Fitbit Versa 3 Review
A streamlined, well rounded and reliable fitness tracker with some bonus smartwatch features. The Fitbit Versa 3 is a welcome step in the Versa evolution process.
Fitbit Versa 3 Review
Design:
A definite upgrade on the Versa 2 in terms of style. The Versa 3 has a sleeker and more streamlined design than its predecessor, with a larger and higher resolution display screen (40 mm AMOLED for the technically minded). I found the screen gave a bright, crisp display at any angle, making it useful for all workouts, if you’re getting into some complicated yoga stretching positions! It’s lightweight aluminium and comes in 3 colour options, giving it a unisex feel. In keeping with Fitbit’s preferred style formula, it’s a squircle shape and has an easy strap removal mechanism, which means it’s easy to chop and change your straps however much you fancy…I’d go with a different strap for each day of the week as we have so many beautiful options to choose from, but perhaps I’m biased! It’s a very comfortable, wearable smartwatch, though maybe not the optimum choice for lovers of a chunkier style.
Another big difference between this and the Versa 2 is the redesigned side button. The Versa 3 has done away with the button and instead has an indented touch area on the left. In my humble opinion, this looks better, but on the flip side, I found it a little frustrating and awkward to use at first, requiring several attempts to find the sweet spot to activate it. That said, it was fine once I got the hang of it. Plus, you do have the option to re-set it to wake via a screen tap if you prefer.
Functionality:
Arguably the biggest and longest awaited improvement is the inclusion of built-in GPS this time around, making this watch significantly more user friendly than the Versa 2. The Versa 3 also boasts an Sp02 sensor to monitor blood oxygen levels, VO2 max oxygen consumption readings, workout / sleep / step tracking, a PurePulse 2.0 heart rate sensor and it’s water resistant for all you swimming afficionados. I liked the vibration when you move between heart rate zones and the variety of workouts on offer.
Other handy features include a microphone and speaker so you can take calls from your smartwatch (provided you have an Android phone, unlike me sadly), a much improved charger for very speedy charging indeed, integrated Alexa and Google Assistant support, Fitbit Pay access, phone notifications from your choice of apps and pre-set text messages (again, Android users only I’m afraid).
Pros:
I’ve already touched on the built-in GPS, so I won’t labour the point, other than to say it was a welcome addition.
Personally, I found the Versa 3 to be an advanced fitness tracker with lots of fitness tracking capabilities and statistics, a great battery life, a really comfortable feel and a very attractive look.
Cheaper than the Fitbit Sense, it’s a relatively affordable option. But, despite the lower price tag, it doesn’t scrimp on performance, wearability or reliability. Key factors when making a smartwatch purchase.
Cons:
All that said, I found the Versa 3 had some room for improvement. Albeit no single issue would be a deal-breaker in my eyes.
One small niggle was the slightly limited range of productivity apps, which felt a bit limited compared with Apple. However, there are some good choices (e.g. Strava, Peloton) and the app library is getting larger, so this isn’t a massive deal.
There are some features offered by the Fitbit Sense which the Versa 3 lacks, such as the stress management capability, skin temperature reader and advanced heart monitoring. Certainly, the Versa 3 is more basic in terms of health features. However, the price tag reflects this and, to be fair, it does cover the basics very well. At the end of the day, it’s up to the user to decide whether the more advanced features are necessary. If not, the Versa 3 is a perfectly sound investment.
Other minor issues were: the Fitbit Premium subscription required to access advanced features; the GPS not being 100% pin-point accurate; no text message dictation function and some blips encountered when it came to high intensity training. At times, I did also notice some time lags in responsivity, e.g. when opening and switching apps.
Up for debate is whether the side indent helps or hinders this smartwatch. I prefer the button, but I know some people who prefer this design. So, I guess we’ll chalk it up to personal choice.
Verdict:
Primarily a fitness tracker with a few handy smartwatch bonus features, this is a well-rounded and reliable choice for the mid-range market. For most people, this smartwatch has more than enough fitness capabilities to satisfy and it’s definitely a step up from the Versa 2. Impressive stuff!
Written By Laura