The Fitbit Charge 4 which succeeds the Charge 3 is the latest addition to the rich lineup of Fitbit smartwatches, it does come with some new additions which Charge 3 lacks. In this simple comparison, I compare the difference between Charge 3 vs 4 to help you decide which of these two is the right choice for you.
Fitbit Charge 3 vs 4: Specs Comparison
| Fitbit Charge 3 | Fitbit Charge 4 | |
|---|---|---|
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ABOUT DEVICE |
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| Device name | Fitbit Charge 3 | Fitbit Charge 4 |
| Device type | Sporty/Fitness smartwatch | Sport/Fitness smartwatch |
| Predecessor | Fitbit Charge 2 | Fitbit Charge 3 |
| Successor | Fitbit Charge 4 | N/A |
| Date Released | August, 2018 | March, 2020 |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
WHERE TO BUY |
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DISPLAY |
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| Display size | 1.57 inch | 1.57 inch |
| Display type | OLED (monochrome) | OLED (monochrome) |
| Display resolution | __ | __ |
| Pixel density | -- | -- |
| Display always-on | No | No |
| Input type | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
BODY |
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| Shape | Rectangular/curved | Rectangular/curved |
| Casing material | Resin | Resin |
| Strap material | Polyester | Elastomer |
| Bezel Material | Resin | Resin |
| Weight | 30 grams | 27 g |
| Color(s) | Black White Rose-gold |
Rosewood Black Storm blue/black |
| Dimension | 38 x 18.3 x 11.8 mm | 35.8 x 22.7 x 12.5 mm |
| Strap size | 140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) |
140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla glass 3 | Hardened glass |
| Durability test | ||
| Waterproof rating | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
CLOCK FEATURES |
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| Time/Date | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
MEMORY |
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| RAM | -- | -- |
| Internal storage | __ | __ |
| Memory card slot | __ | __ |
MEDIA |
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| Audio | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No |
| Camera | No | No |
| Music streaming | No | No |
CONNECTIVITY |
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| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v4.0 LE | Bluetooth v4.0 LE |
| NFC | Yes (special edition) | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No |
NOTIFICATIONS |
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| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| Reminder | Yes | Yes |
CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
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| Network Technology | No | No |
| SIM | No | No |
FITNESS TRACKING |
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| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Blood pressure | No | No |
| ECG Tracking | No | No |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes, 15+ | Yes, 20+ |
PLATFORM |
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| Operating system | Fitbit OS | Fitbit OS |
| CPU | -- | -- |
| GPU | -- | -- |
| Chipset | -- | -- |
SENSORS |
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| GPS | No, (connected GPS) | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | __ | __ |
| Heart rate sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | No | No |
| Pulse Ox. | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | __ | __ |
| ECG | No | No |
| Thermometer | No | No |
| Ambient light | No | No |
OTHER FUNCTIONS |
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| Interchangeable straps | Yes | Yes |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | No | No |
| Compatibility | Android, IOS Check supported devices |
Android 7.0+ iOS 12.2+ Check your device compatibility |
| Payment system | Fitbit Pay (special edition) | Fitbit Pay |
| Companion app | Fitbit App | Fitbit App |
BATTERY |
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| Battery type | Non-removable lithium polymer | Non-removable lithium polymer |
| Battery capacity | _ | _ |
| Est. battery life | Mixed usage: up to 7 days | Standby: 10 day+ Mixed usage: 7 days Continuous GPS Tracking: 5 Hrs |
| Charging mode | USB based charging dock | Charging Dock |
| Charging duration | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
BOX CONTENTS |
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| Fitbit Charge 3 | Fitbit Charge 4 | |
| Strap (small and large) | Strap (small and large) | |
| Magnetic charging dock | Charger | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
Difference Between Fitbit Charge 3 vs 4
Charge 3 |
Charge 4 |
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Make Payment for Watch |
Special edition only |
Yes |
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Connect and Control Music |
No |
Yes |
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Sleep Mode Use the sleep mode to mute smartphone notifications and stop your screen from turning on at night.
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No |
Yes |
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Weight |
30g |
27g |
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Do Not Disturb Use do not disturb mode when you want to mute call, text, calendar and app notifications during the day
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No |
Yes |
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Active Zone Minutes Feel a buzz when you reach your target heart rate zones during exercise and celebrate when you earn extra minutes outside of workouts.
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No |
Yes |
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Real-time Pace and Distance |
Connected GPS |
Inbuilt GPS |
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Battery life |
7 days+ |
7 days+ |
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Editor's Rating |
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The Charge 4 still has the same design as the Charge 3, it’s same monochrome OLED display and 1.57 inches display. The case material is still resin material and straps made of fluoroelastomer. Its also touch responsive and the straps can easily be changed just in case you don’t like the one that came with it. Just like Charge 3, the Charge 4 is also available in the special edition which comes with additional woven polyester straps.
The difference between Charge 3 and 4 is that the later comes with NFC that allows you to make and receive payments directly from the watch. Charge 4 also comes with inbuilt GPS unlike the Charge 3 that works with connected GPS, and it features additional fitness tracking features like the new Active minutes that allow you to preset target heart rate.
Which is Better? Should You Upgrade?
I think with the addition of inbuilt GPS in Charge 4 and NFC that enables Fitbit Pay, it’s certainly a better smartwatch/smartband than Charge 3. Inbuilt GPS will allow you to track your routes, locations, and distance without having to carry your phone along. That’s some level of convenience.
But considering the price difference of almost $70 as the time of writing this post, Charge 3 is still a fantastic choice and if you already own it, there’s no need to upgrade because I honestly don’t think it’s worth it.
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