Buttons are a touchy subject among smartwatch owners, but new leaked photos of the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 from 9to5Google indicate that the company is ditching capacitive buttons for the two next-generation smartwatches.
We had a hint that Fitbit might bring physical buttons back to the Versa 4 a few months ago, but at the time it wasn’t clear if that would extend to the Sense 2. The decision isn’t surprising. Fitbit introduced the capacitive button as a way to create a slimmer profile and prevent accidental presses, but in reality it created a touchy user experience. Many Versa and Sense users found the button unresponsive or simply unreliable. (Ironically, when I reviewed the original Sense, it was too easy to accidentally activate the capacitive button.)
The raised bezel is a notable change from the Sense’s sensor array (via 9to5Google). Image: 9to5Google
Otherwise, it doesn’t look like Fitbit is rocking the boat too much in terms of design. Aside from the physical buttons, the most notable upgrade from these leaks is the bezel of the Sense 2. The original Sense incorporated the EKG sensor into a subtle metal frame around the case. This time, Fitbit seems to have managed to place the EKG sensor in the same bezel, under the glass touchscreen. This would suggest that you would have to touch the glass screen to complete the EKG circuit, which would be unusual compared to other EKG-compatible smartwatches. The Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, for example, require you to tap the metal buttons with a finger. It’s disappointing that Fitbit doesn’t seem to be adding more properties to the display, but hey, if you’re stuck with a massively large bezel in 2022, you might as well make the most of it.
Meanwhile, photos of the Sense 2’s sensor array on the bottom of the box reveal a new raised bezel, though whether that’s a significant change is anyone’s guess. It could indicate a new sensor, or perhaps the modified design is to ensure better skin contact. What we do know is that the markings near the bottom of the matrix (they are extremely faint in the image) indicate that the device will have an ECG sensor, body temperature sensor, built-in GPS and 50 meters of water resistance . .
This does look like a Versa smartwatch. (via 9to5Google) Image: 9to5Google
As for the Versa 4, the new photos don’t reveal much. The sensor array appears to be unchanged from the Versa 3, and according to 9to5Google, there’s no EKG or body temperature sensor. It still has a microphone, as well as built-in GPS and 50 meters of water resistance. This suggests that the Versa 4 may not add much on the hardware front, with the major upgrades coming in the form of new software-based features. To be fair, Fitbit isn’t shy about adding new Versa watches to its product line. There have already been four versions of the smartwatch since it launched in 2018, each only slightly different from the last.
Judging by the photos, it looks like an official release is on the horizon. That said, 2022 has been an odd year for Fitbit’s usual product cadence. The company generally releases at least one device in the spring and another in late summer. However, spring 2022 has already come and gone without a new Fitbit in sight. Meanwhile, Fitbit owner Google could also muddy the waters with plans to launch the Pixel Watch this fall. One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch will be a shiny new Fitbit integration, which Fitbit is ostensibly putting the finishing touches on with Google. This, in addition to the new software features for Sense 2 and Versa 4, is very important for any company that is working at the same time.