Fitbit Edge review: Google's screen-equipped fitness band without an AI assistant
Engadget's reviewer gave Google's new Fitbit Edge fitness band a high score, praising its bright screen, compact shape and improved automatic activity detection. It works with both Android and iOS phones but costs more than other Fitbit models.
Cherlynn Low, a reviewer at the technology site Engadget, has published a review of the Fitbit Edge, Google's new fitness band with a touchscreen. The device scored 9 out of 10. She describes it as an option for people who want an attractive tracker with a display but don't want AI features on their wrist.
Design and display
The Edge is narrower than smartwatches such as the Pixel Watch 5 or Apple Watch, so it gets in the way less during exercises like pushups or planks. The reviewer says the side button was not pressed accidentally even with her wrist bent at a wide angle. Unlike the earlier Luxe model, the display is bright and easy to read in different lighting. Touch response is mostly quick, though the band was sometimes still in a sleep state.
Compared with the Fitbit Charge 6, the Edge is slightly larger and has a better screen, an altimeter, GPS and IP68 dust and water resistance. It has a real physical button but no NFC for contactless payments. The Edge costs about $20 more than the Charge 6.
Straps
Swapping straps is simple. The reviewer particularly praised the $150 Metal Links band and the magnetic band. The Metal Mesh band for the Fitbit Air costs $70, just $30 less than the tracker itself.
Features
Google also updated its automatic activity detection model at launch. After a week with the Edge, the reviewer found it more sensitive and so far more accurate: after bike rides and walks, the Google Health app asked her to confirm the detected activity. An ECG reading took 30 seconds. In a heart rate comparison at a clinic, the Edge showed 75 beats per minute while the oximeter showed 65.
Google Maps integration did not work, but she attributes this to having several Fitbit devices connected, and says she will update the review. When paired with an iPhone, it is not possible to reply to notifications.
