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If you are in the market for buying a new smartwatch, I am sure you have come across Apple Watch 5 and Fitbit Versa 2. These are the latest generation of smartwatches by their respective companies, and they compete toe to toe against each other for your money. They might be having similar features, but there is a significant difference in their pricing. So, it can be really confusing for the average customer to differentiate one from the other.
Is it worth it to spend an extra 200 dollars on the Apple watch? Or should you go for the budget-friendly Versa 2? Every prospective buyer has these questions in his mind, and they will be answered below in the detailed comparison of the two.
Contents
- Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: The Detailed Comparison
- Apple Watch 5
- Fitbit Versa 2
- 1. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2 Display Comparison
- 2. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Which one is the better looking?
- 3. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Comparing the Operating System
- 4. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Apple’s Siri Vs. Amazon’s Alexa
- 5. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Which one has the better battery life?
- 6. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Fitness Tracking Compared
- 7. More than just a fitness tracker
- Who should buy the Versa 2?
- Who Should Buy the Apple Series 5?
- The Verdict
Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: The Detailed Comparison
Moreover, to give you an even better understanding, I will match the features of these two watches with other smartwatches such as Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch 4. So, you will be an expert on this topic by the end of this article, just keep reading.
First, here is an overview of the specifications of the two watches.
Apple Watch 5
- Starting Price: 384$
- Launch date: September 2019
- Case Size: 40mm, 44mm
- Thickness: 10.7mm
- Dimensions: 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm
- Processor: 64-bit dual-core S5
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
- Case Weight: 30.1 grams
- Display Type: OLED Capacitive Touchscreen
- Resolution: 368 x 448 pixels
- Brightness: 1000 nits
- Platform: watchOS 6.0
- Internal Storage: 32 GB
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Pixel Density: 326
Fitbit Versa 2
- Starting Price: 149.95$
- Launch date: September 2019
- Case Size: 40mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Dimensions: 40 x 10 x 11 mm
- Processor: Fitbit OS 4.1
- Battery Life: Upto 5 days
- Weight: 38 grams
- Display Type: AMOLED Touchscreen
- Resolution: 300 x 300 pixels
- Brightness: 1000+ nits
- Platform: Fitbit OS
- Internal Storage: 5 GB
- Water Resistance: 50m
While glancing at the specs, you must have realized that the Apple Watch is superior to its counterpart in almost all fields (except battery). It has a higher resolution display, less thickness, and more storage. Apple watch does costs more, so it makes sense that it has better specs.
Winner: Apple Series 5
1. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2 Display Comparison
When it comes to the standard of displays, Apple sweeps the floor with Versa 2. They have been in the business far longer, and their experience is reflected in the quality of their watch. The Retina display of Apple is more vivid and accurate than Versa 2’s AMOLED. It boasts an impressive 16 million color combinations, which the 150 dollar Versa watch just can not compete with.
However, there is a downside of having a higher resolution display, and it is the battery life. Even with all the power saving modes, you will not get more than 18 hours on-screen time on the Apple Watch 5. Versa 2’s AMOLED display does not consume the same amount of energy, so it offers more screen time. You should be able to get five days of battery life with ease.
Both the watches have “Always On Display,” which means all the information is just a glance away. So, you do not have to raise the wrist to see time every single time. This feature is relatively new as you can not find something like this in older watches such as Series 3 by Apple.
Under the sun, both of them are equally good. You will not have any problem operating any of them. However, if you are looking for numbers, Versa 2 can go upwards of 1000 nits, unlike the Apple Watch that has a limit of 1000 nits. Judging on this basis, we can conclude that Versa is better under the sun, but that does not mean the Apple watch is poor.
Even Apple’s Series 3, which is two years old, can compete with Versa 2 when it comes to the display. It has an impressive resolution of 390 x 312 pixels, which is higher than Versa 2’s 300 x 300 pixels. Even here, the only feature where Versa leads is brightness.
I did not compare Series 4 by Apple because it has the same display as Series 5, so there is no point in doing that.
It is fair to say that Versa needs to improve their watch’s screen as they can not even beat a two-year-old Apple watch. Yes, they do lead when it comes to brightness, but no one is going to buy a smartwatch just because it is super bright.
Winner: Apple Series 5
2. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Which one is the better looking?
When you are buying something as expensive as these smartwatches, looks become very important. No one wants an ugly looking watch, which neither of these is, but which one is better? Let’s find out.
The entire case of Apple Series 5 is made from aluminum and is available in three colors, Space Grey, Gold, and Silver. On the other hand, Versa 2 is available in six very unique colors which are Carbon, Copper Rose, Navy and Pink, Petal, Mist Grey, and Stone. Its case is also made from Aluminum. It is clear that Fitbit offers more choice to its buyers than Apple in terms of color, but what about the size?
The Versa 2 is being sold in a single size, and that is 36 mm. When you look over at the other side, the Apple Watch 5 comes in two variants, 40 mm and 44mm. Both of these are larger, so they offer more screen size. Moreover, there are huge bezels all around Versa 2, which makes it look even smaller. So, it is safe to say that Series 5 has a better-looking display.
Also, the thickness of the case is more significant in Versa 2 than Series 5. There is a difference of 1.3mm between the two, it might not sound substantial, but a thinner design is a better design.
Moving to the strap material, both companies have inclined heavily on silicone. There are no stainless steel or metal straps. You can buy them from third-party sellers, but you will not find them in the box.
Coming to the design of straps, The Versa 2 offers more excellent choice and flexibility. You get to choose from geometrical shapes to solid colors. And, these colors are quite unique too, unlike Apple’s Series 5, which comes Pink, Silver, and Black. In Versa 2, you get to choose from Blue, Crimson, Light pink, and more.
Even though Fitbit offers more choice, its design is just not good enough. The most important aspect is the size of the screen, and it lags behind Apple in terms of that. Even Series 4 has a larger display and thinner bezels than Versa 2.
Winner: Apple Series 5
3. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Comparing the Operating System
The Apple Watch runs on the latest version of watchOS, and the Versa 2 runs on Fitbit OS. A number of apps are available on both the watches, but Apple’s library is far greater. Fitbit is increasing its apps every day, but it will take some time for them to catch up with Apple’s vast ecosystem.
In numbers, there are around 3000 apps for you to download in Versa 2 and Apple, tens of thousands of apps, thanks to the App Store. So, it is obvious which one you should opt for if you are an app-geek. Moreover, to install an app on Versa 2, you need to do it via your smartphone as it does not have an on-board App Store like Series 5. This can be a deal-breaker for a lot of potential customers.
One area where Fitbit comes out on top is its variety of watch faces. Fitbit has allowed third-party developers to make them, so the user never runs out of new designs. On the other hand, Series 5 might not be having as many faces as Versa 2, but what it offers is in high definition. You will not find any poor pictures on the Apple Watch, everything is refined, and in high quality.
Navigation on the Apple watch is more comfortable thanks to its bigger size and honeycomb pattern. The watch can easily handle 30-40 apps, and you will not face any problem shifting between them. This might not be true for Versa 2, as it can fit only four apps on its home screen. If you install many apps, you will have to swipe a lot to reach them.
Coming to the performance side of the watches, they both are equally good. There is minimal lag on both of them. Fitbit does not boast about its processors and hardware like Apple, so we don’t know much about the Versa 2. Its interface is slick, and that is the most important thing.
Comparing the Series 5 with its predecessor Series 3, Apple claims that the newer version is almost twice as fast, thanks to its new processor. So, now would be an excellent time to upgrade your old smartwatch.
Winner: Apple Series 5 (However, it’s only compatible with iOS devices), So if compared on the basis of compatibility, Fitbit Versa 2 is a winner!
4. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Apple’s Siri Vs. Amazon’s Alexa
The latest version of Versa 2 comes equipped with Amazon’s Alexa. On Apple, you get “Siri,” your voice assistant. Alexa is the most talked feature about the Versa 2, and it adds a new range of possibilities to the smartwatch.
While Siri can be summoned up by saying, “Hey Siri,” there is no such thing for Alexa. You will have to long-press the button on the right-hand side of the watch to activate it, so it does have a long way to go. It’s not that Siri is perfect or anything, it has its issues. You have to bring your wrist close to your lips to summon it via speech. I can not see myself doing that in public, so pressing the button is a more natural choice.
The issue with Alexa on Versa 2 is that it can not talk back. All your questions will be answered in text-only on the screen. This is not a smart move by Fitbit as the screen is already small, and reading text on it can be hard.
The interface of Siri has been the same for the past couple of years. There is not much of an upgrade from Series 3 or Series 4. However, Fitbit did not have any voice assistant in their 2017 Versa launch, so it is a significant improvement on their part.
Siri and Alexa, both are smart as they can set alarms, change music, take notes, open apps, and all such features. What Alexa does better than Siri is decoding the voice of the owner. It can understand you even if you are in a harsh environment. It might take a couple of seconds, though. Siri, on the other hand, is patchy. It might completely ignore your command and return you to the watch face if you do not speak clearly. However, Siri does have better and quick answers.
Overall, Alexa feels much better. It is faster and more accurate.
Winner: Fitbit Versa 2
5. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Which one has the better battery life?
If you have used any previous Fitbit devices, you would know that their battery life is excellent. It is one of the things which Fitbit nails as a company, and Versa 2 is no different. You will get a little over four days of juice on a single charge. However, if you prefer to keep all the features active at all times (GPS, Sleep tracking, etc.), the screen time will reduce to 3 days.
Series 5, on the other hand, will give you 18 hours of usage, so you will have to charge it overnight for the next day. To break it all down, you will get 1.5 hours of talk-time when you are using the LTE version, 7 hours of playing music online, 10 hours of indoor workout, and 6 hours of outdoor exercise with the GPS turned on. The stats are impressive, but they are nowhere near the Versa watch. So, if you are a fitness enthusiast, go with the Versa 2.
Let us talk about charging now. The Versa 2 goes from 0 to 100 in about 1.5 hours. It is faster than the Apple Watch as it takes about 2.5 hours for the same. However, there is a peculiar issue. The charger comes with the box, but the charging wire does not. So, you will have to use your mobile’s Micro-USB to charge the watch. This is not a smart move by Fitbit because the dependance on Type-C has increased a lot in past years, and customers will have to buy a separate USB for their Versa 2.
The charging speed of both watches is quite excellent. Versa 2 can go from 0 to 30 percent in 20 minutes, and the Apple Watch can go from 0 to 80 percent in 1.5 hours. Moreover, the Fitbit OS will send you a low-battery notification when you’re on 30%, so you get plenty of time to charge it.
Despite the wire issue, the overall battery-performance of Versa 2 exceeds that of Series 5.
Winner: Fitbit Versa 2
6. Apple Watch 5 vs Fitbit Versa 2: Fitness Tracking Compared
Fitness tracking is probably the most crucial feature of any smartwatch. The whole point of their existence is to keep the user updated about his/her health. Fitbit has fitness in its very name, so is the Versa 2 a better fitness tracker than the Apple Watch? Let’s find out in a little more detail.
Versa 2 can track your basic fitness exercises, record your laps when swimming, track the heart rate, count the floors you have climbed, and set guided breathing sessions to keep you calm. If you wish to monitor your intake of calories and water, the watch can do that as well. Moreover, the sleep tracking feature will provide you with a detailed analysis of your sleep every morning.
You can download all these reports on your smartphone and show it to your doctor when needed. However, this data is not something which you do not know already if you want a proper insight, you will have to buy the Fitbit Premium Membership, which costs 10 dollars a month.
The Apple Watch, contarily, can do all these, and then some more. The ECG readings are more accurate than Versa 2, thanks to the superior sensor. Everyday tasks such as average speed during the run, measurement of distance, accuracy of the GPS, all the readings are spot on. The only thing it is missing is sleep tracking, but users can get around that by installing the Sleep++ app. So, it does not make much of a difference.
Unlike Versa 2, there are no in-built training routines, but you can download apps from the app-store if you are interested in that. One stand out feature of the Series 5 is its Health App. It keeps an eye on the noise levels around you, and it warns you when it gets higher than 90 decibels.
As a Fitness tracker, both the watches are quite exceptional, but Versa 2 is cheaper. It does a remarkable job of competing with a much more expensive option. So, I’d recommend you get the Versa 2 if fitness is your sole motive.
Winner: Fitbit Versa 2
7. More than just a fitness tracker
Yes, smartwatches are supposed to keep an eye on your health, but that is not enough to make sales. We have fitness bands for that purpose. Some additional features go a long way in making the watch unique, and here they are for the Series 5.
There is an in-built compass inside the Series 5. This feature is exclusive to the latest Apple Watch; it is not available in the Series 3 or Series 4. This is an excellent option for people who go hiking from time to time. The compass is pretty accurate and will keep you in the right direction. Versa 2, on the contrary, does not have this feature.
The most extraordinary feature of the Apple Watch is its fall detection. The name is self-explanatory. If the watch detects you are falling and not moving in the next 10 seconds, it will alert the emergency services. It will share your location with them, so they can come and get you. This is an essential characteristic of this watch and is super reliable. It has saved several lives in America alone.
Series 5 and Versa 2 both are swim proof. You can go to the shower or the ocean without taking them off. They are equally resistant to water.
The Health App, which I mentioned earlier, is also a very unique aspect of the watch. It keeps an eye on the volume of your headphones. If you are listening to music at a high capacity for a prolonged time, it will send you an alert. The same thing is with environmental noise. Moreover, it shows a detailed analysis of the sound around you over the past week or month.
Talking about the Versa 2 now, all its extra features are related to fitness in some way or the other. Like the Fitbit Coach app, which offers personalized training, tailored according to the user’s goal and fitness capabilities. You will have to avail the premium membership for it, though. This Coach app is not exclusive for the Versa 2, previous generations, such as Versa, can use it too.
A unique feature of the Versa 2 is “Smart Wake.” What it does is it wakes you up in a light sleep stage before your actual alarm goes off. It can be up to 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This can be annoying for a lot of people, but it gives some extra time to get ready in the morning, which is always appreciated.
The Apple Watch is more expensive and has far more additional features. Versa 2 is an excellent smartwatch in its own regard, but it is no match for Apple’s Series 5.
Winner: Apple Series 5
After comparing the two watches in full detail, here are the pros and cons of each watch.
Who should buy the Versa 2?
- Use amazon Alexa built in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, control your smart home devices and more all through the sound of your voice (third party app may be required; amazon Alexa not available in all countries)
- Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, sleep score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night. Also track your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get personal insights
- Get a 90-day free trial of the Fitbit Premium to help you stay active, sleep well and manage stress. Unlock it all in the Fitbit app. (The valid payment method required. Cancel before free trial ends to avoid subscription fees. Offer valid for new Premium users only)
- With a larger display and an always on option, your information?s always a quick glance away (always on display requires more frequent charging)
- Play your favorite songs and playlists with Spotify app controls on your wrist. Also make secure purchases with Fitbit Pay and get called, text and smartphone app notifications.
The Versa 2 might not come out on top when comparing it with the Apple Series 5, but it is still a perfect smartwatch. You have to remember that there is a price difference of more than 200 dollars between the two. If you can not spend 400 dollars on a watch, this is an affordable alternative.
Moreover, if you are a fitness enthusiast, Versa 2 will be your perfect companion. Apple watches are good, but they have a miserable battery life. You will have to charge them after your morning workout; otherwise, they won’t last the day. On the other hand, Versa 2 can go for four days straight without a charge. Battery life deteriorates over time, and if the watch is giving 15 hours when it’s just out of the box, it is just not good enough. It will only get worse from this stage.
Another reason why people focussed on fitness should buy Versa 2 is because it has in-built exercise routines. Series 5 does not have any, which shows the company’s lack of commitment towards this goal. Moreover, with the Fitbit Coach app, you can take your workout to the next level. Yes, there are third-party apps in Series 5, but they are no match for Fitbit’s dedicated fitness apps.
The final reason why you should consider Versa 2 is because of the security of purchase. Apple releases products every year, and they have a terrible reputation of slowing previous models down. This is a big problem if you are spending more than 400 dollars on a watch. However, Fitbit does not forget its former customers. One example of this is the Fitbit Coach app, which can be installed and used by Versa users.
Pros
- One of the best fitness companions
- Lower price
- Extra-long battery life
- Sleep tracking is available
- Fitbit Coach gives extra incentive to work hard
- The display is super bright
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Amazon’s built-in Alexa assistant
- Aesthetic design
- Multiple colors and strap options
Cons
- Does not has in-built GPS
- Poor operating system
- Lack of customization options
- Can not stream music from Spotify
- Less storage is available (2.5 GB)
Who Should Buy the Apple Series 5?
- GPS
- Always-On Retina display
- 30% larger screen
- Swimproof
- ECG app
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
If you want to be on the bleeding edge of tech, Series 5 is your go-to device. Apple sets the bar for the entire industry in terms of technology, so you have to pay top dollar to use their products.
Series 5 is the gold standard of smartwatches. With fall detection and precise heart monitoring, it has exceeded our expectations. A person in the UK had his heart-surgeries on time because the watch told him that his heartbeat was not normal. What else can you expect from a smartwatch! So, this will be a perfect gift for people with heart conditions. It will keep a constant eye on their cardiovascular health.
Similarly, if you are a traveler, Series 5 will be a perfect companion. If you get lost, it will send your last known location to your contacts and emergency services. There is no such feature in the Versa 2.
This watch is perfect for people who take fitness as a hobby, not as a profession. It has more than enough exercise to tire you out. Moreover, if you like to go on runs, there is no better product than Series 5 to map it out for you. You can leave your smartphone at home and focus on your physique. While doing so, you will still not miss a single call or notification, thanks to the LTE model.
The only issue with this watch is that it does not work with Android devices like Google Pixel, LG smartphones, Samsung Phones. You need to be in the Apple ecosystem to use it.
Pros
- Larger display than last year’s Series 4
- Better navigation with improved GPS accuracy
- Improved speakers
- More storage capacity at 32 GB
- Calling is possible from the watch itself
- Keeps an eye on your heart
- Built-in App Store
- Emergency SOS calling
Cons
- The watch is expensive
- Battery life is mediocre
- Same design as last year’s Series 4
- No sleep tracking
- Can not connect to Android devices
The Verdict
To buy the perfect smartwatch for yourself, first, figure out what you are going to use it for, and then you will be able to narrow it down. As far as these two products go, Versa 2 offers the best of both worlds, a smartwatch, and a fitness band. Apple Series 5 is at the very top of the pyramid of smartwatches. It is the latest addition to Apple’s list of premium products.
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Have a versa 2.is not compatable with my samsung j5.could you advise me on what is the best phones to buy which are compatible with versa 2 please