Fitbit Charge 4 vs 5 - What are the differences?

The successor to the Fitbit Charge 4 has been released after more than a year: The Fitbit Charge 5. Exciting here are of course again the differences between the two fitness trackers. Let's take a closer look at them in the comparison.

Comparison table

Comparison between Fitbit Charge 4 and Fitbit Charge 5

Price-wise, the Fitbit Charge 5 is priced higher than its predecessor. Thus, the new Fitbit fitness tracker should also offer more. Indeed, it does.

Color display & Always-on display mode

Brand new to the Fitbit Charge 5 is the color display. Until now, Fitbit's Charge series has been identified by a black and white display. Now that has changed. At the same time, the display should be brighter and more readable, according to the manufacturer.

With the Charge 5, Fitbit explicitly advertises an always-on display mode. However, this is not a direct difference. With the Charge 4, there is also.

Optics and size

In purely visual terms, there is also another difference at this point. The Charge 4 is significantly more angular in comparison. The Charge 5 is worked with more curves. Visually, possibly a bit more elegant. However, this remains a matter of taste.

Furthermore, the Fitbit Charge series remains, however, in elongated and shame form. In addition, the Fitbit Charge 5 continues to consist of a plastic housing. Something else would have surprised me also very much. Size models are then the Fitbit Versa series or even the Fitbit Sense (Comparison Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Sense). Both, however, more of a smartwatch than a fitness tracker.

Fitbit ECG

ECG is currently the newest and thus most exciting topic of fitness trackers. Already with the Fitbit Sense the ECG function is offered. Now also the small Varitante has the possibility on board. The Fitbit Charge 4 does not have this possibility yet.

As I said, this option is only on board. To use the Fitbit ECG must be a Fitbit Premium subscription. I had already written about the subscription issue in the announcements from Fitbit for 2021. In order to make money in the long run, Fitbit will try to bind users via the subscription model. This is very unfortunate, however understandable.

About these additional and especially ongoing costs for the ECG at the Fitbit Charge 5 you must be clear when buying. Of course, you do not have to sign up for the subscription. You can use the Fitbit Charge 5 also quite without ECG and Fitbit Premium. For testing, there are 6 months Fitbit Premium with the purchase in addition (at least at the start).

Also, it is interesting to note that the Fitbit ECG is not intended for users under 22 years. This can be found in the fine print on the manufacturer's site. Presumably, this is because the values are determined from studies.

EDA Scan

To better detect and evaluate Stess, the Fitbit Charge 5 offers the so-called EDA scan. This is also available without a premium subscription.

The Fitbit Charge 4 offers here only the stress management index, which additionally continues to exist with the successor.

SpO2

. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring is also heavily advertised on the new Fitbit Charge 5, but it's nothing new. Also with the Charge 4 there is that. Only at the start there were delays here at the time.

The Fitbit Charge 5 has this measurement of the blood oxygen saturation directly on board. However, this is not an advantage, as the Charge 4 got the blood oxygen saturation retrofitted.

Battery life

The Akkulaufzeti is also advertised large with up to 7 days. However, this is not better than the Fitbit Charge 4, which also has a battery life of up to 7 days.

GPS

Both fitness trackers have built-in GPS on board. Thus, it is nothing new for the Fitbit Charge 5. This is just a big difference between thei Ftibit Charge 3 and Fitbit Charge 5.

With the Charge 3, there was only connected GPS, which was not necessarily reliable in the measurement. Both the Fitbit Charge 4, as well as the Fitbit Charge 5, trump here with a better measurement of distance.

Fitness functions

The Fitbit Charge 4 and also the Fitbit Charge 5 have an automatic workout detection. This means that the two fitness trackers automatically activate workout recording when running, cycling or swimming. In total, the two fitness watches thereby 20 different sports supported.

However, it is not tragtisch, if your sport is not there. Basically, the sport serves only the categorization and determines whether the GPS recording is started. All sports not deposited can simply be saved as "training".

Fitbit Charge 5 Special Editon

It seems that Fibit has refrained from the special edition. The Charge 4 is still available in the Special Editon. However, this has always been somewhat questionable. Technically, the devices were always the same. Only the wristband was different. Since there are many cheap alternatives*, that was never an argument for me for the Special Edtion.

Common features of the Fitbit Charge 4 and 5

Let's take a quick look at some more common features in the two fitness trackers. 
 

• Integrated GPS
• Battery life up to 7 days
• Waterproof up to 50 meters
• Women's health (cycle tracking)
• 20 workout modes (WHERE they are not important)
• 24 hours heart rate tracking
• NFC Pay (contactless payment)

Which Fitbit Charge should you buy?

If you want the ECG function, then you have to go for the Fitbit Charge 5*. However, you will then also have to buy the Fitbit Premium subscription. Otherwise, you can use the Charge 5 only without the ECG.

Another advantage of the Fitbit Charge 5* is the color display. Whereas I always found the black and white display quite good in the Charge series. Here it is again a personal question of taste.

Do you want a simple fitness tracker, then you are well served with the Fitbit Charge 4. Price you can save here by the successor*. Integrated GPS, which is important to many, bekomsmt you already with the older Fitbit Charge 4. That was the big differences between the Fitbit Charge 3 and Fitbit Charge 4.

Is it worth switching?

If you already have a Fitbit Charge 4, the question naturally arises whether it is worth switching to its successor. Here, of course, you have to take a look at the upgrades again. If you have always dreamed of a color display on your Charge 4, then an upgrade is worthwhile. Whereby the price is relatively high.

Enthuses you the ECG function, which is practical, then a change is also worthwhile. Where you need here, as already often mentioned, the Fitbit Premium subscription. At least you can test the subscription for 6 months with most offers.

FAQ for comparison: Fitbit Charge 4 vs Charge 5

Let's look at a few more general questions that arise in connection with the comparison between Fitbit Charge 4 and Charge 5. A few questions are also specifically about the Fitbit Charge 5.

Are the wristbands of the Fitbit Charge 4 and Charge 5 compatible?

No. The bracelets from the Fitbit Charge 4* do not fit on the Fitbit Charge 5. Alone by the new rounded design these do not fit.

However, there are also cheap alternatives* to the expensive wristbands from Fitbit itself.

Are the charging cables from the Fitbit Charge 4 and Charge 4 identical?

No. The Fitbit Charge 5 comes with a new charging cable. So you can't use your old charging cable from Fitbit Charge 4 when you switch to Fitbit Charge 5.

Does sleep tracking only work with Fitbit Premium?

. Sleep monitoring and sleep recording works on both the Fitbit Charge 4, and continues to work on the Fitbit Charge 5 even without a Fitbit Premium subscription. Through Fitbit Premium, however, you get a more detailed evaluation. Sleep duration, wake time and oxygen saturation are also displayed without Fitbit Premium.

Can you change the watchface?

Yes, with both fitness trackers you can change the watchface in the settings.

Does the Fitbit Charge 5 support Spotify?

Furthermore, the Fitbit Charge 5, like the previous model, does not support Spotify.

Can you use the Fitbit Charge 5 in your pocket?

Theoretically, it is possible. Allerings can the Fitbit Charge 5 then not perform the pulse measurement. So you have to do without the heart rate measurement, which is, however, an important basis. So you could also buy a cheaper fitness tracker without heart rate measurement.

Can you connect a heart rate belt to the Fitbit Charge 5?

So far, you can not connect a heart rate belt to any fitness tracker of the Fitbit brand. There is only the pulse measurement on the wrist.

Does the Fitbit Charge 5 count floors?

Yes, the Fitbit Charge 5 can count floors. The fitness tracker has an altimeter built in. It is different with the Fitbit Inspire 2. This fitness tracker has no floor counter.