The Apple Watch Series 11 and Fitbit Charge 7 both offer a range of features for fitness tracking and smartwatch capabilities. The Apple Watch Series 11 may offer a superior display and app integration, while the Fitbit Charge 7 may offer longer battery life and comprehensive sleep tracking. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
| Attribute | Apple Watch Series 11 | Fitbit Charge 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Apple Watch Series 11 | Fitbit Charge 7 |
| Battery Life (hours) | Hoping to exceed 18 hours, potentially reaching 48 hours with improved power management. Low Power Mode could extend battery life up to 36 hours. | Rumored to be around 7 days, may vary depending on usage. Competitors may have longer battery life. |
| Display Technology (OLED, LCD) | Rumors suggest a transition from OLED to microLED display technology for enhanced brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency. Another possibility is an LTPO display with higher resolution and better brightness. | Expected to have a larger and brighter AMOLED display |
| Screen Size (inches) | Expected to maintain similar sizes to the Series 10: 42mm and 46mm. The display is expected to be edge-to-edge with thinner bezels. | Speculated to be around 1.5 inches |
| Water Resistance Rating (ATM) | Likely to maintain the water resistance of previous models (typically suitable for swimming). | Expected to be 5ATM |
| Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy | Generally accurate for measuring heart rate, but accuracy may decrease during intense workouts or exercises involving a lot of arm movement. Accuracy can be affected by fit (too loose), skin pigmentation, and tattoos. During sedentary periods, Apple Watch's heart rate monitor is accurate to within 5bpm about 98% of the time. During exercise, about 87% of measurements are within 5bpm and 95% are within 10bpm of the ground truth. | Expected to retain heart rate monitor from Charge 6, potentially enhanced for better accuracy during high-intensity activities. Accuracy decreases during high-intensity workouts. |
| GPS Accuracy | Generally good GPS accuracy for outdoor activities. | Built-in GPS is expected, but improved reliability and accuracy are a major request. Charge 6 had issues with GPS accuracy due to antenna placement. |
| Sleep Tracking Features | Expected to include sleep stage tracking (REM, Core, Deep). watchOS 11 introduces a new Vitals app for overnight health data (heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, sleep duration). Automatic sleep tracking is a new feature in watchOS 11. Sleep apnea detection may be included (already available on Series 9 and Ultra 2 with watchOS 11). | Comprehensive sleep tracking is expected, including sleep stages (light, deep, and REM), sleep score, and sleep schedule consistency. |
| Fitness Tracking Metrics (steps, distance, calories) | Steps, distance, calories burned. Training Load feature to measure workout intensity over time. Support for 17 workout types. | Expected to track steps, distance, and calories. Return of an altimeter for tracking floors climbed is a popular request. |
| Smartwatch Features (notifications, calls) | Notifications, calls, texts, app alerts. Potential for improved Siri and Apple Intelligence features. Possible satellite emergency messaging. | Notifications for calls, texts, and app alerts are expected. Integration with Google services like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Pay is also possible, especially if Wear OS is implemented. |
| Mobile Payment Support (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | Likely to support Apple Pay. | Google Pay is likely to be supported |
| Operating System Compatibility (iOS, Android) | Requires iPhone XS or later with iOS 18. Will run watchOS 11. | Compatible with Android and iOS. Requires Android 11.0 or higher or iOS 15 or higher. |
| Available Apps and Integrations | Access to the Apple App Store for a wide variety of apps. Potential for improved integration with third-party fitness apps. | Limited third-party app integration has been a concern. If Wear OS is integrated, it could offer access to a broader range of apps. It can connect with apps like MyFitnessPal and Runkeeper. |
| Price | Expected to start around $399 | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |
| Pros | Potential for improved battery life, Possible transition to microLED display for enhanced brightness and efficiency, Improved sleep tracking features with new Vitals app, Potential for improved Siri and Apple Intelligence features, High build quality | Comprehensive sleep tracking with detailed insights into sleep stages, User-friendly interface, Comfortable for extended periods due to slim profile and lightweight construction, Vibrant AMOLED display readable in bright sunlight, Durable build with aluminum, glass, and silicone materials |
| Cons | Heart rate monitoring accuracy may decrease during intense workouts, Battery life improvements and microLED display are still rumors, No specific details available for water resistance rating, Comfort during extended periods is not specified | GPS accuracy issues in previous models, Limited third-party app integration, Heart rate accuracy decreases during high-intensity workouts, Battery life may vary depending on usage |