Wearable technology: Fitbit Charge 7 vs. Apple Watch Series 10
Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 offers more features and better accuracy, but requires an iPhone and has shorter battery life. The Fitbit Charge 7 is more versatile in terms of compatibility and potentially has longer battery life, but may lack some of the advanced features of the Apple Watch.
- Apple Watch Series 10 has built-in music storage, while Fitbit Charge 7 does not.
- Apple Watch Series 10 requires an iPhone XS or later, while Fitbit Charge 7 is compatible with both Android and iOS.
- Fitbit Charge 7 potentially has longer battery life, but Apple Watch Series 10 has fast charging.
- Apple Watch Series 10 offers more accurate heart rate sensing and GPS tracking.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Fitbit Charge 7 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life (days) | Up to 7 days (may vary with GPS and always-on display usage), rumors suggest up to 18 days | Up to 0.75 days (18 hours) under normal use, up to 1.5 days (36 hours) in Low Power Mode |
| Display Type | HD AMOLED | Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED |
| Screen Size (inches) | 1.5 inches | 42mm and 46mm sizes (42mm: 989 sq mm display area with 374 by 446 pixels, 46mm: 1220 sq mm display area with 416 by 496 pixels) |
| GPS Accuracy | May utilize Google Maps data and Wi-Fi networks for more precise tracking | Uses L1 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou; performs as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Heart Rate Sensor Accuracy | Enhanced heart rate monitoring, especially during high-intensity exercises. May include AI-powered sensor. | Third-generation optical heart sensor and an electrical heart sensor; 99.6% accuracy for sinus rhythm, 98.3% accuracy for AFib classification in a controlled environment |
| Water Resistance (ATM) | 5 ATM (50 meters) | 5 ATM (50m swimproof) |
| Sleep Tracking Accuracy | Improved sleep tracking with more detailed insights into sleep stages | Tracks sleep stages and detects signs of sleep apnea, but comparing sleep stages is generally unreliable |
| Mobile Payment Support | Google Wallet | Apple Pay |
| Operating System Compatibility | Android and iOS devices (speculated transition to Google's Wear OS) | Requires iPhone XS or later with iOS 18 or later |
| Built-in Music Storage | Not available, but expected to offer music controls | Yes |
Overall Comparison
Battery: Fitbit wins; Compatibility: Fitbit wins; Accuracy: Apple wins; Music Storage: Apple wins
Pros and Cons
Fitbit Charge 7
Pros:
- Enhanced heart rate monitoring during intense workouts
- Improved battery performance lasting up to 7 days on a single charge
- Larger and brighter AMOLED display for better visibility in direct sunlight
- Improved sleep tracking with more detailed insights into sleep stages
- Potentially more precise GPS tracking using Google Maps data and Wi-Fi networks
- Design improvements for improved comfort during extended wear
- Suitable for swimming and showering with 50 meters water resistance
- Reliable connectivity features for seamless integration with iOS and Android devices
- Smoother and more responsive touchscreen experience
Cons:
- GPS accuracy of previous model (Charge 6) was not very reliable
- Some users desire more customization options for watch faces
Apple Watch Series 10
Pros:
- Excellent heart rate sensor accuracy during intense workouts
- Good GPS accuracy
- Water resistance up to 50m (swimproof)
- Built-in music storage
- Customizable watch faces
- Thinner, lighter, and more comfortable design
- Fast charging supported
Cons:
- Sleep stage tracking is generally unreliable
- Battery life is the same as Series 9
- Requires iPhone XS or later with iOS 18 or later
User Experiences and Feedback
Fitbit Charge 7
What Users Love
- Improved comfort during extended wear
- Smoother and more responsive touchscreen experience
- Reliable connectivity features
Common Complaints
- Need for more customization options for watch faces
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Apple Watch Series 10
What Users Love
- Display is sufficiently bright and easy to read while running (except in bright sunlight)
- Comfortable to wear during extended periods
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- The Apple Watch Series 10 GPS accuracy is quite good, performing as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 offers excellent accuracy for heart rate during intense workouts.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 has a thinner, lighter, and more comfortable design.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming in a pool or ocean.