Fitbit is a label that usually comes to mind when people think of wearables – collecting general fitness statistics and step counting are some primary functions but did you know that it makes devices that are more than just data harvesters?
The Fitbit Sense 2 is a full-fledged smartwatch, delivering many qualities you look for in a wrist-worn smart device. With the company’s verified prowess at building excellent fitness-tracking devices, it’s safe to say that the Sense 2 will function well in that respect – the question is, can it simultaneously be a fantastic smartwatch?
Now under Google [1], the Fitbit Sense 2 is the company’s second-generation smartwatch that zeroes in on keeping tabs on your physical and mental wellbeing.
This is still a smartwatch that finds room for sensors like skin temperature and ECG and can monitor heart rate round the clock and blood oxygen during sleep. Moreover, the device also wants to keep a closer eye on you when you feel stressed. You’re also getting the Fitbit fitness and sleep tracking staples, along with something that will help you pay your way and offer a week-long battery life.
With Google’s Pixel Watch also out in the market, the question is whether Fitbit’s smartwatches deserve a spot on your wrist.
Fitbit Sense 2 in a glance:
| GO LONG | GO SHORT |
| Amazing display | Rather expensive |
| Advanced fitness and health tracking | Audio quality for calls isn’t outstanding |
| Comfortable to wear | |
| Remarkably responsive interface | |
| Rugged and highly water resistant |
Fitbit Sense 2 design and comfort
The Sense 2 has a high-end look and feel – a classy smartwatch with the optional Brother Velles leather band. Still, it’s also available in platinum aluminum and graphite aluminum colours along with a wide array of optional band colours and materials.
This model is pleasantly surprising because it’s pretty comfortable to wear. The infinity band that comes with it feels good, and the innovative clasp system adds to that.
Attaching and detaching watch bands feels like the best of any Fitbit system so far. The locking mechanism is easy to separate but also very secure. If you want to switch bands for different scenarios and styles, the Sense 2 is excellent.
Fitbit Sense 2 setup
While the initial setup was a snap, getting all the attributes of the Sense 2 up and running took a bit of work. You have to go through and give a lot of permissions before the watch is fully functional.
While it was a headache to analyse why certain things weren’t working and look through the app to start them properly, I appreciate that this process allows more data collection user knowledge by the model.
Fitbit Sense 2 battery lifespan
This particular model 2 is rated to last over six days on a single charge, and it seems accurate. It’s around what you’d expect from the original Fitbit Sense, though note that it will differ based on your use.
It’s not entirely up there with the fantastic battery life of the Inspire 3, but it’s more than sufficient, considering how much more powerful the Sense 2 is than the Inspire 3. Twelve minutes of fast charging gives you 24 hours’ worth of power.
Fitbit Sense 2 display
The Sense 2 features a stunning display, deep blacks and vibrant colours and is bright enough to use in harsh daylight. It’s easy to read at a glimpse, and the numerous available watch faces look fabulous.
Fitbit Sense 2 performance and features
Touchscreen responsiveness in the Sense 2 is excellent, without any apparent lag or touch recognition problems. Navigating menus is smooth and intuitive, as well as the function of the freshly revamped physical button. Motion detection to wake up the display is also reliable. Call audio is functional but nowhere near the same league as the speakers and microphone on a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Buds 2.
The Sense 2 is remarkably tough when it comes to durability and water resistance. It is water resistant up to 164 feet underwater and is rated to operate between -14 and 113 °F.
The different fitness sensors of the model worked admirably. The device may even be more accurate than the Inspire 3, which is already reviewed to have high sensor accuracy. The Sense 2 harvests an impressive amount of data to help monitor your health.
Like other Fitbit devices, the Sense 2 keeps note of your heart rate and steps, but its sensor array goes much farther. The Sense 2 has a unique Body Response sensor to detect and address stress.
This sensor tracks ElectroDermal activity, heart rate variability and skin temperature. Using this data, the Sense 2 will aim to assist you in being more aware of what causes you stress and reduce it over time.
The Sense 2 can also help notice atrial fibrillation using an electrocardiogram app and can even calculate levels of the user’s blood oxygen . However, none of this is intended for serious medical use, the wide range of sensors, mixed with powerful analytic software, enables the Sense 2 to be a practical companion for keeping track of your fitness and overall health. The more you engage with it, like logging your food and water consumption and participation in various activities, the more effective it is.
Several features weren’t available during testing, like Google Maps and Google Pay integration. Fitbit Pay and Amazon Alexa are already functional, as is the ability to see and respond to notifications from your phone. Remember that the ability to respond to messages and notifications is only available on Android.
Fitbit Sense 2 app and premium subscription
According to its official site, the Sense 2 + Premium helps highlight changes in your wellness. Check your Health Metrics dashboard to see heart rate variability, skin temperature variation, SpO2, among others. You can also utilise the 90 days of health trends to reveal changes to your wellbeing [2].
The Fitbit app is an indispensable companion to the Sense 2, and it’s excellent for modifying settings and permissions and observing the many statistics collected from the watch. A Fitbit Premium subscription ($10 per month, or $80 per year) gives you access to various extra features, including a day-to-day readiness score, sleep profile and wellness report, and other advantages. The Sense 2 includes a six-month Fitbit Premium subscription.
Fitbit Sense 2 price and availability
Available now at $300, the Sense 2 isn’t inexpensive, but its design and ample features justify that expense. If you’re looking for a less pricey fitness tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is a terrific option, although at the cost of many of the attractive extra features in the Sense 2.
Both a feature-rich fitness tracker and a compelling smartwatch
The Fitbit Sense 2 is overflowing with useful features, all clad in a stunning and comfortable package. The ability to track diverse metrics gathered from its various sensors, all processed into understandable information by its advanced software, is highly persuasive. This is for you if you’re looking for the best fitness and health-focused smartwatch.
The Fitbit Sense 2 is a bit of an unconventional one. It offers a robust set of health and wellness monitoring features, and it’s great to see a physical button in play here, but some sluggishness in the software feels like a step back for the model [3].
[1] https://blog.google/products/devices-services/fitbit-acquisition/
[2] https://www.fitbit.com/global/us/products/smartwatches/sense-2
[3] https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/fitbit-sense-2
