When it comes to fitness tracking, Fitbit is one of the most popular and trusted brands in the market. The company has been consistently producing high-quality fitness trackers that cater to different needs and preferences. Two of the most popular models from Fitbit are the Charge 3 and Charge 4. While they share some similarities, there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of each model and explore the differences between Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4.
Design and Display
The first thing you’ll notice when comparing the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 is the design and display. Both models have a sleek and modern design, but there are some subtle differences.
The Fitbit Charge 3 has a more angular design, with a flat, rectangular face and sharp edges. It’s available in several colors, including gray, blue, lavender, and coral. The Charge 3 has a grayscale touchscreen display that’s easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
On the other hand, the Fitbit Charge 4 has a more rounded design, with a curved face and smooth edges. It’s also available in several colors, including black, blue, and coral. The Charge 4 has a full-color touchscreen display that’s more vibrant and responsive than the Charge 3.
Display Resolution
When it comes to display resolution, the Fitbit Charge 4 has a higher resolution than the Charge 3. The Charge 4 has a resolution of 160 x 320 pixels, while the Charge 3 has a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. This means that the Charge 4 has a more detailed and crisp display, making it easier to read and navigate.
Features and Functionality
Both the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 have a range of features and functionality that make them useful for tracking your fitness and wellness. However, there are some differences between the two.
The Fitbit Charge 3 has a built-in accelerometer, altimeter, and gyroscope, which track your movements, including steps, distance, calories burned, and floors climbed. It also has a heart rate monitor that tracks your heart rate throughout the day. Additionally, the Charge 3 has guided breathing sessions, female health tracking, and notifications from your phone.
The Fitbit Charge 4 has all the features of the Charge 3, plus some additional ones. It has a built-in GPS that allows you to track your runs, hikes, and bike rides without needing to bring your phone. It also has Fitbit Pay, which allows you to make payments with your tracker. Additionally, the Charge 4 has a feature called “Active Zone Minutes,” which tracks your intensity levels during exercise and rewards you with badges for reaching certain milestones.
GPS and Tracking
One of the key differences between the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 is the presence of GPS in the latter. The Charge 4 has built-in GPS, which allows you to track your outdoor activities without needing to bring your phone. This means you can go for a run or hike and still get accurate tracking data without needing to carry your phone.
On the other hand, the Charge 3 doesn’t have built-in GPS, which means you need to bring your phone with you to track your outdoor activities.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration when choosing a fitness tracker. Both the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 have impressive battery life, but there are some differences.
The Fitbit Charge 3 has a battery life of up to 7 days, depending on usage. This means you can wear it for a week without needing to recharge it.
The Fitbit Charge 4 has a battery life of up to 7-10 days, depending on usage. This means you can wear it for up to 10 days without needing to recharge it, although this may vary depending on how often you use the GPS feature.
Charging
Both the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 have a similar charging system. They both use a proprietary charging cable that connects to a USB port. The charging process is quick and easy, and you can get a full charge in about an hour.
Compatibility and Integration
Both the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 are compatible with a range of devices, including Android and iOS phones. They both use Bluetooth connectivity to sync with your phone and upload your data to the Fitbit app.
The Fitbit Charge 3 is compatible with Android devices running Android 5.0 or later, and iOS devices running iOS 10.0 or later</strong!.
The Fitbit Charge 4 is compatible with Android devices running Android 5.0 or later, and iOS devices running iOS 12.0 or later.
In addition to compatibility with phones, both the Charge 3 and Charge 4 integrate with the Fitbit app, which provides a range of features and insights to help you track your fitness and wellness.
Additional Features
Both the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 have some additional features that make them useful for tracking your fitness and wellness. These include:
- Notifications: Both trackers provide notifications from your phone, including calls, texts, and app alerts.
- Reminders: Both trackers provide reminders to move throughout the day, helping you stay active and healthy.
- Sleep tracking: Both trackers track your sleep patterns, providing insights into your sleep quality and duration.
| Feature | Fitbit Charge 3 | Fitbit Charge 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Angular design, grayscale display | Rounded design, full-color display |
| Display Resolution | 128 x 128 pixels | 160 x 320 pixels |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days | Up to 7-10 days |
| Fitbit Pay | No | Yes |
| Active Zone Minutes | No | Yes |
Conclusion
The Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 are both high-quality fitness trackers that offer a range of features and functionality to help you track your fitness and wellness. While they share some similarities, there are some key differences between the two.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option with a range of features, the Fitbit Charge 3 may be the better choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more money for additional features like GPS and Fitbit Pay, the Charge 4 may be the better option.
Ultimately, the choice between the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 depends on your individual needs and preferences. We hope this article has provided a helpful comparison of the two models, and has given you the information you need to make an informed decision.
What are the main differences between Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4?
The main differences between Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 lie in their design, features, and battery life. The Charge 4 has a slightly larger display and newer features like built-in GPS, Spotify control, and NFC payments. On the other hand, the Charge 3 has a more affordable price point and is still a great option for those who want a basic fitness tracker.
In terms of design, the Charge 4 has a more modern look with a higher-resolution display and interchangeable bands. The Charge 3, on the other hand, has a more classic look with a lower-resolution display and limited band options. When it comes to features, the Charge 4 has more advanced health and fitness tracking features, including guided breathing sessions and female health tracking.
Is the Fitbit Charge 4 worth the upgrade from Charge 3?
The decision to upgrade from the Charge 3 to the Charge 4 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for more advanced features like built-in GPS and NFC payments, and are willing to pay a premium for them, then the Charge 4 may be worth the upgrade. However, if you’re on a budget and are happy with the basic fitness tracking features of the Charge 3, then there may be no need to upgrade.
It’s also worth considering that the Charge 3 is still a great option for those who want a reliable and affordable fitness tracker. The Charge 3 has many of the same features as the Charge 4, including fitness tracking, sleep tracking, and notification alerts. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade will depend on your individual needs and whether the new features of the Charge 4 are worth the extra cost.
Can the Fitbit Charge 3 track my sleep?
Yes, the Fitbit Charge 3 can track your sleep. It has a built-in accelerometer that tracks your movements and can detect when you’re sleeping. The Charge 3 can track the duration, quality, and stages of your sleep, including light, deep, and REM sleep. This information can be viewed on the Fitbit app, where you can also set sleep goals and reminders.
In addition to sleep tracking, the Charge 3 can also track your daily activities, including steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. It can also receive notifications from your phone, including calls, texts, and app alerts. The Charge 3 is a great option for those who want a basic fitness tracker that can track their sleep and daily activities.
Does the Fitbit Charge 4 have built-in GPS?
Yes, the Fitbit Charge 4 has built-in GPS, which allows you to track your runs, hikes, and other outdoor activities without needing to bring your phone. The built-in GPS can track your route, distance, pace, and other metrics, and can also provide real-time feedback on your performance.
This feature is especially useful for runners and cyclists who want to track their routes and performance without needing to bring their phone. The built-in GPS is also useful for outdoor activities like hiking, where phone signal may be weak or non-existent. Overall, the built-in GPS is one of the key features that sets the Charge 4 apart from the Charge 3.
Can I use the Fitbit Charge 3 for swimming?
No, the Fitbit Charge 3 is not suitable for swimming. While it is water-resistant up to 50 meters, it is not designed for swimming or other high-impact water activities. If you’re looking for a Fitbit device that can track your swimming, you may want to consider the Fitbit Inspire or Fitbit Ionic, which are both designed for swimming and other water activities.
If you’re looking for a basic fitness tracker that can track your daily activities, including steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned, then the Charge 3 may still be a good option. However, if you’re a serious swimmer or want to track your swimming activities, then you may want to consider a different device.
How long does the battery last on the Fitbit Charge 4?
The battery life of the Fitbit Charge 4 is up to 7 days on a single charge, depending on usage and settings. This is slightly shorter than the battery life of the Charge 3, which can last up to 10 days on a single charge. However, the Charge 4 has more advanced features like built-in GPS and NFC payments, which may account for the shorter battery life.
Overall, the battery life of the Charge 4 is still quite impressive, especially considering its compact size and advanced features. If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that can last a whole week on a single charge, then the Charge 4 may be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a device with an even longer battery life, then you may want to consider the Charge 3 or other Fitbit devices.
Is the Fitbit Charge 4 compatible with Android and iOS devices?
Yes, the Fitbit Charge 4 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. You can pair the Charge 4 with your phone or tablet using the Fitbit app, which is available for download on both Android and iOS devices. This allows you to track your fitness data, receive notifications, and control your music playback from your wrist.
In terms of compatibility, the Charge 4 is compatible with Android OS 5.0 or later, and iOS 10 or later. This means that you can use the Charge 4 with a wide range of devices, including newer smartphones and tablets. Overall, the compatibility of the Charge 4 is one of its strongest features, making it a great option for those with different types of devices.