So far, tests on Smartwatches are rare. So far we have only published a test on the Casio WSD-F20A, but now Fitbit has updated the Versa series with the Fitbit Versa 3 and we have the opportunity to test it. We tested it in everyday use and of course also in sports.
Design and workmanship
With the Versa 3, Fitbit definitely wants to put a high-quality product in your hands – or rather on your wrist. The case is made of aluminium and has a very good workmanship. There are no mistakes and the gap to the display is also perfect.
The model is available in three different versions. The aluminum case is available twice in soft gold, but each time with bracelets in midnight blue or old pink. The last variant has a case in black with bracelets in the same color. There are also two bracelets depending on the wrist size.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is definitely visually appealing. Above all, it is immediately noticeable that it has no dedicated keys. To unlock/lock the display, there is a touch button on the side. This makes the overall picture of the Smartwatch even more valuable. The wristbands also contribute to the positive overall image. They can be easily attached with a clip mechanism, but the entire workmanship is also right.
Display and use
The Fitbit Versa 3’s touch display is also impressive. It has a resolution of 336 x 336 pixels, which is more than sufficient for this size. It reacts directly and reliably to touch, even if navigating through the menus takes some getting used to. Otherwise, all desired information can be displayed. And most importantly: The display is stable in terms of viewing angle.
Since the Fitbit Versa 3 is a fitness smartwatch, it naturally has a lot of technology on board. This is used to record your sports activities or sleep as accurately as possible and to display them on the app. The Versa 3 is the first GPS module in this series. But in this case it only serves to record your speed and the distance you have covered. The Smartwatch is therefore not suitable for navigation.
For heart rate monitoring, the PurePulse technology was further improved with version 2.0. In addition to heart rate, oxygen saturation and sleep can also be recorded and viewed via Fitbit app. For Fitbit-Premium users, there are still functions such as the recording of breathing rate or heart rate variability on the note. Women can also record their cycle, for example to identify patterns or find the time of ovulation.
To record the various sports activities, other sensors are of course installed in addition to the GPS module and the sensor for monitoring the heart rate. Thus, the Versa 3 also contains an acceleration sensor and an altimeter. The Fitbit Versa 3 is also suitable for activities in the water – it is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters.
The Fitbit Versa 3 should therefore record as many activities as possible and provide us with a good deal of information about our health.
Operating system
Fitbit uses its own Fitbit OS operating system. Wear OS from Google is out of the race, which certainly has its advantages in terms of compatibility with Apple. Above all, the manufacturer thus has its update policy in its own hands and can publish security updates quickly, just like new functions.
The Smartwatch is compatible with Android from version 7.0 and iOS but version 12.2. So you can use the full functionality of the watch and the app independently from the operating system (provided you use fitbit Premium).
Battery
If the Fitbit Versa 3 hasn’t completely convinced you yet, you might change that when you hear about the battery. According to the manufacturer the battery should last for 6 days. Of course this depends on the user behaviour. So if we assume an average usage (tracking of steps, heart rate and occasional sports activities), we still get four to five days until the watch needs charging. And for a complete battery charge the watch needs about one hour!
The charging process is done via a proprietary connection. The cable is held magnetically on the bottom of the Smartwatch. Unfortunately the cable only holds in a certain position on the Smartwatch due to the magnetism.
App
The heart of a Smartwatch, which records activities, heart rate and so on, is of course the app. Tested was under iOS. To compare the apps and functions, we also set up the Fitbit Versa 3 on Android.
Before we even got into the app, the Smartwatch has to be connected via Bluetooth. Afterwards we updated the firmware. After the update is finished, we will receive some more information about data protection and tips for using the app. In addition, Fitbit shows us directly how to wear the Smartwatch, what to look out for, and we shouldn’t forget to clean it!
When we arrive at the app, we get a clearly arranged dashboard with all kinds of information. But of course the app can show us more than just the steps and calories burned. Besides tracking sports activities, it can also record and analyze sleep, for example. The best way to do this is to set a sleep goal including the time to sleep and the time to get up in order to achieve the best result.
Via a kind of app store you can add more functions or get different training programs on the Fitbit Versa 3. So you can control devices with “Spotify Connect” like a Google Nest or let your smartphone ring via Find My Phone if you can’t find it in your apartment.
The function of the “Competitions & Adventure races” is also exciting. So you can compete with other Fitbit users or friends in your activities. But also different training units can be started directly from the app. And a topic that is becoming more and more important these days: Mindfulness. The app helps you here as well.
Wearing comfort
Unfortunately, Fitbit does not specify what material the bracelet is made of, the website only mentions a flexible and durable material. When first put on, the bracelet and watch feels really comfortable on the wrist. If you start sweating and do not dry the wristband and skin directly, this will have a negative effect on the wearing comfort and has even led to skin irritations. Although you are advised to dry everything completely before you put the watch back on, this is difficult during sports. Sports activities such as jogging or the gym should put the Fitbit Versa 3 away easily, but it will dry the wristband, watch and wrist properly!
Conclusion of the Fitbit Versa 3 review
The Fitbit Versa 3 is the first Smartwatch we have tested. It is also the first Smartwatch I have tested that can do more than just count steps and calories burned. From this point of view, Fitbit Versa 3 is really convincing! From the design and workmanship to the app and general use, a high quality product is delivered. Note the bracelet, which reduces the wearing comfort when you sweat a lot if you wear the watch longer. Otherwise we can attest that the Versa 3 is definitely worth its money, despite its rather high price.
Fitbit Versa 3
Design
Workmanship
Display
Usability
Battery
Compatibility
Value for money
93/100
The Fitbit Versa 3 can really convince us. Even though it has its price, it has a lot to offer.
