Fitbit Charge 5 is a direct successor of the already popular Charge 4. The tracking device is packed with an array of exciting upgrades, even new bands. Charge 5 features advanced sensors to track your stress level, heart rate, etc., and an AMOLED display.
Fitbit packed a lot more in their latest Charge 5 but reduced its real estate. The fitness tracker is considerably thinner than its predecessor. It is not compatible with Fitbit Charge 3 Strap or Charges 4 accessories because of the evolved shape of Charge 5. It doesn’t mean you have no options. You can find plenty of accessories and strap replacement options on Fitbit Gear NZ for every Fitbit model.
Charge 5 has shaved the hard angles but its screen is 10% larger than its predecessor. It brightens up to 450 nits in comparison to 200 nits. It means the screen is visibly better when you are outdoors. You can even choose to have the display ON consistently. It means there is no need to wait for the screen to light up and see the time. However, this always-on feature can eat up the claimed 7-day battery life.
The monochrome screen is replaced with a colorful screen. It is easy to differentiate between information and stats, which makes Fitbit Charge 5 more glanceable.
Charge 5 has a sleek and buttonless design [not even the tiny indents found on Charge 3 &4]. You can interact with it completely from the touchscreen. On the side, the silver rails look like buttons but are sensors that check for atrial fibrillation signs [ECG reading] and the body’s reaction to stress [EDA readings].
Charge 5 has an array of health tracking features like all other Fitbit devices. It includes monitoring –
- Heartbeat [low & high notifications]
- Sleep [relaxed guided breathing]
- Oxygen saturation levels [SpO2]
- Daily readiness score [Fitbit Premium]
- Stress management score
- In-built GPS
- Fitbit Pay
- Relaxed guided breathing [altimeter]
- Exercise modes
- Smart notifications [battery life]
Daily readiness score suggests different exercise levels based on your current heart rate variability, sleep, and activity to ensure you recover efficiently. A high score means Fitbit suggests extra intense workouts but low reading means a light workout. This feature is for Fitbit Premium subscribers only.
The Charge family is successful and Fitbit claims that 1 out of 3 Fitbit users wears a Charge fitness tracker. The Charge line has consistently improved making them competitive with Smartwatches including the large screen, touchscreen, water-resistant, and in-built GPS.
The upgraded Charge 5 is available at a high cost. It is available in gold, silver, and black color variants and costs $30 more than its predecessor Charge 4. However, it is more affordable than the majority of Smartwatches.
Fitbit Charge 5 straps are available in multiple styles and colors including silicon loop or sports bands, nylon hook & loop bands, and Horween leather straps. Fitbit advises users to take care of their straps and avoid alcohol, perfume, makeup, bug spray or lotions that come in contact with the strap because this can discolor and damage it.