Fitbit Charge HR Review

Key features :

• Resting and active heart rate monitoring
• Sleep tracker
• Step counter
• Calorie counter
• App compatibility

Introduction

The Fitbit Charge HR is fitness and activity band that offers a plethora of features; such as constant heart-rate monitoring, daily calorie and step tracking, resting heart rate, sleep monitoring, as well as several other exercise features. Compared to other Fitbit products such as the Fitbit Flex, or original Fitbit Charge—the HR is the Fitbit wristband designed with all day activity and tracking in mind.

How accurate is it ?

The heart rate monitor offers a good approximation of your resting heart rate, as well as your active heart rate across walking or jogging conditions. This feature is a bit dubious when it runs into the power saving screen feature—which causes its display to turn off every couple of seconds. It would be nice to see an option added to extend the screen turn-off feature, to make tracking your heart rate less difficult, and more accurate.

The sleep monitor, unlike many of its competitors—is completely automatic on this device, using motion and heart rate to sense when you’re asleep. The feature is fairly simplistic, it tells you roughly how many hours of shut-eye you’ve had. All in all, it is quite accurate, however it would be nice to see sleep cycle tracking feature, like in other fitness bands.

How long does it take to charge it?

You can charge it via a magnetic cable that connects to the back of the band. The battery itself is not overly large like on competing devices, and it charges in a matter of two hours or so. The battery life is not so long; however given its catalogue of features and workout tracking functions, some of which run constantly, this is not so bad. 

How long does its battery last?

You can expect approximately 4 to 5 days before it needs a charge.

Is it waterproof?

The Fitbit Charge HR is water-resistant, but not waterproof. It is thus inoperable for tracking swimming exercises. However for a waterproof alternative, the Fitbit One may be more of what you are looking for.

Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit or Fitbit Charge HR?

Compared to the Samsung Galaxy gear fit; the Fitbit Charge HR, with its small and unassuming display, quite unlike the Galaxy Gear Fit—is unashamedly just a fitness tracker. The Galaxy Gear Fit is caught somewhere between the worlds of fitness tracker, and smart watch. Both devices share similar drawbacks in some cases, such as the inaccurate heart rate monitor, and the automatic switching off of the screen every two seconds. In saying this, the social media notifications potentially buzzing through from the smart watch aspect of the Gear fit make its practical use a distracting experience for exercise. For fitness tracking use solely, the Fitbit Charge HR is the preferable option; it boasts more features and usable app functionality, while not trying to be two things at once.

Conclusion: Should I buy it ?

The Fitbit Charge HR is aesthetically stylish—minimal, with a small screen and low profile, but still remaining highly functional. The same can be said for the strap, a refreshingly simplistic and functional design. However, though it boasts a powerful set of features—many of these do not live up to the assumed intentions.