Fitbit is about to release the Fitbit Charge 4, its first new device since being acquired by Google last November.
New device yes, but as the name indicates, it’s an update to the long-running Charge series. So it’s some slight design changes on the outside, along with beefing up the electronics inside, and the software on offer.
The Charge 4 is the first Fitbit device with GPS tracking. Enable GPS in an outdoor workout, and post-exercise synch the tracker with the Fitbit app on your smartphone, to see your workout intensity heat-mapped on top of your route.
New software capability on the Charge 4 is something called Active Zone Minutes. This takes fitness data gathered from your exercise, such as resting heart rate, age, and weight, and displays which heart rate zones you reached during your exercise, all toward driving you toward a weekly goal of 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.
A full battery charge will give you 7 days of fitness tracking, though that cuts down to 5 hours if you’re using GPS tracking. As the image above indicates, the Charge 4 is swim-friendly. It’s water-resistant down to 50 metres, and Fitbit recommend that you dry the device after swim use. This is for the care of your skin rather than any need to keep the electronics safe. It’s said in the specs that you can wear it while showering, but I really wouldn’t, as the water-resistant guidelines clash with the statement that wearing the Charge 4 in a hot tub or sauna is discouraged.
Free with the Charge 4 is a 90-day trial of Fitbit Premium, a collection of ‘guided’ programs, workouts, mindfulness tools, nutrition advice, and more. Once the free trial is over, Fitbit Premium is $9.99 monthly, or $79.99 annually.
Price and availability
The Charge 4 is available for pre-order now, online from the Fitbit website, or from the online stores of JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Amazon and Officeworks. Its release date, whether you pre-order or visit a retail store, is 14 April 2020.
The Fitbit Charge 4 has an RRP of $249.95, with a colour choice of black, rosewood and storm blue/black. As ever, there will be other bands available for the device should you want to customise its look.
If you like your wrist-worn fitness devices just a little bit more blingy, there’s also a Charge 4 Special Edition, with a granite reflective/black woven band, plus a standard black band, selling for $289.95.