Fitness wearables have become increasingly popular, and the
market offers a plethora of options to choose from. Fitbit, a renowned brand in
the fitness domain, has consistently delivered quality products over the years.
The Fitbit Sense 2, the successor to the highly acclaimed Sense smartwatch, is
the latest addition to their lineup. In this review, we will examine the
strengths and weaknesses of the Fitbit Sense 2 to help you make an informed
purchasing decision.
Table
on Content
- What's Not So Good About the Fitbit Sense 2?
- What's Good About the Fitbit Sense 2?
- Verdict
- Pros and Cons
- Full Specification
What's Not So Good About the Fitbit Sense 2?
Design: The Fitbit Sense 2 retains the same design as its
predecessor, lacking any noticeable visual updates. While this may be a
subjective matter, those expecting a fresh new look might be disappointed.
Limited Band Options: Unlike other wearables that offer
standard lugs and conventional watch straps, the Fitbit Sense 2 still utilizes
proprietary bands. Although Fitbit does sell bands for the Sense 2, the
selection is limited and relatively expensive. Moreover, third-party bands that
were compatible with the previous model may not work with the newer one.
Notification Responses: When paired with an iPhone, the Fitbit
Sense 2 does not allow users to respond to notifications. While Android users
can utilize quick replies, the notification system on the watch causes a slight
delay, making the device appear slower than it actually is.
SpO2 Measurement: Similar to its predecessor, the Fitbit Sense
2 cannot measure SpO2 levels on demand. To obtain meaningful data based on your
blood oxygen levels, you must wear the device while sleeping.
Pairing Issues: During the review period, there were instances
where the Fitbit Sense 2 lost its pairing with an iPhone. This required users
to go through the hassle of forgetting the pairing, reopening the Fitbit app,
and re-pairing the device.
Loss of Features: Unfortunately, the Fitbit Sense 2 no longer
supports the Google Assistant, which was present in its predecessor.
Additionally, it lacks support for third-party apps, limiting users to Fitbit's
provided applications.
Music Control: Surprisingly, the Sense 2 cannot store music or
control music playback on a paired smartphone. This omission is unexpected for
a wearable of its class, as even budget wearables often offer this feature.
What's Good About the Fitbit Sense 2?
Design and Comfort: The Sense 2's familiar design is
lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. Its unisex appearance
blends seamlessly with various outfits, making it a versatile accessory.
Comprehensive Health Tracking: The Sense 2 excels as a
wearable device that goes beyond basic physical activity tracking. It offers
accurate metrics such as step count and heart rate monitoring. Fitbit's
tracking figures are renowned for their accuracy compared to other devices.
Regular usage of the Sense 2 provides a wealth of useful data about your
physical activities.
Advanced Sensors: The device includes a range of sensors,
including temperature, ECG, EDA, and SpO2, allowing comprehensive vital
tracking. Android users can benefit from the ECG feature, which is also
available on the predecessor Sense and the Fitbit Charge 5. Apple users can
rely on the Apple Watch for ECG measurements.
Stress Monitoring: The Sense 2's upgraded EDA sensor
continuously monitors electrodermal activity along with heart rate, heart rate
variability, and temperature to track stress levels. You can log your mood at
specific times, and the Sense 2 provides a stress management score and
historical data. While not universally useful, this feature can be beneficial
for individuals seeking assistance in managing stress.
In-built GPS Connectivity: Fitbit Sense 2 also comes with built-in GPS, which is a great
addition to outdoor activities like running or cycling. The GPS function works
accurately and quickly, giving you an accurate read of your workout. You don’t
have to bring your phone with you when you go for a run or cycle, which is
convenient.
Online Payment Option: The device also includes Fitbit Pay, a payment feature that
allows you to make payments directly from your wrist. It’s easy to use, and you
can set up the feature quickly through the Fitbit app. However, it's important
to note that Fitbit Pay is unavailable in all countries.
Battery: One of the best things about the Fitbit Sense 2 is its battery
life. It can last up to six days on a single charge, which is impressive. Of
course, this depends on how often you use the device and which features you use
the most, but it's still a decent battery life compared to other wearables.
Verdict
So, is the Fitbit Sense 2 worth buying? It depends on what
you’re looking for. If you want a fitness tracker that can do more than just
track your steps and heart rate, the Sense 2 is a great option. Its sensors,
GPS function, and Fitbit Pay feature make it a versatile device that can help
you track your fitness, and health, and even make payments.
However, if you’re looking for a device that can store music,
respond to notifications, and work with third-party apps, the Sense 2 may not
be the best choice for you. Additionally, the limited band options and lack of
support for Google Assistant may be a dealbreaker for some.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accurate tracking
- Built-in GPS
- Fitbit Pay
- Impressive battery life
Cons:
- Limited band options
- No support for Google Assistant
- Can’t store music
- Can’t respond to notifications
Overall, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a sensible buy for anyone who wants a versatile and accurate fitness tracker with long battery life. However, if you’re looking for a device with more features, you may want to consider other options.
Full Specification
Design
- Same design as the predecessor
- Squircle shape and rounded design
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Capacitive touch button replaced with a physical button
- AMOLED display
Compatibility
- Compatible with iOS and Android
Features
- Basic metrics like step count, heart rate, etc.
- Accurate tracking figures
- Includes temperature, ECG, EDA, SpO2 sensors
- Offers ECG feature to Android users
- No music storage or music playback control
- No support for Google Assistant
- Support for Alexa
- Can't measure SpO2 levels on demand
- Can't respond to notifications when paired with iPhone
- Limited choice of proprietary bands
Battery Life
- Up to 6 days of battery life
Water Resistance
- Water-resistant up to 50 meters
