The Fitbit Charge 4 revolutionized Fitbit when it was released in 2020. Its built-in GPS allows it to track runs, walks, and bike rides.
Despite the fact that it wasn’t the first Fitbit with a GPS chip (the Surge and Ionic both have it), it was still the thinnest and lightest gadget available. It’s a great option for someone who is just getting into long-distance jogging.There are numerous enhancements compared to the Fitbit Charge 4. You can also use the EDA (electrical dermal activity), a stress monitor (like the Sense), and an electrocardiogram to keep track of your heart health (ECG).Charge 4 replaces monochrome panels with AMOLED displays, and rounded edges replace softer angles.
Regardless, the Charge 5 isn’t necessarily the best choice for everyone. Continue reading to learn about the key differences between the two fitness trackers and how to pick the best one for you.How does the Fitbit Charge 5 compare to the company’s Charge 4 fitness tracker from 2022?
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Price and availability
The Fitbit Charge 5 costs around $200 and comes with a six-month subscription to Fitbit Premium. Pre-orders are now being taken for a September delivery (at a guess).
The Fitbit Charge 4 was originally released in early last year for over $200, but is currently available for around $100 on Fitbit’s own website and in most retail stores. Fitbit Premium comes with a free 90-day trial for new users who purchase the Charge 4.The Charge 4 is the less expensive of the two alternatives, costing half as much. Continue reading to learn what the Charge 5 may offer you in exchange for your extra cash.
Design
The display on the Charge 5 could be the most important design update. The Charge 5 sports an always-on color touchscreen, unlike the Charge 4. (compared to grayscale). Its screen is also brighter than the Charge 4. Fitbit claims it’s 100 percent brighter.
The Charge 5’s display is larger than the Charge 4’s, measuring 26.43mm by 21.93mm by 14.75mm. The Charge 4 is 35.8mm long, 22.7mm wide, and 12.5mm thick. It’s difficult to compare them because the Charge 4 specs appear to be centered on the display, but the Charge 5 specs appear to be centered on the shell. Despite this, Fitbit claims that the Charge 5 is 10% thinner than its predecessor.Longer side buttons with softer edges are seen on each side of the Charge 5.
Small and large bands are included in each fitness tracker, which is also water-resistant to 50 meters. Charge 4s come in three different colors, and Charge 5s come in five different colors. Large and small sizes are available in Black, Lunar White/Soft Gold, and Steel Blue/Platinum bands.
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Build and features
Aside from the 3-axis accelerometer, the Charge 4 and Charge 5 use an optical heart rate monitor and a red and infrared sensor to monitor heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. Fitbits provide NFC contactless payment and GPS tracking capabilities.The Charge 4 has an altimeter to track height and the number of floors ascended, while the Charge 5 does not.
However, the Charge 5 includes multipurpose electrical sensors that allow it to work with Fitbit’s ECG and EDA Scan applications. Previously, these were exclusively available on the Fitbit Sense.
Fitness tracking
The Charge 5 shares the majority of the Charge 4’s features. It has, however, taken several elements from the health-focused Sense.The Charge 4 and Charge 5 have 24-hour heart rate monitoring and Active Zone Minutes, as well as SpO2 monitoring and sleep tracking, in addition to the 20 workout modes (with SmartTrack). Both wearables can be used to monitor heart rate variability for indicators of stress or illness, as well as to keep track of your menstrual cycle and manage stress.
With the altimeter on the Charge 4, you can keep track of how many floors you’ve climbed, and the GPS on both devices allows you to check distances and speeds in real time. In addition to an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) app, the Charge 5 now offers a Daily Readiness score.
Users of the Fitbit Sense may use the ECG and EDA Scan apps, which were published last year and can be used on the Charge 4 and 5. You can check for atrial fibrillation and communicate your findings with a medical practitioner using the ECG app. You may check your temperature and sweat while using the EDA app to keep track of your stress levels and general well-being.
Fitbit Premium users may now evaluate fitness weariness, heart rate variability, and sleep with the Daily Readiness function. Your smart Fitbit will recommend activities and an Active Zone Minutes goal based on your age.
The smartwatch functionality hasn’t changed significantly, but the Sense did have a lot to offer.You can run native and third-party apps, receive smartphone alerts, set timers and alarms, and use a do not disturb and sleep mode on the Charge 4 and Charge 5. The fitness trackers also allow Fitbit Pay contactless payments and Spotify Connect & Control Bluetooth connectivity.
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Battery Life
The Charge 4 has a seven-day battery life (five days with continual GPS usage) and can be charged in two hours.
The Charge 5, on the other hand, offers a seven-day battery life and can be fully charged in two hours.
Conclusion
The Charge 5 features a slimmer design, an always-on color display, and new ECG, EDA Scan, and Daily Readiness Score apps, among other enhancements. If you don’t mind the greyscale screen and don’t care about the latest features, the Charge 4 is still a good choice now that the price has dropped.
