Versa vs Ionic

[Gadams99]

I have been thinking of buying an Ionic for a while now. I’m not happy with my charge 2. I can’t it to show my cardio workouts in depth and it hasn’t shown the detailed sleep stages for months now, even thou I’ve tried all the suggestions on the Fitbit forum. I now see there is a Versa. I know it just came out but does anyone know if the Ionic is worth the $100 more . 

Thanks 

[GySgt_Seidell]

I purchased my Ionic as a pre order back in Sep 2017, when I also learned of the upcoming Adidas version.  I have NOT had any problems with my Ionic and believe the new Firmware is awesome, although, there is a slight learning curve, since some of the controls have changed.  That being said however, the new Firmware is very smooth and efficient, with absolutely NO screen or app hesitation!  So when Fitbit announced the Versa at almost the same time I found out the Adidas version was released, I was stuck, as to which one to get.  However, after a careful review, I opted for the Ionic Adidas version.  I just love my Ionic and the Adidas version is to suppose to arrive today.  I like the Versa, but for me, the Ionic is the one that works.

Stay safe and Keep on STEPPING!

[soccersnaps]

@Winnie10    im using windows 8 and music loads ok  

[SunsetRunner]

I don't use the GPS in my Ionic, so I'm interested in the Versa as a slightly smaller/lighter/cheaper alternative.  Folks might start paying attention to messages like I recently posted in the Ionic forum -- essentially, my Ionic's battery started to die within less than six months of ownership -- I am currently waiting for a warranty replacement to walk across the country to me.  (Only very slight exaggeration of the shipping time.  2-day shipping, it ain't.)

At any rate, it appears that I'm not alone in the "battery tanking" department over in Ionic Land.  Though, we all might still be quite rare, but "keep an eye on it" if you're thinking about going with the Ionic rather than the Versa.  For me, the reason to go to the Ionic in the first place was mainly to get a bigger, nicer, more readable watch face while staying in the Fitbit universe.  While I installed a few apps, I never used them much, so essentially I use the Ionic's notifications beyond the usual exercise and sleep tracking.  And of course, the Versa should do just fine with all of that stuff.

Finally, I've seen a picture of the difference between the Ionic and the Versa screens, side to side, so by all means try to find that picture.  That screen is going to be one of the biggest differences between the two devices, besides the GPS and the price.

[Winnie10]

On doing a bit more research, I’m beginning to think I will stick with my Blaze and save myself some money. The Ionic seems convenient as there’s no need to lug a phone round, but it doesn’t have audio cues which for me is quite important, as I don’t want to be faffing around trying to look at my wrist while I’m on the move.  The more I think about the Versa, the more I don’t see the point - yes, you can put your music on it but in order to track a walk/run, you need to take your phone to connect to the GPS, so it sort of defeats the object. So it would only be an aesthetic change rather than a useful change for me, so doesn’t seem worth it. Very disappointing. 

[NellyG]

I have used the Gps on my Ionic a couple of times and it worked well, but mostly I cant be bothered with it. I know where I went and approximately how far it was and thats all I need. But if you like gps then the Ionic is the way to go I think.

[jasonCbraatz]

As not-a-runner, but rather, someone who is taking on exercise and dieting to reduce my many years of a sedentary lifestyle, the Ionic’s GPS is a must-have. I’m on the opposite end of the scale from being an athlete, but the ability to leave my phone at home is an absolute must for many of us trying to begin and continue on an exercise regimen.  Too many distractions are possible with the phone.. in fact, having to have a phone while exercising negates needing a wearable completely.

So what I am saying is this: I’m not sure what use a wearable is w/o a GPS.  An armband phone holder for an iPhone (and with the right apps/accessories) can track sleep, heart rate, etc.  Having the ability to track my walks and jogging on a map is a killer-app for a wearable; it’s been out for phones forever.  

So I’m really lost on the purpose of the Versa.

[swim4lifekac]

I only use GPS when I am trying a new route.  If I already know the exact distance, the only thing I get out of GPS is the map.   When I use connected GPS I put my phone in a waist pack and never look at it during my hike or run.  All the other exercise stats are on the versa, and I like the look of it better than the Ionic.

[datalore]

I'm a novice 5K type runner. I mostly swim for cardio. I always take my phone with me just for emergencies. I don't need GPS, but I can understand how it's a must have for some users. Fitbit's target market really doesn't need GPS on board. GPS is a nice feature to have, but it can be a battery drain and it's not something the average user would use much. The truth is most people keep their smartphones with them; at least for now. I think the Versa will sell well at $200, but eventually fitbit is going to have to add GPS to the watch; it's just a feature consumers are going to come to expect in a wearable. I don't think we're quiet there yet, but it's coming. 

[DramaQueenDiva]

I'm with @SteveH on this: I've also had the Ionic since it came out and have yet to use the GPS feature.  For me, this would be a no-brainer, but it all depends on what you're looking to track and the only person who can answer that is you.

[GrumpyCyclist]

I've got a Blaze and have pre-ordered the Versa. Didn't like the look of the Ionic, and the £300 price tag put it just that bit too high for me. The built-in GPS I don't see as a big draw, definitely not £100 worth of a draw. As a personal view, I don't really understand the calls for a device with built-in GPS so you can leave your phone at home. Firstly, the battery life of all these wearables with built-in GPS is just atrocious. Maybe if you're using it for running then a battery life of a couple of hours isn't a big thing, but I'm more a walker and cyclist so really need multiple hours if using any form of GPS. As a result built-in GPS has never been a consideration for me. Secondly, we now all have these wonderful devices so we can easily call for help if we hurt ourselves etc., and everyone seems desperate to leave them behind. I'd rather have the slight inconvenience of carrying the phone with me and be able to call for help / be reached by family if needed.

As you're probably finding, this is all personal preference. The key is, is built-in GPS something YOU would find useful. If it's something you'd use then it's worth it. If it's a gimmick that will go unused and make you grumpy you paid $100 more for the device, then it's probably not that important.

[jasonCbraatz]

We do agree, @GrumpyCyclist.. if you don't use a GPS, there's no sense in buying a wearable that has one.  I was just voting in favor of having that option (for me the no-brainer is the opposite; I'd rather spend the extra $100 for the Ionic with the GPS so I can leave my phone at home.)  Indeed, it's completely personal preference, and I hope that FitBit recognizes that there are communities of both buyers.

I do disagree with some here who cite that GPS in a wearable has a significant impact to the battery.. My Ionic is on me 24x7 and I charge it once every 4-5 days.  I do walk for 2-4 hours daily with the GPS.  If I used the GPS on my iPhone 6, I'd be lucky to get a day out of the device... if even 8 hours.  So by far the Ionic has not been a problem (for me at least) with a 4-5 day recharge cycle.  

I am an older guy of sorts (mid-40s) and lived without a cell phone until the 1990s.  Even then, I didn't have to have it with me perpetually.  I am a believer in technology, and especially being safe, but the last thing I can do is take a call while I'm breathing heavily on a tough hike or have traffic noise in the background while I'm out for a long walk with the dog.  It's my "me" time, and I'm not sure I can be convinced to take my phone with me during that time...  but yes, it's all personal preference.  In this light, again, I think there are really two camps of buyers and hope Fitbit always makes room for both.

[GrumpyCyclist]

OK, the Ionic does seem to have a longer battery life than I'd thought. Up to 10 hours when using GPS. Not too bad at all really, but I guess that's assuming starting with a full battery. 

Personally I don't go anywhere without the phone, but I can see the attraction for those who may want some me time. I don't tend to use it when out and about, but it's there if I fall or if family need me while I'm out .

With 10 hours of battery from a full charge I don't think I'd be averse to GPS making its way into the Versa at some point, but they need that cheaper price point. £300 entry for the smart watch market is quite steep. Maybe that could have been a better differentiator between standard and Special Editions, one with GPS, one not.

[jasonCbraatz]

Yah, and actually my real-world experience with it has been that those 10 hours are when the GPS is on, but it only turns itself on during a workout you want to be recorded. So for me, if I do 2 hour jogs/walks/etc. each day, I get 4+ days out of a full charge, since the rest of the time it’s not using the battery up with the GPS.

[CDZollo]

...it does not have Reply To Messages

[PaulK66]

I'm the opposite...I have an Ionic and my wife has the versa.  I wish there was an Connected Mode option for the Ionic.  I do long bike rides and the internal GPS radio zoom the battery in a few hours.  Connected mode doesn't impact battery life significantly.

-PaulK