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Following on from yesterday’s comparison of the Fitbit Versa 4 vs Versa 3, let’s look at the new Fitbit Sense 2.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is the flagship device from Fitbit; it has all the features the new Versa 4 has and more. This includes the new deeper integration with Google, including Google Wallet and Google Maps. Sadly, these two new Google features are not available at launch, which somewhat limits the appeal.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fitbit Sense 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch with... |
£219.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Original Fitbit Sense Specification
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Fitbit Sense | |
|---|---|---|
| Physical size | 40.5 x 40.5 x 11.2 mm | 40.48 x 40.48 x 12.35 mm |
| Material | Aluminium housing paired with silicone band | Aluminium housing paired with silicone band |
| Display type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Display size | 1.58 inch | 1.58 inch |
| Display resolution | 336 x 336 pixels | 336 x 336 pixels |
| Weight | 40 grams | 46 grams |
| Button | Physical | Haptic |
| Sensors | 3-axis accelerometer 3-axis gyroscope Multi-path optical heart rate monitor Electrical sensor to measure skin conductance () Altimeter Ambient light sensor Vibration motor Relative SpO2 sensor skin temperature sensor NFC Built-in microphone | 3-axis accelerometer 3-axis gyroscope Multi-path optical heart rate monitor Multipurpose electrical sensors compatible with EDA Scan app Altimeter Ambient light sensor Vibration motor Relative SpO2 sensor skin temperature sensor NFC Built-in microphone |
| Satellite connectivity | Built-in GPS/GLONASS | Built-in GPS/GLONASS |
| Sports modes | 40 | 20 |
| Water-resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Battery life | 6+ days. Charge time (0-100%): Two hours. 12 minutes to get one day of battery life. | 6+ days. Charge time (0-100%): Two hours. |
| Colour choice | Shadow Grey/Graphite, Lunar White, Platinum, Blue Mist/Soft Gold | Carbon/Graphite, Lunar White/Soft Gold |
| Launch price | 269 | 269 |
| Current Price | 269 | 189 |
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Original Fitbit Sense: What is different?
Similar to the Versa 4, the overall design is basically the same. It is now thinner and a bit lighter, and you have a physical button.
This watch does at least have a new cEDA sensor.
Ironically, the Fitbit Sense 2 lacks on-wrist Bluetooth calls at launch, and it won’t have Google Assistant (I have any idea why). In comparison, the older Fitbit Sense has both of these.
Therefore, as far as features go, the only benefit you have with the Fitbit Sense 2 at launch is the new cEDA sensor.
A cEDA sensor helps identify when your body is experiencing signs of stress so you can reflect on your emotions, take action and go on with your day
Sports modes have been doubled, from 20 to 40. I refuse to accept this as an upgrade as it is just the company adding new sports profiles. I am fairly sure this could be done in a few minutes.
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Original Fitbit Sense Price
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Google Fitbit Sense 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch with... |
£219.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch with Tools for Heart... | Buy on Amazon |
Just like the Versa 4, the Fitbit Sense 2 has the same launch price as the previous generation at £269.99. However, the Fitbit Sense was reduced down to £220 and has been further reduced to £200 on Fitbit.
On Amazon, you can get the original Sense for £190.
Overall
I am a bit perplexed as to why Fitbit, which is owned by Google, would release its next-generation watches without the actual new features available yet.
Yes, the Fitbit Sense 2 has a new cEDA sensor, which I am sure is excellent. But it is bizarre that a Google-owned company can’t get Google Maps and Google Wallet working for launch. Perhaps I shouldn’t be too surprised, considering the way Google so quickly ditches or messes around its popular products (Hangout/Inbox/Google+/News and Weather/Reader and many more).
Overall, the Fitbit Sense 2 is no doubt a good watch. I don’t think there is another watch on the market with the range of sensors this has. It will be an excellent option for people interested in overall health that are don’t view themselves as serious amateur athletes.
However, if you want value for money, just get the previous generation.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Your conclusion was exactly what I feared would happen
Good for me as I shall get another few years out of my Sense
Thanks for an honest appraisal, I will stick with my original Sense until there are changes worth swapping it for.
You sure there’s not another watch on the market with this range of sensors? Doesn’t the apple watch have all this plus afib, fall detection and a compass? Plus one can assume a way faster processor. The sense has cEDA but who knows what that’ll look like. At the very least its got the same number of sensors.