When it comes to choosing a smartwatch, two of the most popular options on the market are the Fitbit Versa 3 and the Galaxy Watch 4. Both of these devices have a lot to offer, especially when it comes to fitness and health tracking. However, each has its strengths and weaknesses, making it important to understand what you’re getting before making a decision. Whether you’re considering the Fitbit Watch for men or Fitbit Watch for women, or you’re looking at Samsung’s offerings, the Fitbit Versa 3 and Galaxy Watch 4 are both top-tier choices in the wearable tech space. So, how do they compare?
The first major difference between these two smartwatches lies in their operating systems. The Versa 3 runs on Fitbit’s proprietary operating system, offering a simple, streamlined user interface. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a smartwatch that’s focused on health and fitness tracking. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 4 uses Google’s Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI, providing a more versatile platform with access to a broader range of apps, including those available through the Google Play Store. The Wear OS system means that the Galaxy Watch 4 offers more third-party app support, which may appeal to users looking for greater customization and functionality beyond fitness features.
When it comes to fitness and health tracking, both smartwatches shine. The Fitbit Versa 3 offers advanced fitness features, including 24/7 heart rate monitoring, built-in GPS for outdoor workouts, sleep tracking, and the ability to track over 20 different exercise modes. The Fitbit platform is known for its strong health metrics and intuitive app, where users can get an in-depth view of their daily activity, sleep quality, and workout performance. For those who want additional health features, the Fitbit Sense even offers an ECG and stress management tools, but the Versa 3 provides an excellent set of features for the average fitness enthusiast.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 takes fitness tracking to the next level with more specialized features like body composition measurement, which can help you track body fat percentage, skeletal muscle, and more. It also offers an ECG feature and an advanced heart rate sensor for monitoring your cardiovascular health. The Galaxy Watch 4 also supports blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2) and can track your sleep cycles with detailed information, much like the Fitbit Versa 3. However, the addition of body composition analysis on the Galaxy Watch 4 makes it a standout option for users who are serious about their fitness journey and want to track their progress in greater detail.
Both devices come with built-in GPS, making them ideal for outdoor workouts, but the Fitbit Versa 3 might have an edge for users who are looking for simplicity and reliability. The GPS in the Versa 3 works well and can easily track runs, walks, or cycling routes. The Galaxy Watch 4, while also offering built-in GPS, benefits from its broader app ecosystem, enabling users to track activities through Samsung’s Fitness app or third-party apps like Strava, MapMyRun, and more.
In terms of design, the Fitbit Versa 3 offers a sleek, modern look with an AMOLED touch display that’s easy to navigate. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout the day, whether you’re exercising or attending a meeting. The design is clean and minimalist, making it suitable for both men and women. The Galaxy Watch 4, on the other hand, has a more traditional smartwatch aesthetic, resembling a classic analog watch with a rotating bezel for navigation. It has a more premium feel, especially with its stainless steel case and robust build. It’s a bit heavier than the Versa 3, but for users who appreciate a more “watch-like” experience, the Galaxy Watch 4 offers that added luxury.
Battery life is another important consideration when comparing these two smartwatches. The Fitbit Versa 3 offers an impressive battery life of up to 6+ days on a single charge, making it perfect for users who don’t want to charge their watch every night. It’s a huge benefit for those who want to track their sleep without the hassle of charging overnight. The Galaxy Watch 4 falls behind slightly in this category, offering about 1.5 to 2 days of battery life depending on usage. While the Galaxy Watch 4 does have quick charging capabilities, it still requires more frequent charging compared to the Fitbit Versa 3.
Smart features are another area where the Galaxy Watch 4 excels. Thanks to its integration with Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch 4 offers full access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Pay, as well as third-party apps. It also includes Samsung’s Bixby assistant, and users can download a wide variety of apps from the Google Play Store. The Fitbit Versa 3, while offering smart notifications for calls, texts, and apps, doesn’t have the same level of app support as the Galaxy Watch 4. However, it still allows for essential features like music control, weather updates, and a few third-party apps that focus on fitness.
Both smartwatches are water-resistant and suitable for swimming, but the Fitbit Versa 3 is rated for depths up to 50 meters, while the Galaxy Watch 4 is rated for 5 ATM, which is also suitable for swimming but might be less durable in extreme water activities. For those who want a watch that can go from the gym to the pool without worry, the Fitbit Versa 3 might be the better option.
Price is also a key consideration. The Fitbit Versa 3 tends to be more affordable than the Galaxy Watch 4, making it a great choice for users who want an excellent fitness tracker without breaking the bank. The Galaxy Watch 4, while offering more advanced features and a premium design, comes at a higher price point. Users who prioritize fitness tracking over premium features might find the Fitbit Versa 3 to be the better value.
Overall, both the Fitbit Versa 3 and Galaxy Watch 4 offer excellent fitness tracking features, smart capabilities, and sleek designs, but they cater to different types of users. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and budget-friendly smartwatch focused primarily on fitness tracking, the Fitbit Versa 3 is the better choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a little more for a more advanced smartwatch with access to Google’s ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch 4 might be the right option for you.
