Fitbit revealed the new Sense and Versa 3 on the same day, making many Fitbit watch fans happy, but also confusing many others, as both smartwatches look pretty much the same. Which is better and what are the main differences between the two?
El new Sense, is the most expensive offer that the company calls as «most advanced health smartwatch» thanks to its electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor for stress management; Instead, the Fitbit Versa 3 is the latest version of one of their most successful wearables to date.
If you're in the market for a new smartwatch but aren't 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 GPS on the device and a technology PurePulse 2.0 improved. The latter makes use of a new multipath heart rate sensor and an updated algorithm that feeds personalized heart rate notifications from the watch itself.
Basically, this means that the Versa 3 will monitor your heart rate continuously, 24/7, and will detect and notify you 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 Minutes Zone on Versa 3, a tool that measures the intensity of your activity to make it easier to stay on top of your fitness goals, beyond just 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 app Fitbit EKG, as well as a new EDA sensor, which measures the responses of electrodermal activity. For example, when using an app EDA Scan, 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 look quite similar, so much so that it is not so easy to tell them apart. According to the brand, this was intentional as the latter was used as a reference point, with the aim of creating smoother lines and greater comfort. However, this means accessories are compatible between devices, with "infinity band" straps flaunting a quick release mechanism and they come in a variety of styles and colors.
However, the Sense watch offers some more premium design features as it has a glass and metal body and is surrounded by a stainless steel and aerospace grade aluminum bezel lighter and more polished looking.
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, including plenty of intelligence aimed at adding convenience for wearers. now has a built-in speaker and microphone to receive quick phone calls, as well as the ability to send calls to voicemail and adjust call volume, all from the wrist.
You also have a choice of voice assistants with the addition of the Google Assistant together with Amazon Alexa built-in, so you can control your smart home devices simply by talking to your watch. As expected, applications Fitbit Pay, Spotify and Deezer are supported along with a few curated playlists to match different intensity levels of different workouts.
As for the Sense, it packs all the smartwatch features found in 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 is running low, «a quick charge of 12 minutes provides a full day of use«.
Pricing and release date
Fitbit Sense, as well as Versa 3, is available to pre-order from today on its official website and online at select retailers, including Amazon, with wide global availability beginning in late September.
Fitbit Sense is available for 329'95 € in carbon/graphite stainless steel and lunar white tint/mild gold less steel. While the Versa 3 is available for 229'95 € in Black/Black Aluminum, Pink Clay/Soft Gold Aluminum and Midnight/Soft Gold Aluminum.