Fitbit Sense 2 review

The Fitbit Sense 2 is a fantastic smartwatch for fitness and health monitoring. The watch is also water resistant up to 50 meters, so it will have no problem if you take it to the pool or use it to monitor any outdoor activity in the rain.

It’s been about two years since Fitbit launched its most feature-rich smartwatch, the Fitbit Sense. We’ve been waiting with bated breath for its successor, and when the Sense 2 was unveiled, excitement was high. Not only does the Sense 2 offer a thinner and lighter design, but it also doesn’t sacrifice longer battery life and health monitoring sensors. But what was really exciting was the revamped user interface, as Google’s influence on Fitbit products is finally visible.

Furthermore, Fitbit announced that Google Maps and Google Wallet will be available on the Sense 2. Thus, it seems to be a serious competitor for the Galaxy Watch 5 and the upcoming Pixel Watch. However, after spending some time with the Sense 2, you may be surprised at what Fitbit’s flagship smartwatch actually offers. The Fitbit Sense 2 was announced in late August before it was officially unveiled in September 2022.

Design

In many ways, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a carbon copy of the Versa range. In fact, one would not bat an eye if it were named as part of the Versa series. Yet it is not. This means that the case has the classic “squircle” shape of the Versa, so it is mostly square, but with very rounded corners, sides and edges. This creates a soft, inoffensive, but probably rather plain-looking device.

It’s not too big either, with a 40.5 mm diameter case. For our particular wrist it seemed a bit too small, but even for smaller wrists it seems the perfect size, with the lightweight case and soft silicone strap offering a very comfortable all-day fit. You can easily put it on without realizing you have it on your wrist. In addition, Fitbit offers several strap options to choose from to customize the look according to the clothing you wear.

Interface and Controls

The Fitbit Sense 2 is not a Wear OS 3 smartwatch, although the Google Pixel Watch borrowed Fitbit’s fitness tracking. However, we did notice some Wear OS influence in the updated interface. Previously it was possible to browse through quartets of app icons, but now it is possible to swipe left or right through a menu of tiles that can be added, sorted, and deleted in the Fitbit app. This aspect is perhaps less unique to Fitbit, but it makes navigation much smoother.

Although it is possible (and I did) to download a number of watch faces, including those with an always-on mode, it is not possible to download third-party apps. Previous Fitbit smartwatches are compatible with a handful of third-party apps, including Strava, My Fitness Pal, Starbucks, and Uber, so it is odd that the Fitbit Sense 2 and the new Fitbit Versa 4 do not support it.

Display

The Sense 2 has a truly gorgeous display, with deep blacks and vivid colors, and is bright enough to be used even in difficult daylight conditions. It is easy to read at a glance, and the many available watch faces look great.

Tracking

The main feature of the original Fitbit Sense has been changed from passive to proactive. The EDA reader was already able to detect stress signals, but now the cEDA metrics can send Body Response alerts to help you more closely monitor how you’re feeling. In Sense 2, cEDA is guided by three key data indicators: heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and skin temperature. Yes, Sense 2 can read skin temperature, which is not new to Fitbit, but is more important this year as other major smartwatch brands add skin temperature sensors.

In addition to the cEDA sensor, the electrocardiogram is the other flagship health feature of the Fitbit Sense. Using the ECG app and irregular heart rate alerts, the Sense can detect any signs of atrial fibrillation. The Fitbit Charge 5 is the only other Fitbit device of the current generation that is equipped with EDA and ECG, though it generally functions more like a traditional exercise strap than a smartwatch. The Fitbit Sense 2 also performs basic functions like Fitbit’s entry-level device, the Fitbit Inspire 3: step counting, heart rate tracking, and activity tracking based on preset workout settings. It supports a total of more than 40 types of workouts, with a range of indoor and outdoor sports.

Other Features

Fitbit Pay is the default contactless payment system used by the Fitbit Sense 2-and it supports a number of banks worldwide-but as Fitbit is a Google company, it will soon also be supported by Google Wallet, which enjoys much broader support from banks and credit card companies. With this, plus support for use as a Bluetooth speaker during voice calls and mirroring of smartphone notifications, the watch is able to do just about anything you would want from a modern smart wearable, although it does not offer the same interactivity and choice of apps that you would have with “proper” smartwatches.

The Fitbit app is a key companion to the Sense 2 and is great for both customizing settings and permissions and for tracking the many statistics collected by the watch. A Fitbit Premium subscription ($10 per month or $80 per year) provides access to a number of additional features, including a daily readiness score, sleep profile, and wellness report, among many other benefits. Sense 2 includes a six-month Fitbit Premium subscription.

Battery Life

The Fitbit Sense 2 is rated for up to 6 full days of charging, which is one of the highest battery life estimates for a smartwatch in addition to one of Garmin’s top GPS watches. Of course, constant GPS use reduces the Sense 2’s battery life, but the main culprit for battery consumption is the always-on display setting. As for the charger, Fitbit uses a proprietary cable that charges via USB-A. The failure to switch to USB-C is definitely a bit outdated.

Configurations Options

With a price tag of $300, the Sense 2 isn’t exactly cheap, but its design and wide range of features justify the price. If you’re looking for a more affordable fitness tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is a fantastic option at one-third the price of the Sense 2, albeit at the expense of many of the Sense 2’s features.

Conclusion

Having brought back the physical button and equipped the watch with many modern functions, the Fitbit Sense 2 will appeal to many. In addition, Fitbit continues to offer its devices without a high cost, so it is not too expensive either. The Fitbit Sense 2 is a fantastic smartwatch for fitness and health monitoring.

It offers some of the most robust wellness sensors and insights on the market, making it the best Fitbit companion for anyone who wants to get in touch with their body and how they feel. The proactive nature of cEDA could be a game changer for mental health management, as long as the wearer is willing to accept notifications about body reactions.

John Brister
John Brister
Meet John Brister, the prolific content writer renowned for his perceptive comparison articles on Bollyinside. Specializing in topics ranging from TVs to headphones and other accessories, John's knack for breaking down intricate details into reader-friendly insights has garnered him a dedicated following. Beyond his literary pursuits, John is an avid swimmer and equally passionate about tracking, often exploring new trails and routes, feeding his sense of adventure.

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The Fitbit Sense 2 is rated for up to 6 full days of charging, one of the highest estimates of battery life for a smartwatch, as well as one of Garmin's best GPS watches.Fitbit Sense 2 review