Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) vs Fitbit Versa 4
The Verdict
Apple Watch Ultra dominates with a premium titanium build, exceptional 36-hour battery life, and superior S8 processor delivering snappier performance and richer app ecosystem. Its 49mm LTPO OLED display with always-on functionality outclasses Versa 4's smaller 40mm AMOLED screen. Water resistance reaches 100m with diving certification, versus Versa 4's modest 50m rating. Health tracking features are comparable, both including ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature monitoring. Fitbit Versa 4 excels in value and portability at $179, weighing just 37.6g with respectable 6-day battery for casual fitness tracking. However, Versa 4's transition from Fitbit OS to Wear OS creates uncertainty. For serious athletes and outdoors enthusiasts willing to invest, Apple Watch Ultra's durability, performance, and ecosystem justify the premium. Budget-conscious fitness trackers should choose Versa 4.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) if…
- →Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- →36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- →2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
Buy the Fitbit Versa 4 if…
- →Best sleep tracking of any smartwatch — Daily Readiness Score
- →ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature at $179 is strong value
- →6-day battery life — charge once a week
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen)
Pros
- Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- 36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- 2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
- Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking even in canyons
- Action Button is customizable for workouts, compass, and more
Cons
- 49mm case is very large — may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- Heavy at 61.3 g compared to standard Apple Watch models
- $799 is expensive for a first-generation product
- S8 chip is the same as Series 8 — no processing advantage
- Only one 49mm size option with no smaller variant
Fitbit Versa 4
Pros
- Best sleep tracking of any smartwatch — Daily Readiness Score
- ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature at $179 is strong value
- 6-day battery life — charge once a week
- NFC for Google Wallet contactless payments
- Google integration with Maps, Wallet, and YouTube Music
Cons
- Fitbit OS is being sunset — unclear future app support
- GPS accuracy is less reliable than Garmin or Apple Watch
- Limited third-party app ecosystem
- Physical button replaced with a haptic side button — divisive
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) | Fitbit Versa 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Fitbit OS (transitioning to Wear OS) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 61.3 g | 37.6 g |
| Case material | Titanium | Aluminum |
| Water resistance | WR100, EN13319 (certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m) | WR50 |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 36 hours (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) | Up to 6 days (typical usage) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 49mm | 40 mm (1.58 inches) |
| Type | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 410 x 502 | 336 x 336 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Fitbit proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Fitbit products. View full details for the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) or the Fitbit Versa 4.