The advancement in technology wearables focused on health and sports has led to devices such as the Fitbit Charge 4 position themselves as one of the main references within activity bracelets. This model has been a step forward compared to its predecessors thanks to the incorporation of the Integrated GPS, as well as a wide variety of features that make it a very complete option for both athletes and those looking to monitor their daily well-being.
Fitbit Charge 4: Innovating in sports monitoring with built-in GPS
The big leap forward of this bracelet compared to previous models is, without a doubt, the inclusion of a Integrated GPSThis feature allows you to accurately record your route, pace, and distance during outdoor activities such as running, walking, cycling, or hiking, without having to carry your mobile phone. After completing the activity, you can view the route map directly in the Fitbit app, in addition to assessing the intensity of the effort by zones, which helps to understand the real performance and how the heart rate varies in different phases of training.
Compared to the Fitbit Charge 3Rather than relying on a smartphone's GPS to record routes and distances, the Charge 4 offers complete independence during exercise, significantly improving user comfort and autonomy. Plus, the device's battery life with GPS enabled is around five continuous hours, which is enough for most standard exercise sessions.
Technical features and design: ergonomics and customization
In terms of design, the Fitbit Charge 4 It maintains a simple, slim, and elegant aesthetic, ideal for all types of users. The case is made of durable polymer, opting for lightness (approximately 26 grams), making it very comfortable to wear all day, even while sleeping. straps are interchangeable and compatible with previous models, allowing customization with a wide range of colors and materials available on the market.
The screen is Monochrome touch OLED 1-inch touchscreen with enough resolution to display notifications and workout metrics. Thanks to its automatic brightness mode, readability is excellent outdoors, and navigation is intuitive using side and vertical gestures. The model also includes a inductive button side to facilitate quick actions and turning on the device.
The case dimensions are 35,8 x 22,7 x 12,5 mm and the strap is available in different sizes to fit any wrist. In addition, the water resistance up to 50 meters allows its use while swimming, in the shower and in the rain without any problems.
Activity and health monitoring: 24/7 data and advanced analytics
La Fitbit Charge 4 Continuously monitors physical activity and health. It includes:
- Continuous heart rate monitoring (day and night), with real-time reading both at rest and during exercise.
- Advanced sleep analysis: detects the different phases (light, deep and REM) and provides a personalized sleep score to improve rest habits.
- Step counter, distance, calories burned and floors climbed.
- Minutes in Active Zone: The device analyzes the time the user spends in specific heart rate zones (fat burn, cardio, and peak), helping to achieve the 150 minutes of weekly exercise recommended by the WHO. It even vibrates to notify you when you reach a new effort zone or when you reach your daily goal.
- SmartTrack: Automatically detects the type of exercise (running, cycling, swimming, elliptical, etc.) and classifies it for more accurate recording.
- Guided breathing sessions based on heart rate to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Smart features: notifications, payments and music
The Fitbit Charge 4 is a cross between an activity tracker and a smartwatch thanks to:
- Smart notifications: Receive call, message, calendar, and mobile app notifications right on your wrist. If you have an Android phone, you can reply to messages with predefined quick replies.
- Spotify Control: allows you to manage music from your compatible phone from your wristband, changing songs, pausing, or adjusting playback without having to take your phone out during your workout.
- Fitbit Pay contactless payments: All versions of the Charge 4 include an NFC chip for secure, hands-free payments at compatible retailers and access to select public transit systems.
- Alarms, timer, stopwatch and weather forecast to improve daily management and user experience.
Fitbit App: Analytics, Community, and Personalization
The user experience grows exponentially thanks to the Fitbit app, available for iOS and Android. Through this platform, users can:
- View daily and weekly charts of all health and sports metrics.
- Access full summaries of the sleep (with detailed phases and scoring).
- visualize the exercise intensity map with GPS, which allows you to know the evolution of your heart rate throughout the entire route.
- Be part of challenges and user communities to stay motivated, share achievements, and participate in group challenges.
- Customize your watch face and manage notifications, alarms, and reminders to move every hour.
The app also offers sections dedicated to the female health to record and monitor the menstrual cycle and all basic device setup and update functionalities.
Comparison: Fitbit Charge 4 vs. other models and alternatives
One of the advantages of the Charge 4 compared to other models with similar features and price, such as the Garmin Vivosmart 4 or Xiaomi Mi Band, is the accuracy and quantity of metrics which records, in addition to native GPS integration and NFC payments, which are unusual in mid-range activity bracelets.
Compared to the Charge 3, the Charge 4 adds:
- Real built-in GPS, which eliminates the need to carry a mobile phone to accurately record routes and distances.
- Contactless payments in all versions.
- Minutes in Active Zone, an indicator that provides a more qualitative view of physical activity.
- Improved lightness and the same compatibility of straps and accessories.
Battery life lasts around 7 days of normal use and about 5 hours with GPS continuously active, meeting the expectations of those who want to record both daily activities and intense workouts without the need for frequent recharging.
Battery, endurance and connectivity
The device is equipped with a lithium polymer battery It allows for up to 7 days of battery life, although this figure may vary depending on the use of intensive functions such as GPS or continuous notification reception. The charger uses a USB clip, and a full charge takes approximately two hours.
Water resistance up to 50 meters ensures the possibility of using the bracelet while bathing or swimming in a pool, but its use in saunas or jacuzzis is not recommended. Synchronization is done by Bluetooth LE with a range of up to 9 meters, compatible with all major mobile operating systems from recent versions.
How to use GPS on the Fitbit Charge 4
To take advantage of the Integrated GPS To maximize your performance, simply select your workout activity from the band, preferably outdoors, and wait for the device to find a GPS signal. Once you log in, the band will record all the precise distance and pace data. If the signal is lost at any time, the device will automatically continue searching for it, ensuring uninterrupted tracking except in adverse geographical conditions. It's recommended to keep the software updated to optimize GPS performance.
User experience and added value
User reviews highlight the comfort and lightness Charge 4, allowing you to wear it while you sleep without discomfort. Plus, integration with the Fitbit app makes it easy to comprehensive tracking of metrics, the ability to set personalized goals and access to health advice.
In sports, vibration alerts for heart rate zone changes or goal achievement provide extra motivation and control. The most demanding athletes especially value the active zone minutes feature to optimize training intensity.
The ability to reply to messages on Android, contactless payment, and music control position the Charge 4 as an advanced, practical, and versatile band for everyday use.
Availability, versions and price
La Fitbit Charge 4 It is available in several colors, including black, dark blue, and rosewood, in two strap sizes for greater adaptability. There is also a special edition with a reflective granite-colored textile strap. The recommended price remains very competitive compared to models with GPS and NFC, falling below €170 at most retailers and online stores.
Box contents:
- A Fitbit Charge 4 bracelet
- Two classic straps (small and large)
- USB charging cable
- Quick Start Guide
Purchases can be made on the official website as well as on recognized platforms and electronics stores.
Main advantages:
- Integrated GPS for total independence in outdoor sports.
- Water resistance up to 50 meters.
- Fitbit Pay contactless payments in all models.
- Complete health and sports monitoring, with advanced sleep analysis, heart rate and active zones.
- Lightness, comfort and extensive customization (straps and covers).
- Music control and smart notifications.
Aspects to improve:
- Monochrome display instead of color, which may be unattractive to some users.
- Limited battery life when using GPS continuously (up to 5 hours).
- It does not allow the installation of additional applications outside of those pre-installed.
- Swim mode is only optimized for pool use, not open water.
The Fitbit Charge 4 is recommended for those looking to take sports monitoring to the next level, record outdoor activities without a smartphone, and require smart features without the need or extra cost of an advanced smartwatch.
La Fitbit Charge 4 Built-in GPS It's one of the best activity trackers in its range. It balances precision, functionality, comfort, and price, making it an excellent ally for both sports and daily health. If you want a tracker that can track your active lifestyle, promote your well-being, and keep you connected without complications, this model deserves its place among the best wearables on the market today.
