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- Sense 2 is Fitbit’s flagship smartphone with more health and wellness-centric features.
- Turn 4 aims to be a focused fitness challenge, but is plagued by connection and follow-up issues.
- We compared two premium Fitbits to see which one is the better buy.
Fitbit’s smartwatch line The flagship is set up with two distinct wearables: the Versa 4 and the Sense 2. Although both offer an overall almost similar experience, there are some clear differences that set them apart.
The Sense 2 has a few more features than the Versa 4, including ECG readings, skin temperature sensing, and real-time stress tracking. It also offers all the features found on the Versa 4 and marks a price tag of $300.
Meanwhile, the Versa 4 doesn’t include Fitbit’s latest and greatest health sensors but costs $100 less. However, due to the minor upgrades in the older-gen line 3, and some connectivity and routing issues we found in our testing, it still doesn’t live up to that standard.
Below, we compare these two Fitbit watches head-to-head to see which is the best, and who will benefit from wearing each. Here’s how the two stack up.
The Fitbit Sensation 2 is a premium fitness and health-centric device that introduces new features like real-time energy tracking and skin temperature sensing, but offers a little short on pain.
The Fitbit Versa 4 disappoints as a fourth-generation smartwatch, as it lacks third-party app support, has issues with search functionality, and doesn’t allow for music storage.
Fitbit Sense II vs. Fitbit Versa 4: Specs
Fitbit Sense II vs. Fitbit Versa 4: Design
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Both the Sense 2 and the Versa 4 are almost identical clones of each other and similarly in previous generations. Both have the same square watch face with thin, rounded edges and a display size of 336 x 336 pixels.
Other similarities include a water resistance rating of 50 meters and the ability to use the same reversible links. Both also have a small button on the side that can be connected to surveillance cameras.
But one area in which they differ is with size. While the Versa 4 measures 40.4mm, the Sense 2’s case size is 40.5mm. Although this is technically The difference in size is so small that it is difficult to notice which watch is which when they are sitting next to each other.
Although perhaps the biggest difference between the two colors comes down to availability. The Versa 4 is available in Graphite, Platinum, and Rose Copper, while the Sense 2 comes in Shades of Grey, Lunar White, and Soft Gold.
Fitbit Sense II vs. Fitbit Versa IV: Smartwatch performance
One of our main nitpicks with these watches is their disappointing lack of smartwatch capability. In particular, neither the watch supports third-party app access nor any music storage or playbacks through the likes of Spotify (that is, a third-party app). Each of these are (or* must be) Features of modern smartwatches.
Because of this, the Sense 2 and Versa 4 both come up short on actual monitoring performance. Sure, they get notifications like text messages, emails, and phone calls, but these are the absolute least you can think of to find any in the “pain” category.
Additionally, they both only offer Amazon Alexa voice support, not Google Assistant, which is a little surprising considering Google’s Fitbit. Alexa works well on both watches, though a smartphone needs to be paired with the watch for the feature to actually work.
Fitbit Sense II vs. Fitbit Versa 4: Health and fitness tracking
Rick Star/Insider
The biggest difference between the Verse 4 and the Sense 2 comes down to their individual safety and ability to complete the track. And although the Versa 4 seems to be designed more for the fitness of a legitimate hunter, it’s actually the Sense 2 that convinces to be the most reliable everyday wearable.
We found that the Sense 2 has a much faster GPS signal than the Versa 4, which may have a greater impact on fitness tracking. Waiting for the Versa 4 to connect can make for a frustrating experience, however, it is imperative to do your thorough research. In our Versa 4 tests, we decided to release the GPS link before a few runs and found tracking accuracy to be less than 1/8 mile away. Although it seems small, that difference can have a significant impact in a thousand miles.
Let’s say Versa 4 blocks you in about a 9-minute mile. If you factor in the 1/8 mile difference, you’d actually run that mile closer to 8 minutes. That is great for the difference in any marathon training or any other type of running event. We never encountered this problem with Senso 2.
Sense 2 in the margin from verse 4 takes the traces of the available means of health. In addition to the new skin temperature sensor, it provides real-time stress tracking via the cedA sensor as well as the ECG app. The most interesting thing about the ECG app is that it can track your heart rhythms and assess for signs of Afib. While only a doctor can diagnose Afib, an ECG app can at least detect its potential signs.
Standard features like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, menstrual cycles, and heart rate variability are also available on both the Sense 2 and the Versa 4.
Fitbit Sense II vs. Fitbit Versa IV: The Battle of Life
Perhaps the best feature of both the Sense 2 and Versa 4 is their battery life, which lasts about six days depending on how it’s used. During our tests, we consistently hit the six rating, even during intervals when we were using the GPS frequently (which could tend to drain the batteries a little faster).
Compared to something like the Apple Watch, which often requires a daily recharge, the battery life of the Sense 2 and Versa 4 products is a major benefit. In addition, watches need between 12 minutes on the charger to charge from 0% to a full day’s worth of battery life.
Which one did you buy?
Rick Star/Insider
The Sense 2 and Versa 4 are similar watches that basically represent the Fitbit experience. But because of the Versa 4’s flaws in both the numbing and matching tracks, it pales in comparison to the Sense 2.
I should not say that in the sense of 2 it lacks its faults. The lack of third-party app support and the ability to store music or play is holding this hard back from a legitimate push. What finally gives it a piece on the Versa 4 is better GPS connectivity, its new skin-sensing and stress-tracking features, and access to apps and heart-rhythm data.
However, if the advanced features aren’t something you want or don’t necessarily care about, you’re better off saving $100 and getting the Versa 4 (or the more impressive Versa 3) instead.
If you’re looking to upgrade from something like the first-generation Sensation, a Versa 2 or 3, or even one of Fitbit’s basic trackers like the Inspire or Inspire, the Sensation 2 is a great option. You might want a little more in the smartwatch department, but it’s still a step above everything else in the brand’s line.
