Versa Step Inflation

[kwthere]

I have noticed a disparity between the step count on my iPhone 5 Plus ("Health" app) and my fitbit Versa.- it seems the Versa supplies an inflated step count.

The other day, I decided to test this hypothesis.:

Before starting the walk, I recorded the step number and mileage on the fitbit app, after syncing; the step count and mileage, on the iPhone Health app as well as setting my "Walk Log" app mileage to 0 (the "Walk Log" does not count steps).  I set out with the Versa on my wrist and the iPhone in my hip pocket.

After the test walk, the mileage on all three apps agreed:  3.2 milles

Fitbit - net steps were 6,705.   

iPhone Health app net steps: 5,749.

I am not sure which is the more accurate step counter.  If you accept the iPhone count is accurate, then, at least in my test, the Versa inflates the count by 17%.

[NellyG]

To find which is accurate do a 100 step test - count 100 paces while you walk normally and see how many each counts. You should get within one or two steps of the 100. My Versa is a bit variable on step tests and varies between 1 step over to 5 or 6, so it does count somewhat over, whereas my Ionic is very stable counting 2 under the 100 steps.

[kwthere]

I performed the 100 step test 4 times; the steps counted by the Versa for each 100 steps::

#1 - 131

#2 - 116

#3 - 113

#4 - 115

If I throw out #1 as an aberration, the results are consistent.  It seems that the Versa is inflating my step count by >14%

How does the Versa determine steps, by inertia sensor of by distance/stride?

[kwthere]

I contdacted fitbit support through their "chat" line.  They were very responsive.

Initially, they instructed me to restart the Versa x3.  No improvement.

Next, they had me do a "factory reset" - no change.

They left it at they were going to work on it.

[soccersnaps]

hmmmmm, im kinda not sure about this, if you do gps walk/ runs with the fitbit, it should over time correct your stride length for running and walking, does the iphone do this, im not sure.

ive used fitbit for 14 months and i personally with some testing prefer to use the data from my fitbit than my iphone 

[NellyG]

@kwthere good on you for contacting support. That is a lot of extra steps. I hope they can resolve it for you.