If you’re looking for a new wearable, then the Fitbit Charge 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 are two fantastic choices to consider.

Especially since both have been on the market for a while and, with the release of their successors, are now available at discounted prices.

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of options and feel a tad overwhelmed. But don’t fret! I’m here to help.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, comparing their features side by side.

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of their differences, helping you make an informed decision.

Let’s get started!

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Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Price & Availability

When it comes to wearables, the price tag and availability are often the first things we look at. 

Let’s break down the details for both these devices.

Fitbit Charge 5:

• Release Date: The Fitbit Charge 5 was unveiled in September 2021 and hit the shelves just a few weeks after the announcement.
• Price: It’s priced at $179.95 / £169.99 / AU$269.95. This is a slight bump up from the Fitbit Charge 4, which was launched at $149.95 / £129.99.
• Extras: The cherry on top? The price for the Charge 5 includes a six-month trial of Fitbit Premium. This service typically runs at $9.99 / £7.99 per month, offering a range of fitness and health insights.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4:

• Release Date: Both the standard Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic became available for purchase on August 27, 2021.
• Price: The Galaxy Watch 4 has a starting price of $249.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth version, and if you’re looking for LTE capabilities, the 40mm model will set you back $299.99.

Where to Buy?

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Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Specs Comparison

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Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Design, Build Quality & Display

Upon seeing the Fitbit Charge 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the difference in design is immediately apparent.

The Galaxy Watch 4 stands out as a full-fledged smartwatch, while the Charge 5 presents itself as a sleek fitness band. This fundamental difference in design might be the primary decision-making factor for many.

The Charge 5 embraces the Biologic Industrial Design language, reminiscent of other Fitbit models like the Sense, Versa 3, and Inspire 2. 

Its smooth lines, inspired by the human body, and soft colors mark a departure from the more angular Charge 4. 

The stainless steel case of the Charge 5, available in three colorways, gives it a more luxurious feel compared to its predecessor’s plastic shell. 

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 4 exudes a slimline elegance, available in two sizes, both made of aluminum. It’s designed to sit comfortably on your wrist, with two buttons on the side maintaining its sleek appearance.

In terms of display, the Charge 5 has made significant strides from its predecessor. Gone is the monochrome screen of the Charge 4, replaced by a full-color AMOLED display, similar to the Fitbit Luxe. 

This vibrant screen offers smooth animations and an always-on option, though many might find the latter unnecessary as the display wakes up reliably with wrist movement. 

The Galaxy Watch 4, in contrast, boasts bright screens on both its models. The resolutions are impressive, with the larger model offering a slightly higher pixel count. A unique feature of the Galaxy Watch 4 is its ‘virtual’ rotating bezel, allowing users to navigate menus by swiping around the screen’s edge.

Build quality and additional features also play a role in differentiating these wearables. The Charge 5, with its stainless steel case, feels more premium than the Charge 4’s plastic. It also introduces oval sensors on its sides for ECG and EDA apps. 

The Galaxy Watch 4, while slim, offers a robust build with its aluminum body. It’s also IP68 water- and dust-resistant, though the default band might not be ideal for intense workouts due to some reported skin irritations.

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Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Health & Fitness Tracking

When it comes to health and fitness tracking, both the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 have a lot to offer, but they approach it in different ways.

Fitbit Charge 5:

The Charge 5 can track up to 20 different workouts, which is commendable. However, it’s worth noting that some newer Fitbit models offer even more. 

While some devices claim to track a vast number of workouts, many of these are just variations of the same basic tracking. The Charge 5’s interface is user-friendly, displaying five workout modes at a time. 

To customize these, you’d need to dive into the Fitbit mobile app. Starting a workout is intuitive, and the device provides real-time data like calories burned and distance traveled.

One of the Charge 5’s standout features is its automatic workout detection for activities like running, walking, and certain gym exercises. Its accuracy in this regard has improved from the Charge 4. 

The heart rate monitoring during workouts is impressive, providing timely notifications when you transition between heart rate zones. While its GPS might not be as precise as dedicated running watches, it’s sufficient for casual runners.

The Charge 5 introduced a “Readiness” score for Fitbit Premium users, which assesses your energy levels based on activity, heart rate variability, and sleep patterns. 

This feature was not available for testing at the time of the Charge 5’s release but promises to be a valuable addition. The device also offers stress monitoring, measuring electrodermal activity (EDA) to gauge stress levels. 

This feature requires a three-minute test, after which the device provides feedback. Interestingly, the Charge 5 does not offer guided breathing exercises, a common feature in many fitness trackers.

Sleep tracking on the Charge 5 is reliable, although it sometimes begins tracking a bit prematurely. This is a common issue with wrist-based trackers, which might not be as precise as finger-worn devices.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4:

The Galaxy Watch 4 is packed with health and fitness features. It boasts GPS, an optical heart rate sensor, and ECG support. 

The significant change is the introduction of the 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor, which monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body composition. 

This new sensor allows users to gauge metrics like skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage. While the accuracy of these metrics can be debated, they provide a useful overview of one’s health.

The heart rate monitor on the Galaxy Watch 4 is accurate, especially within Samsung’s native apps. However, it also integrates well with third-party apps like Strava and Nike Running Club. The GPS functionality is reliable, providing accurate positioning during runs.

A crucial point to consider is the limited compatibility of some of the Galaxy Watch 4’s features. Tools like ECG and blood pressure monitoring are only available when paired with a Samsung smartphone. 

This limitation can be a dealbreaker for those who don’t own a Samsung phone, especially when other brands offer similar features without such restrictions.

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Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Smart Features

Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Smart Features

When it comes to smart features, both the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 have their unique offerings. 

Let’s delve into a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed choice.

Fitbit Charge 5:

1. Touchscreen Navigation: While the touchscreen is user-friendly during activities like HIIT, the absence of buttons can be a challenge during runs, especially when trying to view multiple metrics simultaneously.
2. GPS Connectivity: The GPS on the Charge 5 connects relatively quickly, though there were slight discrepancies in distance measurements when compared to other devices like the Garmin.
3. Activity Tracking: The Charge 5 offers a plethora of activity-tracking metrics. The screen’s brightness and always-on feature enhance the user experience, especially during workouts. However, customization options for what you see during each activity are limited.
4. Fitbit Premium: Many of the Charge 5’s features are enhanced for Fitbit’s Premium users. This subscription service, priced at $9.99 per month, offers personalized workouts, health insights, and coaching. New Charge 5 users receive a six-month free trial.
5. Daily Readiness Score: This new feature provides users with a score each morning, indicating their body’s readiness for exercise based on various metrics.
6. Garmin Pay: Fitbit Charge 5 has NFC support for contactless payments.
7. Other Features: Some features available in the Charge 4, like Spotify control and the weather app, have been removed from the Charge 5. The guided breathing sessions have been shifted to the Fitbit app, and the altimeter has been removed.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4:

1. Performance: Powered by Samsung’s Exynos W920 chipset and 1.5GB of RAM, the Galaxy Watch 4 offers smooth performance, making it one of the fastest smartwatches available.
2. Storage: With 16GB of storage, users have ample space for apps and music, though the OS and preloaded apps occupy about half of this.
3. Software: The Galaxy Watch 4 runs on Wear OS 3 but features Samsung’s skin, One UI Watch 3. This combination offers users the best of both worlds: the familiarity of Samsung’s design and the extensive app options from the Google Play Store.
4. App Availability: With access to the Google Play Store, users have a wider range of app options compared to Tizen, Samsung’s previous software.

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Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Battery Life

Both the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 offer commendable battery life, ensuring that users can make the most of their features without constantly worrying about the next charge. 

In our hands-on experience with the Charge 5, the battery life exceeded expectations. Even with the always-on display activated during workouts, there was no need to charge the tracker within a week. 

This performance is notably better than Fitbit’s own estimate, which suggested that using the always-on display would cut down the battery life from seven days to just two. 

However, if you’re someone who wants to keep the GPS, heart rate monitoring, and the always-on display active continuously, you might find yourself charging the device every two days or so.

The 44mm Galaxy Watch 4, which we had the opportunity to review, comes equipped with a 361mAh battery. The battery performance was impressive during our tests. Even with heavy usage, the watch consistently lasted for at least two days on a single charge. 

If you’re not frequently using its fitness features, you might even stretch the battery life to a full three days. The smaller 40mm version houses a 247mAh battery. 

While we haven’t tested this variant extensively, based on previous experiences with Samsung’s wearables, there might be a slight difference in battery life between the two sizes. However, the difference shouldn’t be too significant.

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Fitbit Charge 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: Which Should You Buy?

Both the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 are top contenders in the wearable market. They each offer a unique blend of features, design, and performance. 

If you’re torn between the two, let’s break down the key considerations to help you decide.

Buy Fitbit Charge 5 if:

• Design Matters: You prefer a sleek fitness band design over a traditional watch look.
• Battery Life is Crucial: You want a device that can last up to a week without needing a charge, especially if you don’t use GPS and heart rate monitoring continuously.
• Fitness First: You’re primarily interested in fitness tracking and appreciate features like the Daily Readiness Score.
• Fitbit Ecosystem: You’re already invested in the Fitbit ecosystem or are interested in trying out Fitbit Premium.
• Budget-Friendly: You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, especially considering the six-month free trial of Fitbit Premium included in the Charge 5’s price.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 if:

• Smartwatch Look: You prefer the appearance and functionality of a full-fledged smartwatch.
• Performance is Key: You want a fast and smooth experience, backed by Samsung’s Exynos W920 chipset and 1.5GB of RAM.
• App Variety: You value having access to a wider range of apps via the Google Play Store.
• Samsung Integration: You own a Samsung smartphone and can benefit from the seamless integration and exclusive features.
• Higher Budget: You’re willing to invest a bit more for a premium build and additional features.

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