Review | Fitbit Charge 4: powerful fitness tracker let down by its poor screen – in black and white – and connectivity issues
- Fitbit’s update to its flagship fitness tracker has replaced the physical button on its side with a pressure-sensitive haptic button
- We like the new GPS sensor but the black and white screen, while responsive, doesn’t compare to the colour screens offered by rival products
After dabbling in smartwatches with its excellent Versa line, Fitbit has returned to its flagship fitness tracker with the Charge 4. We examine some of its upgrades and drawbacks.
Design and hardware
The Fitbit Charge 4 is, at just half an inch (12.5mm) at its thickest point and weighing 30g, one of the slimmest and lightest fitness trackers around.
This streamlined design is aided by the removal of the physical button that has been seen on past Fitbit devices. In its place is a pressure-sensitive “haptic button” that does the job without protruding from the side.
The model I tested comes with a patterned woven band instead of a rubber strap, which helps the tracker look more like an accessory than a gadget.
The 1-inch black and white screen is something of a letdown, as its rival products offer colour screens at the same price point.
The Charge 4’s screen isn’t that bright, either, making it hard to see under direct sunlight. It is, however, very responsive to swipes and taps.