Fitbit Versa 4 was unveiled in August 2022 and Google Pixel Watch has been released in October 2022. Both watches are available from Fitbit as we write this. We look at a quick check of Fitbit Versa 4 and the Google Pixel watch to help you figure out the salient points of each watch.
How is Google Pixel Watch better than Fitbit Versa 4?
There are a few things that work well for the Pixel watch in comparison with a Fitbit Versa 4.
For a start, the Google Pixel watch offers LTE or cellular connectivity on the Google Pixel 4G LTE variant. You could connect to a service provider directly from the watch, thereby reducing the need to carry the paired smartphone at all times.
Google Pixel watch comes with pre-built integration with Google apps. These apps include Gmail, Google Wallet, Google Assistant, Google Pay, Google Calendar and Google Maps. Versa 4 lacks all these Google apps, although there are plans to integrate Google Maps and Google Wallet in the near future.
Google Wallet and Google Pay on the Pixel watch make it more widely acceptable at merchant stores all over the world.
Additionally, Google Pixel watch comes with fall detection and emergency SOS message capabilities. Fall detection is pretty useful for elders. Upon detecting a fall, the Google Pixel watch can send in emergency messages to designated contacts. It can even send SOS notifications to the emergency services in supported countries.
My biggest gripe with the Pixel watch is that the watch is only available in nine countries as I write this. Yes, you can buy a Pixel watch only in US, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Japan, Australia and Taiwan. There is a lot of catching to be done by Google for mainstream retail sales across the world.
How is Fitbit Versa 4 better than Google Pixel Watch?
Fitbit Versa 4 is priced at $229.99. Google Pixel Watch Wi-Fi edition costs $349.99 and the LTE edition costs $399.99. However, there are certain elements and features that are better on the Versa 4.
Fitbit Versa 4 can work with iOS and Android mobile operating systems. Versa 4 is, therefore, universally acceptable and compatible with smartphones.
Google Pixel Watch is based on the Wear OS 3.5 and is only compatible with the Android mobile operating system. Google Pixel Watch cannot work with an iPhone.
Fitbit Versa 4 has battery life of up to 6 days and supports fast charging. You can build up a day’s worth of battery life with 10 minutes of charging. Google Pixel Watch has a battery life of 1 day and takes around 2 hours for boosting an empty battery to full charge.
For heart health tracking, Versa 4 can send in irregular heart rhythm alerts and notify you about high or low heart rates. Google Pixel watch lacks irregular heart rhythm notifications.
Pixel watch also lacks the high and low heart rate alerts as of now. Both watches, however, support the ECG app functionality and you can take on-demand ECG readings on either smartwatch.
Fitbit Versa 4 can track SpO2 levels or blood oxygen saturation levels through the wrist-based SpO2 sensor. Google Pixel watch cannot monitor blood oxygen saturation levels.
Versa 4 also has a temperature sensor that can take skin-based temperature readings. Versa 4 helps to monitor the temperature variability as well. Pixel watch is devoid of a temperature sensor.
Versa 4 can help you respond to stress and fatigue through a controlled experience. It has an EDA scan app that can help you manage stress. Versa 4 also has mindful meditation guides to help you relax.
Versa 4 comes with a cEDA sensor which is basically an electrodermal sensor. The sensor is instrumental in uncovering fatigue conditions and in guiding you to relax through difficult conditions.
Essentially, Versa 4 is based on the Fitbit OS. It has integrated the latest features of the Fitbit OS. Like the Sense 2 watch, Versa 4 does a pretty decent job for health and heart tracking of the device owner.
Quick Reference Comparison of Google Pixel Watch and Fitbit Versa 4
Below, we present the main points of Google Pixel Watch and Fitbit Versa 4 watch for your ready reference. This should help you take a decision about your next smartwatch purchase.
| Features | Google Pixel Watch | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| iOS compatible | No | Yes |
| Android compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Display | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Not Confirmed |
| Display shape | Round | Rectangle or Box shaped |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Always on Display | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 1 day | 6 days |
| Fast charging | No | Yes |
| Fall detection | Yes | No |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | No |
| LTE availability | Yes | No |
| AFib or Irregular Heart Rhythm notification | No | Yes |
| High and low heart rate alert | No | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Glucose monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Sensor | No | Yes |
| Water rating | 50 meters (equivalent to 5 ATM) | 50 meters (equivalent to 5 ATM) |
| Swim proof | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen Saturation | No | Yes |
| NFC | Google Pay | Fitbit Pay |
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Helen Kurt is a geeky nerd who loves to cover the wearables space. She has over 5 years of experience in the smartwatch domain. You can reach her on email at [email protected].