All you need to do is select the function, touch the metal stripes on the sides for 30 seconds and you are told if there are any abnormalities identified with your heartbeat. There were differences, but not to the point where any red flags were raised.įor the first time ECG functionality has been added to the Charge range and it's easy to access. The same is true for the estimation of calories burned during exercise. The heart rate measurements were consistently a couple of beats quicker than my default device but that's not totally unexpected given the accuracy of on-wrist devices compared to other means of measuring. I also found the Fitbit accurate when it came to the important measurements that you buy such a device for. An Apple Watch is much more than an exercise tracker, but those generally need to be charged every single day. I wasn't overly active during that time but regardless that is an excellent performance.įor context, my Garmin generally needs charging every third day, more if I'm particularly active. Over the course of 10 days I ran out of battery just once and I only needed to charge it twice - when it ran out and as it was getting low on the tenth day. Some smartwatches - particularly dedicated exercise trackers - don't handle bright sunshine well and you're forced to switch on the backlight to find out the time. The screen is bright and clear, if a little on the small side, but very easy to read in any level of light. The two biggest positives with the Charge 5 are the quality of the colour screen and the fantastic battery life.

Fit bit charge 5