The Versa 2 and Ionic are two of the best smartwatches from Fitbit, while the Versa 2 is a relatively newer smartwatch released last year, the Ionic has been here for a while since 2017. These two are some of the best smartwatches you can find on the market. Both are fitness-focused just like all Fitbit smartwatches, however, while Versa 2 has always-on AMOLED display and Alexa voice assistant, Ionic has inbuilt GPS. The price is about the same. Which should you buy? Find out in this comparison of the Versa 2 vs Ionic.
Fitbit Ionic vs Versa 2 Specifications Compared
| Fitbit Ionic | Fitbit Versa 2 | |
|---|---|---|
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ABOUT DEVICE |
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| Device name | Fitbit Ionic | Fitbit Versa 2 |
| Device type | Sport/Fitness smartwatch | Sport/Fitness smartwatch |
| Predecessor | Fitbit Versa | |
| Successor | None | |
| Date Released | August, 2017 | September, 2019 |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
WHERE TO BUY |
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DISPLAY |
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| Display size | 1.42 inch | 1.4 inch |
| Display type | LCD | AMOLED |
| Display resolution | 348 x 250 pixel | -- |
| Pixel density | 306 ppi | -- |
| Display always-on | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | Touchscreen 3 buttons |
Touchscreen and 1 button |
BODY |
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| Shape | Rectangular/curved | Rectangular/curved |
| Casing material | Aerospace-grade aluminium | Aluminum |
| Strap material | Elastomer | Elastomer |
| Bezel Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Weight | 30g | -- |
| Color(s) | Charcoal/smoke grey Blue/burnt orange Blue-grey/silver |
Carbon/black Bordeaux/copper rose Petal/copper rose Stone/mist grey |
| Dimension | 38 x 45 x 12 mm | 40 x 40 x 11 mm |
| Strap size | 140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) |
140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla glass 3 | Corning Gorilla glass |
| Durability test | ||
| Waterproof rating | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
CLOCK FEATURES |
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| Time/Date | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
MEMORY |
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| RAM | -- | -- |
| Internal storage | 4GB (2.5GB available) | About 4GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
MEDIA |
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| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Microphone | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | No | No |
| Camera | No | No |
| Music streaming | Yes | Yes |
CONNECTIVITY |
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| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v4.0 LE | Bluetooth v4.0 LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No |
NOTIFICATIONS |
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| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| Reminder | Yes | Yes |
CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
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| Network Technology | No | No |
| SIM | No | No |
FITNESS TRACKING |
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| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| Swim tracking | No | Yes |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Blood pressure | No | No |
| ECG Tracking | No | No |
| Blood oxygen | No | Yes |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes |
PLATFORM |
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| Operating system | Fitbit OS | Fitbit OS |
| CPU | -- | -- |
| GPU | -- | -- |
| Chipset | -- | -- |
SENSORS |
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| GPS | Yes | No, (connected GPS) |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | __ |
| Heart rate sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | No | No |
| Pulse Ox. | No | Yes |
| Altimeter | __ | __ |
| ECG | No | No |
| Thermometer | No | No |
| Ambient light | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS |
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| Interchangeable straps | Yes | Yes |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | No | Yes |
| Compatibility | Android, IOS Check supported devices |
Android, IOS Check supported devices |
| Payment system | Fitbit Pay | Fitbit Pay |
| Companion app | Fitbit App | Fitbit App |
BATTERY |
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| Battery type | Non-removable lithium polymer | Non-removable lithium polymer |
| Battery capacity | -- | -- |
| Est. battery life | Mixed usage: up to 5 days | Mixed usage: up to 6 days |
| Charging mode | USB based charging dock | USB based charging dock |
| Charging duration | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
BOX CONTENTS |
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| Fitbit Ionic | Fitbit Versa 2 | |
| Strap (small and large) | Classic wristband (both small & large) | |
| Magnetic charging dock | Magnetic charging dock | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
Differences Betweem Fitbit Ionic vs Versa 2
Fitbit Ionic |
Fitbit Versa 2 |
|
Display |
Full color AMOLED |
Colored LCD upto 1000nits |
Always-on |
No |
Yes |
Microphone |
No |
Yes |
Voice Assistant |
No |
Yes, Amazon Alexa |
Inbuilt GPS |
Yes |
No |
Battery life |
5 days |
6 days |
Editor's Rating |
Both Versa 2 and Ionic come in an attractive lightweight and durable design made of aluminum and elastomer straps with Corning Gorilla Glass covering the display. However, while its LCD display on Ionic, it’s always-on AMOLED on Versa 2. AMOLED display is richer and more colorful, and with always-on display, you can always catch a glance of what’s on the screen and showcase your style.
There’s also a microphone in Versa 2 which enables Alexa voice assistant that allows you control smartthings as well as carryout simple tasks with your voice. Ionic lacks this feature.
Ionic has inbuilt GPS just like the newly released Charge 4, this allows you to track outdoor activities without your phone. But with Versa 2, you’ll need to connect to your phone GPS to track outdoor activities.
From actually testing, Versa 2 has a slight longer battery life than Ionic despite having an always-on display. As far as smartwatches are concerned, every difference in battery life means a lot, so its a plus for Versa 2.
Which Should Buy?
Versa 2 and Ionic are two of the best smartwatches from Fitbit, these two are outstanding in design, activity tracking, long battery life and equipped with music storage and other features that can improve your productive life.
I’ll go with Versa 2, although lacks inbuilt GPS, the richer always-on display, voice assistant and longer battery life makes it a better bargain.
However, if carrying your phone along all the time while workout outdoors especially for hikers is inconvinient for you, then the Ionic will make a decent decision.