Fitbit Versa 4 | reconsidering

The Fitbit Versa 4 features a slim profile and over 40 activity modes, many of which are new since the Versa 3.

Fitbit is known above all for its smartwatches and active bracelets, products that, in addition to serving as watches, are also good for health. Although Fitbit is still its own company, it is part of the Google family of companies as a subsidiary.

The Versa 4 is well designed as a square with gently rounded corners and edges. The watch gives a slim appearance. The Versa 4 is available in four colors with the aluminum bezel in one color and the silicone strap in another. It’s only the gray and black (called Black/Graphite Aluminum) version that has neutral colors. Others stand out from the crowd somewhat. The one I tested, for example, had a pink bracelet and a pink bezel (called Pink Sand/Copper Rose Aluminum).

The watch screen is AMOLED. Provides a sharp picture with clear and distinct colors that make you feel alive. The dial is 28mm but it looks bigger because all four sides are the same length. Just like the bezel of the watch, the dial also has rounded corners. Those who like to customize their gadgets will surely be happy to have so many watch faces. Many of them are also flexible as you can, for example, have several private images, change color, text, content, and more.

The screen is equipped with a touch function. There is also a button on the left side. The touch function works well and makes navigating the watch a breeze. Swiping motions are combined with pointing and pressing the actual button. The menu system is also simple and feels logical.

Versa 4 is charged via a cable attached to a magnet on the underside. Battery life is good – six days according to Fitbit, instead of five in my opinion. The battery is charged within two hours from zero to full charge.

The water resistance mark is often strange for smartwatches, as well as for Versa 4. I have seen two marks – IP68 and 30m. IP68 means the watch is water resistant and can be submerged in water. So you can swim with it. I think we should forget about the 30m sticker because it is often used incorrectly, so here too.

The Versa 4, like other Fitbit watches, does not run on Google’s Wear OS. I don’t know how it will be in the future, but a not-too-serious guess is that future watches will run on Wear OS. The fact that the watch doesn’t use Wear OS is a bit noticeable in the number of apps, although there aren’t any that I miss.

It doesn’t matter if you have an iPhone or Android phone. You can use Versa 4 in both. I installed the watch on both iOS and Android mobile phone. Installation was just as easy regardless of the mobile system. Required an app and a Google account. There is a lot of functionality in the app, while the watch is used largely for data collection. However, you can add some data yourself, such as how much food and water you eat.

The watch measures several parameters of your exercise and health. It measures, for example, heart rate and oxygen saturation. Sleep logging not only provides an indication of how well you slept, but also shows how long and how long you slept. The watch has a GPS, which records your runs, as well as an altimeter. There is no direct manometer, but it is measured by a combination of pulse, heart rate, and sleep.

The Versa 4 has several training modes, 40 to be exact. It’s not as many as the Suunto watches, but it goes a long way and is a lot more than it was on the Versa 3. New activities include dancing and crossfit. In addition to the actual analysis of your training sessions, there are also different ways to try to inspire you, for example videos of training sessions. So just wait. Or why not take on other challenges like gaming with an emphasis on training?

The Versa 4 has voice control but only with Amazon Alexa, which is weak, especially considering Google now owns a Fitbit. The watch has Fitbit Pay but not Google Pay yet. However, it is promising in the future – Google Maps and Bluetooth calling, too.

In order to be able to access all functions, a premium membership is required. A six-month trial subscription is included with purchase. Among other things, there are more games, an in-depth health report, snoring detection, and better sleep analysis with a sleep profile.

The Fitbit Versa 4 feels like a balanced watch for everyday use and activity aid. The watch is elegant and has some functionality for those who are not interested in activities. At the same time, the functions of the activity are well thought out and comprehensive.

The good

• Handsome
• Suitable for both sports users and everyday use
• many functions
• good screen

bad

• Some features require subscription
• Confusing Water Resistant Stickers
• Voice control only with Alexa
• Not yet Google Maps, Bluetooth calling and Google Pay

7

written by: Mats Ernovson