Why

[ProtoDot]

I got this thing as a xmas gift and was excited to get it set up until I looked and found out that most of the reasons I got it in the first place are just gone. This thing feels completely gutted and now I have to deal with telling my family that they didn't get me what they thought they got me.

Whose idea was this? What made them think it was OK?

[Guy_]

Hi @ProtoDot - It's the thought that counts however, if you are unhappy with the watch Fitbit still have a 45 day refund policy and some stores 14 to 30 days. Surely they will understand your need to change it for something else that meets your needs better.

[Talahthas]

@ProtoDot Welcome to the Fitbit Community!

Yes, the Versa 4 is missing some typical smartwatch functions in comparison to it's predecessor. But, considering the fact that Fitbit is a Google company since 2019 and Google now has finally released the long awaited Pixel watch, it's obvious that the Sense 2 and the Versa 4 had to loose functionality to not cannibalize sales of the Pixel watch.

So, what does the Versa 4 offer over the Versa 3? You'll get a sleeker design with better wearing comfort, a physical side button in contrary to the not always beloved simulated side button of the Versa 3. You'll most probably get the more recent iteration of Fitbit's sensors plus a more modern GUI. And you'll get Google Maps' turn-by-turn navigation and Google Pay.

I've chosen the Versa 4 over the Versa 3 and do not regret my decision.

Just my two cents.

[ProtoDot]

Yeah ok that's great and all, but none of that does anything to make it much more than a tracker being sold at the price point of a smart watch. If they were so concerned with this thing overtaking the Pixel watch, then why even make it? Because to me, everything they did to prevent that also made it redundant.

[Guy_]

Hi @ProtoDot - correct and it doesn't seem to make much sense to cripple one watch in order to sell another given they are not even competitors.

The Pixel has a less than 1 day battery life while  Fitbits are renowned for upto 6 days battery life.

I boxed my Versa 4 and prefer to use my Sense which has the features you expect on a smart watch.