Fitbit Versa 2 review: The direction is correct
A TEST REPORT from David Haydl 
on December 31, 2019, 12:09 am | Write a comment
If you've read my reviews of the previous versions of the Fitbit Versa, you'll know that I was never 100 percent convinced. Now with the Fitbit Versa 2, I think Fitbit is going in the right direction.
The Fitbit Versa 2 is now the fourth watch in the Fitbit smartwatch range. The first came Fitbit Ionic, followed by the first versa. In between there is the Fitbit Versa Lite then a. Well joined them for IFA 2019 The second Versa is also included. The new features include an AMOLED display, a faster processor and various changes to the operating system. And as I said in the introduction, I think that Fitbit is heading in exactly the right direction.
Unboxing and initial setup
On the other hand, there are no innovations in the packaging - everything remains the same here. The box is therefore mostly white and has various light blue surfaces, labels and Fitbit logos. If you remove the lower flap, the box containing the contents of the package can be removed. There is the watch in the upper part, a longer interchangeable bracelet, the charger and some instructions in the lower part.
This is included next to the clock. (Picture: TechnikNews)
The first time you set up the clock is as usual. Go to the Fitbit app in the device section and select the option to set up. Then you put the Versa 2 in the charging cradle and enter the code on the smartphone that appears on the watch. When this step is done, open updates will be downloaded and installed. Then you can use the watch, the whole thing should take between 15 minutes and 20 minutes.
Design and workmanship
The Fitbit Versa 2 looks like its predecessor once more. We still have a form factor that looks very similar to the Apple Watch and the very difficult-to-use mechanisms for attaching the bracelets. However, one thing is new, namely the microphone on the right-hand side. This means that, as with the Versa Lite, there are no longer any action buttons. I really liked this on the first Fitbit Versa, so I think that's a shame. The housing is made of aluminum and, depending on the configuration, comes in three different colors: black, gray or gold. The processing is at a known high level and water resistance is also given.
Picture: TechnikNews
The heart rate sensor was then installed on the underside together with the pins for the charging station. This charging station looks the same as the Lite version of the Versa range.
There is also a whole range of compatible bracelets, so you can choose different styles and combinationsprocan beer. My test device came with a black silicone strap, which I unfortunately noticed is rubbing off a bit and clear signs of wear are visible over time. So I swapped it out with my Versa's gray strap. Fitbit also offers several sport, leather and stainless steel options.
Unfortunately, there are no longer any action buttons on the right, just a microphone. (Picture: TechnikNews)
The display has grown a little and is based on AMOLED for the first time. That means better colors and an always-on display. In combination with the sufficiently high brightness, I no longer want to do without this panel when I wear a Fitbit. I find it a bit unfortunate that the watch face for the AOD is not simply darkened, as is the case with Wear OS and watchOS 6, but appears completely different. Since the release of Fitbit OS 4.0, you can at least adjust this additionally. It is also nice that the currently running timer is shown on the AOD. So you don't always have to activate the clock if you just want to check the running countdown. Apropos: If desired, the display turns on when you turn your wrist. It works very well and better than the last one tested Fitbit Charge 3.
Specs
The Fitbit Versa 2 uses a slightly more powerful processor than its predecessor, which you notice in daily use. Animations are now suddenly smoother than on the two previous Versas, which I think is great, as the overall operating speed no longer feels so slow. Otherwise, there are several motion sensors for tracking movements, but no integrated GPS. This means that you have to rely on the smartphone's GPS when running or cycling (for example).
NFC is on board, which means that the watch is compatible with Fitbit Pay. I have how that works in a separate article held. In short, I was very happy with the experience. According to Fitbit, the battery life is six days. I can also confirm this value. On a six-day excursion, I didn't have to charge the watch a single time.
The sleep is also recorded again and nicely prepared in the app on the smartphone. It works as well as usual, since an update you even get a sleep index between 0 and 100, which should provide information about how well you slept at night.
As mentioned briefly, the Fitbit Versa 2 runs Fitbit OS 4.0. I'm still not entirely convinced of Fitbit OS, but I think it's getting better with every generation. For example, you can finally change dials directly on the Versa 2, which is much more pleasant. It is also positive that the delivery of notifications works really well. Two completely new features were also integrated: Amazon Alexa (exciting and worked very well on an IFA demo that I was able to see, also great, but I never used it - but it is future-proof in any case) and a smart alarm clock. This notices when the user is in a light sleep phase and wakes them up at least half an hour before the specified time. The result: You wake up more easily and are not torn from deep sleep.
Nevertheless, I (still) do not understand some things about the system. For example, a calendar and an address book are still missing. Most of all, however, I was disappointed with the Spotify integration. In principle, I think it's good that there is such a thing, but I was deceived by this. I originally thought that, thanks to this, Spotify content could be stored on the internal memory and played on in-ears while on the move. Well ... at the IFA press conference at Fitbit, the disappointment came: The app on the watch only serves as a controller. And that just doesn't make sense with a watch that is focused on movement. The thought was nice, but the "fall" on the floor all the harder.
Sports tracking
Now a few words about my experience of doing sports. Workouts can be started and stopped via the clock in a dedicated app. In this workout app you can then choose between a maximum of seven different sports, with more in the Fitbit app. I don't know why not all of them are made available on the watch right away - another thing where you have to reach for your smartphone. Before starting a recording, the smartphone's GPS signal is searched for. I still prefer an integrated chip, but I got along with it.
During tracking, the watch records all conceivable fitness data. In the meantime, notifications are still received and calls can also be displayed if desired.
Fitbit app
Anyone who knows Fitbit knows that every wearable is also compatible with the Fitbit app. As usual, these can be found in the App Store, the Play Store and even the Windows Store.
Since I got the last Fitbit on here TechnikNews tested, nothing changed in the app. When opened, the number of steps, floors and kilometers covered, as well as the calories burned and the number of active minutes appear at the top. Below that is a customizable list with data on things like sleep, training and heart rate. The initial setup and management of your Fitbit products takes place via the device menu, which can be accessed via the profile picture at the top left.
Like last time, I think that the app is very logical and has a nice and modern design.
Prices and availability
The Fitbit Versa 2 can be bought directly from Fitbit, from Amazon, from MediaMarkt and from Saturn. The RRP is 200 euros.
Fitbit Versa 2: conclusion
With the Fitbit Versa 2, Fitbit introduced some small, but important, changes that I believe are the right direction for the manufacturer. These little things include the ability to change the face of the watch, Alexa as a voice assistant and - yes, really - the Spotify app. I strongly assume that Fitbit will continue to develop this in the future. Fitbit Pay existed before Versa 2, but it will also play a major role in the future. As stated in the title of this review: The direction is right.
Picture: TechnikNews
However, I don't understand why an "unfinished" app, like the one from Spotify on the Versa 2, is already being delivered. I also think it's a shame that the two navigation buttons that were once on the right-hand side didn't make a comeback. The implementation of the AOD leaves me with some questions, as I wonder why the software doesn't simply darken the set clock face.
And then there are the things that are still missing for Fitbit watches to become real smartwatches. For example: an address book, a calendar or a store for apps directly on the watch.
I'm generally excited to see what happens next with Fitbit and its products after the Google takeover. The press company will remain the same for the time being, which is basically a good thing for the company, but it's unknown how long it will stay that way. I'm definitely looking forward to March, as that's when Fitbit usually shows off its next wearable.
Thank you for providing the Fitbit Versa 2.