Which is better between Fitbit Ionic vs Charge 4? I think Ionic is a better smartwatch, but Charge 4 is a better choice if you need a cheaper fitness companion
The Charge 4 is the latest fitness tracking device from Fitbit, it succeeds the Charge 3, and now comes with inbuilt GPS, NFC and music control as well as being a complete fitness tracker. Sams can be said about the Ionic released in 2017, but still one of the best sellers on the market. In this post, I compare the Ionic vs Charge 4 to find the differences and to help you decide which is a better bargain.
Meanwhile compare the specs of the Charge 4 vs Ionic to see the differences, further down, you’ll see the similar features as well as the differences.
Fitbit Ionic vs Charge 4: Specifications
Fitbit Ionic | Fitbit Charge 4 | |
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ABOUT DEVICE |
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Device name | Fitbit Ionic | Fitbit Charge 4 |
Device type | Sport/Fitness smartwatch | Sport/Fitness smartwatch |
Predecessor | Fitbit Charge 3 | |
Successor | N/A | |
Date Released | August, 2017 | March, 2020 |
Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
WHERE TO BUY |
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DISPLAY |
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Display size | 1.42 inch | 1.57 inch |
Display type | LCD | OLED (monochrome) |
Display resolution | 348 x 250 pixel | __ |
Pixel density | 306 ppi | -- |
Display always-on | Yes | No |
Input type | Touchscreen 3 buttons |
Touchscreen |
BODY |
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Shape | Rectangular/curved | Rectangular/curved |
Casing material | Aerospace-grade aluminium | Resin |
Strap material | Elastomer | Elastomer |
Bezel Material | Aluminum | Resin |
Weight | 30g | 27 g |
Color(s) | Charcoal/smoke grey Blue/burnt orange Blue-grey/silver |
Rosewood Black Storm blue/black |
Dimension | 38 x 45 x 12 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 | 4GB (2.5GB available) | __ |
Memory card slot | No | __ |
MEDIA |
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Audio | mp3/mp4 | No |
Microphone | No | No |
Loudspeaker | No | No |
Camera | No | No |
Music streaming | Yes | No |
CONNECTIVITY |
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Bluetooth | Bluetooth v4.0 LE | Bluetooth v4.0 LE |
NFC | Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi | Yes | 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 | No | Yes |
Menstrual cycle tracking | Yes | Yes |
Blood pressure | No | No |
ECG Tracking | No | No |
Blood oxygen | No | Yes |
Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes, 20+ |
PLATFORM |
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Operating system | Fitbit OS | Fitbit OS |
CPU | -- | -- |
GPU | -- | -- |
Chipset | -- | -- |
SENSORS |
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GPS | Yes | Yes |
Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
Gyroscope | Yes | __ |
Heart rate sensor | Yes | Yes |
Barometer | Yes | Yes |
Compass | No | No |
Pulse Ox. | No | Yes |
Altimeter | __ | __ |
ECG | No | No |
Thermometer | No | No |
Ambient light | Yes | 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 | 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 5 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 Ionic | Fitbit Charge 4 | |
Strap (small and large) | Strap (small and large) | |
Magnetic charging dock | Charger | |
Quick start guide | Quick start guide |
Fitbit Charge 4/Ionic Similar Features
The list below shows all the features similar to both the Ionic and Charge 4.
- Inbuilt GPS
- Personalised Reminders
- Automatic Exercise Recognition
- 20+ Preloaded Sport Modes
- Personalised Insights
- Swimproof
- Sedentary Reminders
- Workout Intensity Map
- Heart Rate Zones
- Advanced Sleep Tools
- Guided Programs
- Health and Fitness Tracking
- Cardio Fitness Score
- Comprehensive Sleep Tracking for Light, Deep and REM Stages
- Female Health Tracking
- Guilded Breathing Sessions Help You Manage Stress
- All Day Heart Rate Tracking
- All Day Activity Tracking
- Sleep Score
- Sleep Tracking
- Resting Heart Rate
- All Day Calorie Burn
- Syncs Wirelessly With Compatible Devices
- Make Payments Directly From Watch
- Smartphone Notifications
- Connect and Control Music on Spotify
- App Dashboard
- Sleep Mode
- Do Not Disturb Mode
- On-Wrist Stats
Inbuilt GPS lets you see your real-time pace and distance without a phone, then get a map of your route in the Fitbit app.
Stay on track toward your goals with personalized reminders that remind you to stay active, get hydrated, stick to a sleep schedule, and more.
Automatically record select exercises like running, biking, and more & see detailed workout information in the Fitbit app.
Choose from 20+ exercise modes like run, bike, swim, yoga, and more, set a goal, and get real-time stats during your workouts.
Get insights based on your personal stats and specific guidance on how to improve.
Water-resistant up to 50M, so you can wear your tracker or smartwatch in the shower, pool, and beyond.
See how long you’ve been active throughout the day and get reminders to fit in a few extra steps when you’ve been sitting a bit too long.
After outdoor exercise, check your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app to see your heart rate zones throughout your route.
Use your personalized fat burn, cardio, and peak heart rate zones to optimize your effort during workouts.
Unlock a Sleep Score breakdown and personalized tools to help you sleep better.
Follow customized, step-by-step programs that help you build healthier habits in key areas.
Track activity, weight, sleep, and nutrition and see your progress in the app.
Get a better understanding of your fitness level and see how you can improve over time with a personalized Cardio Fitness Score.
See your time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep stages and get sleep insights to help you improve.
Know your body on a deeper level using your tracker or smartwatch with the Fitbit app to follow your cycle, record symptoms, and more.
Find moments of calm throughout your day with personalized breathing sessions based on your heart rate.
Use 24/7 heart rate to better track calorie burn, see your resting heart rate trends, and get real-time guidance to optimize your workouts.
Track steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, hourly activity, and stationary time.
Based on your heart rate, time asleep, and restlessness, this personalized score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night.
Understand your rest with automatic sleep tracking and silent alarms on your wrist & bedtime reminders and helpful tips in the app.
Wear your tracker or smartwatch all day and night to record your resting heart rate and track heart rate over time.
Better understand the total number of calories you burn—all day and during workouts—to manage your weight and stay on track toward your goals.
Automatically sync to most popular iOS and Android devices to show your stats, trends, and progress on your Fitbit dashboard.
Use your credit and debit cards to make secure purchases anywhere that accepts tap-and-pay. See participating banks.
See call, text, or calendar notifications on screen & get push notifications from smartphone apps. Available when your phone is nearby.
Control your music, “like” songs, and browse recent playlists and podcasts all from your wrist. Works with phones nearby; Spotify Premium subscription required. Not available in all countries.
Set goals, track progress, and get a more complete picture of your health and fitness—all on your dashboard in the Fitbit app.
Use the sleep mode to mute smartphone notifications and stop your screen from turning on at night.
Use do not disturb mode when you want to mute call, text, calendar, and app notifications during the day.
Check your stats on your Fitbit tracker or smartwatch—and get the nudge you need to reach your goals.
Fitbit Ionic vs Charge 4: Differences
Fitbit Ionic |
Fitbit Charge 4 |
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Display |
Colored LCD upto 1000nits |
Monochrome LCD |
Store and Play Music |
Yes, up to 300 tracks |
No |
Control Music on Spotify |
No |
Yes |
Connect with Wireless Headphone Listen to your favorite tunes without the wires.
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Text |
Yes |
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 |
Real-Time Pace and Distance Using Phone GPS |
Yes |
No |
On-Screen Workout |
Yes |
No |
Real-time Pace and Distance |
Text |
Inbuilt GPS |
Battery life |
5 days |
7 days+ |
Editor's Rating |
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Which Should You Buy?
First of all, it’s important to state that from the design, features, and otherwise, the Ionic is a more comprehensive smartwatch (if I can also call the Charge 4 a smartwatch, though looks more like a smartband). The Ionic is of a higher quality which you can see from the design. While it has a more durable aluminum case and Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Charge 4 case is made of resin. Similarly, it also has a brighter and more colorful LCD display compared to the monochrome LCD of Charge 4. In other words, I think it’s right to say that the Ionic is a better smartwatch with more features like music storage and up to 5 days long battery life
Charge 4, on the other hand, is way cheaper, yet has lots of fitness tracking features in addition to the newly added Active Zone Minutes that allow you set target heart rate and has up to 7 days long battery life that allows you go longer from a single charge. I conclude by saying that, Charge 4 is better choice for you if you need a cheaper fitness companion.