Google's new Fitbit Edge takes over from the Charge with a better screen, floor counting and monthly health alerts, but it gives up tap-to-pay.
Google has a new Fitbit tracker called the Edge, and it looks like the end of the Fitbit Charge line. Android Police reviewed it after a week of use and called it better than any Charge before it. The big catch is that it no longer lets you pay by tapping your wrist.
The Charge was Fitbit's simple tracker: thin, small screen, basic activity and sleep tracking. The last one, the Charge 6, was announced three years ago. The Edge keeps that same slim, light design and adds a few smart features. The reviewer said it felt so light that it was easy to forget it was on the wrist.
The screen is the first upgrade. The review calls it the best display on a Fitbit tracker so far: colorful, easy to read, and clear in direct sunlight. The extra room allows more detailed watch faces, with up to four slots you can customize for things like heart rate, steps, weather and battery.
The most notable addition is the monthly Health Guardian report. It is already on the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch, and now comes to the Edge. It flags possible signs of blood pressure problems, insulin resistance and breathing issues during sleep. The reviewer sees these as potentially life-saving warnings and was glad they are not limited to the pricier Pixel Watch line.
The Edge drops NFC, the chip behind tap-to-pay. Google told the reviewer it was one of the least used features on the Charge 6. Navigation is also limited. The Edge has a Google Maps app, but directions only show up if you start navigation on your phone.
The Edge suits people who want a light tracker with health alerts, floor counting and easy music control. People who like to pay with a tap of the wrist should look elsewhere or accept the loss.
The material does not give a price or a release date, and it does not say how long the battery lasts on a charge. Check those details before buying.
The Fitbit Edge is a light, capable Charge replacement with monthly health alerts, but skip it if you rely on tap-to-pay on your wrist.
In a hand-counted 4,500-step walk, the $180 Fitbit Edge was off by 8 steps and the $800 Apple Watch Ultra 4 by 51. Both did the job well.
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