After two years and an intermediate version that substantially simplified an already good product, Fitbit Versa 2 presents itself to customers with a series of important improvements, while consolidating what have always been its characteristics of strength.
We tried it for a few weeks, confirming what the premises were but, even if there is room for growth, we can admit that the new version has the credentials to be the spearhead of the Fitbit list as well as the main antagonist of AppleWatch, with more details not to be underestimated.
Fitbit Versa 2, the review
All renewed, practically identical
The first impression you have when you pick up the new Fitbit Versa 2 is that the new model is completely identical to the first Fitbit Versa, in particular in the box, which shows the same form factor with diversity only in a few mandatory entries.
Inside, in our case, the black Fitbit Versa 2 with an extension for the strap for those who, like myself, have a generous wrist. Given the premise of the presentation, we would have liked to try the Special Edition version with the fabric strap, but in the end we will still have the possibility to buy it separately.
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Upon closer inspection, the differences emerge: the display is brighter and the two side buttons of the first edition have disappeared (only one remains on the inside of the wrist), now replaced by a small hole that serves to communicate with Alexa, details which we will return to shortly.
Instead, Fitbit's vice of offering different power supplies for each model on sale continues: also in this case the Fitbit Versa 2 power supply, although practically identical, is not compatible with the first model, nullifying what would have been a great convenience for who perhaps already has the old model and is intrigued by the transition to the new one.
Lifestyle photo of Fitbit Mira with Kim Shui accessory band. Photographer: Anthony Hudson.
Improved display
The first visible novelty is the new AMOLED display with a larger area: the impression we had, after almost two years of Versa on the wrist (in a more or less discontinuous way, because for work we try different models, incidentally, not all of them then really reviewed) is that the display is actually brighter and with more contrast and saturation.
The view is pleasant, even if the edges (a few millimeters between the end of the display and the case) are still clearly visible.
One of the novelties of this model is the “always on” mode of the display: unlike what it would be intended, however, the always on mode is not linked to the dial, but has only two representations, digital and analog, it can be activated directly from the preferences of the smartwatch and has options beyond the type of “face” available.
This mode is interesting for those looking for it, but it consumes more battery, at a superficial estimate we can say that consumption goes from 20 to 40% more than normal.
Alexa, what time is it?
The real novelty of Versa 2, however, is the possibility of having Alexa as a virtual assistant: Alexa is not always on (you need to press the side button to call her) and only provides textual feedback regarding direct answers, but it is still a valid help. in different situations.
You can ask Alexa what the weather is like, to set an alarm, the time and obviously to play music in one of the connected devices (managing everything through the official App for smartphones or through the various Apps for compatible third-party devices).
If you want, you can also ask Alexa for completely useless things such as telling you a joke, which Alexa offers you on the Versa 2 display (and on this it is a little less joking than SIRI) or even some technical information on the foods you plan to eat. .
Too bad that the iteration with the phone is there but the one with Fitbit is missing, as we have been able to detect, because Alexa, for example, cannot tell us how many steps we have taken today or the calories burned, and not even to exit the App domain to carry out a call, even if these are limits of smartphones, not Fitbit or Alexa.
The night that makes the difference
In the fight for territorial supremacy that has seen Fitbit with Versa 2 probably the greatest antagonist of AppleWatch in recent years, it is clear that the innovations described so far are interesting but if we were asked to choose among all the features the one that is certainly the most interesting to we most of all liked the detection of sleep and nocturnal activity at rest.
Clearly the design is modern, the smart appearance is first class (as we will see later), the brilliant display and the presence of Alexa comfortable, but the software for detecting night activity has always been a flagship. and even this Fitbit Versa 2 is no exception.
Considering that virtually all models in the Fitbit price list have a battery life that exceeds four days and in some cases reaches eight, it is clear that the company has a ten-year database with a myriad of really interesting information that towards the end of the estate has decided to put to good use by offering users a significant improvement in the capabilities of the App.
Those who buy the Versa 2 (but all Fitbit users in general) not only now have sleep tracking on two or three levels (depending on the model), but also a system that provides a score on the quality of sleep, so that we can try to understand how to improve our nights of sleep, varying the hours and other factors based on the recommendations of Fitbit, obtained precisely based on the database.
The smart side
Versa 2 inherits all the smart capabilities of the first model by improving interaction: now it is possible to use the smart alarm clock that understands the right time to wake up based on the type of sleep and the time set, leading us to a more natural alarm but still in time.
Versa 2 shows on the display all the messages that appear on the smartphone (even if the various alerts must be enabled), there is an App Store (not very well stocked though) and obviously it is compatible with music services such as Deezer and Spotify Premium, for listen to streaming music from headphones connected via Bluetooth to the phone, things host some songs directly in the memory of the smartwatch.
In addition to this, the capabilities of managing different sports activities: Versa 2 uses the GPS shared with the phone and is not a professional sports model, but it is very good for those who play sports in a carefree way, with some satisfaction here and there.
Without forgetting the presence of Fitbit Pay, which we talked about a few months ago, which brings the Versa 2 (but not the Versa lite, attention, which remains on the list) to be a digital wallet.
Finally, the App is really well done: it concentrates in a single point the detection of physical activity, heartbeat and sleep in the same clock management system, so there is no need to change the App everything is just a tap away. and with really clear and legible graphics.
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Considerations
Versa 2 is a very beautiful, customizable and smart model as expected from a current model with what according to the writer is the best App available on the market today for the detection of physical and sports data (not competitive).
The customization of the model is high, because in addition to the dials it is possible to choose between three colors of the case and a myriad of straps, official or not, and finally also because with about five days of life with one battery charge (validated), it offers capabilities (such as the detection of sleep and heart rate at rest) that other more famous models, such as the Apple Watch, do not yet have.
On the animations it is a bit basic, as well as on the vastness of the App Store and we would like more interaction with the iPhone (but we are convinced that the fault here is not Fitbit) but otherwise we are facing the best of Fitbit available today , both in terms of design and power and hardware and software integration.
Product laydown photography for Fitbit Versa 2. Photographer: Dylan Griffin
Pro:
• Alexa on board • New AMOLED display • Improved health control • Improved sleep control • Smart alarm clock
Cons:
• Alexa is poorly integrated • Interaction with iPhone is limited
Price:
• 199.99 Euro (with rubber strap) • 229.99 Euro Special Edition (with fabric strap)
Fitbit Versa 2 is already available through the official Fitbit website in five colors for the normal edition at 199.99 euros and in two for the Special Edition at 229.99 euros (with fabric strap).
Fitbit Versa 2 is also available on Amazon.it with exclusive sets (in addition to all the normal equipment). Returned the Versa Lite model, presented last year, without Alexa and with a few less functions, but with a very similar design at an even more competitive price.
