This way, you can track your jogging route even without a smartphone and record the altitude, speed, and distance covered. The Fitbit Charge 4 has an integrated GPS module and this is what sets it apart from the far more affordable models in the market. Hence, if a heavy (relatively speaking) smartphone could be replaced by a smart fitness tracker on the wrist, that would be a definite plus. Without a fitness tracker, I usually walk with my smartphone in my pocket doubling up as my pedometer while I listen to my favourite podcasts. Tracking without smartphone or additional deviceĪ further requirement that I have for a fitness tracker is this: it should get out of the way of my sports activities as much as possible. As long as you do not place pressure on the two contacts under your wrist to have it record your vital functions, it will take approximately 1.5 hours to have it fully charged. In that position, it is still operational while charging courtesy of the cutout for the capacitive button that is located on the left side of the tracker. You clamp the fitness tracker in a charging clip that has an integrated USB-A cable. A full battery charge lasted me exactly five days before it indicated that I needed to juice it up.Ĭharging is not a big deal with the Fitbit Charge 4.

Through the one and a half weeks that I was able to use the Fitbit Charge 4, I left the 24-hour tracking feature active, used the Charge 4 at night for sleep tracking, and jogged or cycled once every two days with GPS tracking activated. The Fitbit Charge 4 also fulfils the idea of always wearing a fitness tracker regardless of gender. This is a very important point considering how Xiaomi's Mi Band models boast of weeks of battery life are very popular - see our Xiaomi Mi Band 4 review. With smartwatches, frequent recharging is justified due to the increased functionality, but in fitness trackers, manufacturers should focus on keeping track of my vital signs with minimal power.

In my eyes, it is critical if I have to connect the review unit to the charger every single day or even every two days for charging purposes. I want to record my everyday life and my regular running times as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. When I put a fitness tracker around my wrist for a review, I have a specific goal.

Here's where the Fitbit Charge 4 scores Battery life

Charge 4 fitbit