Fitbit Versa 4 Vs. Google Pixel Watch: Which One Wins?
Fitness trackers have been popular for years. Over time they have grown to include more advanced features. Fitbit, one of the market pioneers, has an impressive lineup of fitness trackers. However, since Google bought Fitbit for over $2 billion in 2019, they have been working on their smartwatch with extensive Fitbit integration. The result is the Pixel Watch, designed to compete with big names in the smartwatch industry like Apple and Samsung.
Recently, Google and Fitbit released their latest devices, the Pixel Watch and the Versa 4. In this 2500+ word guide, we’ll explore their features, specs, differences, and pros and cons. Ultimately, we'll tell you which device is better for different buyers and worth purchasing based on their needs. Let’s dive in!
Fitbit Versa 4 Vs. Google Pixel Watch: Side-by-Side Comparison
[table comparing specs of both smartwatches]With the specs laid out side-by-side, let‘s analyze some of the key differences and similarities between the Fitbit Versa 4 and the Google Pixel Watch.
Design
Fitbit sticks with their classic square-faced Versa design language in the Versa 4. The aluminum frame and silicone bands give it a sleek, understated look well-suited for the gym or casual wear.
The Pixel Watch catches the eye with its stylish circular stainless steel body and tactile crown dial. It looks like a classic wristwatch but packs smart features under the hood. Those wanting a smartwatch that can double as jewelry are sure to enjoy the Pixel Watch‘s design.
Display
Both smartwatches utilize vibrant AMOLED touchscreen displays, but the Pixel Watch’s screen is higher resolution at 450 x 450 pixels compared to the 300 x 300 Versa 4. The Pixel Watch’s screen also uses Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced durability.
In real world use though, most users will be satisfied with either display. Their brightness and vivid colors make them easily visible even under intense lighting.
Performance & Storage
The Exynos processor and beefier 32GB storage inside the Google Pixel Watch enable snappier response times compared to the Versa 4. Transitioning between apps and screens feels fluid, whereas reviewers have noticed occasional lag with the Fitbit.
For a health and fitness focused smartwatch, the Versa 4‘s performance is adequate. But those wanting a more responsive smartwatch experience for apps, notifications and voice control will be happier with the Pixel Watch.
Battery Life
Neither smartwatch offers exceptional battery life compared to basic fitness bands, but they provide enough for daily needs. The Pixel Watch delivers around 24 hours of use, while the Versa 4 maxes out at 6 days with limited functionality.
Real world battery life is closer to 1-1.5 days for both devices. The Pixel Watch charges to full in about an hour, with the Versa 4 coming in at just under 60 minutes. Overall battery life is very similar on both.
Health & Fitness Tracking
As a pioneer of health and fitness tracking, Fitbit offers sophisticated tracking features concentrated specifically on activity metrics. These include steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate zones, sleep stages and more.
After the Google acquisition, Pixel Watch buyers also get access to Fitbit’s excellent health tracking capabilities. So buyers can enjoy detailed activity statistics and holistic health insights no matter which device they pick.
Smart Features
The Pixel Watch pulls ahead of the Versa 4 when it comes to general smartwatch capabilities. Its Google Assistant integration allows voice commands, audible responses and notifications. Google Pay and Google Maps also come built-in for payments and navigation.
Meanwhile, the Versa 4 lacks standalone apps, music storage, or WiFi/LTE connectivity. It focuses more narrowly on health metrics over smart features. So buyers wanting a robust smartwatch may feel constrained by the Versa 4’s capabilities.
Price
With a starting price of $350, the Pixel Watch sits at the higher end of the smartwatch pricing spectrum alongside the Apple Watch. Its premium materials and full feature set warrant the higher cost.
The Fitbit Versa 4 retails for $50-$100 less than the Pixel Watch. Budget-focused buyers get a respectable set of health tracking tools for the lower price. Just don’t expect the deeper integration with your smartphone and wider range of use cases offered by the Pixel Watch.
Based on these comparisons, we can better understand the ideal buyer for each smartwatch option…
Best for Health & Fitness: Fitbit Versa 4
[Versa 4 box with Buy Now button]The Fitbit Versa 4 stands out as the best smartwatch specifically focused on health and fitness tracking. Buyers who want detailed workout statistics and a holistic view of their activity levels will appreciate the rich data offered by Fitbit.
The standard Versa 4 still includes some basic smart features like notifications, Bluetooth connectivity, Alexa integration and contactless payments. But health tracking remains its primary focus.
Casual exercisers, new activity tracker users, and cross-training athletes can all benefit from owning the feature-packed Versa 4. It gives a clear picture of overall fitness activity without going overboard on more advanced smartwatch capabilities.
Best Smartwatch Option: Google Pixel Watch
[Pixel Watch box with Buy Now button]Serious smartwatch enthusiasts need to take a close look at the Google Pixel Watch. Its smooth performance, responsive voice control, vibrant display and integration with Google services make it a versatile all-around option.
Combining Fitbit‘s activity tracking with Google‘s smarter features creates a potent mix. Whether you want to track your run, control your smart home, get turn-by-turn directions or store music for on-the-go listening, the Pixel Watch delivers.
Buyers wanting a single wearable to connect multiple aspects of their digital life will appreciate the flexibility of the Pixel Watch. Seamless Fitbit health metrics syncing gives you fitness and smartwatch benefits in one impressive package.
6 Key Differences Between the Fitbit Versa 4 & Google Pixel Watch
To recap, here are 6 must-know differentiators between these two smartwatch heavyweights:
- Design: Square shape with silicone bands on Versa 4, circular stainless steel body on Pixel Watch
- Performance: Pixel Watch has snappier response time when switching apps/screens
- Smart Features: More developed on Pixel Watch including voice control, payments and navigation
- Fitness Tracking: Core strength of Versa 4 with extremely detailed activity statistics
- Price: $200-$230 for Versa 4, $350 starting for Pixel Watch
- Specialties: Fitness & health tracking focus for Versa 4 vs. smart features & connectivity for Pixel Watch
When evaluating the Fitbit Versa 4 compared to the Google Pixel Watch, always keep this smartwatch showdown‘s key facts in mind!
Google Pixel Watch vs. Fitbit Versa 4: Which Should You Buy?
So when all is said and done, which smartwatch reigns supreme? The Versa 4 offers buyers stellar activity tracking in a lightweight and affordable package. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch provides a premium smartwatch experience with the depth of Google integration.
Here are some quick rules of thumb when deciding between the Fitbit Versa 4 and Google Pixel Watch:
- Buy the Fitbit Versa 4 if you…
- Primarily want detailed fitness & health statistics
- Appreciate extended battery life over constant smart feature use
- Prefer simpler, focused wearable devices over complex smartwatches
- Want reliable activity tracking at a reasonable price
- Buy the Google Pixel Watch if you..
- Desire a fully-featured smartwatch experience
- Want deeper integration with your Android smartphone
- Prioritize connectivity, apps, voice control & navigation
- Appreciate responsive performance and snappy screens
Both Fitbit and Google crafted excellent smartwatches catering to slightly different audiences. Fitbit Versa 4 buyers will love the fitness focus, while Google Pixel Watch customers enjoy pulling their digital life onto their wrist. Each smartwatch wins in its own specialized way!
Fitbit Versa 4 & Google Pixel Watch News
As popular smartwatches, both the Fitbit Versa 4 and Google Pixel Watch continue to make headlines. Here is some notable recent news around each wearable device.
Fitbit Versa 4 News
- January 2023 firmware update added sleep profile support and UI improvements (Source)
- Some users report inconsistent accuracy with the on-board GPS tracking capabilities (Source)
- Limited Amazon Alexa capabilities drawing criticism among new Versa 4 buyers (Source)
The latest Fitbit Versa 4 updates address minor bugs though some concerns around accuracy remain. Reviews among fitness focused buyers stay largely positive thanks to stellar activity tracking stats.
Google Pixel Watch News
- Frequent firmware updates from Google addressing performance and bugs (Source)
- Pixel Watch band irritation emerging as a common complaint among users (Source)
- Google promises deeper health tracking integrations between Pixel Watch and Fitbit in 2023 updates (Source)
Google actively rolls out incremental Pixel Watch improvements monthly. Future Fitbit collaborations may further improve health insights. Shoppers mainly take issue with incompatibilities with certain bands and related skin irritation.
Both smartwatch makers continue refining their latest products. Interest remains strong, especially as the devices mature and gain major feature additions.
What Does the Future Hold?
Fitbit plans to build on its popular Versa lineup by releasing the Versa 5 in late 2023. Rumors point to an updated display with slimmer bezels, longer battery life up to 10 days, and faster charging. It will likely retain the strong fitness tracking DNA Fitbit users love.
Google also revealed their future Pixel Watch visions, announcing the Pixel Watch 2. Slated for an October 2023 launch alongside the Pixel 8 smartphones, the sequel smartwatch already generates substantial buzz.
Enthusiasts speculate improved battery efficiency, slimmer design, additional health sensors, and LTE options across both case sizes. Software updates could also enable helpful features like sleep apnea detection and crash detection.
Both companies aim higher with the next generation of devices. We expect the Fitbit Versa 5 to uphold strong fitness tracking chops. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 2 may push smart features and smartphone connectivity to new heights upon its debut.
The Best Smartwatch Depends on Your Needs
When comparing the Fitbit Versa 4 and Google Pixel Watch, both bring unique strengths catering to different audiences. The Versa 4 provides the depth of health insights Fitbit is known for, at an affordable cost. And the Pixel Watch delivers a modern smartwatch experience fused with Fitbit’s tracking about on Google’s intuitive foundations.
Shoppers need to weigh their personal priorities to decide between these two excellent smartwatches. Just remember — the Versa 4 stands out for fitness, while the Pixel Watch wins for smart connectivity. Both achieve greatness, just on slightly different vectors based on use case focus. Let your individual needs guide you to the best smartwatch choice!
