Fitness Versa has had the lead in fitness and health tracking ever since it came out. However, as you may already know, Samsung is one of the leading smart device companies too. Now that they’re offering smartwatches within the same price range as the Fitbit Versa, the competition is stronger than ever.
In this article, we’ll compare the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active and the Fitbit Versa Smartwatch side by side so that you can figure out which can offer you the best performance. Not just with fitness tracking but also when it comes to other smartwatch features, like making calls, sending texts, playing music, and more.
So, make sure to go through this list to make an informed decision.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active vs. Fitbit Vera: Short Answer
The Samsung Galaxy smartwatch offers the whole package, so it’s the best for its price. However, if you’re into detailed-fitness tracking and looking for an entry-level smartwatch, you’ll find the Fitbit Versa more convenient.
Specs Comparison
| Specs | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active | Fitbit Versa |
| Dimensions | 39.4 x 39.5 x 10.5mm | 35 x 24 x 12mm |
| Weight | 25g | 38g |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | LCD |
| Display Size | 1.1 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels | 300 x 300 pixels |
| Internal Memory | 4GB | 4 GB |
| Battery Life | 18 hours to 2 days | More than 4 days |
| Charging Type | Qi wireless charging | Proprietary charging |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.0 |
Display
The Galaxy Active features a Super AMOLED display that is about 1.1 inches with a sharp resolution (360 x 360 pixels). It’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to resist scratch. The 1.3 inches LCD Fitbit display is scratch-resistant as well, but the resolution is slightly lower than the former (only 300 x 300 pixels), yet it’s not bad even in bright light.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Battery Life
The performance of the Galaxy watch battery is outstanding when compared to many smartwatches, on top of which, of course, comes the apple watch battery that lasts for only 18 hours.
The Galaxy watch battery offers an average of 45 hours (maximum of 2 days) of usage when fully charged. Nonetheless, the Fitbit Versa battery lasts for four entire days before you need to recharge it.
It’s also worth mentioning that Galaxy watches support Qi wireless recharging, whereas the Fitbit Versa can only be recharged using the proprietary charger that comes with the watch.
Winner: Fitbit Versa
Calling and Texting
Because the Galaxy Watch Active comes with a built-in microphone, you can take calls through the watch, although it isn’t such a fun experience because the caller is on speaker, so using a Bluetooth headset is much better. You can also respond to your text using dictation or the Smart Keyboard.
The Fitbit Versa doesn’t go this far when it comes to smart features. It only notifies you when someone is calling or when you receive texts. That said, you can’t take the call or reply to texts through the watch.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Fitness Tracking
If you want accurate measurements and records for steps, distance, calories, and other parameters, the Fitbit Versa should be your first option. It can provide valuable information that you wouldn’t get with the Galaxy Active watch, including detailed sleep tracking, on-screen workouts, and female health tracking to record your cycles.
We wouldn’t say that we’re too disappointed with the Galaxy watch performance; it’s more of a smartwatch than a fitness tracker, so the inconsistency is pretty understandable at this price range.
Winner: Fitbit Versa
Built-in GPS
The Galaxy Watch Active comes with a built-in GPS, which is great for its price, considering that a GPS is an option that’s frequently compromised with budget-friendly devices.
The Fitbit Versa, on the other hand, doesn’t have a built-in GPS. Instead, it uses the GPS of your smartphone to track some parameters like your pace and the distance traveled as you work out. This means that unless you take your smartphone with you while running or cycling, the tracking ability of the Fitbit won’t be as accurate.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Music Storage
You can store up to 4GB of your music on the Galaxy Active, including your Spotify playlist. You can also access your music library to control songs that are bit stored on the watch.
As for the Fitbit Versa, most editions can store more than 300 songs. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same with the Fitbit Versa Light Edition. Although it can control your music when paired with your smartphone, you can’t save music to listen to when your device isn’t in range.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Water Resistance
The Galaxy Watch Active is water-resistant for up to 5 atmospheres, which is equivalent to a depth of 50 meters. Accordingly, you can keep it on while in the shower and when you’re swimming.
Similarly, all Fitbit Versa can resist water splashes and rainfalls. You can also wear it while swimming, thanks to its water resistance that reaches up to 50 meters.
Although both watches offer great performance in terms of water resistance, it’s best to keep them away from hot showers or Sauna.
Winner: Draw
Mobile Payments
One of the greatest features of the Galaxy Watch Active editions is that they support Samsung Pay in many countries. All you have to do is press and hold the back key, then choose the card you want to make the payment with. As you place the watch closer to the card reader, the payment will be made as soon as the card details are confirmed.
The Fitbit Versa can only be used for making payments if you’re using special editions that support the feature through Fitbit Pay. Otherwise, Fitbit watches can’t be used for making purchases.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Read also: Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Active – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Bigger display Stylish design Large music storage Features a built-in GPS Water-resistant for up to 50 meters Supports Samsung Pay Supports wireless charging | No touch screen Inaccurate fitness tracking Shorter battery life |
Fitbit Versa – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy construction Features a touch screen display Longer battery life Accurate fitness tracking Records women health Most models can store more than 300 songs | Lite edition can’t store music Smaller display It doesn’t feature a built-in GPS Only special editions can be used for making payments The proprietary charger isn’t practical to use |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active vs. Fitbit Vera: Which Should You Choose?
If your main goal is to track your activities and improve your fitness, then the Fitbit Versa is the better option. However, considering both watches are within the same price range, if you don’t mind opting for basic fitness tracking, the Samsung Galaxy Active watch will offer you more value, particularly if you compare it to the Fitbit Versa Lite edition.
- Sturdy construction
- Features a touch screen display
- Longer battery life
- Accurate fitness tracking
- Records women health
- Most models can store more than 300 songs