When you compare the Fitbit Versa 4 to the Versa 3, it’s a case of spot the difference. It’s a little slimmer, the graphite, platinum, and copper rose case colors appeal to both men and women, and you can still swap those straps in and out when switching from gym mode to important meeting mode. The primary distinction is the addition of a hardware button on the side. Yes, physical buttons are making a comeback. One is, after Fitbit decided not to bother with them for the previous generation. It may not seem like a big deal when you’re mostly prodding and swiping at a touchscreen, but buttons come in handy when you’re working out. You can now activate the display, chat with a virtual assistant, or go straight to the exercise menu. Aside from the return of the button, there isn’t much new to report on the looks front. It isn’t a design classic, but it also doesn’t fit in with the smartwatch crowd. You can still look down at a 40.5mm aluminium case with gently curved corners that is neither too heavy nor too light. Do you want to go for a swim? You’re also covered there. It is safe to submerge it in water up to 50 meters deep, making it suitable for both the pool and open water. If you liked the Versa 3 but needed that button back in your life, the Versa 4’s most appealing feature is its button. Aside from the debate over square versus round screens, the Versa 4’s display is excellent. It’s surrounded by a bit too much bezel for our liking, but the 1.58in, 336336 resolution AMOLED delivers good colors, is bright, and can be left on all the time. Switching to that always-on mode means saying goodbye to nearly a week of battery life, but if you can live with only a few days before reaching for the charging cable, it’s a situation you can live with. AMOLED screens do struggle with visibility in bright outdoor lighting. Thankfully, this screen brightens and isn’t a problem for the Versa 4 when you need to check stats on brighter days. You now have a button to wake that screen up, but a gentle double tap or raising the wrist will also wake it up. It just doesn’t do it as quickly as it could.
