Google has spent the last couple of years letting the classic Fitbit band fade, and plenty of people who just wanted a cheap screen on their wrist noticed. On October 12 the company changed course with the Fitbit Edge, a slim fitness tracker that costs $179.99 and, according to Google, has a battery you can swap yourself.
What you get for $179.99
The Edge is a pill-shaped tracker, 11.5mm thick, with an aluminum case and a display Google says offers 46% more viewing area than earlier Fitbit trackers. It has built-in GPS, which Google claims is up to 40% more accurate than previous generations, plus an altimeter for climbs, more than 50 exercise modes, and automatic detection for over 100 activities.
Pre-orders are open now through the Google Store and retailers, with shelves stocking it from October 27. A Stephen Curry Special Edition costs $219.99. Four finishes are on offer: Obsidian, Fog, Olive and Canyon. Every purchase includes three months of Google Health Premium, which is otherwise a paid add-on for the coaching features.
The battery is the real story
Google quotes up to seven days on a single charge, and notes that figure comes from pre-production testing. Hands-on coverage from 9to5Google puts it closer to a week with the always-on display off and about two days with it on, so which screen setting you pick matters a lot. A five-minute top-up is said to give roughly a day of use.
The bigger deal is repairability. Google calls the Edge its first repairable fitness tracker, with a replaceable battery. Small wearables tend to become landfill the moment the cell fades after two or three years, so a swappable one is a meaningful change for anyone who keeps gadgets a long time.
Where it falls short
There is no NFC, so Google Wallet payments are out. If tap-to-pay from your wrist matters, look at a full smartwatch instead; our Techtember roundup shows how crowded that market already is this season.
Google’s own page is also a little loose on water resistance. The body text says 50 meters, but the footnotes cite 5 ATM and IP68 ratings and label the claim as coming soon. Until reviewers test it, treat swimming as unconfirmed. Premium health extras such as blood pressure and insulin resistance trends vary by country, and Google says they are for general wellness only, not diagnosis.
Bands are sold separately: Active Sport at $39.99, Magnet at $59.99 and Metal Links at $149.99, per 9to5Google. It works with Android 11 or later and iOS 16.4 or later, and needs the Google Health app. Quick message replies only work on Android.
Bottom Line
The Edge is aimed at people who want a long-lasting, no-fuss tracker rather than a tiny phone on their arm. The swappable battery and big screen are the headline reasons to wait for reviews before buying. If you lean on contactless payments or apps, a smartwatch still makes more sense. And since Apple is expected to show new gear at its Welcome Home event today, a few days of patience will not hurt.
FAQ
How much does the Fitbit Edge cost and when can I get it?
It costs $179.99, or $219.99 for the Stephen Curry Special Edition. Pre-orders opened October 12 and it reaches shelves on October 27.
How long does the Fitbit Edge battery last?
Google claims up to seven days per charge from pre-production testing. Reporting suggests about two days if you keep the always-on display running.
Does the Fitbit Edge work with iPhone?
Yes. It supports iOS 16.4 or later and Android 11 or later through the Google Health app, though quick replies to messages are limited to Android.
Featured image: Photo by Nikita Kostrykin on Unsplash.
