Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Fitbit Versa 3: A Detailed Comparison

Top Compras Updated: January 9, 2025

Apple Watch Series 9

7/10
Apple Watch Series 9
$399.99
Faster S9 chip improves overall performance and Siri responsiveness.
Significantly brighter display (up to 2000 nits) enhances outdoor visibility.
New Ultra Wideband chip enables Precision Finding for iPhone and AirTags.
vs

Fitbit Versa 3

7.5/10
Fitbit Versa 3
$179
Built-in GPS
Take calls on the wrist
Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant

Quick Overview

A detailed comparison between the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Fitbit Versa 3, covering design, features, real-world usage, pros, and cons.
## Apple Watch Series 9 vs Fitbit Versa 3: Detailed Comparison

It’s hard to choose between the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Fitbit Versa 3. Both devices are popular smartwatches, but they cater to different needs and budgets. Let’s do a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

Design and Display

Apple Watch Series 9 retain the familiar design and are virtually unchanged from the previous generation. They feature a bright display with up to 2000 nits of brightness, which greatly improves outdoor visibility. The build quality is excellent, feeling refined and premium. However, the lack of visual differences from the previous model may disappoint some users looking for a fresh look.

The Fitbit Versa 3, on the other hand, features a modern, curved design and a 1.5-inch AMOLED display. The fit is comfortable and secure. The display is bright and crisp, but not as bright as the Apple Watch in direct sunlight. Versa 3 is designed for everyday wear with comfort and practicality in mind.

Performance and Features

The Apple Watch Series 9 features a faster S9 chip that improves overall performance and Siri responsiveness. The new Ultra Wideband chip provides accurate iPhone search and AirTags, a useful feature for those who often lose their devices. Siri processing on the device makes basic tasks like setting timers faster and more reliable. Double-tap gestures are innovative, but not available at launch and customization options are limited; it’s a subtle improvement over the Series 8, but not a huge leap.

Fitbit Versa 3 has built-in GPS and allows you to track activity without your phone. The ability to take calls on your wrist is convenient; the choice of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant adds versatility; the Versa 3 provides accurate heart rate and sleep tracking, and Fitbit’s handy app provides detailed health information. However, the touch buttons are choppy, and the UI sometimes stutters and freezes.

Real-world Use

In my experience, the Apple Watch Series 9 shines with its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. The improved Siri is very useful when both hands are occupied, and the bright display makes it easy to read notifications outdoors. The phone finder feature is a lifesaver for those who often lose their phones. However, the double-tap feature is a bit difficult to use and not always reliable. Battery life is the same as the previous model and requires daily recharging.

Fitbit Versa 3 fits well into everyday life: GPS tracking is great for walking and running, and the call function is useful when both hands are full. Fast charging is a big advantage, and the battery can be topped up quickly. However, the touch buttons are choppy and the user interface is frustratingly slow at times. Also, iPhone users can’t reply to text messages on the watch.

Pros and Cons

Apple Watch Series 9 Pros:

  • Faster S9 chip: Better overall performance and Siri responsiveness.
  • Significantly brighter display and improved outdoor visibility.
  • Support for iPhone location and AirTags.
  • Siri control on devices: Faster and more reliable response.
  • Carbon neutral design: Eco-friendly choice (with certain straps).

Disadvantages of Apple Watch Series 9:

  • Significant iterative updates: No major leap over Series 8.
  • Double tap feature: Unavailable at launch and limited customization.
  • Limited Siri offline functionality: Limited to basic tasks.
  • Battery life: Same as previous model.
  • Design: Almost identical to the previous generation.

Pros of Fitbit Versa 3:

  • Built-in GPS: For tracking activity without a phone.
  • Useful for hands-free calls.
  • Choice of voice assistant: Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • Accurate heart rate and sleep tracking: Provides detailed health information.
  • User-friendly Fitbit app: Easy to navigate and understand.

Disadvantages of Fitbit Versa 3:

  • Inconsistent touch buttons: Sometimes unresponsive.
  • User interface crashes and freezes sometimes.
  • Fewer apps compared to Apple Watch.
  • iPhone users cannot respond to text messages.

Final Thoughts

Apple Watch Series 9 is a premium smartwatch that emphasizes performance and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. It’s a great choice for those who have already invested in Apple products and are willing to pay a premium for the latest features. However, for those with a Series 7 or Series 8 watch, it won’t be a major upgrade.

The Fitbit Versa 3 is a more affordable option that focuses on fitness tracking and basic smartwatch features. It’s a good option for those who need a reliable fitness tracker with smart features, but it does have some limitations, especially for iPhone users. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and ecosystem preferences.

Specification

FeatureApple Watch Series 9Fitbit Versa 3

Apple Watch Series 9

Pros

  • Faster S9 chip improves overall performance and Siri responsiveness.
  • Significantly brighter display (up to 2000 nits) enhances outdoor visibility.
  • New Ultra Wideband chip enables Precision Finding for iPhone and AirTags.
  • On-device Siri processing for faster and more reliable responses.
  • Double Tap gesture offers convenient one-handed control (when available).
  • Carbon neutral design (with specific band) is an environmentally conscious choice.

Cons

  • Minor iterative update, not a significant leap from Series 8.
  • Double Tap feature is not available at launch and has limited customization.
  • Siri offline capabilities are limited to basic tasks like setting timers.
  • Battery life remains the same as previous models despite power efficiency improvements.
  • Some new features like on-device health data processing with Siri are delayed.
  • Design is virtually identical to previous generations, lacking visual distinction.

Fitbit Versa 3

Pros

  • Built-in GPS for phone-free activity tracking.
  • Ability to take calls on the wrist.
  • Choice of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • Bright and vibrant 1.5-inch AMOLED display.
  • Accurate heart rate and sleep tracking.
  • User-friendly Fitbit app with detailed health insights.

Cons

  • Inconsistent touch-sensitive button responsiveness.
  • Occasional UI stuttering and freezes.
  • Limited app selection in the Fitbit store.
  • SPO2 readings only available during sleep and with specific watch faces.
  • No text message reply for iPhone users.
  • Speaker volume is not loud enough for noisy environments.

Quick Verdict

Apple Watch Series 9

Read Full Review

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a premium smartwatch with a focus on performance and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. It's a great choice for those already invested in Apple products and willing to pay a premium for the latest features. However, it's not a significant upgrade for those with a Series 7 or 8.

7.5/10
Features
8/10
Performance
6.5/10
Value
8.5/10
Quality
7/10
Overall

Fitbit Versa 3

Read Full Review

The Fitbit Versa 3 is a more affordable option that focuses on fitness tracking and essential smartwatch features. It's a good choice for those who want a reliable fitness tracker with some smart features, but it has some limitations, especially for iPhone users. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and ecosystem preferences.

8/10
Features
7/10
Performance
8/10
Value
7/10
Quality
7.5/10
Overall

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