Both the Fitbit Versa 4 and the Apple Watch SE offer similar water resistance capabilities, with each being rated to withstand immersion in water up to 50 meters. This makes them suitable for swimming in pools and shallow water activities, but not for high-velocity water sports like waterskiing or scuba diving.
Fitbit Versa 4:
- The Versa 4 is designed to be swimproof, supporting swimming as one of its exercise modes. However, it lacks a dedicated water lock mode, which can be activated indirectly by starting a swim session in the Exercise app[1].
- Fitbit recommends avoiding prolonged exposure to salt water and advises cleaning the device with fresh water and drying it afterward[1][4].
- Water resistance can decrease over time and may be affected by exposure to chemicals or physical impacts[1].
Apple Watch SE:
- The Apple Watch SE also has a 50-meter water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming in pools and open water[2][5].
- Like the Versa 4, it is not designed for high-velocity water activities or deep diving[2][5].
- Apple Watches generally do not have a specific water lock mode, but they are designed to handle water exposure during swimming and other shallow-water activities[5].
In summary, both devices offer comparable water resistance, but the Apple Watch Ultra would be a better choice for more extreme water activities due to its higher water resistance rating of up to 100 meters[5]. However, for typical swimming and shallow-water use, both the Versa 4 and Apple Watch SE are suitable options.
Citations:[1] https://screenrant.com/fitbit-versa-4-waterproof-rating-explained/
[2] https://www.phonearena.com/news/is-apple-watch-se-waterproof_id127208
[3] https://versus.com/en/apple-watch-se-2022-vs-fitbit-versa-4
[4] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa-4/Is-my-Versa-4-waterproof/td-p/5435582
[5] https://www.techradar.com/news/is-your-apple-watch-waterproof
[6] https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-waterproof-fitness-trackers
[7] https://fitstraps.co.uk/blogs/news/is-my-fitbit-waterproof-everything-you-need-to-know
[8] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111862