The Fitbit Charge 6 is an incremental update to the existing Charge 5. It focuses on a combination of physical usability enhancements, such as bringing back the side button, as well as increasing day-to-day usability, such as allowing you to access all of the sport and exercise modes on the device, as opposed to the previous limit of six modes. Nevertheless, with the release of the Charge 6, we are finally beginning to see the effects that Google has had on the device. There is integration with Google Maps, integration with Google Wallet, and integration with YouTube Music that comes with the Charge 6. In addition, you are now required to use a Google account, as opposed to the Fitbit account that was previously required.
For the past few weeks, I have been carrying around the Fitbit Charge 6 and putting it through its paces in order to determine the areas in which it excels and the areas in which it falls short. Not only in terms of new features, but also in terms of whether or not the Charge 5’s existing problems are finally resolved with the new hardware. This encompasses not only your day-to-day wear and usage, but also your athletic usage, which includes things like the accuracy of your heart rate and GPS.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]Specifications
- Brand Fitbit
- Model Name Fitbit Charge 6
- Style Modern
- Color Silver Case w/ White Band
- Screen Size 1.04
- Special Feature Sleep Monitor, Multisport Tracker, ECG, Activity Tracker, GPS, Contactless Payments
- Shape Rectangular
- Target Audience Unisex Adults
- Age Range (Description) Adult
- Compatible Devices iOS 15 or higher and Android OS 9.0 or higher
Where to Get Fitbit Charge 6?
It’s not often that fitness trackers have a great ecosystem or operating system, but the Charge 6 does. It’s one of the main things that sets it apart from its competitors. Finally, Fitbit has had Google’s support for a few years now, but this seems to be the first fitness tracker that uses its help. Now that the tracker has swipeable glances, Google Wallet, Google Maps, and YouTube Music are all easy to find. This lets you experience a smartwatch-like experience without having to wear one. Of course, we’ve been able to pay with a Charge device before, but that was through Fitbit Pay instead of Google’s payment system, which of course works with more things.
Most of the time, these new toys are very useful. Because the screen is so small, I don’t find Maps very useful, but it does work without any problems. My phone can show you turn-by-turn directions after you’ve set up a route. It will let you know when a new instruction comes through with haptic feedback. For me, Wallet is the best addition. The only problem is that you’ll probably always need your phone nearby. YouTube Music, on the other hand, has a lot of paying users, even though I wouldn’t use it outside of a free trial.