opinion, the Fitbit Versa is perfect for swimmers and runners who want to own a fitness-focused smartwatch without needing to break the bank. The only drawback I can see with the Versa is that the lack of a GPS component for it's price point may not look very attractive to some customers. What do you think? Will you get the Fitbit Versa for yourself? Let us know on our Facebook Page.
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