Fitbit Versa 3 review: Who else needs it?
A TEST REPORT from David Haydl 
on March 09, 2021, 7:51 pm | Write a comment
In addition to the Fitbit sense Fitbit also showed the Fitbit Versa 3. But where else can you classify the new wearable?
After Fitbit Ionic the Versa was always the model that offered the most functions. But now the scythe was added, which suddenly had more features in store. These include stress monitoring, integrated GPS and a new heart rate sensor with PurePuls-2 technology. But where else can the Versa 3 be placed? For whom is the watch perhaps more suitable? We'll take a closer look at that in this review.
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Unboxing and initial setup
The packaging of the new Versa is the same as the Sense. The box comes in the color chosen for the tracker, with a picture of the Versa 3, some logos, and various informational texts. Same as the packaging of the top model, this one has that too Product picture has a light texture, which looks good. After the plastic has been removed, the box can be opened to the right and to the left. Then the smart watch comes to light. The box also includes a larger interchangeable bracelet, a charging cable with a magnetic puck and various instructions.
The contents of the packaging are quite clear. (Image: TechnikNews)
The setup takes place as usual in the Fitbit app. You can find yours on the top left of the home page Profil avatar, which you use to open the app settings. There you will find the item "Set up a device". If you tap on this, the Fitbit Versa 3 appears in the list, which must also be selected. Before that you have to connect the watch to the power supply so that it starts up. After the smartphone and watch have found each other, a code appears on the first device, which must be entered on the latter device. A connection to the WLAN must then be established so that any updates can be installed in the next step. This is still going fast, Fitbit has gotten really good at it over the years.
Design and workmanship
The housing of the Versa 3 is made of aluminum and is available in two different colors. You can choose between black and gold, the latter being sent to me. The processing is at the usual high level, after my four-week test phase and a few cases on the floor, no scratches or dents are visible. The display glass, which is Gorilla Glass, is not yet damaged either. In addition, the fitness watch is waterproof up to 50 meters, which corresponds to 5 atmospheres. But that's the standard nowadays anyway and nothing new.
The built-in AMOLED display is 1,58 inches and has a resolution of 336×336 pixels. It also functions as an always-on display, so that the time and, depending on the dial, other small information are displayed. These could be roughly one Procent display for the daily step goal. One must keep in mind when using the AOD that the battery life is reduced by 2 days when using it. In my opinion, the implementation is still a bit strange anyway. Many watch faces do not support the always-on display, which often results in a completely different design. That feels a little unnatural.
So far, I didn't notice any negative points on the display. (Picture: TechnikNews)
Alternatively, you can deactivate the AOD and only use the hand-raising detection. It must be said, however, that this is not perfect either. Especially when lying down, it is often not recognized if you turn your arm to look at the clock. The bottom line, however, was that the display itself was quite convincing. The panel has bright colors and is very sharp. It also gets bright enough to view content even on sunny days procan read without problems.
The pressure-sensitive button, which we already know from some Fitbit models, also made it into the Fitbit Versa 3. It is there to wake up the display and to navigate through the operating system. Somewhat irritating about this is that it can often be very different how much pressure you have to use to trigger it. This means that sometimes I have to press very hard, while in other cases a quick touch is enough. On the other hand, it's still better than a physical button, as it can't be broken easily.
The implementation of the button on the side takes a little getting used to. (Picture: TechnikNews)
The pulse sensor and the contact point for the charging station are on the back. The heart rate sensor is not as sophisticated as the Sense, as it does not support the acquisition of an EKG, for example. However, it still detects an abnormal heart rate, which the user of the watch is informed about in the event of a problem. This suggests that the sensor is in use 24/7, which is actually the case. We already know the charging system from the Sense and is similar to that of the Apple Watch. The puck, which is included in the scope of delivery, sticks magnetically to the back. It is a bit strange that there is only one position in which the whole thing works.
Straps & Bracelets
Fitbit has many different bracelets on offer again, we already know that. There is everything from sports bracelets to leather straps. These can also be attached quite easily. You just have to insert it into the mechanism and wait for it to snap shut. You only have to press it down briefly to remove the tape again. Overall, I like the system very much, because changing the bracelet is quick and easy and it does not come off the watch unintentionally.
Picture: TechnikNews
In addition, it is generally very comfortable to carry the Versa 3 on your arm. The straps do not rub or squeeze and the wearable is hardly noticeable due to its low weight. Due to the various holes in the strap and the larger interchangeable bracelet included in the scope of delivery, nobody should be able to complain about the wearing comfort.
Specifications
Fitbit built-in Bluetooth 5 for the connection with the smartphone. In my test, the connection never broke and the synchronization was also very fast.
We have a GPS sensor directly in the Versa for recording routes. This means that you don't necessarily have to rely on your smartphone to record routes. My conclusion on this is the same as with the scythe. So it is not always perfect in everyday life. Once a signal is found, everything is fine and the recording is stored accurately. If no signal is detected, it usually stays that way throughout the workout. So, in a sense, it means that the training may have been free.
NFC for Fitbit Pay is of course also part of the game again. This means you can pay on the go without a smartphone, debit card or credit card. The prerequisite is, of course, that you are a customer supported bank is. Like the setup and setupprozess then expires, I stopped in this article fixed. You just have to note that this is due to the Elimination of boon is no longer entirely up-to-date.
Fitbit gives a value of six days for the battery life. As with this year's top model, Fitbit didn't promise too much. I can do this even with a permanent connection to the smartphone and with several workout recordings pro reach week. As already briefly mentioned, the runtime is reduced by 2 days when the always-on display is used. from 0 Procents to 100 Procent, the Versa charges in just over an hour.
Recording of activities and health values
The Versa collects all kinds of data throughout the day. Steps are recorded, floors climbed are documented, the heart rate is monitored and the distance covered is saved. It can also track sleep. It records how long this lasts each night and how long you are in deep and REM sleep. In addition, you get information about rest during sleep and a score between 0 and 100, the sleep score. I notice that this feature in particular is very motivating to sleep more.
But the Fitbit Versa 3 is also a good companion for training. Fitbit has a huge list of workouts the watch knows. Including walking, running, tennis, hiking, golf and swimming. For each unit there is the possibility to set a goal. A certain distance, a certain number of active zone minutes, a certain time or a certain number of calories burned can be set. During the recording, you can also receive messages on request that should inform you about a change in heart rate zones. This is particularly useful for competitive athletes. In addition, the heart rate sensor, GPS, motion sensors and altimeter are active during this time. These calculate the pace, the climbed altitude, the heart rate zones and the distance covered.
The data just mentioned, i.e. the results of training and everyday values, all end up in the Fitbit app and are nicely processed there. There's also a dedicated sleep health section where you can see things like resting heart rate, skin temperature, and breathing rate. Furthermore, the app has its own section for displaying the previously brieflyprosome active zone minutes. This is a point system from the WHO, with the organization recommending 75 minutes pro week of vigorous activity and 150 minutes pro week of moderate activity. In addition, you get double the points for reaching the cardio and high-performance zones.
Screenshots: TechnikNews
I will not go into more detail about FitbitOS and Fitbit Premium here, as I examined both areas in detail in the last Fitbit test report and nothing has changed in the meantime.
Prices and availability
The Fitbit Versa 3 is available for 229,95 euros (RRP) in the Fitbit shopWherein Amazon and active in MediaMarkt.
Fitbit Versa 3: conclusion
In normal use, the Versa 3 behaves completely the same as a Fitbit Sense. The watch records the same values, offers the same good sleep recording, also has Fitbit Pay and feels the same on the arm - to name a few things. Accordingly, there are the same points of criticism as with the other Fitbit watch. Those would be, for example, the button on the navigation page, the not yet fully developed charging system and the somewhat unreliable GPS.
However, some features decide whether you shouldn't use the scythe. These are stress management, recording an EKG and of course the available budget.
Thank you for providing the Fitbit Versa 3.
