Comparing Alta HR and Surge
Fitbit is a leading brand in the wearables market, offering a range of smartwatches and fitness trackers. Two popular products from this brand are the Fitbit Alta HR and the Fitbit Surge. When selecting the right smartwatch or fitness tracker, it’s essential to consider the features, design, and overall value for money, as this will ensure the best experience for each user.
Fitbit has built a reputation for combining functionality and design, offering fitness trackers that cater to different lifestyles and activities. As a result, the brand has become synonymous with fitness tracking, providing users with an all-encompassing solution for monitoring their health and wellbeing.
In this article, we will discuss the Fitbit Alta HR and Fitbit Surge in depth, comparing their design, build, features, user interface, and value to help you determine which one is best suited to your needs.
Design and Build
Fitbit Alta HR
The Fitbit Alta HR is made from a flexible elastomer material, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear. It has a slim design and weighs approximately 30g. The display is an OLED touch panel, measuring 1.4 inches with a screen resolution of 128 x 36 pixels.
Fitbit Surge
Similar to the Alta HR, the Fitbit Surge is made from a flexible elastomer material, but it weighs slightly more at around 52g. Its design is more robust, featuring a 1.26-inch monochrome LCD touch display. The screen resolution is not available for the Surge, but its display is larger in comparison to the Alta HR.
Comparison of design and build quality
Both devices share similarities in material composition, with the main differences lying in size, weight, and display. The Fitbit Alta HR has a slimmer and lighter design, making it suitable for users who prefer a more discreet fitness tracker. On the other hand, the Fitbit Surge has a more rugged build and a larger display, which may appeal to those needing a more durable option.
Features and Functionality
Fitbit Alta HR
- Operating system: NA
- Sensors: Accelerometer, heart rate tracker, and sleep tracking
- Battery life: 7 days
- Fitness tracking: Steps, distance, calories, cycling, and heart rate monitoring
- Other features: Phone notifications, vibration, and text alerts
Fitbit Surge
- Operating system: NA
- Sensors: Accelerometer, heart rate tracker, sleep tracking, GPS, and barometer/altimeter
- Battery life: 7 days
- Fitness tracking: Steps, distance, calories, cycling, heart rate monitoring, and swim tracking
- Other features: Phone notifications, vibration, text alerts, music control, and email alerts
Comparison of features and performance
The Fitbit Alta HR and Surge share many common features such as calorie tracking, cycling tracking, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring. However, the Surge offers additional functionalities such as GPS, barometer/altimeter, swim tracking, email alerts, and music control. Despite the similarities, the extensive features provided by Surge make it more versatile for various activities and sports.
User Interface and User Experience
Fitbit Alta HR
- Display: OLED touch panel
- Navigation: On-screen touch controls
- Apps and customization: Not available
- Compatibility with smartphones: Android, iOS, and Windows Phone
Fitbit Surge
- Display: Monochrome LCD touch screen
- Navigation: On-screen touch controls
- Apps and customization: Not available
- Compatibility with smartphones: Android, iOS, and Mac
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both devices have touchscreen displays, with the Alta HR featuring an OLED touch panel, while the Surge has a monochrome LCD touch screen. In terms of compatibility, the Alta HR is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices, whereas the Surge is only compatible with Android, iOS, and Mac.
Price and Value
Fitbit Alta HR
Priced at $150, the Fitbit Alta HR offers essential fitness tracking features with a sleek and lightweight design.
Fitbit Surge
The Fitbit Surge, priced at $250, offers additional functionalities such as GPS and swim tracking, making it suitable for users looking for a more feature-rich option.
Comparison of price and value
While the Fitbit Alta HR comes at a more affordable price, the additional functionalities provided by the Surge justify its higher cost. Ultimately, the choice between these devices depends on personal preferences and the features required.
Conclusion
Both the Fitbit Alta HR and Surge offer valuable features for fitness enthusiasts, with crucial differences in design and functionality. The Alta HR is best suited for those looking for a discreet and lightweight fitness tracker, while the Surge caters to users seeking a more versatile device with additional features. By assessing individual needs and preferences, users can decide on the best option accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my swimming activities with any of these devices?
The Fitbit Surge offers swim tracking capabilities, but the Alta HR does not have this feature.
Can I control my music from either of these devices?
The Fitbit Surge allows users to control music playback, while the Alta HR does not have this functionality.
Does the Fitbit Alta HR have GPS capabilities?
No, the Fitbit Alta HR does not have built-in GPS. However, the Fitbit Surge does include GPS tracking.
Are either of these devices waterproof?
The Fitbit Surge has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, while the Fitbit Alta HR is not water-resistant.
Which device has a longer battery life?
Both the Fitbit Alta HR and Surge have a battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge.
