Fitbit’s new smartwatches, the Sense and the Versa 3, are similar in looks and even share the same charger and accessories. But they differ significantly in features, especially around health monitoring.
Both come with GPS built-in, and six-day battery life. Common to both are a three-axis accelerometer, altimeter, vibration motor, and ambient light sensor.
Each has a microphone and speaker, plus Wi-Fi connection. In the Specs list, Fitbit lists “microphones” compared to the Versa 3’s singular “microphone”.
When we have more information, we’ll report more on that distinction and find out the benefits of multiple mics.
Both offer Fast Charging that gives your watch a full day’s charge in just 12 minutes. A full charge takes 40 minutes.
Read more on Fitbit’s new smartwatches.
Sense vs Versa 3 design differences
As we haven’t had both smartwatches in our hands yet – and we promise to update as soon as we have – telling the design differences in detail are mainly down to the technical specifications that Fitbit has given us, plus some time at launch with Fitbit executives.
First, let’s look at what both Fitbits have in common.
The design appears to be largely the same for both smartwatches. The fact that accessories are interchangeable and the charger can be used by either is a strong indication that from the outside, the two Fitbits are pretty much identical.
There are case and screen design differences, though.
The Sense has a polished stainless steel ring, custom AMOLED display, and laser-bonded Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
The Versa 3 has a bright AMOLED display, but a more standard aluminium watch case.
If we look at the back of each watch, we can see that the Sense has four icons (Heart, Temperature, GPS and Swimproof) while the Versa 3 has three (Microphone, GPS and Swimproof).
This is curious as both have the same heart-rate monitor and both have a microphone, so why these icons aren’t on each is confusing.
Fitbit describes the Versa 3’s heart-rate sensor as “optical”, and the Sense’s as “multi-path” optical.
Let’s take a look at the features, which are more easily ticked off in terms of similarity and difference.
Health: Fitbit Sense vs Versa 3
The two share the following health features:
- All-day activity tracking
- 24/7 heart-rate tracking with PurePulse 2.0
- Heart rate zones
- Resting heart rate
- Female health tracking
- Guided Breathing
- SP02 sensor
- Advanced sleep tracking
- Sleep Score
- Cardio Fitness Score
On top of this, the Fitbit Sense boasts health features lacking from the Versa 3 or any other Fitbit, courtesy of multipurpose electrical sensors:
- ECG app
- EDA Scan app
- Skin temperature sensor
- Stress management tools
- High & low heart-rate notifications
Skin-temperature sensing, heart-rate tracking and battery charging all take place inside the water-resistant hub on the back of Sense, which Fitbit calls the Sense’s Biosensor Core.
With these extra features, Fitbit is aiming the Sense at deeper full health metrics.
The ECG (electrocardiogram) app assesses your heart for atrial fibrillation – a heart rhythm irregularity- and so you can share the results with your doctor. Fitbit states that it is not intended for use by people under 22 years old.
The on-wrist EDA Scan app detects EDA (electrodermal) activity – which may indicate your body’s response to stress. A graph in the Fitbit app to illuminate its findings. You can log your mood – from very stressed to very calm – on Sense after an EDA Scan session or in the Fitbit app. Fitbit calls this Reflection.
The skin-temperature sensor doesn’t show results on the Sense’s display, as it is only available in the Fitbit app, and it shows the variation in temperature only.
The heart-rate notifications keep you informed when it’s above or below expected levels depending on your activity and average rates.
Exercise features identical on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3
The two smartwatches share exactly the same exercise features, including:
- Step count
- Distance
- Floors climbed
- Active Zone Minutes
- Calories burned
- Reminders to Move
- 20+ Goal-Based Exercise Modes + SmartTrack
- Workout Intensity Map
- Smart features: identical
As smart as each other
Their smart features are also mirrored:
- Alexa and Google voice assistants
- Call, text & app notifications
- Store and play music
- Fitbit Pay
- Always-on display mode
- Apps
- Clock faces
Fitbit Sense vs Fitbit Versa 3: price
The Fitbit Versa 3 will cost £199.99 in the UK, $229 in the US, €229.95 in the EU, $299.95 in Canada, and $399.95 in Australia.
The Fitbit Sense will cost £299.99 in the UK, $329 in the US, €329.95 in the EU, $429.95 in Canada, and $499.95 in Australia.
As always, be sure to check out the best Fitbit deals before purchase.