The Apple Watch is widely considered to be the standard when it comes to smartwatches. Its innovative design, features, and software experience are second to none. The overall package, especially in their latest Apple Watch Series 5, is something that other companies are still trying to topple.
But with that said, there are now emerging products that are looking to pave the way to a new generation of smartwatches. One of them is the Fitbit Versa 2.
Unlike the Apple Watch, the Versa 2 isn’t designed for a specific smartphone. Instead, it is a device that can offer a similar user experience with both Android and iOS devices.
The Versa 2 is feature-packed and has a well-designed software experience that can stand toe to toe with the Apple Watch. However, the question is if it is worth purchasing over the Apple Watch. Keep on scrolling to find out.
Table of Contents
Fitbit Brand Overview
Fitbit is an American fitness and health brand founded in 2007. With its innovative health-focused products, Fitbit spearheaded its way to the top of the wearable competition.
Fitbit’s smartwatches offer similar features to high-end alternatives such as the Apple Watch and the various Wear OS watches. But one edge that they have over their competitors is their background in health and fitness. With their watches, they can bring innovative ideas that help improve the lives of its users.
Apple Brand Overview
Apple is a brand that needs no introduction. They are one of the most renowned tech companies on the planet. They are responsible for revolutionary products such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, etc.
But aside from personal computers and smartphones, Apple is also well known in the smartwatch industry. The Apple Watch, which was first released in 2015, set the standard in which other companies were to follow.
Even with their latest release, Apple is still uncontested in the smartwatch game. This is largely thanks to the fluidity of their hardware, their well-implemented ecosystem, and their unbeatable software.
The only downside to their smartwatches is that they cannot be used on non-Apple devices. But if you were on an Apple device, the Apple Watch is by far the best smartwatch experience.
Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2
Design
The Fitbit Versa 2, at first glance, looks strikingly similar to its predecessor. However, closer inspection reveals a few small tweaks, which give the Versa 2 a more stylish look. It has a squircle shape (a hybrid shape of a square and circle) and features a single button on the left that serves as both the select and back buttons.
Fitbit has removed its branding from the bottom bezel of the Versa. The bezels on the Versa 2 are slightly thinner, giving you a bit more screen real estate than before. While the display’s black background is usually quite successful at disguising the bezels, they are quite obvious at some angles but easy to ignore.
The watch has some pretty nice aesthetics and pairs well with premium bands. The wristbands are all interchangeable and have a strap size available in small size and large size.
Fitbit Versa 2 has different watch colors to choose from. They have Carbon/black, Bordeaux/copper rose, Petal/copper rose, and Stone/mist grey.
The Apple Watch Series 5 features a square display that deviates from the usual wristwatch look. However, Apple arguably executes this square design better with its cleaner design.
The Apple Watch Series 5 has an elegant and premium design. It doesn’t deviate too much from the Apple Watch formula, which is now iconic at this point. There aren’t too many noticeable changes from the older Apple Watch Series 4.
As with most of Apple’s smartwatches, the Series 5 comes in two versions. These are the 44 mm and the 40 mm version. This is always great since you will be able to choose which version fits you best. The only difference between the two is the smaller display and smaller battery on the 40 mm version.
The Apple Watch Series 5 also comes in aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium. It also comes in several finishes, such as space gray, gold, silver, and black. Both watches have customizable watch faces and interchangeable bands.
Weight and Dimension
The Fitbit Versa 2 has a physical size of 40 mm x 40 mm x 12 mm, and it weighs 40 grams. In comparison, the Apple watch series 5 (44 mm version) has a dimension of 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm and weighs 47.8 grams.
Both watches should be comfortable to wear and should not cause any discomfort throughout the day, given their weight and size. The straps on both models are replaceable in case you want a different style or different material.
Screen Quality
The Fitbit Versa 2 has a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a 300 x 300 screen resolution and a pixel density of 306 PPI. The Versa 2 has Corning Gorilla Glass screen protection. Both watches offer a solid display that remains visible regardless of the lighting condition.
The Apple Watch Series 5, on the other hand, has a display size of 1.78 inches. This watch has a screen resolution of 448 x 368 pixels with a pixel density of 326 PPI. The screen is protected by sapphire crystal.
The Apple Watch Series 5 has one of the best display qualities in the market. The screen is vibrant and has good viewing angles. It will allow you to see the display, no matter the lighting condition.
Additionally, the Apple Watch has an additional feature called Force Touch, similar to the one implemented on iPhones. Essentially, it gives additional commands by pressing the screen harder. This is great since Apple doesn’t need to cram too many buttons into the device.
Both watches have a reliable touchscreen and physical button for easier navigation of the software. Both watches have an always-on display feature.
Overall, both displays are great. However, the Apple Watch Series 5 is noticeably superior to the Fitbit Versa 2 in terms of screen quality, brightness, and vibrance.
Build Quality
Both smartwatches are dust-proof and water-resistant up to 5ATM. Both watches are also swim-proof and sweat-resistant. You can confidently use both of them for sports and other outdoor activities. The square design of both smartwatches also means that they won’t get in the way while doing your workouts.
Features
Both smartwatches are feature-packed and cover most of the basic features that most smartwatches have. Here are some highlights for each watch.
Smart Notifications
Both watches have smart notifications. Both can receive emails, texts, calls, weather forecasts, calendar reminders, and more. However, the Apple Watch Series 5’s implementations are noticeably better due to its more refined software.
The Fitbit Versa 2 can show basic notifications, but it cannot interact with most of them. The Apple Watch Series 5 can respond to text messages and answer calls. It is worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 5 is faster and more reliable when it comes to notifications.
On the other hand, though the Versa 2 does have a microphone, you cannot place or answer calls. Android users only can respond to text messages in Versa 2.
Voice Commands
Additionally, Apple Watch Series 5 has voice commands through SIRI and has a built-in camera remote control function. The Apple Watch also allows you to make FaceTime audio calls to your contacts when connected to cellular data or WiFi via the Phone app. It does not, however, support FaceTime video calls.
The Versa 2 also has voice command options that can be accessed through Alexa. It is fairly competitive and can keep up with most of SIRI’s features. It can also interact with other Alexa enabled smart devices.
Music Playback
Both watches can store and play MP3 and MP4 files. They can also utilize streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Apple Watch Series 5 and Fitbit Versa 2 can also connect to Bluetooth audio devices like Bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth Headphones/Earbuds.
Sensors
The Apple Watch Series 5 incorporates most of the sensors that were found on the Apple Watch Series 4. These include the Accelerometer sensor, Gyroscope sensor, Heart Rate sensor (2nd Gen), Barometer, Ambient Light sensor, Cadence, and Compass.
The Fitbit Versa 2 is similar in terms of its sensors. It has an Accelerometer sensor, Heart Rate Sensor, Altimeter sensor, SPO2 sensor, Elevation, and Ambient light sensor. Both watches do not have a temperature sensor, 3D compass and do not monitor perspiration.
As for the GPS, the Apple Watch Series 5 has GPS and GLONASS onboard. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 5 has GALILEO and QZSS.
Other Features
Both watches can locate your smartphone, which is always useful in case you misplace it. They also have a silent alarm, stopwatch, vibrating alerts, and inactivity alerts.
There is one notable feature that is currently only available in Apple Watches. This is the fall detection feature. This allows the watch to make emergency calls when it detects the user is falling from a certain height. This is a crucial feature to have, especially when you are traveling or hiking alone.
Lastly, both smartwatches have features designed for women. These include exercises tailored specifically for women. There is also a menstrual cycle monitoring feature that allows the watches to give notifications and alerts to the user when the specified/predicted date is near.
Fitness Tracker
The Apple Watch Series 5 can track distance-related activities, steps, and sleep. It can also measure the pace and calories burned. Additionally, it automatically detects activities and will constantly provide activity reports.
The Series 5 also supports several modes, such as the multi-tracker and multi-sport mode. The Apple Watch also has ECG tracking, under-water heart rate tracking, and safety tracking, which the Fitbit Versa 2 doesn’t.
Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 5 is compatible with external heart rate monitors. It supports third-party heart rate monitors to incorporate your pulse data. This cannot be done with the Fitbit Versa 2.
The Versa 2, on the other hand, can automatically detect activities, along with other data such as elevation. Some of the available activities in the watch’s multi-sport mode include cycling, running, and swimming.
The Versa 2 supports an oxygen level estimation feature. This was added via a software update last February 2020. The Apple Watch Series 5 does not currently support this feature.
In terms of health tracking features, both watches feature fitness achievements. This is similar to video games, where you are given achievement badges for reaching your health goals. Additionally, this feature has a social aspect where it allows you to share achievements and compete with your friends’ high scores. This is a great feature to have since competing watches don’t usually tackle health and fitness using this kind of approach.
Fitbit’s signature Fitbit Coach makes a return for the Fitbit Versa 2. This is a unique feature that allows Fitbit users to have a virtual trainer that can help them achieve their goals easier. Several exercises are recommended based on the data it receives from the user.
Connectivity
Both watches can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth. However, one thing that you have to take note of is that the Apple Watch Series 5 is only compatible with iOS devices. There are no workarounds if you want to use the Series 5 with an Android device.
The Fitbit Versa 2, on the other hand, is compatible with both iOS and Androids. All features work on both platforms since the Versa 2 was not designed to work with a specific device.
Both watches support Wi-Fi connectivity, which is used for downloading apps, software updates, and music streaming. The Apple Watch Series 5 and Versa 2 both support NFC, allowing them to perform simple wireless transactions. Lastly, the Apple Watch Series 5 supports cellular while the Fitbit Versa 2 does not.
Battery Life
The Battery life of the Apple Watch 5 lasts up to 18 hours. It can last throughout a regular day. However, you will surely need to recharge the watch every night.
The Fitbit Versa 2, on the other hand, has longer battery life. It can last up to five days with regular use. If it is in standby mode, it can last up to eight days.
One key difference is that the Apple Watch Series 5 supports wireless charging and can be charged along with your smartphone. The Versa 2, on the other hand, uses a more traditional USB based Charging dock.
Winner
Apple Watch Series 5
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 5 is still the superior choice. The specs, build quality, software experience, and integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem is still better compared to the Fitbit Versa 2. However, the Versa 2 is still a competitive smartwatch.
If you want the best experience for your iOS device, then the Apple Watch Series 5 is a better purchase. However, if you are looking for a more budget-oriented alternative or if you have an Android device, then the Fitbit Versa 2 is a great alternative.
Specs
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| Brand | Fitbit | Watch Series 5 |
| Model | Versa 2 | Series 5 |
| Screen Size | 1.4” AMOLED Display | 1.78” (4.52 cm) LTPO OLED Display |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Sapphire crystal glass and ceramic back |
| Screen Resolution | 300 x 300 pixel | 448 x 368 pixels |
| Pixel Density Sharpness | 304 PPI | 326 PPI |
| Touch Type | Multi-touch | Multi-touch |
| Watch Dimensions | 40 mm x 40 mm x 12 mm | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm |
| Weight | 40 grams | 47.8 grams |
| Watch Case Material | Aluminum | Aluminum, Stainless steel, Ceramic, Titanium |
| Bezel Material | Aluminum | Bezel-free |
| Watch Design | Rectangular, Curved Design | Rectangular, Curved Dial Design |
| Strap Size | 140-180 mm (small) 180-220 mm (large) |
22 mm 24 mm |
| Watch Colors | Carbon/black Bordeaux/copper rose Petal/copper rose Stone/mist grey |
Black, Pink, Silver, Black, Gold |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof (5ATM) | Waterproof(5ATM) |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| GPS | No(Connected GPS) | With GLONASS |
| CONNECTIVITY Wi-fi |
Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| SENSORS Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | No | Yes |
| Gyroscope | No | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| SPO2 | Yes | Yes |
| Elevation | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Light | Yes | Yes |
| Cadence Sensor | No | Yes |
| FITNESS TRACKING Sleep tracking |
Yes | Yes |
| Sleeps | Yes | Yes |
| Floors Climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Pressure | No | No |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Underwater heart rate tracking |
No | Yes |
| On-screen workout modes | Yes | Yes |
| Triathlon mode | No | Yes |
| ECG tracking | No | Yes |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety tracking | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Regular: 5 days+, Standby: 8 days+ |
Up to 18 hours of all-day battery life |
| Battery Technology | Lithium-Polymer | Li-Ion |
| Charging Time | About 2 Hours | About 2 Hours |
| Charging Type | USB based charging dock | Apple Watch Magnetic Charger/Wireless Charger |
| Compatible OS | Android v4.3+ iOS 9.0+ |
iOS 13 or later MAC OS |
| NOTIFICATIONS Email Alert |
Yes | Yes |
| SMS Alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls Alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Weather | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party Apps | Yes | Yes |
| MEDIA Audio |
mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Music Streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Music | Yes | Yes |
| Radio | No | No |
| Loud Speaker | No | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| CLOCK FEATURES Time/Date |
Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| OTHER FUNCTIONS Control camera | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes | Yes |
| Find Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Text Response | Yes(Android Only) | Yes(iOS) |
| Answer Call | Yes | Yes |
| MISC Payment System |
Fitbit Pay | Apple Pay |
| Companion App | Fitbit App | Apple Watch Companion App |
| Customizable watch face | Yes | Yes |
| Interchangeable band | Yes | Yes |
| Voice command | No | Yes(Siri) |
| Internal Storage | 2.5 GB Available, 300+ Songs | 32 GB |
| Operating system | Fitbit OS | WatchOS 6.0 |
