With the Charge series, Fitbit was at the cradle of sports bracelets. Although the app and the sensors offered an accessible experience, smartwatches and fitness trackers from other brands were made more attractive by a beautiful OLED color screen. The Fitbit Charge 5 is catching up.
Fitbit Charge 5
MSRP € 179,-
Colors Black, Blue, Gold
Platform Android, iOS, Windows
Screen oled
Format 3.7 x 2.3 cm
Weight 29 grams
Sensors Heart Rate Monitor, Accelerometer, Pedometer, Calorie Counter, Sleep Monitor, Altimeter
Connectivity Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
Other waterproof, interchangeable straps, Fitbit Pay
Website www.fitbit.com
8 Score 80 
- Pros
- OLED screen with always-on function
- User friendly
- Build quality
- Negatives
- EKG not yet available
- Fitbit Premium
- Data stuck in Fitbit app
The screen is, of course, the big innovation of the Fitbit Charge 5 compared to the previous four generations. That color screen is of course not new, Xiaomi and Huawei have been using it for some time on their cheaper fitness bracelets and also smartwatches (which offer a lot of functionality that the Fitbit Charge also has on board), such as the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch and Fitbit Versa or Fitbit Sense. a nice oled color panel.
To make that beautiful color screen stand out, the screen has also been slightly enlarged compared to the Fitbit Charge 4. For those who have thin wrists or are looking for the most subtle format, Fitbit has already released another alternative with the Fitbit Luxe, which is smaller, but also has fewer functions than the Charge bands.
Tap and swipe
Navigating with that new screen is done with taps and swipes. This takes some getting used to, especially since the push button on the side has been removed. But navigating and starting a function is effortless. The screen is also bright, so it can also be read outdoors. This was one of the major shortcomings of the Fitbit Charge 4. The screen has quite thick bezels, making the strap feel larger than it needs to be. But apart from the screen, there are of course also many sensors and a somewhat larger battery.
This means that the Charge 5 is somewhat larger than previous generations and therefore straps from previous generations are not interchangeable. The Fitbit Charge 5 has the same rubber strap as the Sense and Versa smartwatches. Personally, those straps cause a lot of skin irritation for me, because you adjust the strap over your skin. Fortunately, the straps are replaceable, you can go to Fitbit or other webshops for this to save costs.
Functionality
You wear a Fitbit band to monitor your movement and keep an eye on health. The strength of Fitbit, compared to Polar and Garmin, for example, is accessibility. The data is displayed in a clear and user-friendly manner in the app. Think activity data, heart rate, pedometer, sleep data and more. You also receive tips based on the collected data and you can, for example, record routes with the GPS and, if you are a Rabobank or ABN-Amro customer, make mobile payments with your wearable. The big disadvantage of Fitbit has always been that your collected data is tied up with the company. Linking with other health apps is not possible, and although you can export your data, it is not transferable.
One of the new functions that the OLED screen brings has nothing to do with sports or health: an always-on screen. The strap always shows the time (and, if desired, the date), without having to move your arm. It weighs heavily on the battery, which drops from about five days of battery life to two days. But it is certainly pleasant.
‘Apps’
Confusingly, Fitbit packages its functionality as ‘apps’. It suggests that developers are actively working on Fitbit. But that is not (anymore) the case. Under apps you will find basic functionality of Fitbit itself. In the past, for example, you also found the function to control Spotify music here. It’s gone, and that’s not surprising. To listen to music you still have to carry your smartphone with you and many wireless earphones can be operated with taps, which removes the need for such a control function on the wearable.
One of the other new functionalities is still pending: the possibility to make a heart film. This was previously possible with the Apple Watch and later the Fitbit Sense smartwatch and delivered excellent results that you can’t do anything with yourself, but it is valuable for your cardiologist. For example to diagnose arrhythmias. You guessed it: Fitbit announced the feature as an “app,” but exactly when it’ll be available is still unknown.
Pay extra for basic features
In terms of new functions, there is not much to say about the Fitbit Charge 5. That is also because these are added to the device and the app via updates. Also neat with other (older) Fitbit models.
With subscriptions, Fitbit has been trying to tap into an additional source of income for some time now. For a monthly fee of about nine euros, you get extra functions. But that feels sour, because many of these functions are about more insight and tips, based on your data. That should be basic functionality, and instead of enticing users, I find that Fitbit Premium entices me more into seriously considering Garmin bands. Where functionality based on your data is not behind a paywall. I’ve written it before and I’m still shouting it: Fitbit Premium has to go back to the drawing board. Or off the table.
Alternatives to the Fitbit Charge 5
The great strength of the Fitbit Charge 5 is the operation, the beautiful screen and the accessible apps. It therefore has an edge over comparable bands from Xiaomi and Huawei. Even if you look at the accuracy of the sensors.
Those sensors are then better adjusted at Garmin, where your data is displayed to several decimal places, so to speak, and can be linked to other apps. You also do not need a Premium service. However, Garmin is no match when it comes to clarity and operation of equipment and apps.
Another alternative is of course a smartwatch, which has much more to offer functionally. Think of Fitbit’s smartwatch, but also a smartwatch from Apple, Garmin or Polar. However, such a smartwatch is a lot more expensive and larger. If the Charge 5 is already too big, take a look at the Fitbit Luxe, which is even more subtle in size.
Conclusion: Buy Fitbit Charge 5?
The Fitbit Charge 5 is definitely worth a purchase if you want to have insight into how healthy you are and become healthier (or more sporty). The addition of the OLED screen is certainly a plus. The emphasis on Fitbit Premium is a drawback. If you already have a Fitbit Charge that still works, then an upgrade is unnecessary. Still waiting for an ECG function. It’s a shame this is taking so long.
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