


It’s clear that Fitbit has learned many lessons with its Versa line’s software, features, and overall capabilities. The 1-inch display is big enough that we can read a text message or check on our current workout without struggling to read the screen. The Charge 4 isn’t big or bulky, which is a common complaint about some smart watch designs. A swipe up shows your daily stats, while a swipe to the left will display any installed apps. A swipe down from the top of the screen reveals any recent notifications from your phone. The 1-inch grayscale touchscreen is the primary way you navigate the Charge 4. On the bottom of the Charge 4 is the hardware that powers the 24/7 heart rate monitoring.

On the left side of the housing is a button that you tap on to do things like go back a screen, or long-press to bring up quick settings or trigger a Fitbit Pay transaction. The other end of the cable plugs into a standard USB connector. Like most of Fitbit’s charging adapters, the clamp-like connector latches onto the sides of the Charge 4 with three pins that connect to the back of the device. With a quick press of a button, the device gently slides off the band. If you order the $169.95 special edition Charge 4, you get an extra woven reflective band. Included in the box with the Charge 4 are two sizes of the wristband and a charging connector. From software to hardware, the Charge 4 is a compelling option for someone who wants all the health details a fitness band offers, with just a dash of smart watch features. In many ways, the Charge 4 feels like a device that Fitbit has been building toward with routine updates and upgrades for the rest of its lineup, including the Versa 2 smart watch. The Charge 4 adds built-in GPS, which allows you to ditch your phone and let the band take care of mapping your run (or in our case, walk). The $149.95 band is a modest update from the Charge 3, which was released in late 2018. Still, for the past week, we’ve been testing Fitbit’s latest fitness gadget, the Charge 4. For a lot of people, overall fitness activity has plummeted because of stay-at-home orders and social distancing. It’s a weird time to be reviewing a fitness band. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
