Fitbit Charge 4 is the latest addition to the activity tracker family. Although we are not talking about a product with high cost and extraordinarily advanced functions, this is a very important novelty because the model has always been considered the reference point in a sector in constant movement and transformation.
From the design point of view, little changes but the news are there, under the hood and in the accompanying software, which has always been the true secret weapon of Fitbit in a market very crowded with smart bands of all kinds.
Special or non special?
That the Fitbit Charge 4 was aesthetically completely identical to the Charge 3 not only we said at the beginning, but it had been made clear since the official launch note. And Fitbit (now controlled by Google, we remember) does not hide it at all by creating a package that immediately makes us understand that “a winning team does not change”.
the complete Fitbit Charge 4 family: on the right, the Special Edition with fabric strap
The edition we tested is the Special Edition with a fabric strap: inside, however, we also find a black classic strap and an extension for those who, like the writer, have a wrist with an above average diameter.
The strap change is really simple and can also be done with one hand and as regards the Special version in fabric we can say that it is very beautiful and comfortable. Being made of breathable material, it solves the problem of perspiration without losing anything in terms of solidity. We, we say, also liked the perforated white version of the special edition 3 which is now available as a strap that can be purchased separately in the accessories section.
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First contact
The first move is to place the Fitbit charging in the appropriate cable (which fortunately is compatible with model 3) starting the synchronization procedure with the Fitbit App for iOS and Android.
Once the pairing operation is finished, the App asked us for a firmware update which took place in complete transparency.
It is a series of actions all guided by videos that also provides some tips to optimize the user experience. Too bad that in this step it is not possible to keep other advanced models such as the Fitbit Versa 2 or the Fitbit Ionic in your list of trackers. If they are present, the App asks to replace them with the Charge 4.
This prevents us from alternating the use of the Charge with the Versa (mostly). It is not a problem of intrinsic functionality (which actually overlap) but due to the fact that in some cases we need to wear a “real” watch and on other occasions we would simply like to use a tracker.
During physical activity, the display shows essential information, which can be changed on the fly with a tap
The faces of the versa
The display of the Fitbit Charge 4 is monochrome: this choice is probably given for reasons of cost and battery life but obviously it can lead to some perplexity as there are similar models with color display on the market.
For our part, we can say that the choice of a monochrome display seems correct to us because during the day it offers the maximum possible contrast and consequently an optimal readability, attenuated only under direct sun, where the display shows some limits.
Fitbit Pay is now present in all models
The customization of the display is excellent, because it is possible to choose between 24 different types, between analog and digital, with only one defect that we have already highlighted in model 3: there is no display without the time, suitable for example for those who prefer to wear the Charge together with a watch, perhaps with data such as steps, calories or other more in evidence.
The sensitivity is excellent: the use is identical to that of the Versa, with simple gestures to scroll the menus and tap to enter or define an item, while the haptic button on the left of the dial is typically used to go back.
As for the design of the displays, we liked them all, especially the one with the “Bodoniani” characters, although we would have liked more “courage” in that sense, with some alternatives.
Different twins: the Charge 4 alongside the Versa 2, with which it shares many functions: unlike the latter, however, the Charge 4 has a Integrated GPS
New, from GPS to minutes in active area
The biggest news of the Fitbit Charge 4 is the presence of the internal GPS, a factor not just considering that the Versa, more expensive, does not have it. This means we don't have to rely on the phone's positioning system to plot routes. Not a small leap forward.
Tests in hand, the Charge 4 has demonstrated great GPS accuracy during activities, even if the search for the satellite takes about thirty seconds or more at the beginning: the GPS module is activated only during activities.
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However, there is no memory for music and this creates an “irregular” step. On the one hand we have GPS but not the ability to hear music and this forces us to carry a phone with us to entertain us; on the other (that of the Versa) we have space for music but we have to carry the phone with us to trace a path.
The new function is important: Minutes in active zone. This is a mode present on the App but that the Charge 4 is also able to show in real time on the display while we train which allows us to clarify when our body is working optimally by burning fat. Monitoring is constant, but the warning only appears the first time when we enter the optimal state and stay there for more than 10 seconds.
Maybe this year it won't be an essential feature, but the Charge 4 is also waterproof
This novelty according to the writer is really interesting because it allows us to determine if the movement we are doing is good or if we are simply moving without having a benefit in terms of weight loss. The minutes in the active zone, says Fitbit, are present as news on the Charge 4 but will arrive on all compatible trackers and smartwatches within the year.
The other relative novelty among the most significant is the possibility of using Fitbit Pay on all models (not only on Special Edition models as in version 3): on this point (which we have made a particular study of), Fitbit has reassured us that agreements with banks are frequent and the situation is constantly improving.
We close with a small implementation, but which can be useful: among the available apps there is Spotify, which after a very transparent association, allows the Charge to control playback on the smartphone, without having it physically close: this is convenient for those who use it nearby. to a bluetooth speaker or connected to a multiroom service.
The echo Fitbit system
But anyone who takes a Fitbit knows that before the hardware, before the news, the most important factor is the eco system that revolves around the user. Which is to say that, despite the design of the Charge 4, the best feature is undoubtedly the App for iPhone and Android.
This involves all the assets in a single package: the dialogue and configuration of most aspects of the Charge 4 (the others, such as the alarm clock, are defined directly from the device), the synchronization of data with the cloud and a series of health advice. based on the data of your body and the daily trend.
The detection of physical activity, among other things, reports even the minutes in the cardio zone, very important to understand the quality of our activity
Since the program is not specifically designed for competition, it does not spare itself in tracking personal data that are sent (anonymously) to the huge database and then return in the form of advice and data on the calculated average.
In fact, the news is recent that Fitbit has put its database at the service of the study for the detection of atrial fibrillation.
Finally, a section specifically for COVID-19 has also recently appeared in the App, in which there are useful links for information and Fitbit advice, among which we put a new dial for Fitbit as more than interesting. Pour that reminds you when to wash your hands.
All Fitbit data can also be retrieved via the web
People of the night
We have talked about it before, but it is worth emphasizing again: if during the day the characteristics of Fitbit Charge 4 may seem interesting but clearly questionable based on what each of us is looking for, at night the situation is reversed. Until Apple finds a valid and concrete solution for sleep tracking, on this specific sector Fitbit will remain really unattainable, and Charge 4 obviously a very important product.
Sleep analysis is one of the strengths , as always, of the Fitbit Charge 4
In fact, the sleep analysis, in addition to being detailed on four bands (awake, light sleep, REM and deep sleep) and on the heartbeat (here an analysis with the differences between the Fitbit and AppleWatch detection) is also able to calculate the oxygenation of the blood (this not only the Charge, also other Fitbit devices) to detect the quality of sleep, in addition to the quantity.
It is a very important piece of information that is worth examining every day and, although it does not represent a medical variable in all respects (you always need the supervision of a doctor), it can provide important data on the nature of sleep and the problems it brings.
The analysis of oxygenation in the blood during the sleep is one of the most important aspects, which must be monitored especially for users with problems sleeping well
Conclusions
Returning to the Charge, after a trial of a few weeks we can say that it is an excellent product. We prefer not to make comparisons because the market is so varied that mentioning a few competitors rather than another would not make much sense. However, we can underline that Fitbit Charge 4 certainly has the right numbers (from a hardware and software point of view) to remain the benchmark in the market, with a truly excellent duration (nine days tested directly without the use of GPS), an extreme comfort at the wrist, an excellent display (monochrome) and a very precise and detailed software support.
In today's market, populated mainly by smartwatches, Fitbit Charge has all the qualities to remain as a reference point, even if quality is not always the best weapon to convince a buyer. But for those who don't want a smartwatch, or think the price is excessive, this Fitbit Charge 4 is an excellent solution, with a strong propensity for casual health with a particular eye on what we do at night, when we sleep.
All this comes at a special price arly cheap, because there are several other trackers for much cheaper, but none with the same software support, community and data as Fitbit and, let's assume, not even with the same quality feel on the wrist.
Fitbit Charge 4 Special Edition in detail: a on balance, it is the most convenient model because with 20 euros more there are two straps in the package, one in fabric and one in rubber
Pro:
• Elegant and sober • The App is excellent • The detection system is excellent • Integrated GPS
Versus:
• Price is important • Monochrome display
Price:
• 149.99 Euro • 169.99 Euro (special edition)
Fitbit Charge 4 is available through the online store of the parent company, at Amazon.co.uk or at classic retailers when the opening situation returns to normal.
The four models are identical in features but available with Black, Plum and Dark Blue rubber strap for 149.99 Euro or as Special Edition with gray fabric strap and black rubber strap included for 169.99 Euro.
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