Google has officially launched the Fitbit Edge, a new wearable device priced at $180 that aims to bridge the gap between fitness trackers and full-featured smartwatches. The announcement addresses a common critique of Google’s premium offerings: the bulkiness of previous models. While the Pixel Watch 5 is often praised for its robust health and exercise tracking through Google Health, its 12.3 mm thickness and rounded display have been cited as drawbacks for users seeking a device that sits more discreetly on the wrist.
The Fitbit Edge features a slimmer profile at 11.5 mm, bringing it closer to the aesthetic of slim competitors like the Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch Series, though it remains slightly thicker than those devices. The watch draws visual and functional similarities to Google’s existing Fitbit lineup, particularly the Fitbit Air and the three-year-old Fitbit Charge 6. It retains the seven-day battery life characteristic of the Charge series, provided the always-on display feature is turned off; however, enabling the always-on screen reduces battery longevity to approximately two days.
Key upgrades over the Fitbit Charge 6 include the addition of a side button for quick access to workouts and information, a feature reminiscent of Apple’s Action Button. Additionally, Google claims a 15% improvement in sleep tracking accuracy. The device sports a hybrid OLED screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and supports smartphone sync for notifications, texts, and Google Maps directions.
Notably, the Fitbit Edge distinguishes itself as Google’s first repairable Fitbit device. Despite these enhancements, questions remain regarding the value proposition. The $20 price hike over the Fitbit Charge 6 has led some observers to question whether software-driven improvements and repairability justify the cost increase compared to the more affordable Fitbit Air, which offers similar battery life without the premium display. The Fitbit Edge is available for pre-order now, with general availability set for October 27.
Sleep tracking improvements interest me most. I’ve been wanting to ditch my old Fitbit Charge for something smarter.
$180 seems steep when the Fitbit Air does almost the same thing for less money. What’s the real upgrade here?
That two-day battery life with always-on display is rough. I need a watch that lasts the whole week.
Is eleven point five millimeters really slimmer? It still feels chunky compared to my Galaxy Watch.
Finally, a Google watch I can actually fix myself. The repairability aspect is huge for sustainability.