Choosing a Fitbit Charge: 3, 4 or 5?
Do you remember the Fitbit Flex? When this slim and comfortable bracelet with its five small LEDs hit the market in 2013, it seemed like everyone had one. The Flex has changed the whole concept of fitness, making it normal and even fashionable to wear a tracker during your day. Soon the narrow black bracelet became the must-have accessory for anyone who cares about their health.
Eight years later, the latest Fitbit is eagerly awaited by runners, hikers, swimmers and fitness enthusiasts around the world. With a wide range of different models as well as frequent updates, it’s tempting to buy the latest version of your favorite Fitbit as soon as it releases. But these useful little devices are so tough and durable that there’s often no need to rush out for an upgrade. The Fitbit Charge 3 is one example. Read on to learn more about this model and how it compares to its successors, the Charge 4 and Charge 5.
Daily versatility
Compared to the original Fitbit Flex, the Charge 3 is a world of its own. The aluminum body and detachable strap make it look more like a chic watch than a fitness tracker, but it’s completely safe for swimming and can be worn all day and night. The seven-day battery life and 1-2 hour charge time mean you hardly need to take it out.
With a grayscale OLED display, you can see your step count with just a glance at your wrist. The screen also shows the time and date, and you can receive app, phone, text, and calendar notifications by pairing the Charge 3 with your smartphone. While you can’t type entire messages using the screen, Android users can send a personalized “quick reply” if a text is just too important to wait.
The Charge 3 also has an advanced heart monitor and sleep tracking, giving you continuous insight into your health. In short, it’s a very functional fitness tracker that also works great as a smartwatch. A powerful combination!
Who?
If you already own a Charge 3, you might be wondering whether you should upgrade to 4 or 5. The answer is – it depends. For many Fitbit users, the Charge 3 has enough features to cover all of their daily needs. If you’re pretty happy with yours but want to switch things up a bit, why not choose a new Fitbit Charge 3 band from the range available online and give your tracker a facelift?
However, regular runners will likely appreciate the onboard GPS of the 4 and 5, which means you don’t have to carry your smartphone around every time you go. The Charge 5 also has more sophisticated health tools, including EDA and ECG sensors. For advanced users, the new models are worth it. The price of the Charge 4 has also dropped since the release of the 5, making it a great budget option for serious Fitbit fans.
