The Fitbit Versa 3 is a great wearable because it has GPS built in and a few design changes. Like its predecessor, it’s more of a fitness tracker than a smartwatch, and it doesn’t have many apps that can help you get things done. You do get a long-lasting battery, a better display than before, and a lot of fitness data, which makes this a very appealing and affordable alternative to the Apple Watch. But since this is the third version of the popular Versa line, it’s a little disappointing that Fitbit is still missing the mark in some ways.
At first glance, the Versa 3 looks exactly the same as its two predecessors. However, a closer look reveals a few design changes that make the new phone a bit more stylish. In fact, the aluminium chassis of the Versa 3 looks very elegant after it was painted a different colour. The “soft gold” case is neutral, but the Versa 3 can also come in black.
Specifications
- Case size: 40.48mm x 40.48mm
- Display tech: AMOLED
- On-board GPS: Yes
- Max battery life: 6 days
Where to get Fitbit Versa 3?
The biggest change in design, though, is not the colour of the case, but the size of the screen. The screen is now 40mm AMOLED instead of 39mm on the Versa 2, and it has a higher resolution of 336 x 336 pixels (the Versa 2 is 300 x 300). It has a bright, sharp, and very clear screen that looks great from almost any angle, even when it’s set to “dim.” But the bezels are still quite thick, just like on the Versa 2.
It’s also easy to use the screen to get around the menus and apps. During our testing, the screen never slowed down, and swiping works very well to bring up different functions.
Another change is that there is no side button on the Versa 3. This is probably our biggest gripe with the phone. Instead of a physical button, the left side of the watch has a capacitive indent that, when pressed in the right way, sends a short vibration to show that the smartwatch is on. It’s under the edge of the chassis, so you have to feel for it. It’s not easy to find the right place to press. We’ve had the Versa 3 for more than a month, and we still have to try a few times to find the right spot.
You don’t always have to use this “inductive” button to interact with the watch. You can set the watch to wake up when you tap on the screen, then swipe to get to the menu you want. But there are “shortcuts” that can be set up on the watch, like calling up Alexa. To use these shortcuts, you have to tap and hold or double-tap and hold. And because that button doesn’t always work the same way, it can be frustrating to bring them up.
