(Android Authority) Fitbit Charge 5 vs Charge 6: What’s new and which should you buy?


Fitbit is synonymous with fitness trackers, and its Charge series is largely responsible for this. While the Fitbit Charge 5 added some specific wellness monitoring kit, the new Fitbit Charge 6 brings more Google-focused features to your wrist. Does this make it better, and what else is new? Learn more in our Fitbit Charge 5 vs Charge 6 comparison.

Fitbit Charge 5 vs Charge 6: Specs

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit Charge 5
Display 1.04-inch AMOLED
Full-color
Touchscreen
1.04-inch AMOLED
Full-color
Touchscreen
Dimensions and weight 36.7 x 23.1 x 11.2mm
37.64g
All measurements do not include a band
36.7 x 22.7 x 11.2mm
28g
All measurements do not include a band
Materials Aluminum, glass, and resin Aluminum, glass, and resin
Limitations Operating temp.: 14 to 113 degrees F
Max operating alt.: 28,000ft
Operating temp.: 14 to 113 degrees F
Max operating alt.: 28,000ft
Phone compatibility Android 9 Pie or later
iOS 15 or higher
You MUST use a Google account to log in
Android 9 Pie or later
iOS 15 or higher
Battery and power Up to 7 days advertised battery life
Charge time (0 to 100%): Two hours (advertised)
Proprietary charger included in box
Up to 7 days advertised battery life
Charge time (0 to 100%): Two hours (advertised)
Proprietary charger included in box
Sensors Optical heart rate monitor
Sleep tracking
AFib monitoring
3-axis accelerometer
Built-in GPS + GLONASS
SpO2 monitoring
EDA & ECG sensors
Ambient light sensor
Optical heart rate monitor
Sleep tracking
AFib monitoring
3-axis accelerometer
Built-in GPS + GLONASS
SpO2 monitoring
EDA & ECG sensors
Ambient light sensor
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0
NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
NFC
Durability Water resistant up to 50m
No official IP rating
Water resistant up to 50m
No official IP rating
Services Google Wallet/Pay
Google Maps (connected notifications only)
YouTube Music (connected controls only)
Notifications (read-only)
Heart-rate transmission to supported gym equipment
Fitbit Pay
Notifications (read-only)
In-box contents Fitbit Charge 6
Proprietary charger
Small wrist band
Large wrist band
Six-month Fitbit Premium trial subscription
Paperwork
Fitbit Charge 5
Proprietary charger
Small wrist band
Large wrist band
Six-month Fitbit Premium trial subscription
Paperwork

Fitbit Charge 5 vs Charge 6: Design

Smartwatches and fitness trackers launched in 2023 look an awful lot like their predecessors, and the Fitbit Charge 6 continues that trend. Fitbit’s new tracker largely recycles the design of the Charge 5, including the flush band fitting, metal bezels surrounding a generous AMOLED display, and strap fastening mechanism. What is new is a physical button, which replaces Charge 5’s unreliable inductive groove. This was among our biggest gripes with Fitbit’s former fitness tracker during our review, and we’re thrilled the pusher returns on the new model. The Charge 6 does add substantial weight to the package, though. It now tips the scales at over 37.6 grams — a 34% increase over the Charge 5. It’s also slightly wider, but you’ll barely notice this without a tape measure.

Be the first to comment

Give Feedback About This Article