When the Fitbit Charge was released in 2018, it was popular and added new improvements to previous models. The Fitbit Charge may not be as iconic as the Ionic and Versa. But it has helped to change the game for fitness trackers and push development forward.
Fast forward to the release of the Fitbit Charge 5. You have a fitness tracker that has a large waterproof display and polished design. It’s lightweight and packed with all the features you could possibly want while exercising and socializing.
To make the buying process simpler for you, we have picked the Charge range apart from the original to the newest version, the Charge 5.
We can share with you what makes it tick and whether it’s a worthwhile purchase. Read on to find out exactly what we thought when we road-tested it.
Design
The Fitbit Charge 3 and 4 were identical to look at, whereas the Charge 5 is significantly different. First off, the watch is navigated entirely from the AMOLED touchscreen that features an always-on setting and ambient lighting. Meaning it will automatically adjust the brightness to outside conditions. Fitbit also says the Charge 5 is 10% thinner than the Charge 4; it is still considerably larger than the Luxe. So, if you are looking for a sleek design and aren’t too bothered about the GPS, you might just prefer the Fitbit Luxe.
Features
All models will monitor your all-day activities (meaning, steps, calories, floors, distance, and active minutes*). The 2, 3, and 4 will monitor your sleep stages and give you a sleep score, and the 5 will now give you a daily readiness score. Also, they all give you daily stats on your display and will deliver smartphone notifications. Of course, these are more sophisticated on the 4 and 5.
*Active Minutes takes your heart rate and produces personalized heart rate zones that monitor your effort during activities. It takes this and gives you credits toward a goal of 150 active minutes a week. Cleverly, it’ll record each minute of moderate activity as being in the fat-burning zone and give you double credits for more vigorous activity, noted as cardio and peak zones.
More features you’ll find on the 2, 3, 4, and 5 include SmartTrack and auto-recognition of the sport you’re doing. They all have multisport mode, and they’ll give you a cardio fitness score, a personalized number based on your activity. Additionally, you can utilize guided breathing exercises that will be tailored to your heart rate.
In addition to what the 2 has to offer, the 3, 4, and 5 can track your swims and will offer goal-based exercises. More, they’ll automatically detect when you’re running and have stopped. Also, there’s weather information and a timer. As for smart features, Android users can use quick replies to messages, and everyone can accept or reject calls.
For 3 and 4 users, there’s Spotify control when connected via your smartphone. However, this has been removed from the Charge 5. It’s not known why but it’s definitely not a welcome move. Additionally, the 5 has Smart Wake, which learns how to wake you at an optimal time in your sleep stages for a less intrusive wake.
Performance
In terms of performance, we are impressed with the new notifications on the 3, 4, and 5 allowing you to see more of what is going on without picking up your phone. The tracking is spot on, and you will be impressed with how well it counts your daily steps and activity.
The Fitbit app is clear and easy to use, and the Bluetooth syncing makes it quicker to share your progress. You can link to other apps from the Fitbit app. There is also the option to complete with other Fitbit wearers. This will help motivate you when you are feeling a bit more sluggish!
Summary
If you consider purchasing a Charge, we’d have to tell you to go for it as long as it was for the fitness features. The watch works well as a fitness tracker, and Fitbit has dedicated time to improving the fitness features. Here, we really mean the 3, 4, or 5 because the original is essentially a digital pedometer in comparison.
However, if you are looking for a true smartwatch, then move on to a different model. Fitbit hasn’t yet got the market right for smartwatch owners.
In terms of design, you get to swap your straps to suit your mood and style so that your fitness tracker can go anywhere with you and not look out of place.
The battery life is good and will mean that you don’t need to find time every day to plug in and recharge. This is fantastic as it lets you track everything you do for analysis later. The app is a source of knowledge that will share your fitness and health insights at the click of a button. With user-friendly graphics and competitions galore, this app remains a solid part of the Fitbit family.
It’s an affordable tracker that will look the part on your wrist. You won’t need to sign up for a monthly contract or break the bank trying to finance it in the first place. When you buy a new Charge, it comes with a manufacturer guarantee. If you have any problems, Fitbit will help solve them – and their customer service is excellent.
So, if you want a fitness tracker that has some smart features, comes within budget and can withstand everything life throws at you, this might just be the best purchase you make this year!
If you’d like to see a comparison of all the latest Fitbit models, check out our review, here.
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Last Updated on October 22, 2021
Jacquelyn Ellis has written content, managed our social media, and edited our blog. Apart from that, she was our bookkeeper and management accountant for many years. Jacquelyn is very trustworthy, organized, and reliable.
Lives in Greenwich, United Kingdom.