URGENT UPDATE: The latest review of the Fitbit Versa 4 reveals a promising yet ultimately disappointing fitness tracker. Released in July 2023, the device combines sleek design with multiple health tracking features, but it struggles to keep pace with top competitors.
Despite its $200 price tag, the Versa 4 falls short in critical areas, leading many fitness enthusiasts to reconsider their options. While it boasts over 40 workout modes and a customizable AMOLED display, users report significant glitches, especially with its touchscreen and auto-activity tracking.
Rachael Schultz, a fitness tech reviewer, tested the Versa 4 for six weeks, appreciating its stylish design and comfort, but noted persistent frustrations. The touchscreen proved to be slow and unresponsive, often requiring multiple taps to register commands. Additionally, automatic activity detection, a feature users expect from a premium device, was inconsistent, failing to log workouts accurately.
The Versa 4 does offer advantages, particularly for casual fitness users. Its comfortable fit encourages all-day wear, enhancing the accuracy of heart rate and sleep tracking. The device’s battery life holds up well, lasting nearly six days under regular use, which is significantly better than many competitors like the Apple Watch.
However, the smartwatch features are lacking. Users can only read notifications and respond via voice commands if using an Android phone, leaving iPhone users with limited functionality. This has led to disappointment among those hoping for a seamless integration of smartwatch capabilities.
For those seeking alternatives, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 and Google Pixel Watch 3 are emerging as superior choices. The Vivoactive 6, priced similarly, provides a more dependable experience, while the Pixel Watch 3 incorporates Fitbit’s heart rate technology within a fully functional smartwatch interface.
As the fitness tracking market evolves, the Fitbit Versa 4’s limitations may push users toward more reliable and feature-rich options. While it remains a solid choice for basic fitness tracking, serious athletes and tech-savvy users may want to explore better-performing alternatives.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As Fitbit continues to develop its technology under Google’s ownership, consumers will be looking for updates and improvements. The current challenges with the Versa 4 might prompt a quicker release of enhanced models or software updates to address these critical issues.
Stay tuned for more updates on Fitbit’s latest innovations and the competitive landscape of fitness trackers.
