Fitbit Sense 2 vs Original Fitbit Sense Compared – What’s changed?

Following on from yesterday's comparison of the Fitbit Versa 4 vs Versa 3, let's look at the new Fitbit Sense 2.

The Fitbit Sense 2 is the flagship device from Fitbit; it has all the features the new Versa 4 has and more. This includes the new deeper integration with Google, including Google Wallet and Google Maps. Sadly, these two new Google features are not available at launch, which somewhat limits the appeal.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Original Fitbit Sense Specification

	Fitbit Sense 2	Fitbit Sense
Physical size	40.5 x 40.5 x 11.2 mm	40.48 x 40.48 x 12.35 mm
Material	Aluminium housing paired with silicone band	Aluminium housing paired with silicone band
Display type	AMOLED	AMOLED
Display size	1.58 inch	1.58 inch
Display resolution	336 x 336 pixels	336 x 336 pixels
Weight	40 grams	46 grams
Button	Physical	Haptic
Sensors	3-axis accelerometer 3-axis gyroscope Multi-path optical heart rate monitor Electrical sensor to measure skin conductance () Altimeter Ambient light sensor Vibration motor Relative SpO2 sensor skin temperature sensor NFC Built-in microphone	3-axis accelerometer 3-axis gyroscope Multi-path optical heart rate monitor Multipurpose electrical sensors compatible with EDA Scan app Altimeter Ambient light sensor Vibration motor Relative SpO2 sensor skin temperature sensor NFC Built-in microphone
Satellite connectivity	Built-in GPS/GLONASS	Built-in GPS/GLONASS
Sports modes	40	20
Water-resistance	5 ATM	5 ATM
Battery life	6+ days. Charge time (0-100%): Two hours. 12 minutes to get one day of battery life.	6+ days. Charge time (0-100%): Two hours.
Colour choice	Shadow Grey/Graphite, Lunar White, Platinum, Blue Mist/Soft Gold	Carbon/Graphite, Lunar White/Soft Gold
Launch price	269	269
Current Price	269	189

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Original Fitbit Sense: What is different?

Similar to the Versa 4, the overall design is basically the same. It is now thinner and a bit lighter, and you have a physical button.

This watch does at least have a new cEDA sensor.

Ironically, the Fitbit Sense 2 lacks on-wrist Bluetooth calls at launch, and it won't have Google Assistant (I have any idea why). In comparison, the older Fitbit Sense has both of these.

Therefore, as far as features go, the only benefit you have with the Fitbit Sense 2 at launch is the new cEDA sensor.

A cEDA sensor helps identify when your body is experiencing signs of stress so you can reflect on your emotions, take action and go on with your day

Sports modes have been doubled, from 20 to 40. I refuse to accept this as an upgrade as it is just the company adding new sports profiles. I am fairly sure this could be done in a few minutes.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Original Fitbit Sense Price

Just like the Versa 4, the Fitbit Sense 2 has the same launch price as the previous generation at £269.99. However, the Fitbit Sense was reduced down to £220 and has been further reduced to £200 on Fitbit.

On Amazon, you can get the original Sense for £190.

Overall

I am a bit perplexed as to why Fitbit, which is owned by Google, would release its next-generation watches without the actual new features available yet.

 Yes, the Fitbit Sense 2 has a new cEDA sensor, which I am sure is excellent. But it is bizarre that a Google-owned company can't get Google Maps and Google Wallet working for launch. Perhaps I shouldn't be too surprised, considering the way Google so quickly ditches or messes around its popular products (Hangout/Inbox/Google+/News and Weather/Reader and many more).

Overall, the Fitbit Sense 2 is no doubt a good watch. I don't think there is another watch on the market with the range of sensors this has. It will be an excellent option for people interested in overall health that are don't view themselves as serious amateur athletes.

However, if you want value for money, just get the previous generation.

Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API