Fitbit and Samsung dominate the smartwatch market, with their Versa and Galaxy Watch lines competing head-to-head. The Versa 4 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro both pack impressive tech into sleek designs – but which provides the best user experience?
I‘ve tested and compared both extensively to help you decide which smartwatch best fits your needs and budget.
Fitbit Versa 4 vs Galaxy Watch5 Pro: Key Differences
While the Versa 4 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro share similarities, several key factors set them apart:
Design and Display
The Versa 4 features a trendy rectangular face with a bright AMOLED display, while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro sports a classic circular design and vivid Super AMOLED screen. The extra pixels in Samsung‘s display allow for more striking visuals.
Battery Life
Fitbit dominates here. The Versa 4 can handle over 5 days of typical use on a charge, while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro lasts just 1-3 days with regular usage before needing a recharge.
Tracking Accuracy
Both watches incorporate advanced sensors and software for tracking health metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, blood oxygen, and more. Overall, accuracy is comparable – though Fitbit may have a slight edge for metrics like sleep stage analysis.
Smart Features
Samsung packs more smartwatch capabilities into its Galaxy Watch series. That includes the ability to take calls on your wrist, store music locally, install more apps, and utilize Samsung Pay.
Price
With an MSRP of $299, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro commands a higher price tag than the $229 Versa 4. However, both models are often available at discounts from major retailers.
Now, let‘s do a deeper dive on how these two popular smartwatches compare across the metrics that matter most.
Fitbit Versa 4 vs Galaxy Watch5 Pro: Design & Display
Those familiar with Fitbit will recognize the signature rectangular face of the Versa 4 – a shape retained since the first Versa model. The watch casing measures 40 x 40 x 12 mm and is remarkably slim.
You can select between graphite aluminum, pink gold aluminum and platinum aluminum casing. Each comes with a vibrant AMOLED display protected by durable Corning Gorilla Glass.
Meanwhile, Samsung sticks to a classic circular watch design for its Galaxy Watch5 Pro. The 45mm titanium casing gives it a sleek, premium look. And the touchscreen uses Samsung‘s specialized Super AMOLED technology for extra vivid colors and clarity.
Both watches allow full customization of watch faces to match your personal style. But the Galaxy Watch5 Pro comes out ahead in terms of display quality and aesthetics. The circular design will suit more outfits and occasions as well.
Battery Life: Fitbit Versa 4 Lasts Longer
In my testing, battery life is noticeably better on the Fitbit Versa 4 versus the Galaxy Watch5 Pro. How long a charge lasts depends a lot on your usage, settings and features enabled.
Under typical use cases – with notifications, continuous heart rate tracking and daily activity tracking all active – I averaged around 5-6 days per charge with the Versa 4. That even included a couple workout sessions of 30-60 minutes.
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro, on the other hand, lasted just 1-3 days on a full charge with similar usage. Turning off "always-on" display or reducing notifications improves runtime, but not drastically. Frequent GPS usage drains the battery fastest.
Both watches charge from 0 to 100 percent in about an hour when powered off. But more frequent charging is inconvenient, so the Versa 4 wins for battery life.
Health & Fitness Tracking
Health and activity tracking spur most consumers to purchase a smartwatch in the first place. The Versa 4 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro are equipped with advanced sensors and software to monitor stats 24/7.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Each device provides continuous heart rate monitoring as well as tracking during workouts. They display current BPM readings on demand and log trends over time. During testing, heart rate accuracy was very comparable.
Sleep Tracking
Both Fitbit and Samsung incorporate multi-stage sleep tracking to break down your cycles of light, deep and REM sleep at night. Fitbit‘s algorithm edged out Samsung slightly for accuracy in my testing. The Versa 4 was better at detecting when I woke up briefly.
Workout Modes
The Versa 4 automatically detects exercises like walks, runs and swims. You can choose from over 40 exercise modes to see real-time stats. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro auto-detects seven activities and lets you select from over 90 specific workout types.
Health Metrics
In addition to steps, calories burned, heart rate and activity timing, these watches track advanced health indicators. That includes blood oxygen saturation, sleep scores, stress levels and even skin temperature.
Overall, the Fitbit Versa 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro are nearly on par for health and fitness tracking capabilities. Both even integrate GPS to map outdoor activity without a phone. Fitbit maintains an edge for sleep analytics, while Samsung may appeal more to workout warriors.
Smart Features: Galaxy Watch5 Pro Does More
While health and wellness tracking stands out for both devices, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro packs in more features to augment your smartphone.
Apps & Music
Samsung‘s Tizen OS allows loading more apps onto your watch – like Uber, Nest, CNN and more. You can also sync playlists for phone-free listening. App and music support is far more limited on the Versa 4.
Payments
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro enables contactless payments through Samsung Pay. Just swipe to pay at most terminals without reaching for your wallet. The Fitbit Versa 4 lacks any payment functionality.
Calling
Thanks to Bluetooth and LTE connectivity, you can make and receive calls directly on the Galaxy Watch5 Pro when phone-free. Sound quality is impressive. This is another smart feature missing from the Versa 4.
Voice Assistant
Both watches incorporate voice assistants – the Versa 4 with Amazon Alexa and the Galaxy Watch5 Pro with Samsung Bixby. Alexa is smarter and more practical in my experience. But Bixby offers decent functionality for Samsung ecosystem users.
If you want a robust smartwatch that lets you do more from your wrist, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the clear winner. It earns the name "smartwatch" more than the fitness-focused Versa 4.
Fitbit Versa 4 vs Galaxy Watch5 Pro: Verdict
So should you choose the feature-packed Galaxy Watch5 Pro or longer-lasting Fitbit Versa 4?
Pick the Versa 4 for:
- Long battery life up to 6 days
- Superior sleep tracking
- Streamlined health & fitness focus
- Lower price tag
Go with the Galaxy Watch5 Pro for:
- Classic circular watch aesthetic
- Brighter Super AMOLED display
- Built-in GPS and payments
- Smart functionality like apps and calls
- More workout tracking metrics
At the end of the day, the Versa 4 caters to athletes and wellness seekers through excellent activity tracking in a lightweight design. It lasts ages between charges too.
But the Galaxy Watch5 Pro offers the full suite of smart features on top of advanced health monitoring – just be prepared to charge more frequently. It also flaunts a more stylish look.
So weigh your priorities, budget and ecosystem allegiances to decide if Fitbit or Samsung has built the ideal smartwatch for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last on each watch?
- Fitbit Versa 4: Over 5 days typical use; 6 days max
- Galaxy Watch5 Pro: 1-3 days typical use; 5 days max
Which smartwatch is more affordable?
The Fitbit Versa 4 retails closest to $200 while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro costs around $300 or more. Fitbit offers better value, but Samsung has frequent sales too.
Can I make phone calls from the watches?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro supports phone calls directly on your wrist. The Versa 4 does not have calling functionality.
Is the Fitbit or Samsung more accurate for health metrics?
Overall accuracy is very similar across heart rate, blood oxygen, steps, calories and other tracking. Fitbit may track sleep stages slightly better. Both utilize advanced sensors.
What smartwatch apps can I use?
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is compatible with more apps like Uber, Nest, Google Maps and more. Apps for the Versa 4 focus almost exclusively on health/fitness.
Which has better workout tracking?
The Versa 4 automatically detects walks, runs and swims, then shows real-time stats for over 40 other workout types. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro auto-detects seven exercises and can track over 90 activities with accompanying metrics. Both serve athletes well.
