Steps: When it comes to counting steps, I’ve found the device to be freakishly accurate. I did several test walks where I manually counted each step I took. After 50–100 steps, the device always registered within 1–2 steps of the number I had counted.
Distance: I also used the GPS feature to measure distance. The route I walk behind my house when I take my dog out is exactly 1.3 miles, according to Google Maps. Versa 4 also measures it as 1.3 miles.
Heart rate: I’m also satisfied with Versa 4’s heart rate readings. Granted, there is a 20-second lag. If I’m running on the treadmill I can immediately see my heart rate get up to 154 beats per minute, per the machine’s sensors. Within 20-30 seconds of that number registering on the machine, the same number, or perhaps a beat or two off, appears on my Versa 4 as well.
Sleep: Another data point I was interested in measuring was my sleep. The data Versa 4 records— in terms of when I fell asleep and when I woke up—is exactly what I expected it to be. I look at my phone first thing in the morning, and if I first looked at it at 7:15 a.m. my Versa 4 would have my wake-up be approximately around 7:14 a.m. It’s scary accurate! (Of course, I have no way of really knowing if my time spent in sleep’s MVP, REM, is 100% on point, but it feels right.)
Battery Life
Versa 4 is like the Energizer Bunny. It just keeps going. After four days of use—wearing it 24/7 with the display automatically turning off after six seconds—I still had 60% battery left. And when I have the display on all the time, my Versa 4 still can go two full days without needing to be recharged. I also love the notifications I get reminding me to charge it. When my device’s battery level gets below 40 percent, Fitbit sends me a friendly reminder that my Versa 4 is due for a recharge. I especially love that the battery charges so fast I don’t ever have an excuse not to exercise. I can fully charge the device, taking it from 0 to 100%, in just two hours. Although we haven’t tested this long-term, the Versa 4’s battery life is still way better than any other battery-powered device I own.
Comfort
I’m incredibly sensitive to wearables. In fact, I don’t wear earrings larger than studs because hoops and dangly earrings feel too heavy. As someone who doesn’t normally wear a watch, I was expecting the Versa 4 to bother me or, at the very least, feel bulky. It doesn’t do either. It weighs just 5.6 ounces and is noticeably slimmer than its predecessor. In fact, I don’t even notice I’m wearing the device while sleeping. Of course, I think it helps that I use the sport band it comes with. This band is made of smooth and soft silicon that doesn’t rub or chafe, even when wet. I like the look of the leather bands you can buy for the Versa 4; however, I don’t think they’d be as comfortable when wet.
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Style
The Versa 4 is available in four color combinations with a basic square face and a subtly curved glass screen. Though I’m not a fan of how big it is (I have small wrists), I am, however, a huge fan of the strap that it comes with. There’s no metal clasp, and the strap goes over and under so it looks rather minimalistic. I don’t like the look of watches where the remaining section of the strap sticks out and can catch on things. I think this over-under strap style also helps prevent the device from sliding around on your wrist. Of course, if you don’t want to wear the watch as is, there’s no shortage of other straps and accessories to choose from.
Syncing
It’s easy to view workouts from the device’s dashboard, but I prefer to view them in the app. Fortunately, Versa 4 syncs seamlessly with my iPhone 12 (it also syncs with Android devices). I have it set up so it automatically syncs throughout the day. And should I want to do a manual sync, it only takes about five seconds. On the app, I can see a month’s worth of data for a specific metric in one graph and can also scroll back through years of data for all the metrics I’m tracking. I can also log my food and water consumption, see which days I’m fertile, and log my mindfulness (something I wish I did more often).
Water Resistance
I plan on scuba diving in Mozambique in December, and I can’t wait to test the Versa 4 out on that trip. It’s rated to be water resistant up to 50 meters (164 feet). In the meantime, I know from weeks of testing that I can shower with it on without worrying about later needing to store it in a bag of rice to resuscitate it. I also know I can surf with it (as long as I have the strap securely fastened and not too loose). When I’m surfing the device isn’t entirely submerged; however, between paddling and wipeouts, it spends plenty of time in the water.
Other Features
According to Google, other features are “coming soon” to Versa 4. They include Google Wallet—which I suspect will eventually replace Fitbit Pay since Fitbit is now owned by Google—and Google Maps. Another promised feature that I look forward to is Bluetooth calls. Currently, I can only receive notifications but, eventually, I’ll be able to answer calls from my wrist and even send callers to voicemail.
Should You Buy It?
In summary, I’m happy with the Versa 4 although, as a smartwatch, I don’t think it’s the smartest in class, especially with an MSRP of $230. Fortunately, it’s discounted to $150, which is a reasonable price for an excellent fitness tracker—what we found the Versa 4 to be in our review. If you’re an avid exerciser and you don’t mind having your phone near you to use third-party apps, we definitely recommend the Versa 4.
Source: SELF
