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Fitbit Versa 2 Review
Fitbit Versa 2 Review Review Facts
When it comes to designing health and fitness smartwatches, Fitbit’s name always seems to come around when people talk about the best of the best. They have become a household name in the industry. So, today, we want to take a look at one of their specific models, Fitbit Versa 2.
The argument could be made that this smartwatch is the company’s best. However, let’s also get something straight right out of the get-go! The Fitbit Versa 2 is not without its shortcomings and design frustrations. These will be discussed during this review.
Through and through, though, this smartwatch does remind the world just how capable of a company Fitbit is; and why they have become so reliable over the years. With functions up the wazoo, and incredibly pleasing visual interface, and one of the better battery lives you will see in such a device, this timepiece is fully capable of satisfying just about anyone out there.
If you are interested to learn more about the other basic and advanced features of this smartwatch, take time to dive into our detailed review. We promise you that you will not regret it, as it contains valuable info; based on which you can bring a knowledgable decision: To buy or not to buy it?
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
It can track your heart rate 24/7
You can wear it to sleep for tracking benefits
Integrated with Amazon Alexa
Can be synced to your smartphone for notifications
The battery life is very, very impressive
The color AMOLED display is simply fantastic
Multiple finish options and each one is pleasing
Water-resistant to 50 meters
Feels comfortable on your wrist
Cons
The Alexa functionality is rather limited
Connectivity issues can happen from time to time
Transferring audio can be a downright pain
Further brightness for the display would have been nice
It will not lay flat on a surface when charging
Basic Features
Part of what makes the Fitbit Versa 2 such a good smartwatch is it gets a lot of the basics right. Let’s start with the main fitness metrics that allow you to track. You know the list; this includes calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled, active minutes, hourly activity, and even floors climbed. Additionally, it sports 24/7 heart rate monitoring.
During your workouts or even while you are resting, you will be alerted of your current heart rate. This function seems to work pretty well overall (though it may not yield the accuracy of a separate chest strap). Also, you can sleep with this bad boy to learn about your sleep patterns and such. However, to get the most out of this functionality, you should consider getting a subscription to Fitbit Premium.
And, to round up the basic features, the Versa 2 is also equipped with goal-based exercise modes. There are 15 goals in all (from running to yoga to biking), and these are useful when you are striving to reach a particular goal in a specific activity.
During your workouts or even while you are resting, you will be alerted of your current heart rate. This function seems to work pretty well overall (though it may not yield the accuracy of a separate chest strap). Also, you can sleep with this bad boy to learn about your sleep patterns and such. However, to get the most out of this functionality, you should consider getting a subscription to Fitbit Premium.
And, to round up the basic features, the Versa 2 is also equipped with goal-based exercise modes. There are 15 goals in all (from running to yoga to biking), and these are useful when you are striving to reach a particular goal in a specific activity.
Advanced Features
Past the basic features, there are quite a few “advanced features” that make the Versa 2 highly functional and practical as a smartwatch. For starters, it does have Amazon’s Alexa software built-in. And, while this is a neat addition, you can’t help but notice just how limited it is overall.
While you can utilize it to control your smart home gadgets and can ask it fundamental questions, there is no speaker so responses will have to be read instead of heard. Additionally, it is rather a slow-acting and is also limited in the integrations it has with your phone. Past Alexa, you can also download several different apps (such as several for music).
Another neat feature is the ability to use Fitbit Pay. Though some of you will never utilize this feature, with a compatible bank, you can add various credit and debit cards to make instant payments. However, a glaring omission with the Versa 2 is GPS functionality. There is no built-in GPS, which is somewhat of a disappointment.
While you can utilize it to control your smart home gadgets and can ask it fundamental questions, there is no speaker so responses will have to be read instead of heard. Additionally, it is rather a slow-acting and is also limited in the integrations it has with your phone. Past Alexa, you can also download several different apps (such as several for music).
Another neat feature is the ability to use Fitbit Pay. Though some of you will never utilize this feature, with a compatible bank, you can add various credit and debit cards to make instant payments. However, a glaring omission with the Versa 2 is GPS functionality. There is no built-in GPS, which is somewhat of a disappointment.
Connectivity
As this is a smartwatch, it can sync with your smartphone, and doing so gives you the capabilities of receiving your official notifications. This includes everything from call and text to app and calendar notifications. There will be some occasions, however, where you will experience some connectivity issues. This is merely the limitations of Bluetooth as it is far from a foolproof wireless protocol.
Outside of basic notifications, one of the best reasons to sync this with your smartphone is to gain access to the Fitbit app. Past the fact that the interface of this app is user-friendly, it is quite a social app. Within it, you can gain a clearer understanding of the various fitness metrics that it has to offer. Also, even though the Versa 2 does not have a GPS, you can sync to your smartphone’s GPS.
Outside of basic notifications, one of the best reasons to sync this with your smartphone is to gain access to the Fitbit app. Past the fact that the interface of this app is user-friendly, it is quite a social app. Within it, you can gain a clearer understanding of the various fitness metrics that it has to offer. Also, even though the Versa 2 does not have a GPS, you can sync to your smartphone’s GPS.
Ease of Use
Fitbit has made some improvements to the Versa 2 to make it a more enjoyable experience to use. First and foremost, they have ditched the three-button design that was implemented into the first iteration of the Versa. Instead, only one button has been engineered, along with the touchscreen interface. This combination is more user-friendly as a whole.
Now, speaking for the touchscreen interface, it runs and operates quite smoothly thanks to the built-in processor. When you are scrolling through apps or even just swiping down for notifications, you will not notice very many instances of delay. Then again, some naysayers out there will still say the Versa 2 could run smoother (and that is fair).
As for music control, transferring it remains as much of a pain as it ever was. This is the one area that is not convenient at all, as you need to load audio via the Fitbit Connect app and whatever device you are getting them from.
Now, speaking for the touchscreen interface, it runs and operates quite smoothly thanks to the built-in processor. When you are scrolling through apps or even just swiping down for notifications, you will not notice very many instances of delay. Then again, some naysayers out there will still say the Versa 2 could run smoother (and that is fair).
As for music control, transferring it remains as much of a pain as it ever was. This is the one area that is not convenient at all, as you need to load audio via the Fitbit Connect app and whatever device you are getting them from.
Face
One of the standout features of this smartwatch would have to be its display. Even though it is not perfect, it is equipped with an AMOLED screen, and this offers crisp and clear readability. The text blends incredibly well with the background color, and this is something that several of you will appreciate.
There is also an option to keep the screen on at all times. However, if you do this, then be aware that it will suck the battery down at a more rapid pace (as it will with your smartphone). In times where you do not want the display to dim, though, this is a nice feature to have.
As you noticed, it was mentioned that this display is not perfect. Even with the show always on, the maximum brightness could be a little more potent. This is mostly an issue while you are in workout mode, as viewing the screen can be a little more robust.
There is also an option to keep the screen on at all times. However, if you do this, then be aware that it will suck the battery down at a more rapid pace (as it will with your smartphone). In times where you do not want the display to dim, though, this is a nice feature to have.
As you noticed, it was mentioned that this display is not perfect. Even with the show always on, the maximum brightness could be a little more potent. This is mostly an issue while you are in workout mode, as viewing the screen can be a little more robust.
Power Source
The battery life itself is simply outstanding and is one of the most excellent features of the Fitbit Versa 2. It is advertised that it can last up to six days on a full charge. When it comes to battery life, there are going to be outside factors that affect the length at which the battery will last on a full charge.
With the “always-on” screen feature disabled, you should be able to get close to five to six days of battery life. With this feature enabled at all times, this will likely reduce to around two days. So, if you were to use this feature sparingly, you could expect about three to four days of battery life — either darn, effective way.
What is not so impressive is how you need to charge this watch. Since the cable does not sit flush into it, it will not remain flat while it is charging. Also, the wire used for the first Versa is not compatible with this device.
With the “always-on” screen feature disabled, you should be able to get close to five to six days of battery life. With this feature enabled at all times, this will likely reduce to around two days. So, if you were to use this feature sparingly, you could expect about three to four days of battery life — either darn, effective way.
What is not so impressive is how you need to charge this watch. Since the cable does not sit flush into it, it will not remain flat while it is charging. Also, the wire used for the first Versa is not compatible with this device.
Style
From a distance, one could easily mistake the Versa 2 for the Apple Watch. Whether this is a compliment or not comes down to whether or not you think the Apple Watch itself is an attractive design. Most would agree that it is sleek and stylish, so, for most people, this is going to be seen as the utmost compliment.
Those are the two adjectives that immediately come to mind when you look at the Versa 2, sleek and stylish. Each of the available finishes is premium, and you can tell just by looking at them. Now, speaking of which, there are a few different finish options at your disposal.
Though you can’t pick the specific colors of both the band and watch face, there are great-looking combinations available. Some of the colorways that stand out are stone, and mist gray, black and carbon, and petal and copper rose. Again, however, they all look appealing in their own right.
Those are the two adjectives that immediately come to mind when you look at the Versa 2, sleek and stylish. Each of the available finishes is premium, and you can tell just by looking at them. Now, speaking of which, there are a few different finish options at your disposal.
Though you can’t pick the specific colors of both the band and watch face, there are great-looking combinations available. Some of the colorways that stand out are stone, and mist gray, black and carbon, and petal and copper rose. Again, however, they all look appealing in their own right.
Comfort
It is worth noting that this is a one-size-fits-all watch. While it clearly can’t be guaranteed that it fits every wrist in the world (as there will always be exceptions), it accounts for a wide variety of wrist sizes, so most of you will not need to worry too much about this. As for how comfortable this watch is to wear, there will be little to no complaints.
The S and L bands that come with your purchase are both comfortable to wear. Regardless of the activity that you are doing and even if you want to wear this watch while you sleep, you should not find it uncomfortable. With that being said, Fitbit does offer a wide range of accessory bands.
If you do not like the style or feel of the bands that are included, you can easily swap them for others. While this is an option you can consider, in regard to how they wear, many of you will already love the provided bands anyway.
The S and L bands that come with your purchase are both comfortable to wear. Regardless of the activity that you are doing and even if you want to wear this watch while you sleep, you should not find it uncomfortable. With that being said, Fitbit does offer a wide range of accessory bands.
If you do not like the style or feel of the bands that are included, you can easily swap them for others. While this is an option you can consider, in regard to how they wear, many of you will already love the provided bands anyway.
Waterproofness
One of the activities that the Fitbit Versa 2 can measure is swimming. No, you will not need to encase this in a waterproof case as it maintains a high level of water resistance by itself. Fitbit rates their Versa 2 to be water-resistant to 50 meters. It can’t be stressed enough, however, that this does not mean that the watch can handle depths of water that extreme.
This is a metric of water resistance and not waterproofness. What this level of water protection will allow is for you to swim casually with the Versa 2. Laps around the pool or even moderate depths in a large body of water will be just fine, but you should stay far away from diving.
Additionally, if you wanted to, you could also get away with showering with this sucker on, and it will certainly hold up well to most rainfall. In the long run, it still may be best to avoid overexposure to water with this timepiece. Keep your swimming sessions to a minimum.
This is a metric of water resistance and not waterproofness. What this level of water protection will allow is for you to swim casually with the Versa 2. Laps around the pool or even moderate depths in a large body of water will be just fine, but you should stay far away from diving.
Additionally, if you wanted to, you could also get away with showering with this sucker on, and it will certainly hold up well to most rainfall. In the long run, it still may be best to avoid overexposure to water with this timepiece. Keep your swimming sessions to a minimum.
Bottom Line
The Versa 2 is a do-it-all smartwatch and what is incredible is, in spite of this, there are still areas where it could have been better. For instance, it could have integrated a GPS, and the Alexa functionality could have been more advanced. Sure, these sound like nitpicks but in the world of modern technology, they will be legitimate gripes for some of you.
Outside of that, though, the features and functionality are almost endless, and they alone make the Fitbit Versa 2 one of the best fitness smartwatches that money can buy. Of course, the merely superb battery life also helps. If you are someone who is on the go quite a lot, you will love how little you will need to charge it.
Some small issues, such as connectivity problems and the pain of transferring music, do rear their ugly heads on this otherwise terrific design. Put, if you are a fan of Fitbit smartwatches and you are looking for a new one, you may want to place the Versa 2 high on your list of options.
Outside of that, though, the features and functionality are almost endless, and they alone make the Fitbit Versa 2 one of the best fitness smartwatches that money can buy. Of course, the merely superb battery life also helps. If you are someone who is on the go quite a lot, you will love how little you will need to charge it.
Some small issues, such as connectivity problems and the pain of transferring music, do rear their ugly heads on this otherwise terrific design. Put, if you are a fan of Fitbit smartwatches and you are looking for a new one, you may want to place the Versa 2 high on your list of options.
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