Fitbit revealed the new Sense and Versa 3 on the same day, making many Fitbit watch fans happy, but also creating confusion among many others, as both smartwatches look pretty much the same. Which is better and what are the main differences between the two?
The new Sense is the most expensive offering that the company calls the " most advanced health smartwatch " thanks to its electrodermal activity sensor (EDA) for stress management; instead, the Fitbit Versa 3 is the latest version of one of its most successful wearable devices to date.
If you are looking for a new smartwatch but not sure which device is right for you, this feature comparison guide is sure to help you make up your mind.
Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3: wearables for health and fitness
When it comes to keeping track of your fitness efforts, the Versa 3 features on-device GPS and improved PurePulse 2.0 technology. The latter makes use of a new multi-path heart rate sensor and an updated algorithm that feeds personalized heart rate notifications from the watch itself.
Essentially, this means that the Versa 3 will monitor your heart rate continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and detect and send a notification if it shows any signs of a condition that requires medical attention, such as bradycardia (a heart rate that is too slow) or tachycardia (a heart rate that is too fast).
Fitbit has also introduced Active Minute Zone in the Versa 3, a tool that measures the intensity of your activity to make it easier to stay on top of your fitness goals, beyond tracking your daily steps.
As a flagship product, the Sense has all of the above features, but incorporates even more health management tools, offering a deeper dive into heart health. These include being able to check for signs of atrial fibrillation with a heart rate assessment in the Fitbit ECG app, as well as a new EDA sensor, which measures electrodermal activity responses. For example, using an EDA Scan app, users will be able to place the palm of their hand on the face of the Sense to detect small electrical changes in the level of sweat on the skin, which can indicate the body's response to stress.
Simple vs premium design
Both the Versa 3 and the Sense are quite similar, so much so that it is not so easy to distinguish them. According to the brand, this was intentional as the latter was used as a benchmark, aiming to create smoother lines and greater comfort. However, this means that the accessories are compatible between devices, with "infinite band" straps that boast a quick-release mechanism and come in a variety of styles and colors.
The Sense watch does offer some more premium design features, however, as it has a glass and metal body and is surrounded by a lighter, more polished-looking aerospace-grade aluminum and stainless steel bezel .
Both will also use the magnetic charger , the company's new style of charger, which should be easier to use than the docking style seen on previous Versa devices.
Similar characteristics
The Versa 3 touts a host of new and improved smartwatch features over its predecessor, the Versa 2, which include a ton of intelligence aimed at adding convenience for users. You now have a built-in speaker and microphone for taking quick phone calls, as well as the ability to send calls to voicemail and adjust call volume , all from your wrist.
It also has a voice assistant option with the addition of the Google Assistant along with built-in Amazon Alexa , so you can control your smart home devices simply by talking to your watch. Unsurprisingly, the Fitbit Pay, Spotify, and Deezer apps are supported alongside some curated playlists to match the different intensity levels of different workouts.
As for the Sense, it includes all the smartwatch features found on the Versa 3.
When it comes to battery life, Fitbit claims that both devices will be able to stay powered for more than six days , and if it's running low, " a 12-minute fast charge provides a full day of use ."
Prices and release date
Fitbit Sense, as well as Versa 3, is available today to pre-order on its official website and online at select retailers, including Amazon, with wide availability worldwide beginning late September.
Fitbit Sense is available for € 329.95 in carbon / graphite stainless steel and lunar white / mild gold tint minus steel. While the Versa 3 is available for € 229.95 in black / black aluminum, pink clay / soft gold aluminum and midnight / soft gold aluminum.
