Don't buy a Versa if you have a LG V20

[vandert]

I'll start with the more technical stuff then finish with the personal.

Phone: LG V20

Android: Oreo

Fitbit: Versa

Problems

1. After tracking exercise of any kind with my Versa, I have to reboot the V20 to get notifications working again.  This is annoying but at least somewhat workable.
2. When I start a GPS enabled exercise on my Versa, it stays connected to my phone's GPS for about 5-10 minutes then loses connection.  Sometimes it will come back for a minute, other times it never recovers.  It has stayed connected for an entire run exactly one time.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Phone restarts
2. Restarting the Versa 3 times
3. Contacted support where they had me reconnect the Versa to the V20 among other things (case #28281674)
4. Factory reset my V20
5. Removed all other connected Bluetooth devices
6. Turned off exercise cues
7. Turned off notifications during exercise

Conclusion: The Versa is not worth purchasing if you own a LG V20.  I will extend this to say don't buy a Versa unless your phone is on the 100% compatible list (wish I'd known about this list before buying the Versa)

Personal Side

I started my life in the Fitbit ecosystem with a Charge 2 HR.  It paired and worked fine with my V20.  About the time I got the charge, two things happened.  First, I enrolled in a health rewards program via my health insurance.  Essentially, I setup my Fitbit to share data with the rewards program which allowed me to accrue points.  These points could be used to purchase things from the reward program's store.  Fitbit Versas were among the redeemable items.  Second, I started training for my first marathon with the hope of getting the Versa before my marathon.

I achieved my goal and was thrilled to acquire the Versa before the marathon.  I had high expectations as the Charge 2 worked very well with my V20.  Sadly, I have been mostly disappointed with the Versa.  As a dedicated runner I find this situation highly frustrating.

You may ask "Why didn't you check the compatible device list?"  First, packaging for Fitbit devices states something along the lines of "Works with most Android phones" meeting some minimum tech specs.  The V20 is a flagship phone so one would expect it to fall under the "most Android phones" category.  Second, my Charge worked quite well so why would a "better" device have trouble?

[SunsetRunner]

May I address your comments here, @vandert? 

You may ask "Why didn't you check the compatible device list?"  First, packaging for Fitbit devices states something along the lines of "Works with most Android phones" meeting some minimum tech specs.  The V20 is a flagship phone so one would expect it to fall under the "most Android phones" category.  Second, my Charge worked quite well so why would a "better" device have trouble?

The operating systems on the Charge 2 and the Versa are very different, mainly because the Versa is much newer and considered a smart watch. The Charge 2 is not. That’s one reason why the Versa is not compatible with the V20. Also consider, the V20 was released in 10/2016. The Versa was released in 4/2019. Tech gadgets do not always tend to be backwards compatible. I’m so sorry you were not able to find a workaround for Versa and your non-compatible phone. The Versa is a great device and my personal favorite. 

I’d like to congratulate you on all the trouble shooting you did. And I’d also like to congratulate you on achieving your personal goals, especially the marathon. Well done! 

[vandert]

---

The operating systems on the Charge 2 and the Versa are very different, mainly because the Versa is much newer and considered a smart watch.

This is a good point, however, I still expect the Versa to work with a flagship phone.

Also consider, the V20 was released in 10/2016. The Versa was released in 4/2019. Tech gadgets do not always tend to be backwards compatible.

The problem with this point is the LG V10, released in 10/2015, is on Fitbit's fully supported list.  One would think the V20 would work fine.