When it comes to fitness wearables that blend comprehensive activity tracking into a slim, lightweight wristband, two options stand out from pioneer Fitbit – the Charge 4 and new Charge 5.
Here‘s an at-a-glance rundown of how they compare:
- Both track core metrics like steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate zones and sleep stages
- Built-in GPS lets you map outdoor runs and rides without lugging a phone
- Similar 7 day+ battery life maintains all-day, workout-to-sleep tracking
- The Charge 5 features upgraded design and packed-in sensors for stress, ECG heart data and daily readiness scores
- Current pricing has the Charge 5 costing $50+ more than the Charge 4
Let‘s explore some detailed specs and key strengths of each stellar Fitbit tracker to help determine which may suit your activity tracking and budget needs.
Side-By-Side Specs Rundown
Getting a handle on the core hardware specs allows us to better compare these feature-packed fitness bands from Fitbit.
| Specification | Charge 4 | Charge 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 2020 | August 2021 |
| Retail Price | $149 | $199 |
| Screen tech | Grayscale OLED | Color AMOLED |
| Display size | 1" (25.1mm) | 1.04" (26.3mm) |
| Battery duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in |
| Water resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| Notifications | Call, text, app alerts | + Quick replies (Android only) |
| Heart rate tracking | Yes, continuous | Yes + overnight HRV |
| Blood oxygen (SpO2) | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temp sensor | No | Yes |
| EDA stress sensor | No | Yes |
| ECG sensor | No | Yes (app coming soon) |
| Readiness Scores | No | Coming soon |
| Onboard music | No | No |
| Mobile payments | Fitbit Pay | Improved Fitbit Pay |
| Supported phones | iPhone, Android | iPhone, Android |
Glancing at the above chart, you‘ll notice very comparable core spec sheets regarding fitness/health tracking capabilities, smartphone connectivity options and battery performance.
Where the Charge 5 pulls ahead is integrating higher-resolution color touchscreen tech along with the newest stress tracking, ECG sensors and upcoming Daily Readiness Scores.
Next let‘s explore some real-world usage and benefits of each model.
Why Consider the Charge 4?
Despite the Charge 5 offering exciting upgrades like premium stainless steel design and color display, the Charge 4 remains a versatile fitness band – especially if trying to save some money.
Cost Savings
The Charge 4 launched in early 2020 at $149, which means deals around $100 are not uncommon for refurbished or used models in good condition. For the budget conscious who still want advanced tracking, it‘s a great option.
Top-Notch Activity Tracking
While the Charge 5 touts some new high-tech sensors, it maintains the same foundation of precise tracking for steps taken, distance covered, calories burned and adjustable heart rate zones. The built-in GPS also eliminates needing to run or hike with a phone to map routes.
Sleep Insights
Like all advanced Fitbits, the Charge 4 breaks sleep quality down by REM, light and deep cycles while serving up an overall sleep score nightly. Having a better handle day-to-day sleep consistency helps maintain energy and healthy routines.
7-Day Battery
Between taking advantage of GPS routes, 24/7 heart rate tracking and sleep cycle breakdowns all while getting notifications from your paired phone, battery life is critical. The 7 days cited for both the Charge 4 and 5 ensures tracking isn‘t interrupted.
Where Charge 5 Pulls Ahead
The Charge 5 keeps everything fitness lovers appreciate the about Charge 4 but enriches the experience with an updated design, crisp color display and sensors that provide daily stress and fitness readiness insights.
Premium Versatile Design
The stainless steel body and high-grade aerospace aluminum case lend an elegant, premium quality for all-day wear even in professional settings. Softer edges and improved waterproofing to 50 meters also allow you to jump in the pool without worry.
Vibrant Touchscreen Display
Over 2X brighter than previous Fitbits and supporting a wide range of vibrant colors and crisp graphics, the always-on OLED display better highlights tracked metrics while providing outdoor visibility. Animated workout videos right from the wrist prove particularly practical when trying to nail that yoga pose or lift form.
Stress & Readiness Tracking
Two of the most pioneering sensors include the EDA scan that detects electrodermal activity influencing your stress response and upcoming Daily Readiness Scores. Understanding your body‘s ability to handle strain along with sleep and fitness fatigue better informs workout intensity, rest needs and energy management.
More Discreet Notifications
While no Fitbit tracker offers full smartwatch functionality, the ability to configure notifications from apps and even quickly reply to incoming calls and texts from your wrist while phone remains tucked away has its conveniences.
Both bands offer impressive, comprehensive tracking with built-in GPS, multi-day battery life and analysis around fitness strain, sleep quality and general health signals that help better understand energy levels and what your body may need.
If keeping costs low is priority while still wanting robust stats, the Charge 4 (especially refurbished) brings immense value. Discounted older model fitness wearables still bearing lengthy support lifetimes are sensible options for tighter budgets.
For those wanting the cutting edge in health tracking and premium versatile design, the Charge 5 is hard to beat with sensors like EDA stress monitoring and upcoming Daily Readiness Scores that expand insights around managing fatigue, training smarter, and maintaining work/life balance.
Whichever stellar Fitbit you land on, optimizing your wellness through technology and actionable metrics is a win! Still debating or have questions around the ideal fitness band for your lifestyle? Let me know in the comments.
