More to love
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Pros
- Onboard GPS
- Optional LTE connectivity
- Running Analysis & VO2 Max
- Slim, attractive design
- Improved sensors
Cons
- Shorter battery life
- Older watch
While the Galaxy Watch Active 2 has its fair share of fitness-focused perks, there are other reasons to love it. You have the option of LTE connectivity and some other health features, like ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
All of the essentials
Fitbit Versa 3
Pros
- Onboard GPS
- Improved heart-rate technology
- Active Zone Minutes feature
- Superior battery life
- Built-in mic/speaker
Cons
- No ECG or blood pressure monitoring
- Lacks LTE connectivity
- Old bands won't work
The Fitbit Versa 3 has made many improvements over its predecessor. You'll have onboard GPS, additional voice assistant options, a built-in mic/speaker, improve heart-rate technology, and Fitbit's helpful Active Zone Minutes feature.
Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: Making comparisons
Fitbit and Samsung are two of the most reputable names in the wearable industry, so it might be challenging to choose between two of the best Android smartwatches they provide. The Fitbit Versa 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 offer a lot of the same features, and there isn't a major price difference, either. If you're mostly set on having a watch that's full of health and fitness features, the Versa 3 is a great pick. If you want as many extras as possible, you might be better off with the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is everything you want and more
If you're familiar with the previous Versa models, you know they have steadily improved over the years. The Fitbit Versa 3 provides users with all of the essentials they know and love. You'll have 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, 20+ goal-based exercise modes, advanced sleep monitoring, female health tracking, and Fitbit Pay.
You'll recognize the company's signature squircle design with a few differences. It offers a bigger display area, smoother lines, increased comfort, increased responsiveness, and more effortless interactions. The 40mm aluminum case comes in Soft Gold and Black. Another upgrade you'll appreciate is the new Fitbit Versa 3 bands, which have a quick-release system. These bands are much easier to swap out, which was a long time coming. Keep in mind that the old Fitbit Versa bands won't work with this new system.
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.58-inch AMOLED | 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch Super AMOLED |
| Dimensions | 40 x 40 x 12mm | 40 x 40 x 10.9mm 44 x 44 x 10.9mm |
| Sensors | HRM, 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter, SpO2, ambient light sensor | HRM, electrocardiogram (ECG), accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, ambient light sensor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n | Optional LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n |
| Battery life | 6+ days | 2 days |
| Fast charging | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Optional LTE | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Electrocardiogram | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Onboard GPS | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Mobile payments | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Microphone | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Speaker | ✔️ | ✔️ |
You'll enjoy an extra day of battery life for an impressive total of 6+ days. Fitbit has also introduced a handy fast charging feature, which is especially useful when you're in a hurry. You can place your Fitbit Versa 3 on the charger and get a full day of battery life in under 15 minutes.
The Fitbit Versa 3 boasts improved heart-rate monitoring with new PurePulse 2.0 technology.
As far as fitness features go, this model also comes with the company's brand new Active Zone Minutes feature. Your smartwatch will alert you when you've reached your personalized target heart rate zone during a workout. The Fitbit Versa 3 boasts improved heart-rate monitoring with new PurePulse 2.0 technology.
You can also look forward to additional voice assistant options this time around. You'll still have Amazon Alexa, but Google Assistant makes an appearance as well. What's more, you'll have both a built-in microphone and speaker on your watch. This means you can hear the voice assistant responses and take Bluetooth calls on your wrist. You'll have peace of mind knowing that the Versa 3 is easily one of the best Fitbit wearables on the market.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 provides a premium experience
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 isn't quite as new as the Fitbit Versa 3, but it's still one of the best options on the market right now. You'll have the usual features, including onboard GPS, health/fitness tracking, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and Samsung Pay. You'll enjoy some bonus features that make this Samsung smartwatch even more appealing.
One of the most attractive things about this watch is the design. It's sleek and stylish, so it's not painfully obvious that you're rocking a smartwatch. There are two size options: 40mm and 44mm. The larger model is ideal if you have a larger wrist or if you want a larger display area at 1.4 inches. The smaller model has a 1.2-inch display. You can also decide whether you want a standard aluminum case or a more premium stainless steel one. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 bands are interchangeable, too.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 can give you a blood pressure reading.
This is the smartwatch to get when you want to go all-in on fitness features. One is the electrocardiogram (ECG) feature, which can detect irregular heartbeats. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 can give you a blood pressure reading as well. Samsung also included a more accurate LED-based heart rate monitor, an advanced accelerometer, and better GPS accuracy.
A recent update to the watch brings other new features, including Running Analysis to help you work toward becoming a better runner and improving your form. The watch can also measure VO2 max, which indicates the maximum amount of oxygen one can utilize during intense activity. This helps you determine your overall fitness and performance capacity while also helping you improve your endurance. These improvements position the Galaxy Watch Active 2 as one of the best smartwatches for fitness you can buy.
Perhaps the most important difference is that the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 offers optional LTE connectivity. It might cost more to have this feature, but it's ideal for users who are always on the go or simply don't want to carry the phone around at the gym or when running outdoors. An LTE smartwatch allows you to make calls, send texts, and stream music without being connected to your phone.
Fitbit Versa 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: Which should you buy?
By now, you've probably realized that the Fitbit Versa 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 have quite a bit in common. Rest assured, neither one of these watches will let you down when it comes to tracking important aspects of your health and fitness.
The main decision you'll need to make is regarding features. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 tips the scales with optional LTE connectivity, ECG, and blood pressure monitoring. You also have more options available to you when it comes to the size and material of your watch. The main advantage of choosing the Fitbit Versa 3 is that you'll enjoy much longer battery life.
Either one of these wearables will offer an excellent fitness tracking experience. At the end of the day, you have to determine which features are most important to you. However, most users will likely prefer the more well-rounded experience offered by the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, thanks to all the extra features and options it provides.
It's worth mentioning that the Galaxy Watch Active 4 is expected later this year, so some people may prefer to wait for the successor to hit the market.
More to love
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (40mm, GPS, Bluetooth)
Extra perks
$200 at Amazon $250 at Best Buy $212 at Walmart
When you want as many features as possible, you'll likely be a fan of the Galaxy Watch Active 2. You get solid health/fitness tracking and optional LTE connectivity, blood pressure monitoring, and ECG.
All of the essentials
Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch with GPS
A step in the right direction
$200 at Amazon $230 at Best Buy $229 at Walmart
If you were hoping for upgrades, the Fitbit Versa 3 delivers. You'll have the new Active Zone minutes feature, onboard GPS, improved heart-rate monitoring, a built-in mic/speaker, and more.
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