Comparing Versa and Surge
The Fitbit Surge and Fitbit Versa are two popular smartwatches from the renowned brand, Fitbit. These watches share some common features, but there are significant differences between the two as well. Choosing the right watch is essential for catering to your fitness goals and tracking needs, which is why understanding each product’s offerings is crucial.
Fitbit has established itself as a reputable brand in the wearable technology market. With a history and experience in wearable devices, the company offers reliable and high-quality fitness trackers and smartwatches to help users seamlessly monitor their health and fitness goals.
In this article, we will delve into an in-depth comparison of the Fitbit Surge and Fitbit Versa, discussing their design and build, features and functionality, user interface, and price and value.
Design and Build
Fitbit Surge
The Fitbit Surge features a robust design with a tough elastomer band, stainless steel buckle, and a 1.26-inch monochrome LCD screen. It has a screen resolution that is not available, and it comes with a touchscreen feature. The watch has a water resistance of 5 ATM, which means it can withstand being submerged in water up to 50 meters.
Fitbit Versa
The Fitbit Versa offers a sleek and elegant design with an aluminum case, lightweight silicone band, and a 1.34-inch full-color OLED touchscreen display. The screen resolution is 300 x 300 pixels, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. Like the Surge, the Versa also has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both the Fitbit Surge and Fitbit Versa offer durable and high-quality designs. The Surge is more robust, while the Versa has a more modern and elegant design. The major differences between the two lie in the screen type, with the Versa offering a higher screen resolution and a full-color OLED display. Additionally, the Versa is more lightweight compared to the Surge, making for a more comfortable user experience.
Features and Functionality
Fitbit Surge
The Fitbit Surge operates using its own proprietary operating system and comes with GPS, Bluetooth, and a built-in heart rate monitor. It offers fitness tracking features such as calorie tracking, cycling tracking, distance tracking, sleep tracking, and step tracking. Its battery life averages about seven days on a single charge.
Fitbit Versa
The Fitbit Versa operates without a specific operating system, but it is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices. It does not offer GPS but comes with Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi capabilities. Fitness tracking features include calorie tracking, distance tracking, heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, step tracking, and swim tracking. The battery life of the Versa lasts about four days on a single charge.
Comparison of features and performance
Though both devices offer several fitness tracking features, the Fitbit Versa has a slight edge over the Surge, as it includes swim tracking and oxygen tracking. The Surge, however, has GPS functionality which the Versa lacks. Additionally, the Versa has shorter battery life compared to the Surge. Overall, both devices excel in their areas, but the choice depends on the specific features a user prioritizes.
User Interface and User Experience
Fitbit Surge
The Fitbit Surge comes with a simple user interface with touchscreen functionality. It offers compatibility with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. While the Surge has no apps, it does offer phone, text, and music functions through a paired smartphone.
Fitbit Versa
The Fitbit Versa comes with a touchscreen OLED display allowing for easy navigation. It is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices but is not compatible with Mac and Windows computers. Unlike the Surge, the Versa offers access to third-party apps and features phone, text, email, and music functions through a connected smartphone.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
The user interface of the Fitbit Surge is more basic compared to the Versa. The latter allows for better customization and access to third-party apps for an enhanced user experience. The Versa also offers more smartphone integration, such as email functions. In terms of user experience, the Fitbit Versa stands out compared to the Surge, making it the better option for users seeking more functionality.
Price and Value
Fitbit Surge
With a price of $250, the Fitbit Surge offers a decent value for money given its various fitness tracking features, GPS functionality, and compatibility with multiple platforms.
Fitbit Versa
At a lower price of $199.99, the Fitbit Versa is an excellent value for money, offering multiple fitness tracking features, compatibility with multiple platforms, and a sleek design, along with access to third-party apps.
Comparison of price and value
Comparing the price and value, the Fitbit Versa comes out ahead as a more affordable option with additional features and a better user interface. While the Fitbit Surge has GPS functionality, the overall advantages offered by the Versa make it the better value for money.
Conclusion
When comparing the Fitbit Surge and Fitbit Versa, it’s evident that both devices have their strengths and weaknesses. Considering factors such as design, features, user interface, and price, the Fitbit Versa appears to be the better option for most users. The Versa offers a sleek design, more smartphone integration features, and access to third-party apps at a lower price point. However, for users who prioritize GPS functionality, the Fitbit Surge would be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is better for fitness tracking, Fitbit Surge or Fitbit Versa?
Both devices offer excellent fitness tracking features, but the Fitbit Versa has a slight edge with the inclusion of swim tracking and oxygen tracking. The choice will depend on your specific fitness tracking needs and priorities.
Is the Fitbit Surge or Fitbit Versa more compatible with smartphones?
The Fitbit Versa provides better compatibility with smartphones, as it offers phone, text, email, and music functions when connected to a smartphone. The Fitbit Surge provides phone, text, and music functions but not email.
Which device has better battery life, Fitbit Surge or Fitbit Versa?
The Fitbit Surge has better battery life, lasting approximately seven days on a single charge, while the Fitbit Versa lasts around four days.
Do both devices have a touchscreen display?
Yes, both devices have touchscreen displays, but the Fitbit Versa has a full-color OLED touchscreen, while the Fitbit Surge has a monochrome LCD touchscreen.
Is GPS functionality available on both Fitbit Surge and Fitbit Versa?
No, only the Fitbit Surge has built-in GPS functionality. Fitbit Versa does not have GPS but can utilize the GPS of a connected smartphone.
