In this post, I’ll be comparing Fitbit Charge 4 vs Inspire HR. This is an interesting comparison simply because both smartbands have so many features in common with Charge 4 priced higher as a result of having more features than Inspire HR. As you may know, Charge 4 is the successor to Charge 3 and it did come with some new features like inbuilt GPS, Spotify music control, the new Active minutes, and NFC that supports Fitbit Pay. Compare the differences between these two to help decide which is right for you.
Fitbit Charge 4 vs Inspire HR Specifications Compared
| Fitbit Charge 4 | Fitbit Inspire HR | |
|---|---|---|
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ABOUT DEVICE |
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| Device name | Fitbit Charge 4 | Fitbit Inspire HR |
| Device type | Sport/Fitness smartwatch | Fitness Smartband |
| Predecessor | Fitbit Charge 3 | N/A |
| Successor | N/A | N/A |
| Date Released | March, 2020 | March, 2019 |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
WHERE TO BUY |
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DISPLAY |
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| Display size | 1.57 inch | ~ 1.4 inch |
| Display type | OLED (monochrome) | grayscale OLED |
| 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 | Aluminum |
| Strap material | Elastomer | Silicone |
| Bezel Material | Resin | __ |
| Weight | 27 g | __ |
| Color(s) | Rosewood Black Storm blue/black |
Lilac Black White/black |
| Dimension | 35.8 x 22.7 x 12.5 mm | __ |
| Strap size | 140 - 180 mm (small) 180 - 220 mm (large) |
__ |
| Screen protection | 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 | No |
| 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 | No |
| 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 | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | Yes, 20+ | Yes, 15+ |
PLATFORM |
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| Operating system | Fitbit OS | Fitbit OS |
| CPU | -- | -- |
| GPU | -- | -- |
| Chipset | -- | -- |
SENSORS |
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| GPS | Yes | No, (connected GPS) |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | __ | No |
| Heart rate sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | No |
| Compass | No | No |
| Pulse Ox. | Yes | No |
| 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 7.0+ iOS 12.2+ Check your device compatibility |
Android, IOS Check supported devices |
| Payment system | Fitbit Pay | No |
| 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 | Standby: 10 day+ Mixed usage: 7 days Continuous GPS Tracking: 5 Hrs |
Mixed usage: up to 5 days |
| Charging mode | Charging Dock | USB based charging dock |
| Charging duration | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
BOX CONTENTS |
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| Fitbit Charge 4 | Fitbit Inspire HR | |
| Strap (small and large) | Straps | |
| Charger | Magnetic charging dock | |
| Quick start guide | Quick start guide | |
- Design
- Fitness Tracking
- Battery Life
- Smart Features
Both Inspire HR and Charge 4 spot a decent design that is lightweight, sleek, and comfortable to wear. Greyscale OLED powers the display on both devices which can be easily read. The body of both devices is also made with the plastic material while the straps are made from elastomer. Each of these two is also rated 5ATM which means waterproof up to 50 meters. Thus, it’s safe to wear any of these two to the shower or pool. In other words, I can say the design of both devices look good.
Fitness tracking is where both devices differ even though similarities are more. Both Charge 4 and Inspire HR will track your steps, distance, sleep in three stages: (REM, deep and light), continuous heart rate, stress management through guided breathing session, menstrual cycle tracking with 20 preloaded sport modes.
The difference though is the presence of inbuilt GPS in Charge 4 which Inspire HR lacks. Thus, with Charge 4, you can track outdoor activities without your phone, but you’ll need to carry your phone along if you’re to map your run with Inspire HR. You can then see a map of your run from the Fitbit App.
Another feature present in Charge 4 is Active minutes which allows you to set a target heart rate and the device will alert you when the preset target is reached. The Charge 4 will also count floors climbed, a feature Inspire HR lacks.
The bottom line, Charge 4 is a more comprehensive fitness tracker.
Fitbit Charge 4 has a longer battery life than Inspire HR. Users claimed that Charge 4 lasted an average of 5-6 days as against 4 days of Inspire HR. Please note that the actual battery life will vary by users.
There are also some smart features present on Charge 4 which Inspire HR lacks. Although, each of these two will alert you when you receive a notification on your phone, but Charge 4 features the sleep mode that allows you mute notification while sleeping and do not disturb mode that allows you to mute notification during the day. Charge 4 also comes NFC that enables Fitbit Pay, a feature that allows you to make a payment from the device.
Which Should You Buy?
The bottom line, Charge 4 is better than Inspire HR. It has more fitness tracking and smart features and as a result, you’ll have to pay more for it.
However, Inspire HR is still a great choice. The only difference is that you’ll have to carry your phone along when tracking outdoor activities, it can’t count floors you climb and there’s no NFC, yet I think it’s still a wise investment for the price.