14 DAY TRIAL // Fitbit has just announced the new Charge 5 activity tracker, and just as expected, the device comes with a series of welcome upgrades over its predecessor.
First and foremost, the Charge 5 sports an OLED touchscreen panel, so overall, the experience feels much more modern, giving the impression of a much more premium device.
The color display makes the device a lot easier to use, and if you’ve previously used a Fitbit device, the familiar interface makes everything a breeze. Fitbit is offering 20 custom watch faces on the Charge 5, as well as an always-on display option to provide certain information, such as the current time, always on the screen.
Needless to say, the AOD screen does come with an impact on the battery life, but with this feature turned on, the tracker should go up to 7 days per charge.
When it comes to the features that it packs, the Charge 5 does nearly everything, and it’s also the first tracker to sport ECG. This capability, however, won’t be available at launch, but Fitbit has promised to add it at a later time with a software update.
Available for pre-order today
On the other hand, you’re getting the typical HR monitoring, activity tracking, skin temperature (once again by measuring your base line), SpO2 readings, and much more. It can track workouts just like before, and starting with a future software update, the device would also be able to monitor snoring, something that’s pretty cool but which could raise some concerns for privacy advocates given it relies on microphones to listen to you in your sleep.
There are lots of bands available for the Charge 5, some of them in partnership with famous names in fashion, and this makes the tracker a lot more appealing, turning it from a typical fitness tracking product to a fashion accessory.
Those who like the Charge 5 can pre-order it today for $179, but surprisingly, Fitbit hasn’t said when exactly the device is supposed to start shipping. I’m guessing the whole thing would happen in the next few weeks though.
