Fitbit Charge 5 vs Fitbit Versa 4: Specs & Features Compared
Choosing the right fitness tracker can feel overwhelming, with so many options available. If you’re eyeing a Fitbit, you’ve likely narrowed it down to two popular choices: the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Versa 4. Both offer a comprehensive suite of features to help you track your health and fitness goals.
But which one is the better fit for you? This comparison dives deep into the specifications, features, and overall performance of the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Versa 4. We’ll explore their key differences, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
From advanced health metrics to sleek designs, these two Fitbits have a lot to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your wellness journey, understanding the nuances of the Fitbit Charge 5 vs. Fitbit Versa 4 is crucial.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | fitbit charge 5 | fitbit versa 4 specs |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 0.86″ | 1.58″ |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in |
| Heart Rate Tracking | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| ECG App | Yes | Yes |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Active Zone Minutes | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Modes | 20+ | 40+ |
| Music Storage | No | No |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant (coming soon) | Amazon Alexa |
| Water Resistance | Swimproof | Swimproof |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Display
- Fitbit Charge 5: Features a sleek, streamlined design with a color AMOLED touchscreen. It’s smaller and more compact than the Versa 4, making it comfortable for all-day wear and during workouts. However, the smaller screen can make it harder to read notifications for some users.
- Fitbit Versa 4 Specs: Boasts a larger, brighter color AMOLED display and a more traditional smartwatch design. This allows for easier readability of information and a more expansive view of stats and notifications. Some users may find it bulkier than the Charge 5.
- Winner: Versa 4
Fitness Tracking
- Fitbit Charge 5: Excels at fitness tracking with built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes, and a Daily Readiness Score. It’s focused on core fitness metrics and offers a streamlined experience. The compact size makes it ideal for running and other activities.
- Fitbit Versa 4 Specs: Provides comprehensive fitness tracking including Active Zone Minutes, built-in GPS, and also offers a Daily Readiness Score. It is comparable to the Charge 5, but its larger size may be preferred for some users during workouts.
- Winner: Tie
Health Features
- Fitbit Charge 5: Includes an ECG app for detecting atrial fibrillation, as well as skin temperature variation tracking and stress management tools. It offers a strong suite of health-focused features.
- Fitbit Versa 4 Specs: Also features the ECG app, skin temperature variation tracking, and stress management tools. Provides the same core health features as the Charge 5.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Fitbit Charge 5: Offers up to 7 days of battery life, which can be reduced with heavy GPS usage. The battery life is respectable and allows for multiple days of use without charging.
- Fitbit Versa 4 Specs: Provides up to 6 days of battery life, slightly less than the Charge 5. Heavy GPS usage will also impact battery life.
- Winner: Charge 5
Smartwatch Features
- Fitbit Charge 5: Offers basic smartwatch features, including notifications, call alerts, and Fitbit Pay. This is less than the Versa 4, but still adequate for basic needs.
- Fitbit Versa 4 Specs: Provides a more robust smartwatch experience with app support, more advanced notification management, and Fitbit Pay. It is a more feature-rich smartwatch.
- Winner: Versa 4
GPS Performance
- Fitbit Charge 5: Has built-in GPS, allowing for accurate tracking of outdoor activities without the need for your phone. GPS performance is generally accurate and reliable.
- Fitbit Versa 4 Specs: Also includes built-in GPS, offering the same level of functionality for tracking outdoor activities as the Charge 5.
- Winner: Tie
Heart Rate Tracking
- Fitbit Charge 5: Uses Fitbit’s PurePulse 2.0 technology for continuous heart rate tracking, providing insights into your heart health and activity levels. Heart rate tracking is generally accurate.
- Fitbit Versa 4 Specs: Also utilizes PurePulse 2.0 for continuous heart rate monitoring, delivering the same level of heart rate data and accuracy as the Charge 5.
- Winner: Tie
Price and Value
- Fitbit Charge 5: Typically priced lower than the Versa 4, making it a more budget-friendly option for those seeking comprehensive fitness tracking. It offers excellent value for its price point.
- Fitbit Versa 4 Specs: Generally costs more than the Charge 5, reflecting its more advanced smartwatch features and larger display. The price difference reflects its more premium design.
- Winner: Charge 5
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Fitbit Versa 4 |
| Fitness Tracking | Tie |
| Battery Life | Fitbit Charge 5 |
| Smartwatch Features | Fitbit Versa 4 |
| Display | Fitbit Versa 4 |
What They Have in Common
- Heart Rate Tracking: Both the Fitbit Charge 5 and Versa 4 offer continuous 24/7 heart rate tracking, providing comprehensive insights into your cardiovascular health and activity levels.
- Gps: Both devices include built-in GPS, allowing you to track your runs, walks, and other outdoor activities without needing your phone.
- Spo2 Monitoring: Both fitness trackers monitor your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels, helping you understand your overall wellness and detect potential health concerns.
- Active Zone Minutes: Both devices use Active Zone Minutes to help you track your physical activity.
- Water Resistance: Both the Charge 5 and Versa 4 are swimproof, allowing you to track your swimming workouts and wear them in the shower.
Fitbit Charge 5 Vs Fitbit Versa 4 Specs Buying Guide
Design and Display
The Fitbit Charge 5 boasts a sleek, streamlined design with a vibrant AMOLED color touchscreen display, offering excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. Its compact form factor makes it comfortable for all-day wear, particularly during workouts. In contrast, the Versa 4 features a slightly larger and more traditional square design with a similar AMOLED display. While also comfortable, its larger size might be preferable for those who enjoy a more prominent screen for notifications and data visualization. The Charge 5 prioritizes a minimalist aesthetic, while the Versa 4 provides a more expansive display experience.
Fitness Tracking Features
Both the Charge 5 and Versa 4 excel in fitness tracking, offering a comprehensive suite of features. They both include built-in GPS for accurate distance and pace tracking during outdoor activities, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. The Charge 5 introduces the Daily Readiness Score, a feature that provides personalized insights into your body’s recovery and readiness for exercise. The Versa 4 also tracks a wide array of activities, but it might lack specific advanced features like the Daily Readiness Score found on the Charge 5. Both offer excellent insights into your overall health and fitness journey.
Health Tracking Capabilities
Beyond fitness, both devices offer robust health tracking capabilities. They monitor heart rate variability (HRV), skin temperature variations, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels. The Charge 5 and Versa 4 provide stress management tools, including guided breathing sessions and stress management scores. The Charge 5 offers an ECG app to detect potential atrial fibrillation, a feature not available on the Versa 4. This additional health-focused feature gives the Charge 5 an edge in proactive health monitoring. Both devices sync seamlessly with the Fitbit app for in-depth data analysis.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any wearable device. The Fitbit Charge 5 typically offers up to 7 days of battery life, depending on usage, especially if GPS is used frequently. The Versa 4 also boasts impressive battery life, usually lasting around 6-7 days. However, the exact battery performance can vary based on features used. Both devices use a proprietary charging cable. The Charge 5, due to its smaller size, might charge slightly faster. The choice is less about battery life and more about other features.
Smartwatch Functionality
The Versa 4 offers enhanced smartwatch functionality compared to the Charge 5. It allows for receiving and responding to text messages (Android only), making and taking calls (via Bluetooth), and accessing a wider selection of apps. The Charge 5 provides basic smartwatch features, such as receiving notifications and controlling music playback. The Versa 4 is more fully featured and versatile. The Charge 5 focuses more on fitness tracking features. If you prioritize advanced smartwatch features, the Versa 4 is the clear winner.
Price and Value
The Fitbit Charge 5 and Versa 4 are typically priced in the mid-range of the fitness tracker market. The Charge 5 is often positioned at a slightly lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. The Versa 4, with its additional features, might come at a slightly higher cost. Consider your priorities; if you need more smartwatch capabilities, the Versa 4 is worth the extra cost. Both devices offer excellent value for their feature sets, but the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy fitbit charge 5 If…
- You prefer a slimmer, more discreet design.
- You want a fitness tracker that’s easy to wear during workouts.
- You prioritize a long battery life.
- You want a device primarily focused on fitness tracking.
Buy fitbit versa 4 specs If…
- You want a larger, more vibrant display.
- You prefer a smartwatch with more advanced features and apps.
- You want access to voice assistant (Alexa).
- You want a more stylish and versatile device for everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Daily Readiness Score?
The Daily Readiness Score, exclusive to the Charge 5, provides a personalized assessment of your body’s recovery based on activity, sleep, and heart rate variability. It helps you determine whether to push yourself with a workout or prioritize rest. This score informs your training and helps prevent overtraining, promoting optimal fitness gains.
Does the Fitbit Charge 5 have built-in GPS?
Yes, the Fitbit Charge 5 does have built-in GPS. This allows you to track your pace, distance, and routes during outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking without needing your phone. This feature provides more accurate data and convenience for fitness tracking.
Can I make calls on the Fitbit Versa 4?
The Fitbit Versa 4 allows you to make and receive calls via Bluetooth when connected to your smartphone. This feature is not available on the Charge 5. The ability to answer calls directly from your wrist adds another layer of convenience.
Does the Fitbit Charge 5 track sleep?
Yes, both the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Versa 4 track your sleep. They monitor sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and provide a sleep score to give insights into sleep quality. The Fitbit app then offers recommendations to improve sleep hygiene.
What is the battery life of the Fitbit Versa 4?
The Fitbit Versa 4 typically offers up to 6-7 days of battery life on a single charge. The actual battery life can vary based on usage, particularly the frequency of GPS usage and the use of other power-intensive features. This makes it a great choice for long trips.
Can I respond to text messages on the Fitbit Versa 4?
Yes, the Fitbit Versa 4 allows you to respond to text messages. However, this feature is limited to Android users. iPhone users can receive notifications but cannot reply directly from their watch. This feature offers convenience for Android users.
Which Fitbit has an ECG app?
The Fitbit Charge 5 features an ECG (electrocardiogram) app. This app can detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm. The Versa 4, while offering heart rate tracking, does not have this specific ECG functionality. The ECG app gives an added advantage.
Final Verdict
Both the Fitbit Charge 5 and Versa 4 are excellent fitness trackers. The Charge 5 excels with its compact design, advanced health features like the ECG app, and Daily Readiness Score, making it a strong choice for fitness enthusiasts. The Versa 4 offers a larger display, enhanced smartwatch capabilities, and a wider range of apps. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities.
Winner: Fitbit Charge 5