The Fitbit Charge 6 is the latest iteration of Fitbit’s popular fitness tracker series, launched under Google’s ownership. Priced at $160, it represents a modest yet significant upgrade over the Charge 5. The Charge 6 stands out for its integration of Google features, including apps like Google Maps for route tracking and Google Wallet for tap-to-pay capabilities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what the Fitbit Charge 6 can do, focusing on its new features, improvements over the previous model, and overall performance in health and fitness tracking.
The Charge 6 maintains a similar design to its predecessor but introduces a new haptic side button, enhancing user interaction with the device. It features an AMOLED display, offering options for always-on or gesture-based operation. The display is bright and easily visible even in sunny conditions. The design continues to be sleek and lightweight, ensuring comfortable wear during various activities.
A key strength of the Charge 6 is its advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities. It boasts the most accurate heart rate tracker yet, utilizing Google’s machine learning models for precise readings. This improvement has a positive impact on related metrics, such as calorie burn tracking and Fitbit’s proprietary Active Zone Minutes. The device supports SpO2 measurements and has FDA-cleared electrocardiogram functionality for detecting irregular heart rhythms. Moreover, it introduces the ability to connect to Bluetooth-compatible exercise machines like Peloton bikes, enhancing workout tracking accuracy.
The Charge 6 expands its exercise modes, offering over 40 different options including new activities like surfing, skiing, and CrossFit. This wide range allows users to accurately track a diverse range of physical activities. It also features heart rate broadcasting over Bluetooth, enabling connectivity with compatible fitness equipment for real-time data monitoring.
Google Integration and Smart Features
Significant improvements come from the integration of Google services. The Charge 6 includes Google Maps for route tracking, Google Wallet for payments, and YouTube Music controls. However, these features require the device to be within Bluetooth range of a paired smartphone, and YouTube Music control necessitates a premium subscription. While these integrations enhance the device’s usability, they also highlight a dependence on smartphone connectivity for full functionality.
Battery Life and Sustainability
The Charge 6 offers a robust battery life, lasting up to a week on a single charge in gesture mode and approximately two days in always-on mode. The device is environmentally conscious, made from 100% recycled aluminum, and comes in plastic-free packaging.
The Charge 6 faces challenges with GPS performance, especially when worn tightly. While the new heart rate sensor shows improved accuracy, GPS reliability is inconsistent and often requires the device to be worn loosely. In some scenarios, users may need to rely on their phone’s GPS for accurate tracking.
Price and Value
Priced at $160, the Fitbit Charge 6 offers significant value for its range of features and capabilities. It remains competitively priced, especially considering the advanced health and fitness tracking features it offers. However, some functionalities, such as the Daily Readiness Score and Advanced Sleep Tracking, are locked behind the Fitbit Premium subscription, which may add to the overall cost for users seeking these specific features.
The Fitbit Charge 6 is a well-rounded fitness tracker, offering a blend of advanced health tracking, expanded exercise modes, and convenient smart features through Google integration. While it has limitations, particularly in GPS performance and dependency on smartphone connectivity, it stands out for its health and fitness tracking capabilities, making it a strong contender in its category. The Charge 6 is especially suitable for users looking for a comprehensive fitness tracker with smart features at a competitive price point.
Can You Answer Calls on Fitbit Charge 6?
The Fitbit Charge 6, despite its advanced health and fitness tracking features, does not support making phone calls directly from the device. While it can display notifications from a connected smartphone, including text messages and call alerts, and allows for quick text responses (when paired with Android), it lacks the capability for on-device phone calls. Users can answer or reject calls through the Charge 6, but the actual conversation must be conducted on the phone itself. This limitation is consistent with earlier Fitbit trackers, focusing more on health metrics and less on communication functionalities.
Will Fitbit Charge 6 Work with Iphone?
Fitbit Charge 6 Series
1- Fitbit Charge 6 review
2- What can the Fitbit Charge 6 do?
