Comparing Charge 3 and Blaze
The Fitbit Blaze and Fitbit Charge 3 are two popular fitness trackers that offer a range of features to help users monitor their health and track their activities. As wearable devices continue to grow in popularity, choosing the right tracker is essential for meeting personal fitness goals and receiving the most accurate information.
Both Fitbit devices come from a well-known brand with a solid reputation in the fitness industry. Fitbit has a long history of producing high-quality, user-friendly wearables that cater to various fitness levels and preferences.
This comprehensive comparison will explore the key features, design, performance, user experience, price, and overall value of the Fitbit Blaze and Fitbit Charge 3 to determine which device may be the best fit for you.
Design and Build
Fitbit Blaze
Fitbit Blaze is a versatile fitness watch with a stainless steel frame and customizable bands. It features a color LCD touch screen display with a resolution of 240 x 180 pixels. The device’s size and weight vary depending on the band size, but the core tracker weighs 44 grams.
Fitbit Charge 3
Fitbit Charge 3, on the other hand, presents a sleeker design with an aerospace-grade aluminium case and interchangeable bands. The tracker boasts an OLED touch screen with a resolution of 66 x 18 pixels. The device’s core weighs 29 grams, making it lighter than Blaze.
Comparison of design and build quality
While both devices come in customizable designs, the Charge 3 has a more streamlined, modern appearance. The Blaze’s larger color LCD display is suited for users who prefer an interactive, full-color screen for easier readability. However, the Charge 3's OLED screen is more energy-efficient, which contributes to its longer battery life. The Blaze’s stainless steel frame adds extra weight, whereas the Charge 3's aluminium construction is lighter and more comfortable for extended wear.
Features and Functionality
Fitbit Blaze
The Fitbit Blaze uses Fitbit’s custom operating system and comes equipped with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, altimeter, and heart rate sensor. Its battery life lasts up to 5 days on a single charge, and the device offers fitness tracking features such as steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and cycling. It also functions as a smartwatch, offering call and text notifications.
Fitbit Charge 3
Fitbit Charge 3 also uses the custom Fitbit operating system and has a battery life that lasts up to 7 days on a single charge. The Charge 3 includes additional sensors, like SpO2 (oxygen level) sensor, and provides more comprehensive tracking features, including swim tracking. Furthermore, it supports text, call, and email notifications, as well as access to select third-party apps.
Comparison of features and performance
Although both devices offer a range of fitness tracking options, Charge 3 edges out Blaze due to its more extensive feature set, such as swim tracking and email notifications. Additionally, the Charge 3's OLED display and improved battery life make it a more streamlined and practical choice for users who prioritize extended functionality and a longer battery life.
User Interface and User Experience
Fitbit Blaze
The Blaze features a touch screen display for easy navigation and customization. It runs on Fitbit’s custom operating system, compatible with Android, iOS, and partially with Windows devices. The Blaze does not support third-party apps.
Fitbit Charge 3
Charge 3 also utilizes a touch screen display for navigation, compatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows devices, and runs on the custom Fitbit operating system. However, unlike the Blaze, Charge 3 does support select third-party apps.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both Blaze and Charge 3 offer a user-friendly interface, with Charge 3 slightly outperforming Blaze in compatibility and app support. The Blaze’s color LCD display may appeal to users who value a more vibrant user interface, while the Charge 3's OLED display is more energy-efficient and adds to its superior battery life.
Price and Value
Fitbit Blaze
Fitbit Blaze was initially priced at around $200, offering a stylish design and a range of fitness tracking features. It has since been discontinued, but can still be found from some retailers.
Fitbit Charge 3
The Charge 3 has an initial price of approximately $150, providing a sleek design, improved battery life, and additional features compared to the Blaze at a more affordable price.
Comparison of price and value
Considering the Charge 3's improvements in various aspects compared to the Blaze, it offers a better value for money. With an extended battery life, additional tracking features, and a more affordable price, the Fitbit Charge 3 stands as the clear winner in terms of value.
Conclusion
After analyzing the design, features, user experience, and overall value, the Fitbit Charge 3 emerges as a more versatile and cost-effective fitness tracker than the Fitbit Blaze. Its exceptional battery life, wider range of tracking capabilities, and greater compatibility make it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive fitness wearable. However, users who prefer a color display and a more watch-like appearance may still find value in the Fitbit Blaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which device is more water-resistant?
The Fitbit Charge 3 is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, while the Blaze does not have a specified water resistance rating.
Can I use GPS with either device?
Neither the Fitbit Blaze nor Charge 3 have built-in GPS, but both can connect to your smartphone’s GPS to track pace and distance during outdoor activities.
Is either device suitable for swimming?
The Fitbit Charge 3 is designed for swim tracking, while the Blaze is not recommended for use while swimming.
Can I receive notifications from my smartphone with these devices?
Both the Blaze and Charge 3 are compatible with receiving text, call, and calendar alerts. Only the Charge 3 is capable of displaying email notifications.
Do both devices have the ability to control music playback?
Fitbit Blaze has music control capabilities, whereas Charge 3 does not offer this feature.
