Fitbit Charge 4 vs 5 – Should You Upgrade?

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Senior Editor

Fitbit Charge 5 is the successor to the very popular Charge 4, it’s also the latest smartband from Fitbit, and it comes with high-end health tracking features such as ECG and the EDA stress app for measuring your stress. These are features only found on Fitbit Sense which is still the most advanced Fitbit wearable device. The Charge 5 also comes in a more durable aluminum case as well as has a more colorful AMOLED display while still retaining up to 7 days of battery life just like its predecessor. We compare the differences between the Fitbit Charge 4 vs 5 so you know what’s new and if it’s worth upgrading.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs 5: Full Specifications Compared

Difference Between Fitbit Charge 4 vs 5

Design – Charge 5 has a more stylish and durable design

The first difference you will notice between Charge 4 and 5 is the appearance. Fitbit has decided to upgrade the design of the Charge 5 after 3 generations which I think is long overdue for a smartband that costs over $150. It comes in a smaller size that makes it even more compact and extraordinarily lightweight at 27g compared to 28g of Charge 4. The Charge 5 also has an aluminum case which is more durable than the resin material used for Charge 4.

The straps that come with the Charge 5 are also different. It comes with an infinity loop band just like Versa 3 and Sense. This might not be a big deal since you can always change the straps.

Both Charge 4 and 5 are rated 5ATM which means these two are swim-proof up to 50 meters. So, you can wear any of these to the pool or ocean. As far as design is concerned, the Charge 5 is definitely a more durable and finer device than Charge 4.

Display – Charge 5 has a more colorful and brighter display

Another major difference between Charge 4 and 5 is the display quality. Before now, Charge 4 and other generations of the smartband always came with a monochrome OLED display which is to a great extent bright and easy to read. However, joining Versa 3, Sense, and the recent Luxe, the Charge 5 comes with an AMOLED display with up to 450nits brightness which is twice as bright as its predecessor.

The display is however only 1.04 inches wide which is smaller than 1.57 inches of Charge 4. Nevertheless, the Charge 5 display is more colorful and brighter.

Health Tracking Features – Charge 5 has more Health tracking features

While both smartbands are well equipped to track your sleep, heart rate, steps, calories, stress, and other fitness tracking features, the Charge 5 is a more comprehensive fitness tracker.

The Charge 5 is equipped with ECG and the EDA stress monitoring app which are not available on Charge 4. With ECG tracking present, the Charge 5 will allow you to measure ECG directly from your wrist and this can help you detect irregular heart rhythms. And with the EDA stress app, you can measure and monitor your stress level with Charge 5.

Both smartbands have inbuilt GPS that will allow you to track your outdoor routes and locations without having to carry your phone along. There are 20 preset sport modes on both devices as well as automatic activity tracking for five exercises which include walking, running, outdoor bike, elliptical and swimming.

Battery Life

Despite having a brighter and more colorful display, the Charge 5 is still estimated to last up to 7 days which is similar to the battery life of Charge 4. I think the compromise here is the smaller display size of Charge 5.

Features in Charge 4 But Not Present in Charge 5

The Charge 5 no doubt has more features than the Charge 4, however for reasons best known to Fitbit, there are a few features present in the Charge 4 but not on the Charge 5. This is a great disappointment for consumers who already own the Charge 4 and looking to upgrade.

Charge 5 lacks Altimeter

The Charge 5 lacks an altimeter which is present in Charge 4. With an altimeter present in the Charge 4, it can count floors climbed. Nevertheless, the Charge 5 which has an inbuilt GPS can show you elevations data but not floors climbed and I think this is very unfortunate.

Charge 5 Lacks Spotify Music Control

The Charge 4 has the ability to control Spotify music played on your phone. However, with Charge 5, this feature has been dropped. Nevertheless, the Charge 5 can still control music playing on the Spotify app on your phone via the notification tab. Someone did a video on that, you can watch it here.

Charge 5 Lacks Breathing Exercise/Relaxation App

Even more, the breathing exercise app present on Charge 4 has been dropped from the Charge 5. To access the breathing exercise app, you will need to reach out to the Fitbit app on your phone. That’s to say, Fitbit expects you to carry your phone along every time you wear the Charge 5 which I think is somewhat ridiculous.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs 5 – Should You Upgrade?

The Charge 4 and Charge 5 are really fine smartbands that are designed to track your daily activities and also help you stay fit.

However, if you want a more stylish smartband with more advanced health tracking features, then it’s worth upgrading to the Charge 5. Although, it will cost you a little more.

Fitbit Charge 3 vs Charge 4

Fitbit Charge 4 comes with an inbuilt GPS as well as more activity tracker features that sets it apart from its predecessor, the Chrage 3. In this comparison chart, we compare the specifications and features of the Fitbit Charge 3 vs 4 to find out the differences.

Fitbit Charge 3 vs Charge 4: Specifications Compared

Differences Between Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4

1. The Charge 4 comes with inbuit GPS, joining the Ionic which also has built-in GPS. This enables effortless tracking for routes, locations and pace during outdoor activities. This is unike the Charge 3 where you must carry your phone along to track outdoor activities.
2. The Charge 4 also come with more fitness features such as more preloaded sport modes (20 compared to 15.
3. Moreover, Charge 4 weighs a little less than Charge 3 which makes it a more comfortable wear. Although, these two are very lightweight, in fact, some of the most comfortable to wear trackers.
4. NFC which is only available to the Charge 3 Special edition is now available in both models of the Charge 4.

In other words, Charge 4 is a more comprehensive activity tracker than the Charge 3. On the other hand, the Charge 3 remains a cheaper alternative.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 3

Compare the differences between the Fitbit Charge 4 and Versa 3 to find out which is a better tracker for you. Recall that Versa 3 succeeds Versa 2 which was released in 2019. The Versa 3 comes with an inbuilt GPS and a loudspeaker, while the Charge 4 succeeds Charge 3 and as well comes with an inbuilt GPS. However, while Versa 3 is a full-blown smartwatch, Charge 4 is a smartband lacking features like a microphone, speaker, music storage, Fitbit coach, and ambient light sensor for half the price of Versa 3. So which should you buy between Versa 3 and Charge 4, this comparison chart will help you make the right choice.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 3 Specifications and Features Compared

Fitbit Charge 4 vs Versa 3 Features – Head-to-Head

	Fitbit Charge 4	Fitbit Versa 3
DESIGN
Model	Standard edition Special edition	Standard edition only
Display	1.57 inches	1.58 inches
Band Type	Pin/buckle straps	Infinity straps
Available Widgets	No	Yes Weather Core stats Advanced stats Food logging Relax
Favorite Apps Shortcuts	No	Yes, 4 Customizable
HEALTH AND ACTIVITY TRACKING
Inbuilt GPS Allows you to track outdoor workout activities without carrying your phone along.	Yes	Yes
Heart Rate Sensor Tracks you heart rate continuously as well as tracks your resting heart rate, shows heart rate zones and trend.	Yes	Yes, improved multi-path heart rate sensor
Log Temperature App	No	Yes
Has Altimeter Has an altimeter that enables it to count floors climbed.	Yes	Yes
Sleep Monitoring Tracks your sleep comprehensively in four stages; deep, light, awake, and REM, and also shows your sleep trend overtime.	Yes	Yes
Manage Stress Has a stress app that can help you manage stress through a guided breathing session.	Yes	Yes
Has ECG Sensor Has an ECG sensor that allows you to take ECG tests directly from your wrist which can help you detect irregular heart rhythms.	No	No
EDA Stress Sensor Has an EDA sensor that monitors your stress level and can help you manage stress.	No	No
Body Temperature Sensor Has a body temperature sensor that monitors your body temperature changes.	No	No
Fitbit Coach Fitbit Coach animated workout modes that coach you through some of your favorite moves.	No	Yes
Exercise Shortcuts	20	20
Preset Sport Modes Features 20 preset sport modes that allow you to choose from your favorite workout moves.	Yes	Yes
MEDIA AND MUSIC STORAGE
Music Storage Options	Control Spotify Playlist	Control Spotify Playlist Download Pandora Download Deezer Playlist
Has Loudspeaker	No	Yes
Make Calls	No	Yes, (with voice assistant app)
Answer Calls	No	Yes
Voice Assistants	No	Amazon Alexa Google Assistant
BATTERY
Battery Life	7 Days	6 Days+
Fast Charging	No	Yes
Charger Type	Charging dock	Magnetic charger

Obviously, Versa 3 is a better smartwatch than Charge 4, it’s a more comprehensive fitness tracker and a more productive device. Versa 3 has a richer AMOLED color display, music storage, offers better ways to manage your notifications, features Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistant, and features fast charging – all of which Charge 4 lacks. So, Versa 3 is a better investment that offers you more features and functions.

However, Charge 4 is cheaper, has a slightly longer battery life, and is able to track the same fitness metrics just like Versa 3 except that it lacks a Fitbit coach. So, in other words, Charge 4 is the ideal choice for anyone looking to just track activities and manage their fitness goals.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs Inspire HR

Which is better between the Fitbit Charge 4 vs Inspire HR? Compare the specifications and features of these two to find out. The Charge 4 comes with an inbuilt GPS, more activity tracking features as well as NFC that supports Fitbit Pay.

Fitbit Charge 4 vs Inspire HR: Specifications Compared