Fitbit Charge 4 vs Charge 6 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right fitness tracker depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how much technology you need on your wrist. The Fitbit Charge 6 and Fitbit Charge 4 are both designed to support health and fitness tracking, but they cater to different users. The Charge 4 delivers solid essentials for activity tracking and GPS. The Charge 6 builds on that with upgraded sensors, smart features, and a smoother experience. This article will walk you through the key differences to help you decide which model is the better fit for your needs.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Fitbit Charge 6 | Fitbit Charge 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED color touchscreen | Grayscale OLED touchscreen |
| Always-On Display | Yes (with adjustable settings) | No |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor | 24/7 with improved accuracy during workouts | 24/7 standard optical sensor |
| ECG & EDA Sensor | ECG and EDA sensors included | Not available |
| Stress Management | Yes (with Body Response sensor) | Basic stress tracking only |
| Google Maps Support | Yes (on-wrist turn-by-turn directions) | Not available |
| Smart Notifications | Yes, plus YouTube Music and Google Wallet | Yes, but limited to basic notifications |
| Voice Assistant | No | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days (varies with features used) | Up to 7 days |
| Compatibility | Android and iOS | Android and iOS |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC | Bluetooth 4.0, NFC |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Fitbit Charge 6 refines the design with a sleek aluminum case and a vibrant AMOLED color display that makes stats easier to view. The Charge 4 uses a grayscale OLED screen, which is functional but not as sharp or responsive. Both have swimproof construction and a similar form factor, but the Charge 6 looks and feels more modern.
Display and Visibility
Charge 6 introduces an always-on AMOLED screen with rich colors and better touch responsiveness. It’s easier to read in direct sunlight and improves user interaction. Charge 4’s monochrome OLED display is harder to read outdoors and lacks always-on functionality.
Health Sensors and Metrics
Charge 6 offers more advanced health tracking, including ECG for heart rhythm assessment and EDA for stress monitoring. These are not available on Charge 4, which sticks to standard heart rate, sleep, and SpO2 tracking. Charge 6 also includes an improved optical heart rate sensor for more accurate readings during exercise.
Fitness and Sports Features
Both devices support built-in GPS, heart rate tracking, and exercise modes. Charge 6 adds on-device Google Maps, offering real-time navigation during runs or rides. This makes it more useful for outdoor fitness enthusiasts. Charge 4 supports similar tracking but without maps or route guidance.
Smart Features and App Integration
Charge 6 integrates Google services like Google Wallet for contactless payments and YouTube Music controls. These features are missing in Charge 4, which supports basic call, text, and calendar alerts only. Charge 6 also improves connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi for better syncing and music control.
Stress and Mindfulness Tools
Charge 6 includes the Body Response sensor to detect stress and offers guided breathing and stress management features via the Fitbit app. Charge 4 has a simpler stress-tracking function based on heart rate variability but lacks EDA-based analysis.
Battery Life and Charging
Both models claim up to 7 days of battery life, but with Charge 6’s always-on display and advanced sensors, actual usage may result in slightly less. Charge 4 maintains more consistent battery life if used without GPS frequently. Both use proprietary chargers.
Software and App Experience
The Charge 6 benefits from the latest Fitbit software updates, with smoother animations and better integration with the Fitbit app. It also supports more detailed Health Metrics dashboards. Charge 4 still receives updates but lacks newer features like customizable on-screen widgets and the updated interface seen in Charge 6.
FAQ
Is the Fitbit Charge 6 worth upgrading from the Charge 4?
Yes, if you value features like ECG, EDA, color display, and better smart integrations. The Charge 6 offers a much richer health and smartwatch experience compared to the more basic Charge 4.
Does the Fitbit Charge 6 support Google apps?
Yes, it supports Google Maps for real-time directions and Google Wallet for contactless payments. It also allows control of YouTube Music.
Can I swim with both Charge 4 and Charge 6?
Yes, both trackers are water-resistant up to 50 meters and can be used while swimming or in the shower.
Do both models have GPS?
Yes, both come with built-in GPS. However, Charge 6 offers better mapping support and more accurate positioning during movement.
What’s the difference in the displays?
Charge 6 has a full-color AMOLED touchscreen that supports always-on display, while Charge 4 uses a grayscale OLED screen without always-on capabilities.
Which model has better heart rate accuracy?
Charge 6 features an updated heart rate sensor that is more accurate during high-intensity workouts and stress analysis.
Can I get phone calls or voice assistant on these?
Neither model supports taking phone calls or using a voice assistant like Google Assistant or Alexa directly on the device.
Do both models work with Android and iPhone?
Yes, Fitbit Charge 4 and Charge 6 are compatible with both Android and iOS devices via the Fitbit app.
Is music playback available on these trackers?
Charge 6 supports control of YouTube Music, but it does not store music. Charge 4 supports Spotify controls but lacks deeper music integration.
Which one is better for managing stress?
Charge 6 is better due to the EDA sensor and Body Response tracking. It provides more detailed stress insights and guided relaxation tools compared to the Charge 4.