Fitbit is responsible for several excellent fitness-first smartwatches, such as the Sense and Versa series. That said, its bread and butter model lineup has long been its Charge family. While the Charge 5 is the latest and greatest tracking in the lineup, the company’s two older Charge models are still excellent buys. But should you purchase the Charge 3 or the Charge 4? In this Fitbit Charge 3 vs Charge 4 comparison, we detail the company’s two devices alongside one another, outlining the key differences and similarities.
Our verdict: Fitbit Charge 3 review | Fitbit Charge 4 review
Fitbit Charge 3 vs Charge 4 specs
| Fitbit Charge 3 | Fitbit Charge 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1-inch touchscreen OLED 160×100 Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
1-inch touchscreen OLED 160×100 Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Battery | 7 days Lithium-polymer |
7 days 5 hours with GPS Lithium-polymer |
| Memory | Saves 7 days of motion data Saves daily totals for the last 30 days Heart rate data at one-second intervals during exercise tracking and at five-second intervals all other times |
Saves 7 days of detailed motion and heart rate data, minute by minute Saves daily totals for the last 30 days Heart rate data at one-second intervals during exercise tracking and at five-second intervals all other times |
| Sensors | 3-axis accelerometer Optical heart rate monitor Altimeter Vibration motor Relative SpO2 sensor NFC for Fitbit Pay (special edition only) |
3-axis accelerometer Optical heart rate monitor Altimeter GPS + GLONASS SpO2 sensor Skin temperature sensor Vibration motor NFC |
| IP rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Smart features | Call, text, calendar, email, music control, quick replies | Call, text, calendar, email, music control with Spotify support, Fitbit Pay, and quick replies |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows | Android, iOS, Windows |
| Dimensions | Small: 139.7 – 180.3mm Large: 180.3 – 220.99mm |
Small: 140 – 180mm Large: 180mm – 220mm |
| Colors | Black/graphite aluminum Blue-gray / rose gold aluminum Lavender woven/rose gold aluminum Frost white sport/graphite aluminum |
Black Rosewood Storm Blue/Black Special Edition Granite/Reflective Woven |
Fitbit Charge 3 vs Charge 4 features
There’s very little separating the Fitbit Charge 3 and Charge 4 on paper or in the flesh. The two trackers are physically identical, from their monochrome OLED displays to their 5ATM water-resistant bodies. This philosophy has its advantages, but it also comes at a cost. You can use Fitbit Charge 3 bands on the Charge 4, and the Charge 3’s excellent build quality continues into the newer tracker. But the Charge 4 also features a few of its predecessor’s design issues, like an unreliable inductive button and somewhat bland aesthetic.