Samsung Galaxy Fit3 vs Fitbit Charge 6: fitness-band face-off
Deciding on the right fitness tracker feels a bit like picking a workout buddy – you want someone who motivates you, tracks your progress, and gets you excited to move. The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 and Fitbit Charge 6 both aim to be that ideal companion, but they approach it with different styles. The Galaxy Fit3, launched in February 2024, has your wallet in mind, while the Fitbit Charge 6, with its September 2023 release, focuses on all-around wellness.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty! We’ll break down their designs, how they track your health, their smartwatch-like perks, and which one offers the best bang for your buck.
Key takeaways
For those with Android phones, the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 is a fantastic budget-friendly option with a larger display and valuable safety features. If you prioritize in-depth wellness features, built-in GPS, and seamless smartwatch integration, the Fitbit Charge 6 is worth the investment. Consider your primary needs and budget – both fitness trackers deliver a worthwhile experience.
View on Samsung; View on Amazon (Galaxy Fit3, Fitbit Charge 6).
Jump to
Hardware
Technical specs
Features
Bottom line
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 vs Fitbit Charge 6: Hardware
Look & feel
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 and Fitbit Charge 6 adopt a sleek, rectangular form factor that’s common among fitness trackers. However, they differ in materials, with the Galaxy Fit3 featuring a 2.5D glass display and aluminum body. The Charge 6, on the other hand, emphasizes sustainability and comfort. It utilizes a lightweight material including an aerospace-grade aluminum case and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for its display. This not only contributes to a lighter device but also aligns with eco-conscious consumer values.
When it comes to size, the Galaxy Fit3 and Charge 6 are designed to cater to a broad audience, but their dimensions reflect different priorities. The Galaxy Fit3 is slightly larger, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial wrist presence. With it, you will almost get a smartwatch-like visual experience.
In contrast, the Charge 6’s more compact and sleek design. This might be favoured by those seeking a less obtrusive wearable that still provides ample screen space for interaction.
When it comes to physical buttons, both devices keep things simple. They each have a single physical button located on the side, used primarily for navigation and waking the device.
Display, colour options, water resistance
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 boasts a larger 1.6-inch AMOLED display compared to the Fitbit Charge 6’s 1.04-inch AMOLED screen. This translates to a more expansive viewing area on the Fit3. Both trackers offer vibrant, colorful displays that are easily viewable outdoors.
As far as water-resistance, the duo has a 5 ATM rating. This makes them suitable for swimming and showering. It means you don’t have to worry about taking them off during workouts or when you’re in the water.
Finally, let’s explore color options. The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 comes in Prism Crush White, Pink, and Dark Gray, while the Fitbit Charge 6 offers Obsidian, Porcelain, and Coral. Both devices provide a range of choices to suit different personal styles.
Sensor technology
In terms of sensor technology, the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 and Fitbit Charge 6 share several commonalities. Both devices include an accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, a barometer, and an ambient light sensor. The Fitbit Charge 6 sets itself apart by additionally featuring multipurpose electrical sensors for ECG and EDA scans, plus a dedicated skin temperature sensor. These additional sensors expand the Charge 6’s capabilities in health monitoring and stress management.
Regarding location tracking, the Fitbit Charge 6 features built-in GPS (and GLONASS) for more accurate tracking without relying on a phone. The Galaxy Fit3 utilizes connected GPS, meaning it must be paired with a smartphone to access location data. Moving on to connectivity, both fitness trackers support Bluetooth, but only the Fitbit Charge 6 includes WiFi capabilities.
When it comes to contactless payments, the Fitbit Charge 6 has an advantage with its integrated NFC chip. This allows users to make payments directly from their wrists. The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 lacks NFC functionality. Additionally, neither fitness tracker offers internal storage for music, so you’ll still need to rely on your smartphone for offline music playback. This might be seen as a missed opportunity to appeal to users who value the independence of having their music directly on the device, especially during workouts.
Battery life
Moving quickly on to battery life. In this sense, both devices shine.
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 boasts a 208 mAh Li-po battery that promises up to 13 days of typical usage. This longevity is impressive considering the device’s advanced features and large display. Samsung also emphasizes fast charging, allowing the Fit3 to reach 65% capacity in just 30 minutes. This minimizes downtime and ensures a seamless user experience.
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers a consistent battery life of up to 7 days, mirroring its predecessor. This demonstrates Fitbit’s expertise in balancing features and power consumption for a reliable week-long experience. While fast charging isn’t a highlighted feature on the Charge 6, it focuses on delivering a full week of comprehensive health and fitness tracking between charges.
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 vs Fitbit Charge 6: Technical specs
Here’s a detailed tech specs comparison table for the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 and the Fitbit Charge 6:
Specification | Samsung Galaxy Fit3 | Fitbit Charge 6 |
---|---|---|
Release Date | February 2024 | September 2023 |
Case Material | 2.5D glass (display), Aluminium (body) | Lightweight material, aerospace grade aluminum case, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display, anodized aluminum housing and buckle |
Number of Physical Buttons | 1 physical button on the side | 1 physical button on the side |
Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
Size | 42.9 x 28.8 x 9.9mm | 36.78mm x 23.1mm x 11.2mm |
Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
Resolution | 256 x 402 pixels | 260 x 170 pixels |
Screen Size | 1.6 inches | 1.04 inches |
Weight | 36.8 grams | 37.6 grams |
Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate, SpO2, barometer, ambient light sensor | 3-axis accelerometer, Optical heart rate monitor, Pulse Ox, Multipurpose electrical sensors compatible with ECG app & EDA Scan app, Ambient light sensor |
Water-Resistance | 5 ATM + IP68 | 5 ATM |
Positioning | Connected GPS | Built-in GPS, Glonass |
Built-in Speaker | No | No |
Microphone | No | No |
NFC | No | Yes |
Music Storage | No | No |
Connection | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth, WiFi |
Cellular Connectivity | No | No |
Battery Type | 208 mAh Li-po | Li-po |
Battery Life | Up to 14 days (typical usage). Supports fast charging, reaching 65% battery in just 30 minutes. | Up to 7 days, or up to 5 hours with GPS |
Operating System | FreeRTOS | FitbitOS |
Smartphone compatibility | Android | Android, iOS |
Colors | Prism Crush White, Pink, Dark Gray | Obsidian, Porcelain, Coral |
Typical RRP | $80 | $160 |
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 vs Fitbit Charge 6: Features
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3, while not as focused on health monitoring as the Charge 6, still offers a solid suite of fitness tracking features. These include heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, blood oxygen level monitoring, floor counts and activity recognition, which are staples in modern fitness wearables.
Where the Fitbit Charge 6 starts to pull ahead is with its more holistic approach to wellness. The inclusion of an EDA sensor allows for stress tracking, while the skin temperature sensor aids in understanding health trend variations. Additionally, Fitbit’s Premium subscription unlocks their Daily Readiness Score, which helps users decide whether to prioritize workout intensity or recovery. While a Premium subscription enhances the Charge 6’s capabilities, you still get plenty of valuable tracking features in its base form.
The Fitbit Charge 6’s built-in GPS is another advantage. With it, you can accurately log runs, bike rides, and hikes without needing to carry your smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 relies on connected GPS, which is fine for those who always carry their phones but offers less independence.
One area where the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 stands out is its focus on safety and SOS functionality. The Fit3 includes fall detection capabilities, which can automatically send an SOS message to designated emergency contacts if it detects a severe fall. Additionally, users can manually trigger an SOS alert by pressing the side button five times in rapid succession. These features provide valuable peace of mind, especially for those who participate in outdoor activities alone or have health concerns.
Smartwatch-type features
The Fitbit Charge 6 integrates seamlessly with the Google ecosystem, offering features like Google Wallet for contactless payments and Google Maps integration for turn-by-turn navigation, enriching the user experience with practical, everyday utilities. The Charge 6 also supports notifications, music control for Spotify, and quick replies to messages (for Android users), blending the convenience of a smartwatch with the robustness of a fitness tracker.
The Galaxy Fit3, while lacking NFC for contactless payments, still provides a range of smartwatch capabilities, including notifications for calls, messages, and apps, as well as music control when connected to a smartphone. Its integration with the Samsung ecosystem allows for a cohesive experience with Samsung smartphones and services, although it may not offer the same level of integration with broader services like Google Maps or Wallet found on the Charge 6.
Worth noting is that Fit3 only works with Android phones. So if you have an iPhone, Fitbit Charge 6 is your go-to option.
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 vs Fitbit Charge 6: Price
While pricing can heavily influence purchasing decisions, the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 holds a significant advantage here. In countries that it is available, it retails at around $80. This represents a considerable price difference compared to the Fitbit Charge 6, which typically has an RRP of $160.
Of course, prices can fluctuate due to sales and promotions. It’s always wise to compare the latest prices from various retailers before making a final decision.
Samsung Galaxy Fit3 vs Fitbit Charge 6: Final thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 and Fitbit Charge 6 both offer a compelling blend of health tracking, fitness features, and smartwatch-like conveniences. However, they target slightly different priorities.
Consider the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 if:
- Price is a major factor: Its anticipated lower price makes it a strong contender for value-oriented users.
- A slightly larger display is a priority: The Fit3’s larger screen may appeal to those seeking more viewing space.
- Safety features are important: The Fit3’s fall detection and SOS capabilities offer added peace of mind.
- You have an Android phone: Fit 3 does not work with iOS
Consider the Fitbit Charge 6 if:
- Comprehensive health tracking is key: The EDA sensor, skin temperature readings, and Fitbit Premium’s insights provide a holistic view of well-being.
- Built-in GPS is essential: The Charge 6 allows independent tracking of outdoor exercises without relying on your phone.
- NFC payments and smartwatch features are appealing: Features like Google Wallet and a richer smart integration make it a more versatile choice.
The Bottom Line
Both fitness trackers offer excellent value, making either one a worthwhile investment. If you seek affordable fitness monitoring with safety features, the Galaxy Fit3 makes a compelling case. For a more comprehensive approach to health, independent tracking, and broader smartwatch-type functions, the Fitbit Charge 6 is worth the premium.
View on Samsung; View on Amazon (Galaxy Fit3, Fitbit Charge 6).
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