Fitbit Versa 4 review: What can the mid-range smartwatch do?

Some time ago Fitbit introduced the Versa 4, a new mid-range smartwatch. In my test I found out for you what it has to offer and whether it is worth buying.

Compared to its predecessor, the Fitbit Versa 3, the design of the Versa 4 has remained pretty much the same. However, it now offers some innovations, such as new training modes, telephony via Bluetooth and support for Google Wallet and Google Maps. You can read below whether I can recommend the smartwatch to you.

tl; dr

Overall, I liked the Fitbit Versa 4 quite well review. The smartwatch impressed me above all with its extremely good battery life, its health tracking, and the extensive Fitbit app. The watch's battery lasts almost a week, which I think is very good given its range of functions. The design of the watch is quite minimalist and sporty, which suits the watch well. I also liked the minimalist operating system, which is quite smooth. However, I missed a few apps and functions. Nevertheless, the watch impressed me overall.

For the reasons mentioned, I can only recommend the Versa 4 to anyone who wants a solid mid-range smartwatch with a long battery life and can do without a few apps and functions. For the price of around 180 to 200 euros you get a lot here. You can buy the smartwatch from Fitbit and Google in the shop, as well as from all common electronics stores.

• Buy Fitbit Versa 4 on Amazon
• Buy Fitbit Versa 4 at Fitbit

Unboxing & scope of delivery

The smartwatch comes in a simple packaging that shows itself and a few of its functions. When you open the box, you immediately notice the watch, its bracelet and the charger, which have been cleverly positioned next to each other. However, nothing more than the things mentioned and the usual paperwork is included.

Design & processing

The Versa 4 is a pretty smartly designed watch that looks very minimalistic. With its dimensions of 40,5 × 40,5 × 11,2 millimeters, it is one of the smaller and thinner smartwatches. Its housing is made of matt aluminum and it is available in 3 colors. The housing and the display are slightly rounded on all sides, which is why the watch looks a little slimmer than it actually is. On the left side of the watch there is a physical button to operate the watch. The predecessor had a touch button. The sensors for tracking and the charging contacts can be found on the back. The workmanship is also at a very high level. Everything feels good and seems very solid and stable.

Display

Fitbit has installed a 4-inch AMOLED display in the Versa 1,57 with a resolution of 336 × 336 pixels. This is sufficiently sharp and is usually bright enough. I just find the display edges a bit too big, as the watch isn't exactly the largest and so you have to do without a slightly larger display. Thanks to the AMOLED technology, the black levels and color reproduction are extremely good. Overall, I really liked the display.

Sports & sleep tracking

One of the most important functions of a smartwatch is sports tracking. The Versa 4 has 40 sports modes, such as swimming, running or skiing. Various data is collected and displayed. For activities such as running or cycling, the distance covered is also tracked via the integrated GPS. All collected data can then be viewed and monitored in the app. The tracked values ​​are about the same as my Apple Watch. Of course, the Versa 4 also has sleep tracking. Sleep is divided into different sleep phases, which can then be tracked using the app. The user is also shown how well they slept. This usually worked well and reliably.

Straps & Bracelets

In the case of the Versa 4, Fitbit includes a silicone sports bracelet as standard. This is relatively well made and is great for sporting activities. For users like me who would rather have a metal bracelet for their smartwatch, Fitbit also offers a few options. For people who prefer a fancier bracelet, there are also alternatives made of leather and vegan leather. In addition to those mentioned, there are also many other bracelet alternatives, both from Fitbit itself and from third-party providers. It's also worth mentioning that the clasp that attaches the straps to the watch is quite sturdy and the straps are easy to change.

Picture: TechnikNews

Operating system and dials

The Versa's operating system is pretty simple and clear. If you swipe up from the home screen, the notifications are displayed, if you swipe down you get to the quick settings and if you swipe left or right you get to the widgets. By pressing the side button you can access the app menu, where you can open all installed apps. These include, for example, the Alexa app, Google Maps and Google Wallet for contactless payment with Google Pay. You can't install much more than this because there is no real app store, like the Pixel Watch, for example. There are a few smaller apps available for download from the Fitbit App Gallery, although most of them don't offer much added value.

Thanks to the integrated speaker and microphone, you can also make phone calls or speak to Alexa via the watch. I just think it's a shame that the Google Assistant isn't supported, even though Fitbit belongs to Google. There are a lot of watch faces for the Versa 4 available to download via the Fitbit app, so there should be something for everyone. In addition to more elegant designs, there are also very sports-oriented and sometimes extremely playful ones. Overall, I think the operating system is well implemented, although I personally miss a few apps and smart functions such as those offered by my Apple Watch.

Charge the battery

The battery life of the Versa 4 is extremely good. One battery charge lasted me for about 5 to 6 days with the always-on display activated, but if this is deactivated, the watch lasts even longer. But if the battery is then empty, it can be fully recharged in just over 2 hours. However, if you need to be quick, the Versa 4 lasts for another 12 hours after charging for 24 minutes, which is pretty practical in everyday life.

Fitbit app

The Fitbit app is the control center of the Versa 4. All collected data can be viewed and evaluated via the app. It's pretty well thought out and simple. On the home screen, the user is first shown the most important information at the top and underneath there are widgets with all other data. For example, you can use the Coach item to watch workout videos and do them at home, or do mindfulness exercises. A clock symbol at the top left takes you to the smartwatch settings. Here you can, for example, change the dial or set up contactless payment. You can also start training and sleep analyzes or enter health values ​​from the home screen using the large plus symbol. I really liked the app review, except for the long synchronization time with the watch.

Prices & Availability

The Versa 4 has a recommended retail price of 229 euros. However, you no longer have to pay that much for the smartwatch. At all common electronics stores, as well as at Fitbit itself, you can get the watch for around 180 to 200 euros, which in my opinion is a very reasonable price for what is on offer.

• Buy Fitbit Versa 4 on Amazon
• Buy Fitbit Versa 4 at Fitbit

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