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Fitbit’s latest release, the Charge 6, has sparked excitement among fitness enthusiasts and tech lovers alike. With notable upgrades and deeper integration into the Google ecosystem, this new model promises an enhanced user experience. Let’s delve into the key features that set the Charge 6 apart from its predecessor, the Charge 5.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Most powerful Fitbit tracker | ✘ High price tag |
| ✔ 40 exercise modes | ✘ No Spotify controls |
| ✔ Advanced heart-rate sensor | ✘ Not support Alexa |
| ✔ YouTube Music controls | |
| ✔ Physical side button | |
| ✔ More accurate heart rate tracking | |
| ✔ Google Wallet and Google Maps support | |
| ✔ 7-day battery life | |
| ✔ ECG readings |
Accurate Heart Rate Tracking
Google has revamped the heart rate tracking system in the Charge 6, incorporating advanced algorithms from their Pixel smartwatches. This enhancement ensures not only precise heart rate data but also improves metrics like Readiness, which rely on heart rate detection.
Seamless Google Integration
Unlike its predecessor, the Charge 6 is tightly integrated into the Google ecosystem. It features Google Wallet instead of Fitbit Pay, and includes controls for YouTube Music, providing users with a more cohesive digital experience. Additionally, the device supports Google Maps, allowing users to navigate directly from their wrist when their phone is nearby via Bluetooth.
Music Controls and Gym Equipment Connectivity
Fitbit has reintroduced music controls in the Charge 6, this time for YouTube Music. A YouTube Music Premium subscription unlocks this feature. Moreover, the device supports the Bluetooth Heart Rate Profile, enabling seamless connectivity with compatible gym equipment, including machines from NordicTrack, Peloton, Concept2, and Tonal, as well as the Peloton app.
Zoom Feature and Enhanced Display
One notable addition is the zoom feature, addressing the challenge of reading text on a small screen. This enhancement improves user accessibility and readability. While maintaining the same physical size as the Charge 5, the Charge 6 now incorporates a side button, offering tactile feedback through haptic technology.
Fitbit Charge 5 vs Charge 6
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Fitbit Charge 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.04-inch AMOLED Full-color Touchscreen | 1.04-inch AMOLED Full-color Touchscreen |
| Dimensions and weight | 36.7 x 23.1 x 11.2mm 37.64g All measurements do not include a band | 36.7 x 22.7 x 11.2mm 28g All measurements do not include a band |
| Materials | Aluminum, glass, and resin | Aluminum, glass, and resin |
| Limitations | Operating temp.: 14 to 113 degrees F Max operating alt.: 28,000ft | Operating temp.: 14 to 113 degrees F Max operating alt.: 28,000ft |
| Phone compatibility | Android 9 Pie or later iOS 15 or higher You MUST use a Google account to log in | Android 9 Pie or later iOS 15 or higher |
| Battery and power | Up to 7 days advertised battery life Charge time (0 to 100%): Two hours (advertised) Proprietary charger included in box | Up to 7 days advertised battery life Charge time (0 to 100%): Two hours (advertised) Proprietary charger included in box |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate monitor Sleep tracking AFib monitoring 3-axis accelerometer Built-in GPS + GLONASS SpO2 monitoring EDA & ECG sensors Ambient light sensor | Optical heart rate monitor Sleep tracking AFib monitoring 3-axis accelerometer Built-in GPS + GLONASS SpO2 monitoring EDA & ECG sensors Ambient light sensor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 NFC | Bluetooth 5.0 NFC |
| Durability | Water resistant up to 50m No official IP rating | Water resistant up to 50m No official IP rating |
| Services | Google Wallet/Pay Google Maps (connected notifications only) YouTube Music (connected controls only) Notifications (read-only) Heart-rate transmission to supported gym equipment | Fitbit Pay Notifications (read-only) |
| In-box contents | Fitbit Charge 6 Proprietary charger Small wrist band Large wrist band Six-month Fitbit Premium trial subscription Paperwork | Fitbit Charge 5 Proprietary charger Small wrist band Large wrist band Six-month Fitbit Premium trial subscription Paperwork |
Preorder and Subscriptions
The Charge 6 is available for preorder at $159.95, with shipments starting on October 12, 2023. Preordering from Amazon is now possible, ensuring you’re among the first to experience its groundbreaking features. Additionally, Fitbit offers a six-month free subscription to Fitbit Premium with every new Charge 6 purchase. For YouTube Music controls and overall device usage, a YouTube Music Premium subscription and a Google Account are required, respectively.
Conclusion
Fitbit’s Charge 6 represents a significant leap in fitness tracker technology. Its accurate heart rate tracking, seamless Google integration, music controls, and compatibility with gym equipment make it a comprehensive and user-friendly device. With the preorder phase in full swing, fitness enthusiasts and tech aficionados are eagerly anticipating the device’s official release on October 12, 2023.
