Fitbit Luxe 2: expected tech specs, features, release date
In this article we look forward to Fitbit Luxe 2. What features can we expect from the next generation device? What is a likely release date?
The last bunch of devices from Fitbit landed in late-August. They include Inspire 3, Versa 4 and Sense 2. No huge upgrades there. One could say that Fitbit has stuck to making iterative changes to their devices.
The good news is that it is business as usual. We were not sure following the Google acquisition whether Fitbit would continue to churn out new devices. But it seems that things will continue unchanged.
So far there have been no leaks or rumors on Fitbit Luxe 2. However we are expecting a release date in the near future, so don’t be surprised if some information does filter through in the forthcoming period.
In this article we look at what is reasonable to expect from the next generation tracker. We also include some things on our wish-list.
Fitbit Luxe 2: Expected hardware and design
Many consider Luxe to be Fitbit’s most elegant fitness tracker. It comes with an AMOLED display and a premium design that is ripe for customization.
We only had one device so far with this naming convention but it looks to be the beginning of a new range. So it is reasonable to expect there will be a Luxe 2. This line actually looks to be the replacement for the discontinued Fitbit Alta range. Alongside the Fitbit Inspire, it is something for those that want a discreet fitness device on their wrist.
A highlight of Luxe is its snazzy display. This is a full-color 0.76 inch OLED. The nice screen is accompanied by a premium design that consists of metal housing made of polished stainless steel and silicone and other strap options. These are replaceable so you can customize the thing to your taste.
Some of the strap options are kept in place with a classic watch buckle. Which is not a bad solution as it is more simple to use and tends to stay in place well. Having said that, you do have more bracelet-like design options including some special edition selections such as the gorjana Soft Gold Stainless Steel Parker Link Bracelet.
As far as Luxe 2, we expect more of the same. So expect lots of fancy strap designs.
Bigger display, longer battery life?
Something that is top of our wish list is a slightly bigger display. The current version has a tiny screen with 124 x 206 pixels resolution and 326 PPI density. This puts the quality on par with what you can find on Sense and Versa. But because the display is small, it is tricky to read. Smartphone notifications when viewed on Luxe’s screen feel cramped. Something a bit larger would be nice.
There are no physical buttons on Luxe so all the navigation is done via the touchscreen. We don’t expect any change there. A possibility might a capacitive button – it could fit in nicely with the design as it would not take up much space.
One negative of Luxe is that it only has battery life of around 5 days. No doubt, this is because of the power-hungry AMOLED. Technology has progressed in the past year so we are hopeful Fitbit can squeeze out about a week on a single charge for the next iteration. Most Fitbits have at least of a week of battery juice between charges.
Fitbit Luxe 2: Possible features
Despite the discreet form-factor, Luxe has some advanced health monitoring functions. In addition to activity tracking basics such as step, calories, sleep and more, users also get stress management around the clock (along with guided breathing sessions), heart rate tracking and heart rate variability, resting heart rate, skin temperature variation, blood oxygen saturation and breathing rate information. That’s quite a long list. All of these can be viewed on the health metrics dashboard in the Android or iOS Fitbit app.
Users can choose between 20 exercise modes with real-time pace and distance. Swim tracking is an option thanks to 5 ATM water-resistance. There are also Active Zone Minutes, plus the tracker vibrates when a target heart rate zone has been reached. No built-in GPS on-board, though, so you will need to rely on your smartphone for that.
Fitbit has this side of things nailed down so it all works well. Unfortunately, there is the Fitbit premium subscription. The good news is that it is optional. Without the subscription you will miss out on some long term trends and advanced health metrics, but pretty much everything else will be available to you.
As mentioned, the list of sensors on Luxe is quite decent for something with such a small form-factor. It includes a 3-axis accelerometer, optical heart rate monitor, vibration motor, along with red and infrared sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring.
Altimeter, built-in GPS, EDA sensor, NFC chip?
One notable omission from this is an altimeter. Which means Luxe cannot spit out stats on floors climbed. Will this be included on Luxe 2? Possibly. But don’t hold your breath. Even Charge 5 lacks an altimeter so the company might, very well, choose to leave this out for Luxe 2.
We are also not expecting any other advanced health sensors such as ECG. This will probably be reserved for the Fitbit Charge range and its smartwatches.
The same applies to built-in GPS. Luxe doesn’t have it and we expect that Luxe 2 will not have it, either. You’ll need to continue relying on Connected GPS for that. If Fitbit were to include it it would make a relative costly device even more expensive. It is not ideal to be lugging around a smartphone when heading out for a run but you can opt for a different Fitbit if built-in GPS is important to you.
A more realistic possibility could be the EDA sensor. This is used for more detailed stress monitoring. A low-end version of this would only work on-demand. Sense 2 has received the revamped EDA sensor which works automatically, around the clock.
Essential reading: Best fitness trackers and health gadgets
Another thing that would be reasonable to expect is an NFC chip. It would allow for Fitbit Pay contactless transactions. It was actually rather surprising that this was not included on the first generation tracker. A device such as Luxe is an ideal candidate for this type of functionality.
Beyond that we are not expecting much to change. So we are looking towards another iterative upgrade with improvements under the hood and some design enhancements. A repackaging of existing technology into something that looks fancy.
If you want more advanced health functionality, this can be found on the high-end fitness devices or a Fitbit smartwatch. The draw of Luxe 2 will be its customization options, something for fashion-conscious folks.
Fitbit Luxe 2: Release date
As far as a possible release date, the original Luxe saw the light of day in April 2021. Fitbit typically has a two year product cycle so one could resonably expect Luxe 2 to land in early 2023.
CES 2023 in Las Vegas falls in early January. This would be an ideal launch platform for such a device. If it is not unveiled then, look for it to land early in the Spring.
Luxe sells for around $150 on Fitbit’s website (check price on Amazon). That’s quite steep but the price reflects the premium material that goes into the build. The special edition options are even pricier. It would be good to see $20-$30 slashed off this price for Luxe 2. Let’s hope this turns out to be the case as it will be difficult to justify such a price with so many lower cost options out there.
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