Apple Watch SE 2 vs Fitbit Versa 4
Same class, different makers. The Apple Watch SE 2 (Apple) and the Fitbit Versa 4 (Fitbit) are built for the same kind of buyer. The Apple Watch SE 2 is up against it here: the Fitbit Versa 4 wins 3 of the 4 areas on our scorecard, with battery life as its standout.
At a glance
- Display Fitbit Versa 4 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors Fitbit Versa 4 wins
- Battery Life Fitbit Versa 4 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch SE 2 wins
- Price Fitbit Versa 4 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors1.4
- Smart Features & Connectivity10.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors4.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity5.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Fitbit Versa 4 has 700% more rated battery life
It’s a lopsided result (6 days for the Fitbit Versa 4, 18 h for the Apple Watch SE 2) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier.
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The Fitbit Versa 4 has an always-on display
Missing features are easy to overlook when you buy and hard to live without later. The Apple Watch SE 2 skips this one. An always-on display lets you read the time without raising your wrist or tapping the screen, the way a traditional watch works.
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The Apple Watch SE 2 has a cellular option
The Apple Watch SE 2 has it; the Fitbit Versa 4 doesn’t. No percentages needed. A cellular option lets the watch take calls, receive messages and stream music without your phone nearby.
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The Fitbit Versa 4 has blood-oxygen readings
For anyone who wants blood-oxygen readings, the Apple Watch SE 2 is out of the running. The Fitbit Versa 4 can take blood-oxygen readings; the Apple Watch SE 2 can’t.
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The Fitbit Versa 4 has skin-temperature sensing
It’s a clear yes for the Fitbit Versa 4 and a clear no for the Apple Watch SE 2. Temperature data is most useful over weeks, so it rewards people who wear their watch to bed.
Design & Size
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.16 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Display
Fitbit Versa 4 leads
In this area the Fitbit Versa 4 has a lead the Apple Watch SE 2 can’t close. The Fitbit Versa 4 delivers an always-on display. With the Fitbit Versa 4, a glance is enough; with the Apple Watch SE 2, the screen has to wake up first. The takeaway: on display, the Fitbit Versa 4 is the stronger watch.
Always-on display
Apple Watch SE 2: no Fitbit Versa 4: yes Always-on modes use some battery, but for many people the convenience is worth it.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Fitbit Versa 4 leads
If you’re keeping score, the health & fitness sensors point goes narrowly to the Fitbit Versa 4. Here the Fitbit Versa 4 offers blood-oxygen readings. Blood-oxygen readings can add context to sleep tracking and to training at altitude. Net result: the Fitbit Versa 4 leads this part of the comparison.
Blood oxygen
Apple Watch SE 2: no Fitbit Versa 4: yes Wrist-based blood-oxygen data is a wellness indicator rather than a medical measurement, so treat it as a trend.
Skin temperature
Apple Watch SE 2: no Fitbit Versa 4: yes Skin-temperature sensing tracks nightly changes that can help with recovery insights and cycle tracking.
Battery Life
Fitbit Versa 4 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Fitbit Versa 4 leads the battery life section with room to spare. In its favor, the Fitbit Versa 4 has 700% more rated battery life. The Fitbit Versa 4 is rated to last longer between charges, a big deal on trips and long weekends. The battery life verdict goes to the Fitbit Versa 4.
Rated battery life
Apple Watch SE 2: 18 h Fitbit Versa 4: 6 days Ratings assume typical use; GPS workouts and always-on screens will shorten both.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch SE 2 leads
The smart features & connectivity numbers lean toward the Apple Watch SE 2, not dramatically but consistently. The Apple Watch SE 2 takes this one with a cellular option. Cellular models usually cost more and need a plan, so it’s only worth it if you’ll use the freedom. In short, the Apple Watch SE 2 is the better-equipped watch for smart features & connectivity.
Cellular option
Apple Watch SE 2: yes Fitbit Versa 4: no With the Apple Watch SE 2, you can leave your phone at home on a run; the Fitbit Versa 4 depends on it for connectivity.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Retina LTPO OLED (not always-on) | Color AMOLED |
| Resolution (largest) | 368 x 448 | N/A (not specified) |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | N/A (not specified) |
| Always-on display | No | Yes (winner) |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | No | No |
| Blood oxygen | No | Yes (winner) |
| Skin temperature | No | Yes (winner) |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS) | Built-in GPS + GLONASS |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 6 days (winner) |
| Charging | 0 to 80% in about 1.5 h | N/A (not specified) |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S8 | N/A (not specified) |
| Storage | 32 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| Cellular option | Yes (winner) | No |
| Contactless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone only | iPhone and Android |
| Software | watchOS | Fitbit OS |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | N/A (not specified) |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum | N/A (not specified) |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.16 oz | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $249 | $230 (winner) Lowest price in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Fitbit Versa 4 launched for $19 less, a gap small enough that the specs should decide. Less money, more wins: the Fitbit Versa 4 beats the Apple Watch SE 2 on value by a clear margin and saves $19.
Based on US launch pricing as of September 2022. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch SE 2 if…
- you want a cellular option
- you already know your way around Apple’s products
Choose the Fitbit Versa 4 if…
- you want the longer rated battery life (6 days vs 18 h)
- you want an always-on display
- you want blood-oxygen readings
- you want skin-temperature sensing
- you want more value for your money ($19 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Fitbit Versa 4?
The Fitbit Versa 4 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you know that a cellular option would make a real difference in your routine.
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Fitbit Versa 4?
The Fitbit Versa 4 comes out ahead on rated battery life, with 6 days compared with 18 h on the Apple Watch SE 2.
Is the Apple Watch SE 2’s display better than the Fitbit Versa 4’s?
On display specs, the Fitbit Versa 4 leads thanks to an always-on display.
Is the Apple Watch SE 2 cheaper than the Fitbit Versa 4?
At launch, the Fitbit Versa 4 undercut the Apple Watch SE 2 by $19. These figures are as of September 2022, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Apple Watch SE 2’s and the Fitbit Versa 4’s) so you don’t have to. My main argument for the Fitbit Versa 4? It comes with 700% more rated battery life. It also helps that the Fitbit Versa 4 has an always-on display. The Apple Watch SE 2 does have a strong card to play: a cellular option.
The Apple Watch SE 2 makes sense for anyone who values smart features & connectivity; the Fitbit Versa 4 for anyone who values display.
My pick: the Fitbit Versa 4, though I’d happily point you to the Apple Watch SE 2 if you value a cellular option above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.