If one of your good intentions is to take more steps, it is useful not to use your phone, but a wearable. With, for example, a Fitbit, a Samsung smartwatch or a Xiaomi Mi Smart Band you can count your steps and record sports data. New wearables keep coming out: what’s the difference? We compare Fitbit Charge 5 and Fitbit Charge 4.
Fitbit Charge 4 and Fitbit Charge 5: the differences
If you look at the trailers of Charge 4 and Charge 5 at the bottom of this comparison, it is easy to choose: of course the Charge 5 is just a bit better and more modern, why would Fitbit introduce it differently? Yet we also want to break a lance for Charge 4 with this article, because it is not that bad after all.
When selecting a wearable, it is very important to consider what you would like to use yourself. Very cool that some variants can measure the amount of oxygen in your blood, for example, but for many people they do this once for fun and never touch it again. So be aware of what you want from a wearable, because that can save you a lot of money.
Charge 4 and 5 both have a GPS system on board, so you finally no longer have to take your phone with you when you go running or cycling. Via GPS you can keep track of how fast you are going, but also which route you take. Only Charge 5 throws a little more into the mix, such as a stress monitor based on electrodermal activity (your skin) and an EKG sensor with which you can measure the health of your heart.
AMOLED screen
However, Fitbit knows that the eye also wants something: Charge 4 only has a monochrome screen, while that of Charge 5 has an AMOLED screen in colors, on which you can read your notifications better thanks to the quality. In addition, the Charge 5 is released in stainless steel, while the 4 has to make do with a plastic shell. On the other hand, you pay considerably less for Charge 4: it costs 99 euros, compared to the 179 euros that Charge 5 buys.
Plus, there’s also something Charge 4 does and 5 doesn’t: support Spotify playlists. Both trackers do have the option to show smartphone notifications and pay contactless via NFC (with Fitbit Pay). They also both have a smart alarm system where they vibrate gently to wake you up at the most suitable time. As a result, you wake up less with a zombie feeling and more rested, without waking the person next to you. As a plus for Charge 5, there is a ‘readiness score’ that indicates in the morning how vital you are that day, based on your sleep, activity and heart. You do need Fitbit Premium for this.
| Fitbit Charge 4 | Fitbit Charge 5 | |
| Screen | 25.5mm / black and white screen | 43mm / Color screen |
| Housing | Synthetic | Aluminium |
| Dimensions and weight | 36x23x12mm | 36x22x11mm |
| straps | black, plastic | black, plastic |
| battery life | max. 7 days | max. 7 days |
| Water resistance | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| Sensors | Heart rate, oxygen level in your blood (SpO2) | Heart rate, heart rhythm (ECG), oxygen level in your blood (SpO2), stress (EDA) |
| Music Controls | Yes, via Spotify (on the smartphone) | Yes, via Spotify (on the smartphone) |
| Built-in GPS receiver | Yes | Yes |
| Fitbit Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Recommended retail price | €149.95 | € 179.95 including 6 months of Fitbit Premium |
Conclusion: sports options or Spotify?
The fitness trackers are therefore very evenly matched, unless you want to know more about your heart and vitality, then the Charge 5 is a better option. Even if you like beautiful things, Charge 5 is head and shoulders above the rest thanks to its sleek, luxurious design with color display. In addition, you get six months of Fitbit Premium for free with this fitness tracker. If you don’t need all that much fuss or if you expect to use those extra options only once, then Charge 4 is just as good a sports buddy, which also helps you turn on your favorite playlist on Spotify. And if there is one thing that works as a good ‘energizer’, it is uplifting music to run to.
- Fitbit Charge 4 review
- Fitbit Charge 5 review
– Thanks for information from Androidworld. Source