The Apple Watch Series 6 is everything a smartwatch should be — functional, stylish, and feature-packed. And with the introduction of sleep tracking and blood oxygen monitoring, Apple’s flagship wearable is even more complete. Fitbit’s Charge 4, on the other hand, takes a no-nonsense approach to fitness tracking. It also comes with some advanced health monitoring and basic smart features.
If Apple’s watch is all about the bells and whistles, then Fitbit’s offering is stripped down to deliver what it does best. While this might make it seem like the Watch 6 has an undisputed advantage, there are plenty of reasons you might choose the Charge 4 over it. Read our comparison of the Apple Watch 6 and
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Apple Watch Series 6 vs Fitbit Charge 4 Comparison Chart
| Model | Apple Watch Series 6 | |
| Amazon product | Amazon product | |
| Price | Amazon product | Amazon product |
| Display Type | Always-on retina OLED display | Backlit OLED display |
| Screen Size | 1.57″ (40mm model) 1.78″ (44mm model) | 1.00″ |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 7 days |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| ECG Monitoring | Yes | No |
| SpO2 Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Exercise Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual Health Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Call and Text Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Take Calls | Yes | No |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | No |
| Compatibility | iOS | iOS, Android |
Design
The Apple Watch Series 6 and
When it comes to design, the Apple Watch 6 and
Fitbit’s Charge 4, on other hand, is basically a wristband with a display. There’s also only one physical button on the device which is discreetly etched into the left side. Along with this unibody appearance, you get a rather slim and lightweight profile. It doesn’t boast much in terms of display, with the Charge 4 using backlit OLED technology. But it does its job and it’s readable even under direct sunlight.
Apple’s Watch 6 is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. You can also get the device in vibrant colors like Blue and Red. There’s also a plethora of straps you can choose from if you really want to customize your watch.
In contrast, the Charge 4 doesn’t have as many choices with colors and bands. But just like the Apple Watch, it puts a premium on quality. The fitness tracker comes in a durable plastic resin case with a display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. Both the Apple Watch 6 and
Fitness Tracking
Fitness tracking is still the arena of the
Fitbit’s forte has always been fitness and on the Charge 4, it truly shows. For a no-nonsense device, you get some pretty advanced features. The tracker comes with over 20 preloaded exercise modes. It’s also equipped with SmartTrack technology that automatically recognizes your activities like walking, running, and outdoor biking. Plus, you get comprehensive insight about your heart rate zones for both indoor and outdoor exercises.
Just like the Apple Watch Series 6, the Charge 4 uses an optical heart rate sensor. It also comes with built-in GPS, a staple in Apple Watches but new at least to Fitbit’s line of fitness trackers. This feature should make it more convenient to carry out outdoor activities like running and hiking. Not only can you leave your phone at home but the data you get from your routine will also be more accurate.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch 6 builds on the core fitness features of its predecessors. You still get long-term trends for your daily workouts. Automatic workout detection is also available. But now, you get more exercise modes on the Apple Watch 6. Some of the new activities you can track are Dance, Core Training, and post-workout Cooldown.
Apple is taking a leaf from Fitbit’s book as well. Along with the watch and watchOS 7, the company announced the launch of Apple Fitness+. The subscription-based virtual workout service should challenge similar existing programs, including Fitbit’s own Fitbit Premium.
Health and Safety Features
Apple’s latest wearable edges out Fitbit’s fitness tracker when it comes to health features.
While it’s branded as a fitness tracker, you still get some advanced health features on the
Fitbit’s Charge 4, however, doesn’t come with an ECG sensor. Apple pioneered the technology for a direct-to-consumer product back with the Apple Watch 4. It’s back with the Apple Watch 6 and should work nicely with the SpO2 monitoring and native sleep tracking app. Plus, Apple’s vibrant OLED display shows health information more intuitively compared to the Charge 4.
Of course, both devices come with standard wearable metrics: heart rate, calories burned, and breathing rate. But in terms of user safety, Apple does offer more. Like its predecessors, the Apple Watch Series 6 features fall detection, medical ID, as well as noise monitoring. Plus, it automatically detects hand-washing and sets a 20-second reminder to make sure you meet WHO recommendations. It’s really a watch for the times.
Smart Features and Battery Life
Apple’s Watch has more smart features while Fitbit’s Charge 4 offers a longer battery life.
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a smartwatch. Fitbit’s Charge 4, on the other hand, is a fitness tracker. That should be enough to explain everything, right? But the Charge 4, with all its simplicity, still comes with a few smart features. For instance, the tracker allows you to connect with and control your Spotify app. Keep in mind, however, you’ll need to have your smartphone nearby. Call and text notifications are available, too. However, unlike the Apple Watch 6, you can’t take calls using the watch itself.
It’s in these situations that Apple’s advantage in smart features is really demonstrated. The Cupertino-based tech giant’s nifty wearable is designed to seamlessly connect with and support everything. For instance, the Apple Watch 6 has Siri for its voice assistant. Through the watchOS 7, you also have access to a wealth of applications. And with the introduction of Family Setup, even non-iPhone users can take full advantage of the Apple Watch 6.
Still, the
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the more complete wearable but the
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the most complete wearable from Apple today. Its smart features are excellent and having watchOS 7 as the platform makes it an even better deal. Building on the success of earlier models, the Watch 6 also adds health and fitness features that should appeal to potential first-time buyers. If you’re a loyal Apple Watch user, however, these additions are a long time coming. After all, sleep tracking and blood oxygen monitoring have been a staple in other wearables, including Fitbit’s Charge series.
But if all you really care about is fitness tracking, then the Fitbit Charge 4 is more than enough. The device boasts health features that Apple’s wearable is only getting now in the Watch 6. Plus, the Charge 4 still comes with smart features and impressive battery life. For a reliable fitness tracker, the Charge 4 is hard to beat. For all the bells and whistles, however, you might want to go with the Apple Watch Series 6.
FAQs
The Apple Watch Series 6 offers more smart features and a better display compared to the Charge 4. The latter is a fitness tracker and puts a premium more on fitness features than being an extension of a smartphone on your wrist.
Fitbit’s Charge 4 only comes in one size. However, you can get the device in four different color finishes. You can also customize the wearable through interchangeable straps.
Fitbit’s bread and butter is fitness. The company’s devices, like the Versa and Charge 4 watches, are more fitness-focused and enjoys great support thanks to the Fitbit App.
Apple’s new SpO2 monitoring sensors are located at the crystal back of the Apple Watch 6.
