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 

[SteveH]

You can compare the features of the two at http://www.fitbit.com/compare

That shows that the only differences are that GPS is built-in on the Ionic but the Versa links to the phone's GPS, and that there are "designer" accessories available for the Versa.

GPS will be a key factor for some but for many it seems to be a matter of form rather than function. Whether a preferred form can justify an extra $100 will vary from person to person.

I've had the Ionic since it came out and have yet to use the GPS so it would be an easy choice for me.

[Winnie10]

I was about to upgrade to the Ionic when Fitbit announced the adidas edition, so I held off buying one and have been waiting for the adidas edition.  Now with the announcement of the Versa, I have a real dilemma as to which to buy.  I like the look of the Versa as the Ionic is quite big and angular while the Versa is more rounded.  The main difference I can see is the onboard vs connected GPS and I can't decide which I would prefer or which is better.  I have had mixed results with the connected GPS on my Blaze - I regularly do the same route and the distance can vary by 100-200 m on different days.  The Versa is much cheaper as a result of the GPS difference, so that is obviously attractive.  Hmmmm, dilemmas, dilemmas!

[soccersnaps]

The big thing for me with the ionic was the gps rather than connected gps, i dont have to carry my phone on runs and bike rides like i had to with my charge2, i like the look of the versa but I would still pay the extra for the ionic

[Vinab]

True for the GPS; however, apparently Versa will have REPLY to messages: see the video! This is a BIG difference with Ionic, already discussed in other Ionic threads. To all Pebble users among us, this is big news. Will it work? With Whatsapp too? BTW, Whatsapp just stopped allowing replies with good old Pebbles, about a week ago. Coincidence?

[Winnie10]

Apparently, the reply function only works with Android, so as an IOS user, that doesn't sway me.  I like the idea of not having to carry my phone with me if I had music on the Ionic and onboard GPS, but then I do worry from a safety point of view that if something happened while I was out, I would have no way of calling for help.  Pros and cons on both devices I think.

[N8teGee]

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@Vinabwrote:

True for the GPS; however, apparently Versa will have REPLY to messages: see the video! This is a BIG difference with Ionic, already discussed in other Ionic threads. To all Pebble users among us, this is big news. Will it work? With Whatsapp too? BTW, Whatsapp just stopped allowing replies with good old Pebbles, about a week ago. Coincidence?

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The quick reply feature is part of fitbit OS 2.0 which the Ionic will also be getting sometime this month. 

[jomis003]

I was excited to see that FitBit had released the Versa until I saw that the GPS compatibility was missing. As a runner, the main use of the watch is the ability to play music and use GPS tracking without having to carry my phone with me.

I understand the business perspective to release a watch at a lower price point that has a more mainstream look. I just hope they do not abandon those people who look for a device that has the funtionality of the a Garmin device in the Ionic at a lower price point than Garmin. I fear if they do, they will lose those customers as well.

[DramaQueenDiva]

Seeing as I have the original Ionic and not the other two (Versa and Ionic:Addias Edition), I will say I have to go with the Ionic.  It's quite comfortable and does exactly what I need it to, despite the initial syncing issues (once I updated my phone, these virtually went away).

[DonaldMReif]

Ionic will get that with Fitbit OS 2.0

[Julia_G]

Ionic will get quick reply in the new OS update, but I am pretty sure this will only be for Android users (same for Versa -- this will be a feature only for Android).

[CaptKate53]

What's the difference with music?  Is download the same for the Iconic and Versa?  Still use wireless headphones for both?  Just bought Iconic - haven't opened - and I'm thinking of exchanging for Versa.  Thanks!

[Julia_G]

@CaptKate53, I haven't seen the Versa, as I do not work for Fotbit, but from reading the manual it sounds like they will work in a similar way.

Both Ionic and Versa can download music you "own" (via Windows 10 computer) or stream music using the Pandora streaming service (for subscribers only).  The Versa seems to have added an additional streaming service (Deezer) which is available to international users as well as US users.  Again, a subscription is required.  

I am guessing Deezer will be added to the Ionic in the next OS update.  At that point I expect there will be little, or no, difference between music on the Versa and music on the Ionic.

Both will be able to use wireless headphones.

I would say that the most important difference between Ionic and Versa (besides design specs) is that Ionic has a built in GPS chip, whereas Versa uses "connected GPS" relying on a connection with your phone's GPS chip to create a detailed map and specs for your run, walk, hike, bike, golf, etc.

Also, not all editions of the Versa have Fitbit Pay functions.

If Fitbit Pay and GPS stats are important to you, I would say stick to the Ionic.  (In my experience, "connected GPS" can be a little tempermental and sometimes unreliable.). I think most of the other specs are similar or exactly the same.  In that case it will boil down to personal choice on design or issues of price sensitivity.  Looks like there are some nice bands for the Versa, and there are lots of options for frame colour choice.

I hope this helps!  Let us know what yu decide.  Welcome to the forums.

[Winnie10]

@Julia_G Thanks for this information. One question about downloading music to the Ionic (or Versa if I decide on that one) - You said it can be done via a Windows 10 computer, but can it be done by an earlier version of Windows? I think I’m on Windows 7 so wonder if it will work?  If it doesn’t work that’s a deal breaker for me. 

[Julia_G]

@Winnie10, I have not confirmed this for myself, but it looks like for both the Ionic and the Versa you can also use earlier versions of Windows or Mac. 

Please see this help article

I hope this helps!

[DCFYI]

WOOOW.  FIT OS 2.0?  LOOKING FORWARD TO LEARING MORE ABOUT THE OS UPGRADE.

[Steve69]

I recently returned an Ionic.  Great idea and product. Just to many bugs and glitches. Even a lot of errors on what steps to take in the written instructions. How hard is it to get that part right? 

My thoughts were this will be great in another 5 years or if larger company buys them out. And makes it as dependable as any other devices on the market.

Is the new fitbit any better? Is it the same software and hardware?

Really liked the ionic in looks and easy to operate. So hate to change to another brand but need something that works all the time.

And agree with one guy I spoke with at fitbit tech support. The app works better with apples iphone but not really good & compatible with windows 10.  Seems like the company should have had more development and did that the other way around.

[SunsetRunner]

Given the two run the same software, I see little difference, other than size/shape and the fact that the Versa doesn’t have GPS without a phone nearby and connected. That said, the new firmware just rolled out to the Ionic, and with which the Versa ships, seems, for the short time I’ve been using it, better.

[DramaQueenDiva]

Since the Versa isn't out yet, it's kind of hard to tell...at least for me it is.  I need to be able to see it, touch it, play with it in order to see which is better.

With the new FW release on the Ionic this week, I've found that the Ionic is a lot less buggy.  

[MarciM]

I'll second what @DramaQueenDiva and @SunsetRunner have stated about their being new firmware. 24 hours and counting of the new OS and I'm liking what I'm seeing. Fingers crossed it only get better and better. Even with all the bugs, I have really enjoyed my Ionic and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on  a Versa as soon as possible.